THEATER REVIEW

Tom Titus

William Shakespeare’s Macbeth likens himself to the “poor player who

struts and frets his hour on the stage, and then is heard no more.” The

current wearer of the play’s Scottish crown might say the same of his

performance at UC Irvine, which comes and goes this weekend only.

Certainly UCI’s “Macbeth” deserves a lengthier run, if only to justify

the artistic blood, sweat and tears that has gone into this estimable

production at the university’s Little Theater. Director Teresa K. Pond

has taken the tragedy beyond its traditional dimensions in a dynamic,

superbly realized interpretation.

Shakespeare’s classic study of murder and tyranny receives a visceral,

bloody treatment from Pond’s dedicated cast, which enlists the aid of

some hardly insignificant sound and fury from the tech booth to emphasize

the dramatic might of the production. The real tragedy here is that the

show winds up tonight after only four performances.

In the title role of the mad Scottish nobleman who strews his path to

the throne with corpses, Jeff Farkash physically resembles a demonic,

demented Dennis Miller, wrestling with the fates as he’s encouraged by

the three “weird sisters” to fulfill their prophecy. Farkash cuts a wide

dramatic swath through the UCI production.

Sara Parry as his murderously ambitious wife is equally impressive in

an unusually sensual interpretation, employing her feminine wiles to sway

her reluctant husband to anarchy. She is particularly brilliant in the

famous sleepwalking scene, in which she bares her soul and very nearly

everything else.

The vengeance-driven Macduff is given a dynamic performance riddled

with intensity by Ryan Jensen. PJ Wagner as the future king, Malcolm,

rarely achieves this level in a rather tentative portrayal, while Amanda

Randall is strikingly effective as Macbeth’s murderously charming

lieutenant.

The ghostly presence of the slain Banquo at Macbeth’s feast is one of

the more arresting elements of the UCI show, with Chris Smith delivering

a powerful body blow to Macbeth’s conscience. Corey Allen displays a

regally assured bearing as Duncan, the king Macbeth murders to achieve

his power.

The three witches, their bodies painted in almost psychedelic fashion,

are splendidly enacted by Bee Truong, Alma Carrasco and Maria Mayenzer.

Jeanne LaSala impresses in her brief turn as Lady Macduff, as does Mike

Reynolds as her young son.

Christopher Sousa-Wynn’s chilly castle-like set design poses an

impressive backdrop, aided immeasurably by Christina L. Munich’s lighting

effects. Modern-dress costumes, designed by Stacy Stagnaro, are well

chosen for the interpretation.

Regrettably, “Macbeth” ends its reign at UCI this evening, although

there will be a matinee performance as well. Still, all this power and

intensity should be unleashed for at least two weekends.

* TOM TITUS reviews local theater for the Daily Pilot. His reviews

appear Thursdays and Saturdays.

FYI

What: “Macbeth”

Where: UC Irvine Little Theater. The campus is at the corner of

University and Campus in Irvine

When: Final performances 2 and 8 p.m. today

Cost: $7 & $9

Call: (949) 824-2787