MACBETH 2022 Previews- Page 2

[ErmengardeStopSniveling]

Posted: 3/30/22 at 11:19am

I loved Sam Gold's OTHELLO, but I'm starting to think that was a fluke in terms of Shakespeare. I even liked his GLASS MENAGERIE, but mainly because it was anchored by two dynamite actors.

The biggest problem of LEAR was that all the actors felt like they were in a different play –– an incoherent jumble of different acting styles that couldn't gel together (plus an odious score by Phillip Glass). It sounds like this might have a similar problem.

I love Ruth Negga and Daniel Craig and some of the other actors here, but I don't need another MACBETH, especially after Joel Coen's spectacular film and lingering memories of Patrick Stewart. Maybe I'll wait till the reviews come out for this one...

[Damiensta]

Posted: 3/30/22 at 11:59am

I heard enough even if it was first preview. I was already iffy about director.

refund gotten . Life to short to watch three hour mess.

[bwayplays]

Posted: 3/30/22 at 12:16pm

Damiensta said: "I heard enough even if it was first preview. I was already iffy about director.

refund gotten . Life to short to watch three hour mess."

I also got a refund this morning. I think this is the first show that I went from very excited to refund request at first preview. 

Updated On: 3/30/22 at 12:16 PM

[Lot666]

Posted: 3/30/22 at 12:16pm

The Other One said: ""Do the actors speak in Shakespearian English, or in contemporary English?"

It's in ASL, no?"

I don't know - is it?

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 3/30/22 at 12:27pm

dshnookie said: "I saw a tweet that said:At first preview of MACBETH and a man in the bathroom literally yelled, “Worst witches I have ever seen!” so you know I am loving it."

Hahaha. That's hilarious. No one needs another Macbeth but here we are. Enjoy the show, all. 

[MadsonMelo]

Posted: 3/30/22 at 12:53pm

Really awful reviews so far, If no one comes forward with kind words, Im gonna ask my refund too.

Would Love to see My First Shakespeare on Broadway, and dont want a bad one

[nmartin]

Posted: 3/30/22 at 1:05pm

"I saw a tweet that said: At first preview of MACBETH and a man in the bathroom literally yelled, “Worst witches I have ever seen!” so you know I am loving it."

That is now my favorite quote of all time. I have half a mind to buy a ticket, fly to New York, watch the first act, go to the bathroom during intermission, scream "Worst witches I have ever seen!", and immediately leave for LaGuardia. 

Whoever posted that (and said it), I love you both!

[Wick3]

Posted: 3/30/22 at 1:28pm

Definitely check out the merch though! They had pink pencils with quotes from the play and a textured pin of the logo which I thought was pretty cool.

[RippedMan]

Posted: 3/30/22 at 2:21pm

What's the big set change / reveal at the end? 

[jkcohen626]

Posted: 3/30/22 at 5:08pm

Wick3 said: "Definitely check out the merch though! They had pink pencils with quotes from the play and a textured pin of the logo which I thought was pretty cool."

TBH, would buy merch from this show without seeing it. The art that's on the Playbill and Marquee is just SO cool!

Sad to hear the show itself seems to be a disappointment. 

[raddersons]

Posted: 3/30/22 at 5:44pm

ErmengardeStopSniveling said: "I loved Sam Gold's OTHELLO, but I'm starting to think that was a fluke in terms of Shakespeare. I even liked his GLASS MENAGERIE, but mainly because it was anchored by two dynamite actors."

I wouldn’t write him off for classics. I found his Hamlet at the Public a few years ago revelatory. I think Sam Gold is just meant for more intimate spaces, and his stripped down direction doesn’t lend itself for large proscenium arches.

Anyone who has seen it: How is Amber Gray as Banquo?

[bwayplays]

Posted: 3/30/22 at 6:12pm

raddersons said: "ErmengardeStopSniveling said: "I loved Sam Gold's OTHELLO, but I'm starting to think that was a fluke in terms of Shakespeare. I even liked his GLASS MENAGERIE, but mainly because it was anchored by two dynamite actors."

I wouldn’t write him off for classics. I found his Hamlet at the Public a few years ago revelatory.I think Sam Gold is just meant for more intimate spaces, and his stripped down direction doesn’t lend itself for large proscenium arches.

Anyone who has seen it: How is Amber Gray as Banquo?"

Your comment made me think that adaption would be perfect for Circle In the Square instead of a traditional proscenium house. 

[MadsonMelo]

Posted: 3/30/22 at 11:23pm

Has anyone rushed for this one and/or know where the seats are?

[Wick3]

Posted: 3/31/22 at 12:13am

MadsonMelo said: "Really awful reviews so far, If no one comes forward with kind words, Im gonna ask my refund too.

Would Love to see My First Shakespeare on Broadway, and dont want a bad one"

I'd skip this production then if I were you. 

I think the marketing/logo is pretty good and this week the theater looks very well sold so kudos to them. If word of mouth continues to be pretty bad, then I can see a lot more people asking for refunds and perhaps get a cheaper ticket on TDF or rush. 

Thinking more about the performance I saw last night, I think it definitely helps if you're familiar with the play. If you're not familiar with Macbeth, you might get confused with a few characters since some actors play multiple roles and those 3 hours will feel like an eternity.

I'm not a fan of the lighting choices. The bright white light was pointed towards the audience several times during the show to the point where I got a mild headache afterwards. 

Standouts for me were Ruth Negga (Lady Macbeth) and Amber Gray (Banquo).  

[bwayphreak234]

Posted: 3/31/22 at 7:06am

RippedMan said: "What's the big set change / reveal at the end?"

Can someone please use a spoiler and explain this effect?

[Wick3]

Posted: 3/31/22 at 8:54am

bwayphreak234 said: "RippedMan said: "What's the big set change / reveal at the end?"

Can someone please use a spoiler and explain this effect?"

 

Click Here To Toggle Spoiler Content

Not sure if this is what the poster meant but from what I remember from Tuesday’s performance, the back brick wall with pipes came forward at a blistering pace just in time for final fight scene between Macbeth/Macduff. Lots of blood splashing just 5-7 feet away from front orchestra.

 

[OhHiii]

Posted: 3/31/22 at 8:56am

Producers, begging you to stop giving Sam Gold this kind of work. His last 3 revivals on Broadway have been absolute messes with no discernible point of view (other than apparent disdain for the material) nor any evidence he has the ability to draw out successful, cohesive performances from some of the most seasoned actors on stage and film. Daniel Craig is MORE than capable of nailing this role, but in the hands of Gold, he’s lost. Gold’s work on Fun Home was incredible, but what the heck is going on these days? 

[MasterThespian 2]

Posted: 3/31/22 at 9:08am

This production sounds like a three-hour train wreck. Sam Gold strikes again. Supposed to see it in May, but leaning towards getting a refund. Keep waiting for a single positive review. Still waiting….

[inception]

Posted: 3/31/22 at 9:48am

If it is as bad as people say from one preview, shouldn't that be obvious to the actors etc involved?  They are all experienced professionals, and have a star with enough clout, to step up & say "This isn't working, dump this director."

[bwwLA86]

Posted: 3/31/22 at 10:48am

Yikes. I've got tickets Friday. Should I refund?

[Wick3]

Posted: 3/31/22 at 11:21am

inception said: "If it is as bad as people say from one preview, shouldn't that be obvious to the actors etc involved? They are all experienced professionals, and have a star with enough clout, to step up & say "This isn't working, dump this director.""

This industry is all about relationships. Daniel Craig worked with Sam Gold back in 2016 on the off-Bway production of Othello that was excellent. Perhaps for the actors it is working but from an average theatergoer’s point of view as seen on this board and reddit, there’s a lot of confusion and headaches.

For me, the only positives are the acting of Daniel Craig, Ruth Negga, and Amber Gray. They’re all doing their best and am rooting for them.

[SisterGeorge]

Posted: 3/31/22 at 11:25am

Wick3 said: "...Thinking more about the performance I saw last night, I think it definitely helps if you're familiar with the play. If you're not familiar with Macbeth, you might get confused with a few characters since some actors play multiple roles and those 3 hours will feel like an eternity...."

That's sort of true of most Shakespeare, though, don't you think? I feel like this might turn out to be my "dodged a bullet" production of my upcoming May trip. I started getting a sinking feeling about it a few weeks ago, and decided to refund my matinee tix and get American Buffalo instead.

 

 

[KJisgroovy]

Posted: 3/31/22 at 12:21pm

I'm so confused about all this talk of refunds? We can just get refunds for shows we don't want to see anymore? I know you can get refunds for COVID issues for at least the next month... but... do they really allow refunds because someone heard it was bad on the internet?

Maybe they do! This is just news to me.

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 3/31/22 at 12:24pm

Yes! Ive had luck recently getting a refund because I had no more interest in a show. Worked out fine for me. Almost post Covid, things have really changed. 

[TaffyDavenport]

Posted: 3/31/22 at 12:33pm

Telecharge refunds through 4/30 are self-service on their website, so it doesn't matter why you're getting one, since you aren't asked to specify a reason. It's literally a one-button process.

Updated On: 3/31/22 at 12:33 PM