Evil reigns in 'Macbeth'

Shakespeare's dark tragedy explores the darker side of human existence

Whatever one might say about Macbeth, it is surely not one of Shakespeare's more uplifting plays. The gloomy tale of an Scottish general's murderous ascension to the throne, aided by supernatural prophecies a nd a scheming wife whose lust for power eclipses his own, has precious few good things to say about the human race.

The joy in performing (or viewing) Macbeth must come from a total immersion in the play's organic darkness; cast and audience alike must pay a willing, unhurried visit to the murky nooks and crannies of the mind. That visit seems more dutiful than enthusiastic in California Repertory Company's production of Macbeth.

Director Ronald Allan Lindblom keeps things pretty close to t he vest, eschewing cosmetic effects and focusing on the malevolent machinations of the plot.

Returning from battle, Macbeth and a fellow general encounter three witches, who predict that Macbeth will be king. When the startled general relays the ne ws to his wife Lady Macbeth, she hatches and fuels the evil plot that kills King Duncan and brings the crown to her husband. But it is a short-lived rule, beset by rancor and paranoia and ultimately felled by a propensity for more and more bloodshed.

Jamieson Price's performance as Macbeth is problematic but ultimately intriguing. Until committing Duncan's murder, Price is frankly not up to the role. But as the witches' bloody prophecy begins to take shape, Price becomes a man convincingly po ssessed. His speech gets harried and grandiose, his gestures becomes more robust and his general countenance is transformed into the macabre mixture of mania and madness synonymous with the name Macbeth.

Penelope Miller-Lindblom excels as Lady Mac beth, a languorous, black-garbed femme fatale with a weakness for prophetic spirits and a shaky hold on reality (imagine Stevie Nicks as a brunette).

The somber atmosphere of 11th century Scotland is nicely invoked by scenic and lighting desig ner Don Gruber's spare, umbrageous set.

Liz Hubner's costume design, however, is marred by a few obvious sartorial anachronisms (among them a black leather vest and a slim-lapelled suit jacket that looks straight off the rack from Robinsons-May) .

Overall, CalRep delivers a well-staged, entertaining and occasionally fiery Macbeth. When the fog lifts, however, it doesn't feel that they've quite plumbed the ultimate depths of evil. Better luck next time.

IF YOU GO:

What: "Macbeth"

When: Through Oct. 29. Wednesday through Saturday Wed.-6 p.m., Thurs.-Sat. 8 p.m. 2 p.m. matinees Oct. 8 and 22.

Where: Studio Theatre, Cal State Long Beach, corner of 7th Street and West Campus Drive.

How Much: Tickets are $15.

For more information, call (310) 985-7000.