Macbeth @ Great Lakes Theater Festival 9/24 Just go. And prepare yourself for theatre shock because the renovated Hanna Theatre, new home for Great Lakes Theater, is absolutely gorgeous. Even on a preview night (fight scene stage blocking was going on until curtain time), it felt special to walk into the new digs, see the cool bar, the snazzy lounge chairs, and proud as punch red-coated ushers. But how was the play? The witches stole the still-jelling show with bizarre profiles and choreographed jumps. First Witch Sara M. Bruner gave fire and clarity to every wicked word; Witches Two and Three, Laura Welsh Berg and Cathy Prince, also sparked.

Dougfred Miller portrayed a staunch Macbeth and Laura Perrotta a frail Lady Macbeth, but preview night didn't reveal the pathology that tragic couple deserves. Standouts were Dudley Swetland's Porter, Aled Davies' Duncan (how could they kill that nice old man?), Lynn Robert Berg as Banquo (ditto about killing), and Jodi Dominick's Lady Macduff. Director Charlie Fee and his team (and the new stage, which seemed like a member of the company with its clever configurations) made for a fine evening at a fabulous (yes, I'm gushing) venue.

From Cool Cleveland contributor Laura Kennelly lkennellyATgmail.com
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