Macbeth at CSC

[bekk99]

Any reports on this one?

[JBroadway]

Typical John Doyle garbage, but Corey Stoll is excellent as Macbeth!

[TotallyEffed]

This has zero buzz.

[little_sally]

I thought it was awful and inessential and typical John Doyle CSC stuff. There's nothing special about this production at all, and I wasn't all too thrilled with Stoll's performance. It's only 1:40 so it really rushes through the plot.

[JPeterman]

I was thinking of seeing Assassins with them next year. Doyle is also directing it and there are a few well known actors in it, as many of you know.

I have never seen anything at Classic Stage Company. Do they typically do quality work, or should I lower it on my priority list?

[little_sally]

JPeterman said: "I was thinking of seeing Assassins with them next year. Doyle is also directing it and there are a few well known actors init, as many of you know.

I have never seen anything at Classic Stage Company. Do they typically do quality work, or should I lower it on my priority list?"

I very rarely like anything they do these days, and I feel like Doyle directs everything the same way. He strips everything down completely so everything is so so dull. All of his productions resemble each other.

Assassins might be okay because of the cast and the strength of the material but I would lower expectations.

[JPeterman]

Thank you ... out of towners like me can’t take too many chances with questionable shows. Not enough room in the schedule. I appreciate it.

[JBC3]

While many really do not like Doyle's approach, I will note he usually fares far better with Sondheim as both his Sweeney Todd (extended many times when it was on Broadway) and Passion at CSC were well-received. I wouldn't write off Assassins quite yet.

[GreasedLightning]

I know this thread is about Macbeth but since we’re on the topic..... anyone know or have any scoop on when Assassins tix go on sale?

[JBroadway]

JBC3 said: "While many really do not like Doyle's approach, I will note he usually fares far better with Sondheim as both his Sweeney Todd (extended many times when it was on Broadway) and Passion at CSC were well-received. I wouldn't write off Assassins quite yet."


I didn’t see Sweeney or Passion, but I didn’t care for his Company or his Pacific Overtures. So in my book his record with Sondheim is far from spotless. 
 

However, I agree with little_sally that Assassins MIGHT be salvaged by the cast, and by the strength of the material - though the strength of the material didn’t help this production of Macbeth. 

[Someone in a Tree2]

I’ve found it really useful to know a show backwards and forwards before seeing any John Doyle production of it. Otherwise I’m at a loss to know where ANY scene takes place with his direction/design. Every show is set in a scenic nowhere’s land. True of his SWEENEY, his PACIFIC OVERTURES, his PASSION, ROAD SHOW, and even his COLOR PURPLE which I thought was the best thing he ever did.

[TotallyEffed]

He absolutely butchered Pacific Overtures.

I enjoyed his Sweeney and The Visit.