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MACBETHDelacorte Theater, Central Park; (212) 539-8750. Through July 9.
THE first thing you hear upon approaching the Delacorte Theater is the low, menacing sound of thunder.
No, it's not the aural accompaniment to another rain-soaked evening, but a sound effect simulating cannon fire, the better to get us into the mood for the Public Theater's war-themed "Macbeth," starring Liev Schreiber and Jennifer Ehle as the couple willing to murder for political gain.
It's not surprising that the Public would produce the Scottish play in this politically charged time of war. Set vaguely in the World War I era, Moises Kaufman's staging doesn't shrink from evoking parallels with modern life.
Unfortunately, there's little to distinguish this production other than the presence of its starry leads. This is Kaufman's first attempt at staging the Bard, and it feels a little tentative.
Although filled with ominous touches, including portentous sound and lighting effects, there's little dramatic urgency - no small detriment, considering that is Shakespeare's shortest tragedy, and his most breathless work.
Schreiber is a physically commanding performer, and he delivers the text with a naturalness and clarity rare among American actors. But while he's fine at conveying Macbeth's inner turmoil over his murderous actions, his performance lacks the shadings that would make it truly compelling.
His co-star is equally disappointing. Although Ehle has proven herself wonderfully capable of comedy in such stage productions as "Design for Living," her Lady Macbeth lacks the fierceness of a woman bent on murder. Although she well conveys her character's ardor for her husband - you can really feel the heat between these attractive performers - she's less successful at making her machinations believable.
As usual with Central Park productions, the supporting cast is highly uneven. And the staging, done on a set consisting of little more than wreckage and scaffolding, has several bizarre touches, including the use of Dixieland jazz in the banquet scene and illuminated daggers that, combined with the use of sound effects, bear an unfortunate resemblance to the light sabers in "Star Wars."
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