Macbeth: Lyric Opera

The first time I saw Verdi's Macbeth at the Lyric, I was vaguely irritated by the spectacle of guys striding around in kilts singing in Italian. This didn't stop me from coming back for another round, however. The 2010 production was directed by Barbara Gaines of Chicago Shakespeare Theater. Since I cannot stay away from any staging of "The Scottish Play," I'd already seen two different Barbara Gaines versions. The first was sometime in the 80s, and featured a dwarf actress who did amazing gymnastics during the fight scenes. More recently, my friend Gordon took me to see Macbeth at Chicago Shakespeare Theater for my birthday. This was a rather tricked out production where Lady Macbeth appeared naked in a glass bath tub during her death scene, among other eyebrow-raising features.                                                     

So I wasn't exactly surprised that Mrs. Macbeth showed quite a bit of skin in the current version. Prior to the beginning of the opera I had earnestly studied the program notes which advised us to approach the production as "Verdi's Macbeth" rather than "Shakespeare's Macbeth." This admonition worked its magic as I was completely riveted by the acting and music. Lady Macbeth was amazing!

I'm not sure what it is about opera; maybe the tremendous sonic vibrations in the air due to all the vocal firepower, but not infrequently around about the middle of the second act, every mucus-bearing cavity in my head opens up without warning. I choke, I swallow repeatedly hoping to vanquish the urgent desire to cough. Said swallowing brings on nausea. Tears flow from my eyes as I pray for some type of loud singing or orchestral displays that will drown out the hacking which inevitably follows. I hope a special place in heaven awaits me, as I seem to be the only person in the house who trys to exercise such self-control!