Macbeth (LATW/CD/2010/$26)
A late play in the Shakespearean canon, MACBETH has proven to be one of his more muscular, stalwart pieces: plenty of stage action (which, in part, accounts for its superstitious place in theatre’s ancient fears – which is why one never pronounces the title, merely referring to it as “The Scottish Play.” Rubbish, but what can ya do?); skullduggery; passion between husband and wife based on proposed violence; and the evil witches (never referred to as such; in the play they’re labeled The Weird Sisters). A quick two hours or so on stage and on disk.
Using a mixed British/American cast, and directed by the well-regarded Martin Jarvis, the play moves along quickly enough. James Marstens, a quirky, good-looking character actor, is Macbeth and Joanne Whalley is his misses, Lady M. They seem to have the requisite chemistry and the supporting cast is vocally on-target, but overall it’s not the best recording I’ve ever heard. Marsden, being American, and Whalley, being British, have different vocal takes on the text, which is somewhat off-putting. Though both are good actors, and make sense of the characters’ needs, and the balance of the cast is strong, still, it never quite jells.
Aside from that, listening to the likes of J.D. Cullum (as Macduff and 2nd Murderer), Josh Cooke (Banquo), Jeannie Elias (2nd Witch), Jon Matthews (Malcolm), Alan Shearman (Angus), Kris Tabori (Duncan) and Kate Steele (Lady Macduff & 1st Witch) have fun with their material, meaning they play it straight and to the Shakespearean point.