The Metropolitan Opera – Verdi: Macbeth [290995] Released: 2008-04-13 Revenue: $0 Budget: $0 Profit: $0 Runtime: 157 mins Popularity: 0.275 Vote Average: 0 Vote Count: 0 Overview: Verdi’s admiration for Shakespeare led to such masterpieces as Othello and Falstaff, and if the earlier Macbeth isn’t on their exalted level it’s still a powerfully dramatic opera that hews closely to the original’s story line. The MET’s production retains the dark aura of the opera while updating it to a vaguely post-modern context. So the witches are bag ladies in various stages of decrepitude, with children in tow. The Banquet Scene features lowered chandeliers, a plethora of chairs, and a slew of extras dressed in tuxedos and party gowns. Macbeth sports a leather coat, the soldiers are in drab brown uniforms and seem to have fingers on their triggers even when they’re supposed to be in non-threatening situations. Director Adrian Noble also has Lady Macbeth do an inordinate amount of writhing around and singing from a lying-down position, adding to the feeling that a less interventionist directorial hand might have generated more impact. Cast [17] Željko LučićMacbeth John RelyeaBanquo Maria GuleghinaLady Macbeth Elizabeth Blancke-BiggsLady-in-waiting Dimitri PittasMcDuff, Thane of Mary Jo HeathSelf - Special G Richard HobsonA Servant of Mac Raymond RenaultDuncan, King of Russell ThomasMalcolm, Duncan' Adam Hauser PiñeroFleance, Banquo' Keith MillerA Murderer David CrawfordA Warrior Ashley EmersonA Bloody Child Anne-Carolyn BirdA Crowned Child James CourtneyA Doctor Joseph TuriA Herald MET Orchestra Trailers