Macbeth

By: William Shakespeare

Narrated by: James Marsters, Joanne Whalley, Josh Cooke, JD Cullum, Dan Donohue, Jeannie Elias, Chuma Gault

Infamously known as the cursed Scottish play, Macbeth is perhaps Shakespeare’s darkest tragedy. When General Macbeth is foretold by three witches that he will one day be King of Scotland, Lady Macbeth convinces him to get rid of anyone who could stand in his way - including committing regicide. As Macbeth ascends to the throne through bloody murder, he becomes a tyrant consumed by fear and paranoia.

An L.A. Theatre Works full-cast performance featuring: James Marsters as Macbeth; Joanne Whalley as Lady Macbeth; Josh Cooke as Banquo and others; J.D. Cullum as Macduff and Second Murderer; Dan Donohue as Ross; Jeannie Elias as Second Witch and others; Chuma Gault as Lennox and Servant; Jon Matthews as Malcolm; Alan Shearman as Angus and others; André Sogliuzzo as Donalbain, Third Witch and others; Kate Steele as Lady Macduff, First Witch and Apparition; Kris Tabori as Duncan and others.

Directed by Martin Jarvis. Sound effects by Tony Palermo. Recorded at the Invisible Studios, West Hollywood, in May 2011.

Public Domain (P)2011 L.A. Theatre Works

Classic

Just a great audiobook for the audio library. Most actors were excellent. Entertaining listen for the road or sitting at home.

A good time.

I enjoyed this version, although initially I thought there were some issues. One other commenter mention that it seemed people were just reading the text. I agree with that assessment, but I'll add, some of the minor characters read so quickly it was hard to understand the text. I don't think they actually understood it.

The major roles were nicely done.

Very fun interpretation

I love Macbeth.

I’ve read the play many times and watched many Macbeth films and seen many acts of Macbeth plays. The best interpretations of the work are always done when the actors are all in.

This rendition from the LATC is on. Every performer gives their all, yet, they don’t feel over directed or self conscious that their performance is for anyone but themselves. It’s a great read. The emotion is there, and the sound design is so fun, yet immersive.

I’ll be listening again soon. Boil, boil, toil and trouble…

Good alternate interpretation . . .

Although it could be the text the actors/narrators were reading but the performance came off a little flat from some . . . otherwise a still a decent listen.

3.5 stars

All hail this Macbeth!

I felt sad when each character died including Macbeth and Lady M which is a testament to the actors. Macbeth was courageous to the end; a true warrior who got greedy and caused so much chaos that he had to be stopped. This production tells this story believably. It is acted well, the sound is clear and special effects add to the experience. Upon further listenings, the lesser lines of the play rise up to the surface. This is a recording that deserves to be played more than once.