The night didn’t start out great when Patty forgot and uttered the name of the play we were about to see within the walls of the Barrymore Theatre, though it was clearly posted not to. Thankfully, no horrors befell us or this production of Macbeth.

Being Shakespeare, it’s always good to have an understanding of the show before you see it. Emily was familiar with it, as she played Hecate in 6th Grade(!) AND a witch in high school. Patty didn’t really know the play, except for the vague references you need to get by in conversation. Luckily, the Playbill came with a handy synopsis!

Alan Cumming’s performance was absolutely fantastic. His transitions from character to character were not only clear, but completely transformative. Not technically a one man show, Alan Cumming plays a patient in an insane asylum watched over by two caregivers. No clear motivation is given for why this man is stuck in his own production of Macbeth, though his past is hinted at in props and staging. This concept is actually so intriguing to us, we were a little more interested in learning his story and would love to see that play.

Overall, however, this production is intriguing, powerful, and worth the trip to the Barrymore. And Emily has an idea for what they can do with the set once the show is over: her dream production of Cats set in an insane asylum.

Macbeth plays at the Barrymore Theatre through July 14th. Tickets: www.macbethonbroadway.com