The tough-talkin' Jap (wonderfully played by Dan Conroy) gives us a look at the straight forwardness of that's the way that it is...deal with it or go home. Conroy shows many colors to Jap as his talented ability really shines in this role. Matt Foyer brings a delightful playfulness and sadness to Gitna in his mannerisms and speech, that you're unable to take your eyes off him. As the struggling Maurteen, Dan Harper lets us see the mistakes and yearning a man has when he's trying to better himself, that we completely sympathize with the familiar struggle he's dealing with. Steve Marvel lives up to his last name with a turn as Joe, who joins the group late, but makes his presence felt from his entrance to his exit. Marvel shows us that a man can be pushed only so far with being reminded of a choice he made, until that man is forced to defend his decision with harsh words of reality. Lastly, Jon Jabaley gives Shay an easy 'whatever you guys think?' type of charm and doesn't have much to say at times, but when he does it rings true for all around him. Jon gives a performance of particular interest because it's a wonderful display of there are never small roles...only small actors.

Under Sean Branney's direction, the men move, speak and work off one another so well that it's no luck that this play was so highly praised and given Critic's Pick and Critic's Choice.

All in all, KINGS was an excellent evening of real life that one could easily forget they were watching a play, but I guess that makes for the best art sometimes is a complete reflection of life.

Keep up the great and REAL work Banshee!

It takes great cahones to play Macbeth: to begin a
Shakespearean play as the title character, strong and noble
and to end a blithering, blundering fool, slain and head
mounted on a spike. Andrew H. Leman did wonderfully. His
intonations were expressive, varied and he was majestically
complimented by McKerrin Kelly, Lady Macbeth. In her interpretation
of the role it became clear to me for the first time how brimmed
with sexual persuasiveness her character has been written with.
The words of Lady Macbeth have always seemed convincing enough,
but in Kellyís delivery, i grasped how manipulative she could be using
her feminine guile. (To read the rest of this review, please visit www.angeladas.com)

Way to go

Looking forward to your next show.

Just hearing the words Theatre and Banshee, should already give you all the incentive needed to see this wonderful adaption of MacBeth. For those who havenít heard of Banshee, then you should know that you'll be in for not only a great play, but a great theatre *experience*.

From the moment the lights fade into black, the audience is awash in the sounds of Scottish bagpipes, the rumble of battle drums, the faint smell of smoke, all punctuated by flashes of lightning. As this stage environment effectively unfolds, your adrenaline will fill your veins and youíll feel a great ride awaits your senses.

In addition to the really cool technical side, Director Sean Branney hits another home run (or maybe a touchdown since Sean's a big guy) with an exceptional cast. Annie Abrams, Kacey Camp and Rebecca Wackler steal every scene they're in as the three witches. Each brings their creative and exceptional talents to make the witches funny, creepy, mystical, scary and brooding. When concocting a bitter brew, it's anything but Love Potion #9. You'll have to see it to understand.

McKerrin Kelly plays Lady McDuff with a fierce passion and exudes an electricity that shocks you into watching her every move. She makes Lady M into a woman who is not to be taken lightly and clearly a character you would want as an ally and certainly not as an enemy.

Andrew Leman plays the title role and does he ever! His command of the period language is so natural, you'd think everyone still speaks in that tongue today. He dives into the role and makes Macbeth a crude, clever and merciless warrior. With each scene Leman conveys how his thirst for power consumes him deeper and deeper. Watch for his scenes with Kelly, because together they leave you only wanting for more.

The entire cast each have their own shining moments and maximize all of their stagetime. Rebecca Marcotte, Barry Lynch, David Pavao, Mark Colson are just a few who give true meaning to 'there is no such thing as a small role...only small actors.' Andra Carlson should also be included not only for pulling double-duty with dual roles, but also her exceptional work with make-up. Well done!

The sword-fighting is beautifully executed and it's really amazing to see how Banshee choreographs battles, swordfights and shield-smashing to look so authentic without a lot of space to work with. Of course, the fights are only enhanced by the realistic feel of Arthur Macbrideís set design.

If youíre a Shakespeare fan then this is canít-miss stuff. However, if youíre like myself and *not* a huge Shakespeare fan, then I still urge you not to miss this play. You absolutely wonít regret it. So unless you've already made your reservation then...why are you still reading this?
With Theatre Banshee, this production can be summed up in one word: Brilliant.

I respect the groudbreakingness of his work given the time period, and that this art form we adore, love, and gather together to create has deep, thick roots in his work. But iambic pentameter puts me to sleep.

However, the Scottish play that McKerrin is in right now did not put me to sleep. I really enjoyed it, and in my opinion is a really good production. Simple, pleasantly sufficient set (with secrets). SEXY sound design. Earthy, complete costumes. Well cast. Solid direction. Good acting. Killer battle scenes. All on a stage not bigger than NOTE.

Thrice the tears didst fall down my face.
Twas no less than four times I didst shout in fear towardst the action upon stage.
Only once did vomit approcheth my mouth.
And unladylike laughter didst escapeth anon my lungs, at times most proper, and at times most not.

There were a couple things I could nitpick, but I don't see any value in going into them. The show closes April 26. Check your calendars and pick a night to go see it. Would love to hear YOUR opinions as to whether this is really good Shakespeare, or what.

Still don't like Shakespeare, but I have a better understanding of why people do. I suspect they probably saw a production of this caliber.

The actors playing MacBeth and Lady Macbeth were phenomenal...they captured everything I always envision these characters to be. All the nuances and subtleties were discovered.

All the supporting actors were great as well and each found a way to bring their character to fullness and life. As they say, there are no small parts, only small actors --- the actors in this show prove that even with less lines, you can make a huge impact! Fleance, Lennox, Angus, Ross, Lady MacDuff, Duncan -- all fantastic

Thank you for this great experience! Macbeth is my favorite play and it was great to see it performed with such passion.

It's gripping, funny, moving and there are again the most cool swordfights!

I highly recommend this amazing production. You may see that our present ills pale compared to the machinations of the Macbeths in their rise to power. They are the original evildoers.

The company is tight! The whole cast was great.(Banshee always serves up a first-rate production). They make the play easily understandable for all ages. (Your kids will love this, by the way). McKerrin Kelly and Andrew Lehman as the naughty nobles lusting for power between their lustful appetite for each other was delicious. And I loved Rebecca Marcotte as Lady McDuff, pregnant with child in tow. Her moments were truly moving. Some truly nasty (I think smelly, too) witches are a treat to watch as they lure Macbeth in deeper by turns.

I always appreciate Sean Branney's direction which makes the play clear and runs wild with crisp action. Bravo. I was pulled in from the beginning and looked forward to the second act.

This play is a great learning tool for schools and I encourage everyone to see it!

Last night Theater Banshee took me to school and gave me the definitive education on one of Shakespeare's bloodiest tragedies.

The production design alone was worth the price of admission, the set being reminiscent of the bleakest landscape Scotland could offer, as well as serving quite nicely for every other scene in the play. Big, bulky and imposing, it looked absolutely real in every respect.

Sean Branney's direction was, as usual, invisible and spot on as the actors looked fantastic in the their blocking and pacing. Branney does not build up softly to anything, but chooses to start with a violent crescendo that completely works, coupled with amazing music, tribal in it's flavor, never overpowering, but enhancing the story perfectly.

The Banshee ensemble was also in top form with Andre Leman leading the pack as the titlular ambitious king. I'm always amazed at how versatile Leman is and Macbeth is no exception to his range of emotions, expertly played. Some actors were born to play kings on stage and Leman is solidly in that club. Bravo!

Other standouts for me were the great Mark Colson, who has eyes that were made for carrying deep and tragic sorrows. All he has to do is stand there and one can feel the weight of the world on his shoulders. Mark's young daughter Adele also makes a wonderful debut as Wee MacDuff. This talented little gal is only seven years old and blew me away at how really good she was. I never felt as if I were watching a "kid actor", but completely bought into her tragic moments. She was absolutely astounding.

Banshee regular McKerrin Kelly stole the show as the treacherous and manipulative Lady MacBeth. I can't say enough good things about her performance, other than it felt like watching someone I would be quite afraid of in real life. Kudos to her for creating something really special and unique.

A standout to see was Andra Carlson, who plays nice young ladies as the norm in Banshee productions, but she also did double duty as one of the murderers and it was odd to watch this nice young lady make short work with her dagger! Didn't know she had it in her, but was impressed nonetheless!

The witches were in fine form, particularly Rebecca Wackler. Not that the other two witches were any kind of slouch, but Ms. Wackler's witch was UGLY! I mean, she had a freaking beard! I was in the front row and taking her in all her ragged glory that close was pretty scary. Well done! Margaret Hamilton has nothing on this gal!

One of the real highlights was watching Brian Danner's portrayal of MacDuff. When word came of the fate of Castle MacDuff, you could literally feel the wave of pain emanating off of the stage and into the audience. An outstanding performance in all respects!

Great moments were, of course, the expertly staged and choreographed fight scenes, the clever use of of the large obelisks as canvases for the apparitions, the horrifying fate of Clan MacDuff (very hard to watch) and finally, the coup de gras of Macbeth's ultimate fate, which involves a wince-inducing moment with a shield. I won't give it away, but I guarantee you'll wince, too.

A first rate addition to the canon of Theater Banshee and, even if you don't like Shakespeare, go see Macbeth. May the scales fall from your eyes.

If you have seen any shows at the Banshee, you will be familiar with its commitment to quality. The Year of the Hiker is no exception. Excellent production values abound: direction, sets, costumes and cast are all top notch. There is no weak link in this chain. This well written and expertly acted production transports us to 1960 Ireland where we are held hostage and spent by the end of this emotionally charged script.

By John B. Keane, this is a poetic gem that throws a family into turmoil when it must face the anger and hatred for the father and husband whom has abandoned them and decides to return when he learns he is dying of liver disease. On the road for twenty years, he returns, coincidentally, on his daughterís wedding day after ìescapingî from a hospital in England. The family he left behind is forced to deal with the unwanted and unexpected reunion and the feelings of betrayal and pain that have been buried but not forgotten. Can they open their hearts and forgive this man who devastated each of them? One by one we learn the depth of pain each feels.

The cast, led by Barry Lynch, is without weakness. As the Hiker, Lynch, as always, is excellent and is able to garner our sympathy despite his despicable deeds. Lynch is an actor's actor and always stands out. I have seen him in five shows at the Banshee and have never witnessed anything less than excellence.

Josie DiVincenzo is Freda, the aunt who holds the family together and, like Lynch, is a Banshee regular. Freda is the polar opposite of the character DiVincenzo portrayed in the Banshee production of ìLoyal Women,î and if you were lucky enough to catch that performance, her range as an actress will truly impress you. Fredaís relationship with the Hiker reveals just how far reaching the pain is he has caused every member of this family. She is superb.

The two brothers, Joe and Simon, played by Shawn Savage and Zack Gold respectively, both have an incredible presence and light up the stage with equally stellar performances. Gold, as the younger brother, who does not remember his dad, nevertheless feels the pain as deeply as his brother, Joe, whom has vivid memories of this man who was his hero. At one point, Joe asks the Hiker ìWhy didnít you take me with you?î The line goes through you like a knife, and you feel the pent up pain of a little boy who has had his life turned upside down.

Rebecca Wackler playing the abandoned wife, Kate, with a quiet intensity gives a performance guaranteed to bring a tear to your eye when she confronts the man whom has made her life a hell for twenty years. I can only say you will be moved by her vulnerability.

The newlyweds, daughter, Mary, and son-in-law, Willie, played by Amanda Deibert and Robin Leabman, while only on stage in one or two scenes, both sparkle and add to the overall quality of this production.

Arthur MacBride's set expertly exploits the small Banshee space and made me feel like an intruder in this family crisis (I especially appreciated the fact that the walls did not shake when doors were closed).

Having seen six shows at the Banshee, I have come to expect excellence and this production did not let me down. Director, Sean Branney has an incredible ability to get the very best from each and every actor. Each production I have seen at the Banshee is better than the one before it. Make sure you get to see this show. You will be moved.

My wife and I both loved not only the show but the venue as well. The Banshee is an incredibly intimate stage, bringing the audience face-to-face with the actors, where you are literally only a couple of feet from the stage. Be warned, however, that being so close can be quite intense when watching a dramatic piece like this. I saw more than one person fanning themselves with their programs at some dramatic moments, and it was not because the temperature was high.

You will love this show and the venue. I have never taken the time to write a review before, but I felt compelled to share this wonderful production. If you get there early, and I suggest you do, you can enjoy a meal or a coffee across the street at Urban Eats (at intermission be sure to enjoy a Banshee Brownie. They are delicious). There is also ample parking and I found a spot just two doors down on Magnolia. I look forward to hearing impressions from others of this show. Enjoy.

Every aspect of the production was beyond excellent. I didn't see actors up there---I saw people who worked with their hands and their guts with the land. You could almost smell the sweat and dust from these actors (except "Curley's Wife", of course. . .she smelled purty!).

Again, well done. . .and thank you!

Regards,

Jim Harnagel

Guys, what you've accomplished is true, real magic. Sean and Andrew have disappeared and George and Lennie in all their pathos and humanity have become a reality that tears the heart out of every single audience member. You cannot watch this show and not be overcome with heartache and emotion watching these two travel down the hard road of life into it's final and tragic conclusion. Your stage tech called me a masochist today for seeing the show for a third time. I can't imagine what you both go through for a whole run.

On a personal note, I knew what to expect from Andrew as he shines with his routine brilliance in every role I've ever seen him play. George is no exception and he delivers the goods in spades, his physical transformation notwithstanding.

Sean, on the other hand, was a mystery before I had seen the show. My worry, frankly, was that it would be a tough act to pull off as it could easily degrade into parody or cliche' at worst and a "retarded guy" act at best. The years directing made me wonder if he could still act and keep up wit the rest of the Banshees.

I'm happy to say that Sean has blown me (and Heather) away in just how damn good he really was in every performance that I had the privilege to see. I thought I might not be able to separate you guys from your roles, having known you both for so long now, but it's shocking how it felt like I was watching two people I had never met before.

I'm not kidding fellas, I had to choke back to the tears several times today and as you both saw, Heather couldn't hold the tears back at all. We were talking a lot about the show on the drive home and we both had to stop as the emotions still ran high and heavy.

I have to say that I truly believe that this is Banshee's finest show on so many levels and you both make me so very proud to know you.

Guys, thank you so much for the magnificent gift of your performances.

I'll never forget meeting George Milton and Lennie Small.

The entire show was just sensational.

Beautiful work!

I found out that if a university or college does apply for the rights to a play, because the piece won't have a legitimate theatrical run, they can actually get the rights at a drastically reduced rate. No body really makes a profit but the students get to work on a good piece of theatre.

So Duke might have done right by Gary Mitchell, I'm sure they did, but it's still not counted as a legit premiere of the piece.

No one else may find this interesting but me.

Did I mention that Loyal Women is a really good play?

If the playwrite and his publisher gave the Banshee crew the "U.S. premier" it's because it's the only legit US premiere.

The Duke production happened only about 6 months after the play was published. I sincerely doubt the playwrite would have knowingly given the rights to a school for the first US production. This is all speculation of course.

Regardless, this is a great production.

Go see this play!

Nick Dear wrote the play with a very contemporary bent, so I didn't mind that the actors weren't encumbered by strict adherence to the "style" of the period.

I felt like the light hearted tone of some of the excentric characters, like the incredible Matt Foyer, added a very sharp edge to the moments in the play when the worm began to turn. So many people of that court who lived to wild excess met with very brutal ends.

David Pavao palyed the highest comedy he could reach for as Phillipe, a bold choice I was grateful for in a city where so many actors are trying to bring their TV/film chops to the theatre. Andra Carlson's Louise was a deliciously innocent delight and an incredible contrast to Casey Kramer's vicious machinations as Anne.

I enjoyed myself thoroughly at the high points and felt my heart break at the low points. Great theatre, wonderful actors and design that's worthy of The Ahmanson! Go see this play.

Mr. Dear has laced his intrigue with wit and humor. But Ms. Kelly is not grounded in style nor finesse and the result is sometimes 'whacky'. Unecessarily so.

The actors were quite excellent. Many give standout performances, they're just not doing the same play. The playwright would be better served with a stronger director.

I LOVED it, and I'm not a Shakespeare buff at all. I still cannot believe you got that many people onstage for a full blown battle sequence, but you nailed it brother!Outstanding on all counts.

Your shows are consistently so good that I've honestly run out of nice things to say as I must sound like a broken record! Rest assured that Henry IV was no exception in your arsenal of excellent shows.

The usual suspects ( Leman, Foyer, Lynch, Thoemke, Harper, DiVincenzo, et al) were on par with their always great performances and newer faces were a joy to watch as well.

Your invisible direction (a REAL compliment sir) was flawless as always.

I know the pinnacle of the Bard for Chloe was "Hal is so cute", but I guess that's good as her first experience with it was positive! Great actor by the way for one so seemingly young. I hope to see him as well in future Banshee productions.

It is a Scottish Gaelic poem and song

Please correct our website

Ronald McCoy
Australia
rmccoy@ocean.com.au

Thanks for such an excellent show!

My son is learning about the Civil War right now in school and he wasn't very interested in history but now he wants to learn more - it really sparked his interest.

You followed the number one rule in history: "When you travel in time, leave yourself behind."

You have gathered incredible stories, designed an entertaining, multi-layered vehicle with which to convey these stories... and above all, you have once again put together a cast that chews up the text and delivers. They really rock. It's quickly paced and the mix of humor, tragedy and song is a fabulous ride. How easy it would have been to take a bunch of letters from a war that took place 144 years ago and deliver a straightforward, dry yet honest, rendering. Mine Eyes goes so far beyond that -- on an entertainment level.

Thank you for NOT being stoic. Thank you for making us laugh, think, and ripping our hearts out. I believe you have a hit. And not just some sellout shows, but a play that rings true on a societal level, and comments, as you intended, on the divide in our country and this war in Iraq. Perfect timing to do this. We need this, especially now.

Thanks again and congratulations for the incredible body of work Theater Banshee is producing. You've got to be proud.

Andrew Lehman, who played 'Stanley' in our production of "Death of a Salesman", is playing the lead role... also in it is Dan Harper (for those of you who may know him) and Barry Lynch and 17 other wonderful actors.

If you haven't seen it yet, do not waste another second of your time -- make your reservations now!! It was sold out tonight and due to cast conflicts it may not be able to extend and so it could close on July 13. GO SEE IT!! You will NOT regret it!!

Well-directed and well-acted by every performer across the board, mixing funny and poignant in a historical setting that speaks to all times.

You don't usually get performances like this in the "big" theaters, let alone theaters where if you lean over too far you'll end up on stage.

I am impressed at the breadth and depth Theatre Banshee contains, from spooky character dramas like "The Weir" to full scale black death satires. Kudos to the company.

I forgot to buy a shirt, though. Haft pick one up.

Thanks again, everyone. There *IS* good theater in Los Angeles! (and the Valley, even!)

My hat is truly off to you. A great cast and my slack-jawed awe in your directing prowess made a true fan of you and Theater Banshee for life.

Still in awe,
Bry

My appreciation,
Daniel Keough

Anyway, it was great to see a packed house! Amazing set too.