HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1995-06-28, Page 22The Lady
An alumni of Blyth Festival, Seana McKenna, appears in
the role of Lady Macbeth in the Stratford Festival
production.
GRADUATION
REBECCA McARTER
Rebecca McArter graduated
from Conestoga College,
Doon Campus on June 24,
1995 with a diploma In
Office Systems Administra-
tion. Congratulations!
Dad, Mom & Sarah
Graduation
Darryl Hallahan, son of
Frank and Marian Hallahan
graduated June 14, 1995 at
Fanshawe College in Hotel
and Restaurant Manage-
ment. He is presently
employed at the Cleveland
House Resort, Minett,
Ontario.
Congratulations Darryl!
Love, Dad, Morn, Steve,
Kevin, Diane & Ken.
GRADUATION
Andrew Perrie graduated
June 24th from Conestoga
College of Applied Arts and
Technology. Andrew
received his diploma in
Business Administration
and Management Studies.
Andrew is presently
employed with The National
Sign and Awning Group In
Kitchener.
Congratulations!
Dad, Mom, Alan, Adam,
Maryanne and your
favourite Aunt Effie.
vi4P4trje
By John Schedler
Leading off this week's new releases is the 1994 version of Little
Women **** (Columbia/Tristar). Based on Louisa May Alcott's classic
19th century novel which was derived from her own family life, the story
follows the lives of four daughters and their mother in New England
during the Civil War. While this version has some minor plot annoyances
it is still one of the best films I've seen this year. The young cast
absolutely sparkles especially Winnona Ryder who was nominated for a
Best Actress Oscar. Highly recommended. (Rated PG)
I can also recommend at least two other versions of Little Women
(MGM/UA), each with various strengths and weaknesses. The 1933
Katharine Hepburn film is a delightful, touching and faithful adaptation,
but some younger viewers may find the acting styles a bit mannered. The
glossy technicolor remake from 1949 is also quite good and may be more
accessible than the earlier black and white version, but of course June
Allyson isn't in the same league as Kate Hepburn.
Another new film that is almost sure to make my 10 best list at the end
of the year is Murder In The First ***,* (Warner). This is a powerful and
compelling film starring some of today's hottest young actors including
Christian Slater, Gary Oldman and Kevin Bacon, whose performance here
is amazing. Murder In The First is based on the true story of an Alcatraz
convict whose three years of brutal solitary confinement at the hands of a
sadistic warden ultimately lead to the closure of the famous "rock" in San
Francisco Bay. (Rated R)
In the classic movie department is Kiss Of Death *** (Fox - $24.95) an
entertaining film noir drama from 1947 about a thief (Victor) Mature) who
turns state's evidence and finds himself pursued by a psychopathic killer.
The film's most famous scene finds the giggling killer, (Richard Widmark
in his first movie) pushing a wheelchair-bound old woman down a flight
of stairs. (Unrated)
Among the other new and unpreviewed releases is Dumb and Dumber
(Alliance), the story of two dimwits who embark on a cross country trip to
return a briefcase full of money to its rightful owner. (Rated PG)
Jean-Claude Van Damme flexes his muscles and leads an unlikely
group of commandos on a rescue mission in Street Fighter
(MCA/Universal) which I understand is based on a video game. (Rated
PG-13)
Action fans may also like Drop Zone (Paramount) a thriller about a cop
who suspects a group of skydivers may be responsible for the death of his
brother. (Rated R)
Three Colours Red (Alliance) is a critically acclaimed drama about the
lives of three individuals linked together by their day-to-day actions. This
is the conclusion of Oscar nominated director Krystof Kieslowski's
trilogy. The previous films are Blue and White. (Rated R)
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PAGE 22. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 28, 1995.
Theatre review
Writer says Stratford's 'Macbeth' superb
By Jason Gropp
Some Shakespearean plays are a
greater challenge for modern
theatre directors than others. While
the incomparable Hamlet is
probably the most obvious of these,
Macbeth would have to follow
closely behind.
That in mind, this season's
Stratford Festival production of the
tragedy has the potential to be a
summer highlight for anyone.
This production draws together
various elements of traditional and
modern culture to create a stirring
version of the tale of Macbeth.
The tone of the film was set from
the chilling opening scene. Sudden
blasts of thunder and intermittent
lightning flashes revealed first, the
fog-covered scene, and then the
humped forms of the three witches.
The wicked sisters typified the
magical abilities of the Stratford
costume and makeup crews.
Dishevelled and ugly, they
appeared to step right out of a
Night of the Living Dead film.
The rest of the costume and
makeup design as both modern and
traditional, gruesome and elegant.
Costumes seemed to attach a World
War I uniform-type quality to the
period wear. At times, it jumped
back and forth. Scenes of conflict,
especially near the beginning of the
play, revealed an almost barbaric
quality, while later scenes moved
toward a more noble feel.
The special effects were
marvelous and worthy of
recognition. It was brought to a
pinnacle in Macbeth's consultation
with the three witches. The tortured
king gazes into a bright hole in the
floor, which had wind and fog
bursting out of it. Hooded and
masked figures glide across the
floor, bringing silent, ominous
answers to Macbeth's questions.
While the impact of effects is
vital to any dramatic production, it
is the acting that makes it a success
or a failure. In any production of
Macbeth, the most prominent
question is whether the graduating
madness of Macbeth and Lady
Macbeth is effectively developed.
This task was placed in the hands
of Scott Wentworth and Seana
McKenna, who proved very
successful in their efforts. As a
previous co-director of Macbeth,
Wentworth had extensive
background into the role. At times
cordial, at times tyrannical, he
carried the king through his
madness with ease. He shone most
toward the end of the play, when
not only himself but his kingdom
began to fall.
It could be argued, that the role
of Lady Macbeth presents more
difficulties. While Macbeth's
journey into madness sees a distinct
beginning, the same cannot be said
of his queen. Thus, her own
emotional downfall is more
difficult to trace.
McKenna's portrayal of Lady
Macbeth began in an unpromising
fashion. The queen appeared
overbearing and melodramatic
during early scenes. However, this
was drastically altered in the
second half of the production. As
Lady Macbeth travelled through
her own madness, McKenna
became more and more convincing
in her portrayal. She shone most
brightly in her sleepwalking scene,
where she scrubbed at her hands
with violent ferocity. With these
two performances, the most
difficult task of the play was
overcome.
To compliment this pair, the rest
of the cast can be commended for
an excellent effort. The only weak
character was Macbeth's successor,
Malcolm. The future king,
portrayed by Paul Essiembre, was
presented, frankly, like a wimp.
Fleeing in cowardice early in the
play, he returned later to combat
Macbeth with a regal flair that was
not impressive.
That weakness aside, the
Stratford Festival has come up with
a superb presentation of the
Shakespearean classic. Its passion
could be seen in all areas of the
production, from special effects to
costume design to the acting itself.
It was a complete team effort,
which brings new glory to an old
tale.
Cape Breton's gift to the world of
musical entertainment - continues
to build a strong international
following but at the same time
recognizes the importance ..of their
admirers by giving special
performances such as the one
Wednesday, Aug. 23 in the Blyth
Arena at 8 p.m.
In the six short years since
beginning their professional career,
the Rankin Family, has covered an
astonishing amount of musical
ground, but the story really begins
some 20 years ago in Mabou, Nova
Scotia, on Cape Breton's rugged
west coast. It was there that the first
aggregation of 12 Rankin children
performed at local functions. Over
the years, there have been a total of
nine performing siblings arriving at
the current lineup of vocalists,
Raylene, Cookie and Heather,
songwriter/guitarist/singer Jimmy
and multi-instrumentalist John
Morris Rankin.
The Rankin Family is bound to
raise the roof of the Blyth Arena in
Blyth when it performs the original
music, songs and diverse blend of
musical styles that has become a
mixture all their own. It is a music
that is winning accolades at home
(5 1994 East Coast Music Awards
and 4 1994 Juno Awards) and
appreciative fan recognition here
and abroad.
In the first six months of this
year, the Rankin Family, has
successfully toured England,
Scotland, Australia, New Zealand
as well as introducing their
Continued on page 23
Rankin Family comes to Blyth