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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) O video FA.X. IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY... J.R.'S GAS BAR & TAKE OUT LTD. BRUSSELS 887-6951 NEW RELEASES THIS WEEK Dumb and Dumber, Little Women, Far From Home - Adventures of Yellow Dog, Disclosure, Drop Zone, Interview with the Vampire, Junior, Legends of the Fall, A Low Down Dirty Shame, Richie Rich, Speechless, The Professional, Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book, Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, The War CHILDREN'S MOVIES 99c REGULAR MOVIES $1.49 NEW RELEASES $2.49 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