{"id":111801,"date":"2026-04-11T12:35:41","date_gmt":"2026-04-11T19:35:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/forallevents.com\/reviews\/?p=111801"},"modified":"2026-06-11T12:38:00","modified_gmt":"2026-06-11T19:38:00","slug":"macbeth-updated-to-70s-new-york-a-vital-new-vision-at-sf-magic-theatre","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/forallevents.com\/reviews\/macbeth-updated-to-70s-new-york-a-vital-new-vision-at-sf-magic-theatre\/","title":{"rendered":"MACBETH UPDATED TO 70S NEW YORK, A VITAL NEW VISION\u2014at SF Magic Theatre"},"content":{"rendered":"
Reviewed by Jo Tomalin<\/p>\n
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Migdalia Cruz Adapts Shakespeare for Our Time <\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

The Magic Theatre\u2019s new vibrant production of \u201cMacbeth,\u201d in a modern version by Migdalia Cruz, directed by Liam Vincent, is led by an earthy and feisty Catherine Castellanos as the ambitious general Macbeth. Castellanos is a force of nature commanding every scene!<\/p>\n

Macbeth chats to us, and Castellanos displays mischievous unrest with a delicious, casual delivery, as if hanging out with us. Castellanos\u2019 engaging manner breaks apart not only Macbeth\u2019s character, but also Shakespeare\u2019s language in this new adaptation. Playwright Cruz has translated Shakespeare\u2019s words into a streamlined, user-friendly script for this 95-minute performance.<\/p>\n

In these days of assault and ambition, Macbeth mirrors and highlights cutthroat political competition, literally. This queer re-telling shows the strength and gutsiness of the Macbeths in their lust for power at any cost. Yet, because Castellanos initially welcomes us warmly, we are hooked with empathy from the start.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Danny Scheie, Catherine Castellanos, Nora El Samahy, Brian Rivera, Sarah Nina Hayon<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Macbeth lives in New York. Sure! And in the gritty 70s, with dynamic societal changes like gay relationships, gangs, and immigration emphasized boldly in the casting. The 70s costumes include tracksuits and heavy gold chains.<\/p>\n

Scenic Designer Carlos-Antonio Aceves creates a dark, theatrical world that evokes the lurid darkness of NYC at night. The set design features a creative multi-level set with a bar, alley, and steep stairs, all in black, surrounded by grunge and graffiti. This is a perfect setting for the underhanded scheming we see from Macbeth and others living in the neighborhood.<\/p>\n

Both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth are played by women, a focal feature of this production, which populates the play with people who truly reflect our communities. Sarah Nina Hayon plays a glamorous, super ambitious Lady Macbeth, wearing a leopard skin coat and a silky red negligee. As she struts across the stage, Lady M is the cool power player leading Macbeth into a complex web of greed.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Kina Kantor<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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When cajoling Macbeth, Hayon reminds us of a viper hissing. Castellanos and Hayon make a forceful pair in their complicated relationship and interactions. Their bursts of strength and vulnerability show us the balance of emotions switching back and forth.<\/p>\n

Nora El Samahy plays Banquo, Macbeth\u2019s good friend, imbuing the character with heartfelt honesty from their first meeting. When Macbeth suggests Banquo\u2019s days are numbered, a groan of sympathy rises from the audience.<\/p>\n

Bright fluorescent lights flash and change color for every scene, evoking excitement and frenzy! A complete wash of green lights illuminates the witches\u2019 scene, highlighting three gnarly witches in green wigs and quirky, unmatched clothing in shades of green.<\/p>\n

The strong ensemble cast, led by Castellanos in an outstanding and layered performance, vividly shows how quickly conflict and violence escalate when ambition is the driving force\u2014a tragedy indeed. Migdalia Cruz and Magic Theatre have produced a new \u201cMacbeth\u201d that is not only powerful but also passionately enlightening and entertaining.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\u201cMacbeth<\/strong>\u201d by William Shakespeare<\/strong>, new modern version by Migdalia Cruz<\/strong>, directed by Liam Vincent<\/strong>, scenic design by Carlos-Antonio Aceves<\/strong>, costumes by Alina Bokovikova<\/strong>, lighting by Justin Partier<\/strong>, sound by Matt Stines<\/strong>, and props by Imani Wilson<\/strong>, by Magic Theatre<\/strong>, San Francisco.<\/p>\n

Info: magictheatre.org<\/strong><\/a> \u2013 to April 5, 2026<\/p>\n

Cast: Catherine Castellanos, Juan Amador, Nora el Samahy, Sarah Nina Hayon, Danny Scheie, Kina Kantor, <\/strong>and Brian M. Rivera<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Review first published in Theatrius.com<\/a> March 27, 2026.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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–<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Reviewed by Jo Tomalin Migdalia Cruz Adapts Shakespeare for Our Time The Magic Theatre\u2019s new vibrant production of \u201cMacbeth,\u201d in a modern version by Migdalia Cruz, directed by Liam Vincent,…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":19,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"yasr_overall_rating":0,"yasr_post_is_review":"","yasr_auto_insert_disabled":"","yasr_review_type":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[32],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-111801","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","category-jo-tomalin"],"yasr_visitor_votes":{"stars_attributes":{"read_only":true,"span_bottom":"