Theater review: 'Macbeezy' at the Knightsbridge

There’s very little not to love about “Macbeezy” at the Knightsbridge.  This “hip-hopera,” which sets “Macbeth” to hip-hop music, brims with youthful brio while staying remarkably faithful to its source material.

Sometimes, that devotion to the original text is a bit slavish, resulting in an overlong evening that could stand a little pruning.  (After all, if you’re going to be this revisionist, you might as well really kick over the traces and truncate at will.)  And, granted, a few of the voices in the cast are less than stellar.  But, like a frolicking puppy, “Macbeezy” is so energetic, it’s completely endearing –- even when it misses the paper.

Kelly Boczek-Petrie created the show with her husband, Mark Petrie, who serves as music arranger and music director.  However, Boczek-Petrie wears many hats, as the show’s writer, costume designer and director. 

The music is upbeat and toe-tapping, but it is Boczek-Petrie’s direction that is most impressive.  When it comes to large ensembles in sub-99 seat Los Angeles theater, it’s usually a given that some of the supernumeraries will be sub-par. Yet Boczek-Petrie has performed the near miraculous feat of delineating every character, from the excellent Macbeezy (Tony Williams) and the outstanding Lady M (Michelle Merring) to the smaller roles.  Every role, large to small, serves the basic conceit, no attention grabbing or cheap mugging allowed.

All the actors are terrific, and all are richly worthy of mention.  The three sultry witches, Barika Croom, Cai Handley and Elisa Richardson, give new meaning to the word “slinky.”  Mackie D’s (Stuart Calof) homoerotic interaction with the flamboyant Malcolm (René Guerrero) is a pure hoot.  Others in the cast include Julia Morizawa, Vance Roi Reyes, R. Benito Cardenas, Khalipa Oldjohn, Shaina Vorspan, Arif Kinchen, Allana Barton, Kenzo Lee, Gina Lohman, Courtney Richards, Tomás Quiroz, Elizabeth Yocam and Ben Hayes.  The fun is further enhanced by Michele Wolfson’s lively choreography, which puts a stratospheric hop in this very hip show.

-- F. Kathleen Foley

“Macbeezy,” Knightsbridge Theatre, 1944 Riverside Drive, Los Angeles.  8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 6 p.m. Sundays.  Ends Nov. 21.  $20.  (323) 667-0955. www.knightsbridgetheatre.com.  Running time:  2 hours, 40 minutes.

Photo: From left, Cai Handley, Elisa Richardson and Barika Croom.   Credit: Marshal Biset. 

Comments

[Cynthia Villalpando]

Way to go Mark and Kelly! I can't wait to go see it!

[Carthel]

Wow...what can I say.!? I LOVED the show!!! From the intro to the closing scene I was captivated. I loved the witches and thought Tony's performance as Macbeezy was "off the chain".

Of course you gotta give it up for his side kick BQ (played by my boi Arif Kinchen)...man, that kid RIPPED IT!! The death scenes were wicked and he nailed his lines. He kept true to the hip-hop roots and used in stellar acting skills to nail the true Shakespearean lines. Mad props to you Mr. Kinchen!!! Mad props!!

Oh yeah, you gotta see the lyrical battle between Macbeezy (Tony Williams) and Mackie D (Stuart Calof). It was something straight outta 8-Mile (Eminem's movie...if you ask "What movie?" you are definitely in the wrong place). Macbeezy's fast Eminem style stood tall against Mackie D's cool laid back style of flow. Man, it was awesome. And would you believe the lyrics were ALL written by Kelly (the show's creator)? This little white girl (wearing a Woody Halloween costume from Toy Story) got skills 4 real...you gotta see it!!!!

One Love...

Towns Out!!!

[David Petrie]

OK, so I am the musical director's father. That aside, I would think Los Angeles area high school English and theater teachers would be lining up to get their students into see this show.

Shakespeare relevant to inner city kids? Take a group to “Macbeezy” and you will have enough to discuss and debate for the rest of the semester.

Separately, Kelly Boczek-Petrie and Mark Petrie are amazingly creative. Together, as a couple, they are just plain awesome [or fill in appropriate hip-hop term here]!

[Eric Lamb]

I went and saw this show 3 weeks ago on one of their first nights. Put simply; it was amazing!

Coming as someone who isn't, even a little, attracted to anything hip hop or "rap" related I found myself numerous times tapping my foot and shaking my head. The music is that good.

The choreography, especially by the 3 witches, is seductive and absolutely mesmerizing to say the least.

Definitely worth the $20 and then some.

[Carlos]

go see this show - it's fun and something different
combining the traditional w/ something modern

the cast's genuine talent and enthusiasm makes the play work and in reality it's not longer than any average play - especially a drama by Shakespeare.

and the play is definitely diverse in casting - as are many of the productions at the Knightsbridge Theatre - which that alone should be commended & supported. Theater should be about trying new things and this play definitely is something new.

check it out in the final performances - you might be surprised how much you like it.

Carlos