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Theater review: ‘Fleetwood Macbeth’ at the Falcon Theatre and La Mirada Center for the Performing Arts

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Stevie Nicks meets the Scottish play in the Troubadour Theater Company’s loopy musical mash-up “Fleetwood Macbeth,” now at the Falcon Theatre. (The show also makes an appearance at La Mirada Center for the Performing Arts this weekend.) An inspired concept that doesn’t entirely deliver, the evening is sloppy, good-natured silliness with one or two decent renditions of Fleetwood Mac gems. Believe me, your unconscious still knows the words to “Tusk.”

Kudos to director Matt Walker and clan for finding the secret affinity between this classic band’s ‘70s psychodrama and Shakespeare’s darkest power couple, but the results are mixed. Led by the sheepish Macbeth (Morgan Rusler), thanes run around in tartans and big fake feet while witches cavort in bustiers and fishnets. No pun is left unturned. (King Duncan: “You’ve probably heard of my doughnuts.” A weird sister: “I’m Erin Brocawitch, and I’ve blown a lot of whistles.”) The best moments are when the comedy actually comments on the play, as in the demented murder of Lady Macduff (Annalea Rawicz Arnold) and her annoying Mini-Me offspring (Jason Turner) — that solemn scene was always ripe for parody.

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Despite a tight five-piece band led by Eric Heinly and the power vocals of Lisa Valenzuela as Lady M, the Fleetwood Mac songs don’t evoke the spookiness you wish for; most are delivered the same way: belted, supported by the chorus of witches. More work on arrangements would give these irresistible hits stronger dramatic impact. To their credit, the Troubies don’t overstay their welcome. As the guy sitting next to me said at the curtain call, “Funny show, and you’re drinking by 10:00.”

— Charlotte Stoudt

“Fleetwood Macbeth” Falcon Theatre, 4252 Riverside Drive, Burbank. 8 p.m. Fridays, 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturdays, 4 p.m. Sundays. No performances July 15-17. Ends Aug. 14. $27-$38. Contact: (818) -955-8101 or www.FalconTheatre.com. Running time: 1 hour, 40 minutes.

La Mirada Center for the Performing Arts, 14900 La Mirada Blvd., La Mirada. 8 p.m. Friday, July 15 and Saturday, July 16, 2 p.m. Sunday, July 17. $15-$50. Contact: (562) 944-9801 or (714) 994-6310 or www.lamiradatheatre.com.

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