The actor tackles 15 roles from the Shakespearean tragedy along with a mental patient in a story that frames the performance. He finds it 'terrifying' but relishes the chance to try something that's never been tried before.||
...In a stage turn that will last nearly two hours, Cumming is set to play the part of Macbeth. Or, rather, the parts of Macbeth, as he tackles 15 roles from the Shakespearean tragedy, including the title character, Banquo, Duncan, Lady Macbeth and plenty of others (as well as, in a story that frames the performance, a disoriented mental patient reenacting the play).
Starting April 21, Cumming will do this six times each week through June 30 at Broadway's Ethel Barrymore Theatre, playing in every scene of "Macbeth." With the exception of two actors who appear occasionally playing mental-hospital staffers, he will act in every one of these scenes by himself.
"Part of the whole thing about this production, I am aware, is the chutzpah of it, and maybe the stupidity of it," said Cumming...