Bonnie and Clyde
Marie Clark Musical Theatre have a hit on their hands with their engaging production of Bonnie and Clyde. As Mary Poppins would say, it’s “practically perfect in every way”!
With music by Frank Wildhorn, lyrics by Don Black and a book by Ivan Menchell. The world premiere took place in November 2009. Wildhorn described the music as a "non-traditional score, combining rockabilly, blues and gospel music"
Bonnie & Clyde tells the story of real-life fugitives, Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow. In the midst of the country-wide depression the couple find notoriety and love while robbing banks and stores.
After escaping from jail after a robbery, Clyde meets Bonnie and recognizes a fellow dreamer. Their craving for fame and thrills leads them into a life of crime and a life on the run. Despite the pleas of their families, the couple embark on a series of robberies at gunpoint, continuously evading the police and becoming the celebrities they desperately wanted to be. They are soon joined by Clyde’s brother, Buck, and the “Barrow Gang” plans increasingly ambitious heists.
As their fame grows, their inevitable fate draws closer. When Buck is killed by the police during an escape, Bonnie and Clyde decide to go and see their families once more. This decision leads them straight into the police firing line.
Director Lucy Trewin (also the set designer) makes an impressive debut with a musical that is tight and well-rehearsed. Especially noteworthy is her direction of the libretto which is full of tension, violence and emotion. Her actors rise to the challenge and give realistic performances unlike some musicals that are stylised.
Musical director Serena Cann’s orchestra are note perfect, have a rich sound with a jazz feel that never overpowers the performers. One of the better amateur orchestras I have heard in recent years.
Deborah Joy Proeve’s choreography is innovative, quirky (in the nicest possible way) and a joy to watch as it has been tailored to the performer’s abilities. While not a big dance show, there is movement aplenty, well drilled and skilfully executed.
Narelle Lee’s costumes are spot on period-wise, and add a touch of colour to the largely wooden set and Michael Bentley’s lighting is moody and perfectly captures the emotion of the musical and Lucy Trewin’s clever unit set with its faded stars and stripes in the background.
Kristian Latella and Ava-Rose Askew give career best performances as Bonnie and Clyde (or is it Clyde and Bonnie?). Their onstage chemistry is palpable and their voices strong and crystal-clear. Even though they are the anti-heroes, we can’t help but fall in love with them, even though they wield large weapons and are not afraid to use them. Their bathtub scene is a joy!
Latella has an almost young Elvis Presley quality to him and is the bad boy of the production. Well known for his more innocent roles, Latella tackles this difficult character with ease. His ‘Raise a Little Hell’ is memorable. His performance is intense and multi-faceted.
Askew is every inch an equal partner in this famous duo. She is feisty, single minded, devoted and looks fabulous in the act 2 dress which is a copy of the Broadway original. Her ‘Dying Aint so Bad’ is superbly delivered. She is a perfect match for Latella.
David MacGillivray and Carolina Fioravanti as Buck Barrow and his wife Blanche give us the background of the Barrow boys and the effect of crime on the two families.
MacGillivray gives a powerful portrayal of a man torn between his brother and his wife, while Fioravanti’s Blanche is heart wrenching, both in her devotion to her husband and her concern for Bonnie’s welfare. This is the best work I have seen from Fioravanti!
Zachary Baseby as the love sick cop Ted Hinton delivers a vocally strong performance and we feel for him as he is spurned by Bonnie. Tom Moore as Sheriff Smith has one of the best southern accents I have heard, and delivers a solid performance.
Rodney Hrvatin as the Preacher, Darcie Yelland-Wark (Tricia), Alex Burton (Stella), Maisie Lewis (Young Clyde) and Alyssa Faranda (Young Bonnie) complete the principal cast, each delivering their magic moments.
The hard-working ensemble slip in and out of multiple characters with ease adding depth and colour to the narrative. Their ‘big’ numbers are full of energy and life, particularly ‘God’s Arms are Always Open’ with the Preacher.
Although the miking improved in Act 2, it was a little hit and miss in Act 1, but this will be corrected as the production ‘runs in’.
Bonnie and Clyde is a well-crafted, polished and highly entertaining musical that is sure to please any theatre goer (though because of its subject matter, probably not suited to younger audiences). Marie Clark are to be congratulated for presenting one of the best amateur musicals I have seen this year!
Barry Hill OAM
Photo credit – Daniel Salmond
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