THE TRANSATLANTIC MAGAZINE
THE TRANSATLANTIC MAGAZINE
Today celebrity is desirable and, through some prisms, criminality is an acceptable lifestyle too. Bonnie & Clyde The Musical is aptly timed, romanticizing the story of Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow who made headlines in 1932 America as they robbed banks, shops and funeral parlors and murdered 13 people. Who knew they would be so beatified and that some 90 years later, a musical would be staged paying homage to the murderous pair?
The connection between actors Frances Mayli McCann and Jordan Luke Gage as Bonnie and Clyde is credible and authenticates the real life characters' massive height difference. McCann's voice range is exceptional. 'I Want To Be Someone' is a power ballad sung convincingly and it captures the character's yearning and drive to leave a poverty-stricken lifestyle for fame and fortune. Cleverly, McCann gives the character more polish and divisiveness than country hick, adding depth and less cliché. Her strength as a singer is an undeniable force and I think her character has more to give.
It was reported that the real life duo also robbed churches as they rampaged. The religious theme is intermittently dropped in, with scenes that felt disconnected and over-done. The character of Clyde does not seem to grapple with guilt in the slightest whereas the theme of American struggle during the times of Depression is far more pertinent. The song, 'Made in America' reflects the angst of the times and developed the storyline in a stronger sense than the church scenes.
Natalie McQueen who played Clyde Barrow's sister-in-law undoubtedly 'killed it'! Her comedic timing is without flaw and her southern accent is well rehearsed, having played Doralee Rhodes in the West End run of the musical 9 to 5. She sounds uncannily like American actress Kristin Chenoweth. It's confirmed, British actors have perfected the American accents, even regionally!
The creative team is bursting with pedigree and only an Oscar short of EGOT legend:
Ivan Menchell, Book – Emmy nominated
Don Black, Lyrics – 2 Tony Awards
Frank Wildhorn, Music – Grammy, Tony & Emmy
Nick Winston, Director – Countless accolades, and The Stage calls him one of the UK's Top 10 choreographers.
There was no way this musical wasn't going to shine and lift the spirit. The Arts Theatre is an intimate space and feels more off-Broadway then West End, adding an American panache. The set and effects are masterful and add real mood and energy.
Get your gangster on and come see this, you will be thoroughly entertained.
