Bonnie and Clyde
Information
- Date
- 10th May 2023
- Society
- Jarrow Musical Theatre Company
- Venue
- Jarrow Focus Hub
- Type of Production
- Musical
- Director
- Michelle Coulson
- Musical Director
- Freda Carney
- Technical
- Martin Warden
I admit I knew the story of Bonnie and Clyde but nothing about the musical version and frankly that is the way I prefer it when going to see a production I’ve never seen before. I was not disappointed; Jarrow have been renowned over the years at producing fine quality shows and this was no exception.
This is a premiere for NODA North and couldn't have been in better hands.
At the heart of the production this is a love story offset against the background of a mid-western USA ‘Barrow’ gang of criminals that ends tragically. Cast in the roles of the titular characters were Erin Boyle (Bonnie) and Luke McGarry (Clyde Barrow) – their on-stage mercurial love affair was palpable and matched by great singing and acting from both – the comparison between the two on this production and their last together showed everyone the versatility of the two.
Matching them in on-stage chemistry was Joe Coulson (Marvin ‘Buck’ Barrow) and Frances Wood (Blanche Barrow) as the brother and sister-in-law of Clyde. Their relationship was more ‘measured’ as Blanche tried to keep her husband on the straight and narrow. The “You’re Going Back to Jail” number was humorous as it was poignant especially with the interludes by three ladies Kelsey Mitchell (Trish), Tamara Wilson (Stella), and Helen Leckie (Eleanor).
Jillaine Hindson (Emma Parker – Bonnie’s mother) was a perfect contrast to her flighty daughter and showed tremendous emotion when pleading with her to give up this life of crime that would undoubtably lead to her demise.
Liam Grahame Olsen (Ted Hinton), was the deputy sheriff in love with Bonnie and conflicted in his position in the law and his desire to protect Bonnie from jail. A powerful performance from him and great interjection between the two Barrow boys and him in the moving number ‘Raise a little Hell’.
Making cameo roles of the young ‘Bonnie’ is Libby Forrest and Freddie Taylor (young Clyde) who showed great potential for the future.
Lawrence Clarke (Henry Barrow) and Margaret Gray (Cumie – Clyde and Marvin’s mother) were suitably anxious and worried at their sons’ life of crime especially when Marvin joins his brother to help out, accompanied by his wife Blanche. His death scene was very heart-breaking as Blanche cradled his dying body in her arms despite the law trying to part them.
Preacher (Colin Coulson) was the continuity between the scenes and gave depth to the performance.
Making up many other roles were, David Bruce (Frank Hamer), Jim Bailey (Judge), David Bulman (Deputy Johnson), Helen Bell (Guvernor Ferguson), Grayson Wood (Sheriff Schmid), Adam Mckeith (Archie), Andy Smith, Michael Hall and Luke Carr, and a wonderful ensemble.
This was a greatly technical production with over 140 lighting cues, over 20 personal microphones, sound effects, set to be moved constantly all under the background of a wonderful score MD’d by Freda Carney and her talented orchestra. Director Michelle Coulson, Freda, Martin Warden of Hi-Lights, stage crew and whole cast are to be congratulated in such a wonderful achievement.
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