DYIN’ AIN’T SO BAD. . .BANG!

REVIEW: BONNIE & CLYDE

BY RYAN M. LUÉVANO

Another opening, another closing, and both on the same night true to Musical Theater Guild fashion, as their fantastic production of the Frank Wildhorn (music), Don Black (lyrics), and Ivan Menchell (book) musical Bonnie & Clyde graces the stage of the Alex Theatre in Glendale. Despite the musical’s short-lived run on Broadway after its premiere at the La Jolla Playhouse in 2009, the show still has much to offer audiences. This staged reading by Musical Theatre Guild reignites the characters and tells this infamous story once again, if only for one night.

Upon seeing this musical on stage for the first time, it becomes clear as to why the musical did not last long on the Great White Way—the weakest link is certainly the elements in book by Menchell, who was even present this evening. His treats the story of Bonnie and Cylde had too much comedy and charm, but not enough tragedy, drama or excitement to sustain the dramatic momentum. Of course the music, lyrics and, especially in this case, the spirited performances saved the day giving the audience an evening full of splendor and fun.

Will Collyer, left, and Ashley Fox Linton. Photo Credit: Alan Weston.

Will Colyer returns to Musical Theatre Guild in this production portraying the American outlaw Clyde Chestnut Barrow a.k.a. Clyde Champion Barrow. His performance as Clyde is strong, charismatic, determined and passionate—he successfully takes the audience on a journey from beginning to end, offering a character arc is consistent and complete. Coller is equally up to the demands of the musical material singing all the songs and even playing the ukulele with musical proficiency and charm. His co-star Ashley Fox Linton’s (Bonnie) performance, also admirable, provides a conundrum about motivations regarding her character. What is specifically perplexing is trying to determine her provocation for going away with Clyde and ultimately becoming an outlaw herself. The culprit here could be one of many things – the book, the director, her character choices or a combination of the three. Whatever the case may, it was a constant distraction from her otherwise laudable performance. The younger version of Bonnie played by fourteen year old Jaidyn Young simply sparkled with talent and pizzazz in her only featured song, “Picture Show” and the reprise of the same song in act two.

Brandon Michael Perkins, left, and Alyssa M. Simmons. Photo Credit: Alan Weston.

Alyssa M. Simmons on the other hand offers an unquestionably stellar undertaking as Blanche Barrow, the wife of Clyde’s brother Marvin “Buck” Barrow (Brandon Michael Perkins), she was so concentrated that she appeared to be performing nearly off-book the entire performance. Simmons lived the tough, loving and high-minded Blanche in every move she made on stage. She intrigued the audience with her performance in the soulful song, “You’re Going Back to Jail” and she won the audience’s hearts in her moving rendition of “That’s What You Call a Dream”—purely captivating! Another standout performer is Scott Harlan (preacher) who also returns to MTG. His initial entrance in “God’s Arms Are Always Open” is a gripping performance full of bravura and raw passion that excites the audience with his boisterous voice and skillful vocal ability. Harlan’s musical interjections in this production were a combination of reverence and delight reminding the characters and audience of God’s everlasting love and the power of forgiveness.

Brandon Michael Perkins, left, Alyssa M. Simmons, Ashley Fox Linton, and Will Collyer. Photo Credit: Stan Chandler.

WHAT ABOUT THE MUSIC DIRECTOR?

It was a pleasure to see my friend Tom Griep on stage at the piano leading the five-piece ensemble with expert precision and musicality. Every note and cue flowed seamlessly into one another creating a musically cohesive show. My colleague Nick Stone was also in the band skillfully playing drum-set and percussion.

Ashley Fox Linton. Photo Credit: Alan Weston.

Musical Theatre Guild’s Bonnie & Clyde was a perfect way to begin their new season and make their awaited return to the glorious Alex Theater in Glendale. All their fans and regular patrons were clearly delighted that MTG was back home; furthermore, the audience was completely enchanted by this charming reading of Bonnie & Clyde. The next show on the docket for MTG is Rodgers & Sondheim’s musical Do I Hear A Waltz, which will play on November 15, 2015 at the Alex Theatre. If you have not yet experienced the MTG productions come to any or all shows in their 2015-2016 season, you will not be disappointed.