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Tonight, with the release of the ‘Bonnie and Clyde: The Musical’ Filmed live release, sees another review of Frank Wildhorn, Ivan Menchell and Don Black’s brilliant musical here on Robbie’s Backstage Bants.
I was lucky enough to be asked to review this production, and get early access to check it out and give you my thoughts, for that I am very thankful! It is always a joy to review a show, but particularly one I have always enjoyed.
This filmed production is a staged concert style, featuring scenes but not in the full form that hit the West End and later the UK tour that was unfortunately cancelled mid-run.
It was filmed at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane.
Firstly, I’d love to mention the wonderful direction and choreography, supplied by master of the craft: Nick Winston. I am never disappointed with Winston’s work - it is always clever, exciting and creative. Winston truly understands ‘Bonnie and Clyde The Musical’ and every single time he keeps the heart and power in the show that needs to be there, and makes it exciting for the audience to watch.
I was a bit concerned at first when I realised there was no Bonnie and Clyde car!! But that being said, the limited set that comes with a concert staged production was used well and cleverly designed to match the piece the stage was transformed including a clever gap in the staircase for Jeremy Jordan to slide into to fix the car!
This cast full of West End Stars and even Original Broadway Cast member: Jeremy Jordan, do a beautiful job bringing this story to life, and I have become so familiar with these characters having seen the show multiple times in different runs with a plethora of performers - it was wonderful to see other people take on these parts and bring their own characters to life.
Broadway star, Jeremy Jordan returns to the role of Clyde Barrow. Jordan played the role on Broadway in the original production of the show, so it was a great choice bringing him back for this special performance. Jordan’s vocals are a particular standout within the show, his effortless high notes, and powerful voice fit the role impeccably. His acting skills are also extremely fitting with so many strong moments and themes throughout the show as well as a perfect onstage chemistry with his bonnie, Francis Mayli-McCann.
Francis Mayli-McCann takes on the role of ravishing red-head ‘Bonnie Parker’ - following this she took on the role in the West end. Mayli-McCann has the most lovely tone which sails over the great songs by Frank Wildhorn. She brings an excitement to this role and she is simply a joy to watch! As previously mentioned her chemistry with Jordan is so special and really helps bring these characters to life.
It was great to see George Maguire once again in the role of Buck. Maguire is outstanding as Buck Barrow, you can really see the character just bursting through. Not to mention his wonderful vocals - I think Buck as a character faces some major moral dilemmas throughout and from Maguire you can almost see the cogs working in Buck’s head and it is a credit to George Maguire’s acting brilliance.
Another standout for me is Natalie McQueen as Blanche. Firstly, this role is golden, it is written so well and is one of my favourites within the show, she is so interesting but also hilarious and has great songs too. None of this is missed with McQueen she hits every single comedy line with amazing comedic timing and her vocals are stunning too, particularly in ‘That's what you call a dream’.
Finally, Trevor Dion Nicholas plays the preacher, oozing with soulful and powerhouse vocals during ‘Gods arms are always open’ and ‘Made in America’ both of which had me beaming with a smile the entire time.
I could go on and mention every single performer in this review - but I would be here forever! I enjoyed every single performer in this filmed performance and thought that they all brought something beautiful to the stage.
Overall I urge you to rent this recording of ‘Bonnie & Clyde’ it is an incredible production! If you are a fan of Bonnie&Clyde, are missing the tour, or even if you just want to see what all of the fuss is about, then give it a go!! You can get your ticket here https://bonnieclydelive.com/products/bonnie-clyde-the-musical-ad-free
Enjoy!
Robbie Davies | 24th June 2024
Robbie’s Backstage Bants
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