Theater Review: 'Bonnie & Clyde' by GetUp Stage Company

Review by Nancy Sasso Janis

The GetUp Stage Company (GUSCO) has been hard at work this summer to produce their production of “Bonnie & Clyde. The group of talented young adults will present their final two performances today in the beautiful Rockwell Theater in Bristol.

The musical tells the story of the ill-fated lovers Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow, the infamous outlaws who achieved folk hero status during the Great Depression. The show had a brief run on Broadway in 2011 and received mixed reviews.

Director Lindsey DiPietro posted that “this show is not often produced and, let me tell you, it should be! The critics killed it on Broadway but the score is incredible—come check it out—you will NOT be disappointed!” As always, DiPietro has chosen a challenging show for her performers and they once again have risen to the challenge. In her curtain speech, she noted that only theater nerds would know this show.

The musical numbers include the opening “Picture Show” performed by Young Bonnie (Aibhlin Delage) and Young Clyde (Riley Shugrue.) Prophetic songs include “Too Late to Turn Back Now,” “This World Will Remember Me” and “Dyin’ Ain’t So Bad.” These are mixed with more musical theater numbers like the comedic “When I Drive,” the gospel sound of “God’s Arms Are Always Open,” and the inspiring “That’s What You Call a Dream.”

The cast members are teens in high school and college students who work together well to pull off this musical. The production values of this GUSCO show are up to their usual high standards.

Sarah Ford gives a wonderful performance as Bonnie Parker.She uses her strong singing voice and conveys the many facets of her well-drawn character. It is impossible to take our eyes off of Ford when she is onstage.

Eric Orsini tackles the role of Clyde Barrow and makes us believe that he is the outlaw. Josh Aiello does really well as Clyde’s brother Buck.

Samantha Colite steals many scenes in the excellent role of Buck’s devoted wife Blanche Barrow. Jason Warner shines in the role of Ted Hinton, the sheriff who is in love with Bonnie. Malina Moors plays Bonnie’s loving mother Emma Parker and Angelina Morin plays Clyde’s mother Cumie Barrow. Alex Corvo doubles as Henry Barrow and Detective Hamer.

Damon Gagne plays Sheriff Schmid, Emily Sullivan appears as Eleanore and Annie and Kylie Bernier plays Trish. Emma Ayende portrays Stella and Michael Bossi plays a preacher. River Muscara covers the roles of a preacher, a cop and Governor Miriam Ferguson. Jake Stemmer plays a cop and Bob Alcorn. Kye Kaley plays a judge and Deputy Johnson and Kalista Santiago plays Joe and a bank teller. Jenessa Powell is a shopkeeper, Josie Kitchens is a cop. Avery Pellerin is John, Kiley Alexis is a waitress and Kadyn Landau is Annie’s friend.

Amy Kelley worked with the cast as music director. The seven-member band is conducted by Theresa McDonald and sounded great as they played the wonderful score. Charlotte Pons was in charge of the good choreography. Costumes designed by DiPietro set the tone of the depression era and Bonnie’s brunette wig worked. Production Assistant Kay Archambault is credited with costumes, props and the excellent projections.

Master carpenter Bill Ding Theatricals has created large wooden structures that look amazing with the beautiful lighting designed by DiPietro and Jesse Gamble. The wooden blocks were rearranged often by the members of the cast. Alyssa Brown worked as intimacy coordinator and Anthony Yovina was in charge of stage combat.

The single sheet printed program offers information about the famous crime duo and a QR code to the six page online program.

“Bonnie & Clyde” is rated PG 13 due to violence, mild intimacy, use of weapons and mild language. The production also effectively uses strobe effects, prop weapons and loud sound effects, especially at the beginning of the first act, so be prepared.

Remaining performances that run about two and half hours are Saturday, August 10, 2024 at 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM. Tickets: https://gusco.ludus.com/index....