Fresh Take on Mythos of the Old West

Reviewed by Suzanne Angeo (Member, American Theatre Critics Association)

and Greg Angeo (Member Emeritus, San Francisco Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle)

Photos courtesy of Sean Carter Photography

So you may think you know all about “The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance”; you’ve seen the famous 1962 John Ford movie with Jimmy Stewart, John Wayne and Lee Marvin, right?

Boy, have you got another think coming.

The spellbinding tale unfolding on Meadow Brook Theatre’s stage, kicking off their 60^th season, bears very little resemblance to the one on the silver screen. While Ford’s film used Dorothy M Johnson’s 1949 short story merely as inspiration, the 2014 stage adaptation by British writer, producer and director Jethro Compton is much more faithful to Johnson’s original material.

“Liberty Valance” takes place in the small town of Twotrees in the fading years of the Old West, in an unnamed territory, entirely inside The Prairie Belle Saloon. It addresses frontier justice, politics, class inequality, racism, gun violence and societal change in ways that are both of the times, and timely. A touchingly bittersweet surprise at the end will linger in your memory long after you’ve left the theater.

The story opens in 1910, with the famous Senator Foster arriving in town for the funeral of an old friend. There are pallbearers, mourners, and a singing guitar player that serves as a narrator, helping to tell the story from scene to scene.

The rest of the tale is told in flashback. We travel back in time 25 years earlier, and find the ruff n’ tuff young lady saloon keeper, Hallie Jackson, owner of The Prairie Belle Saloon. Her admirer, burly bearded Bert Barricune, hangs around to lend a hand. And there’s Jim, AKA “The Reverend”, a gifted young Black man who works at the saloon but dreams of bigger things. One day Burt carries in an unconscious young man and deposits him on the bar. Hallie tends to his wounds and cleans him up. When he awakens, he says he’s looking for the guys who beat him up and left him for dead on the deserted plains. He is Ransome Foster, and he has traveled all the way from NYC to find a new way of life. He apparently is well-educated, with law books in his backpack.

Bert recognizes Foster’s description of the attackers – it’s the notorious Liberty Valance, malevolence personified, and his gang of thugs. The local authority, Marshall Johnson, is summoned. Foster plans his revenge, but days turn into weeks, and soon he comes to feel very much at home in his new town. A growing attraction between himself and Hallie makes him want to stay even more, much to Bert’s dismay.

Many townsfolk, including Hallie, Jim and Bert, are illiterate. Foster offers to start a class in the saloon to teach them how to read, and tries to introduce some culture to Hallie. She has captured his heart, despite her rough exterior and coarse talk. Who could ever know these innocent gestures might lead to trouble and heartbreak, and to a standoff between good versus evil with the highest stakes imaginable?

Brandon Ruiter as Foster delivers an impressive performance of a daring and heroic character, willing to sacrifice himself for love and honor. Hallie, the crusty saloon keeper with a tender heart, is played to spunky, lively perfection by MBT newcomer Marley Boone.

The title role is played by Drew Parker, another MBT newbie, who has performed all over the country. His Valance has sinister qualities simmering just below the surface.

Barricune is played by the marvelous MBT veteran Stephen Blackwell. A real showstopper (and scene stealer), he commands the stage in a role that, in the end, serves as the true North Star of the story.

The amazing Tyrick Wiltez Jones brings his strong Broadway chops to the unforgettable role of Jim (“The Reverend”). Marshall Johnson is played by Phil Powers, another MBT regular, with a powerful stage presence.

The Narrator is performed by the multi-talented Chris Blisset, who plays guitar and sings folksy period songs that help to tell the story. This award-winning actor, writer and director (and musician-singer!) captures the very essence of the time and place. A very nice touch, indeed!

The intricate yet rustic two-level set by Mia Irwin has a big job to do, since it’s all we see and know of the town of Twotrees. It’s helped along with lighting by Griffen Proctor, which transforms the set to highlight different situations. Day changes to night and back again, sundown to sunup, and chiaroscuro effects spotlight dramatic scenes.

Director (and long-time MBT Creative Director) Travis Walter, as always, interprets the script, makes thoughtful choices, and guides the actors to give us wonderful storytelling. He keeps us captivated from the very beginning, on the edge of our seats, as the story propels us to a beautifully ironic conclusion with nary a slow spot to be found. But be prepared: there’s lots of very salty dialogue, and a couple of gunshots. Which is what you’d expect in the Old West.

Please note new 7:30 PM evening start times for this season!

When: Now through November 1, 2026

Tickets $43 to $49

Where: Meadow Brook Theatre at Wilson Hall

Oakland University

378 Meadow Brook Rd

Rochester Hills, MI 48309

(248) 377-3300

www.mbtheatre.com

This production is made possible through the generous support of the Fred and Barbara Erb Family Foundation, the Shubert Foundation and the Meadow Brook Theatre Guild.

Meadow Brook Theatre is a professional theatre located on the campus of Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan. MBT is a nonprofit cultural institution serving southeast Michigan for 60 years