Review - Girl From The North Country: a wonderful tribute to Bob Dylan’s timeless music
By Liv Wilson
Girl From The North Country’
Written & Directed by Conor McPherson
Music & Lyrics by Bob Dylan
Rae Smith Scenic & Costume Design
Corey McMahon Resident Director
Lyric Theatre
QPAC
Season runs until September 18. Bookings: https://www.qpac.com.au/event/girl_from_north_country_22/
Girl From The North Country is a captivating story of American life in 1934 Minnesota. A group of wanderers cross paths at a guesthouse. Standing at a turning point in their lives, they realise nothing is what it seems, but as they search for a future, and hide from the past, they find themselves facing unspoken truths about the present.
Girl From The North Country is a beautifully crafted musical showcasing 20 timeless anthems from the legendary Bob Dylan. Dylan’s music set against the 1934 backdrop of working class America is really a match made in heaven.
Cast all expectations aside when going into this show, it’s far from a traditional musical and that’s precisely what makes it remarkable. I suppose the idea of a “jukebox musical” may come to mind when you hear that a Bob Dylan musical has landed in Brisbane but rest assured it’s not comparable.
The beauty of this show is that it leans into the tragic narrative of so many of the great American plays written by Tennessee Williams, Eugene O’Neill and Sam Sheppard. There is no emphasis on a ‘happy ending’; there are often unresolved storylines with deep heartache for the characters and Girl From The North Country fits somewhere in that realm.
The set decoration, props and costumes were perfectly executed and helped to transport the audience to the 30’s instantly. The vintage free standing microphones used throughout the performance were a great touch. The set dressing, lighting and costumes all captured the bleak, post Great Depression/pre-World War 2 struggle.
Award winning stage and screen legend, Lisa McCune was captivating in her role. McCune exceeded my expectations in her portrayal of the brash, unfiltered Elizabeth Laine. Vocally, McCune is out of this world, Like A Rolling Stone and Is Your Love In Vain? were two especially moving performances that showcased her masterful acting abilities.
Chemon Theys as Marriane Laine and Elijah Williams as Joe Scott were responsible for two of the most profound and well-rounded performances I’ve seen in a long time. The soulful tone to their vocals and the deep emotion that underpinned every acting choice was fantastic. The reinvented mashup of Hurricane, All Along The Watchtower and Idiot Wind was a personal favourite and one that showcased Williams vocals and natural charisma.
Christine O’Neill had a number of show-stopping moments that showcased her powerful and emotional vocals. O’Neill held the audience in the palm of her hand during all of her solo moments. I would see anything Christine is featured in, she is really that good.
Peter Krowitz as Nick Laine was perfectly cast and played his role in the musical well. The comedic timing and characterization was flawless, especially when interacting with McCune.
The onstage band of 4 was fabulous, the lighting design had them slightly hidden from plain sight and the resulting silhouette was beautiful. Musical director, Andrew Ross clearly worked tightly with the 4 musicians to bring the iconic music to life.
The entire cast were amazing, ensemble performers were active in nearly every scene and the movement and energy the full cast brought to the stage was breathtaking. I highly recommend seeing this while it’s in Brisbane, a wonderful tribute to Bob Dylan’s timeless music.
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