Paramount Productions Brings Musical Story of Bonnie & Clyde to the Stage June 27-29
At the height of the Great Depression, Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow went from being two small-town nobodies in West Texas to creating one of America’s most renowned and reviled folk legends. They also became one of the Texas law enforcement’s worst nightmares. Fearless, shameless and alluring, their electrifying story of love, adventure and crime captured the excited attention of an entire country.
Fast forward 70 years from the date of their violent capture and subsequent deaths to the year 2014, as Paramount Productions continues detailed preparations to present a new Broadway musical based on their riveting story. The dynamic and daring new musical takes the landmark Paramount stage June 27-29.
Bonnie & Clyde (the musical) premiered on Broadway in December 2011, where it was nominated for five Drama Desk Awards and two Tony Awards. The show’s widely popular score features music by Frank Wildhorn, the dynamic composer whose previous work for Jekyll & Hyde launched him to instant fame in the music theatre world.
Paramount Artistic Director Barry Smoot has been tapped to direct the non-traditional musical’s Abilene presentation. The show is a step outside of the box for the theatre, giving them the opportunity to present the regional premiere of a new theatrical work with a non-traditional score and a compelling, dramatic storyline. It is a unique undertaking for the production company, whose annual summer musical presentations have been an Abilene tradition since 1993.
“The show is actually more of a play with music,” Smoot said. “The book by Ivan Menchel is truly cinematic and very earthy. It follows the infamous couple from their childhood through the days of their violent adulthood, and exposes the complicated back story of the relationship that never really came to the forefront until after their deaths.”
The show’s Tony-nominated score — a rich blend of American musical styles including country, folk, rockabilly, and gospel — energizes their romantic and dramatic journey. Composer Wildhorn’s eclectic work gives the story a simple and genuine edge.
The show’s anthem, “This World Will Remember Us,” echoes the cautionary tale that is at the heart of the story.
“Fame at any price is hollow,” Smoot said. “Infamy is the shallowest path of all. What is most compelling about this show is that it touches on the idea that love is at once both overwhelming and empowering, and that we make both good and bad choices in its pursuit.”
The show’s orchestra will be located onstage with the performers and often integrated into the telling of the story. Clint Morgan will conduct the 10-piece band, which features keyboards, fiddle, mandolin, guitars and steel pedal guitar. Marc Sanders, who will also be featured on keyboards, will provide music supervision.
Bonnie & Clyde (the musical) is the collaborative project of a local professional production team assembled by the Paramount Theatre, which also includes producer Betty Hukill, scenic designer Charlie Hukill, music director Paige Sproles, and costume designer Richard Transki. Smoot will also serve as the productions’ lighting designer.
Tickets are on sale at http://paramount-abilene.thundertix.com.
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