Pioneer Theatre Company‘s musical production of Bonnie & Clyde is a tour de force of narrative and performance. It is a thought-provoking commentary on the American Dream, grappling with themes of poverty, disillusionment, and the allure of fame. Bonnie & Clyde offers a poignant reflection on the societal forces that shaped the lives of its protagonists through poignant ballads and rousing anthems. The electrifying performances, dynamic staging, and hauntingly beautiful design will captivate you from start to finish.
The musical, with music by Frank Wildhorn, lyrics by Don Black, and book by Ivan Menchell, opens with the hopes and dreams of a young Bonnie and Clyde, seeking fame and fortune as they escape poverty and obscurity. The show takes you deep into the tumultuous lives of Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow, exploring their love, crimes, and inevitable tragedy. Bonnie & Clyde is a fable of their love story.
Under the direction of Gerry McIntyre (Director/Choreographer), the talented cast brings these complex characters to life with intensity and authenticity. McIntyre’s vision for the production is brilliant, his staging evocative and storytelling arresting. Even though the ending for Bonnie and Clyde is well-known in popular culture, McIntyre keeps the audience riveted to the characters and the unfolding of their history remarkably fresh and alive. Every scene thrums with pulsating tension. McIntyre ratchets up the theatrical engines with every pivotal moment. Tom Griffin (Musical Director/Conductor) elevates the presentation with crisp, clear direction and flowing musicality.
Alanna Saunders (Bonnie Parker) and Michael William Nigro (Clyde Barrow) deliver stellar performances, exuding charisma and chemistry that will leave you breathless. Their vocals are equally impressive, conveying the passion and pain of their characters through each musical number. Their younger incarnations, Penny Hodson (Young Bonnie) and Daniel Michael Sorokine (Young Clyde), achieve similar status with their scenes, giving us immediate empathy for the story’s protagonists.
The supporting cast also shines, with standout performances from Dan DeLuca (Buck Barrow) and Gina Milo (Blanche Barrow). Their characters add depth and nuance to the story, highlighting the collateral damage of Bonnie and Clyde’s criminal escapades. The leads’ rippling effect intensifies when we see the pronounced suffering of their parents, April Armstrong (Emma Parker), Mary Fanning Driggs (Cumie Barrow), and Daniel Simons (Henry Barrow/Frank Hamer). The parents provide compelling pathos that tugs at your heartstrings, stirring your emotions. The rest of the supporting cast and ensemble are also exceptional, with enormous talent and extraordinary performances.
The featured role in the show is Ben Jacoby (Ted Hinton). Jacoby is a robust performer; his kindness and love exude in words uttered and every note sung. He is the shining example of someone trying to do the right thing, and Jacoby performs this role with gravitas and deep compassion.
The production’s set design transports the viewers to the dusty roads of Depression-era America, while the lighting and sound design enhance the mood and atmosphere of each scene. Bryce Cutler (Scenic Designer) and José Santiago (Lighting Designer) have created something magical on stage. With corrugated facades, footlights, and theater marquees, Cutle and Santiago assemble a world reminiscent of the rural 1930s and the glamor of the movies back then. Aaron Hubbard (Sound Designer) provides a lively soundscape that keeps us rooted in the world and time. With their meticulous attention to detail, exquisite craftsmanship, and seamless integration into the storytelling, the designers elevate the entire production to new heights of artistic excellence.
K.L. Albert’s costume design, meticulously crafted with period-appropriate fabrics, silhouettes, and embellishments, not only captures the era’s essence but also brings to life the distinct social milieu and economic backdrop of the time. Complementing the stunning costumes is Tami Lee Thompson’s exceptional hair and makeup design, which enriches the actors’ features and adds an extra layer of authenticity to their characters. In a mesmerizing display of artistry and historical accuracy, the 1930s-era costume and hair/makeup design leaves audiences enraptured and transported to a bygone era.
When looked at through a deeper focus, Bonnie & Clyde is a story about the here and now. With our society’s fascination with crime and murder (the sheer number of streaming documentaries and television shows around this subject is astounding) and our insatiable desire “to be seen” through mediums like social media, the Bonnie & Clyde tale is reflective of our modern culture, despite it being a 90-year-old story. All this makes the musical timely and necessary. Its compelling narrative, powerhouse vocals, and top-notch production values make Bonnie & Clyde a must-see for theatre enthusiasts and history buffs.
Pioneer Theatre Company presents Bonnie & Clyde; Book by Ivan Menchell | Lyrics by Don Black | Music by Frank Wildhorn
Simmons Pioneer Memorial Theatre, 300 S 1400 E, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112
Dates: February 23-March 9, 2024
Monday – Thursday, 7:00 PM, Friday and Saturday, 7:30 PM, Saturday, 2:00 PM
Tickets: $55 – $79 in advance; $5 more when purchased on day of show
Students K – 12 or ages 5-18 are half-price Monday – Thursday
Box Office: 801-581-6961
Open 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Monday – Friday
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LOGE GALLERY
During the run of Bonnie & Clyde, Pioneer Theatre Company will present “Artists Breaking Out” in the Loge Gallery. The exhibit is a co-presentation with Art at the Main, a co-operative art gallery located at the main branch of The City Library showcasing the work of some of Utah’s best local artists. Artists represented in the exhibition include Adrian Bangerter, Terrace Beasley, Caryn Feeney, Cary Griffiths, Jeff Myers, Roxane Pfister, Mary Pusey, Jim Woodward, among others. Selected works will be available for purchase through the PTC Box Office.
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