USU Theatre brings history to life in a Broadway musical

BY: Kristen Steiner

Tonight, at the Caine Lyric Theatre in Logan, Utah at 7:30, Utah State University Theatre presents the ever so stirring, adventure filled and love-centered musical, “Bonnie and Clyde.”

The musical follows the lives of the young, infamous couple from The Great Depression Era as their reckless behavior leads them to a life of robbery and murder in order to survive as their inevitable fate draws near.

The USU cast has been deep in preparations since rehearsals started a few months ago.

“We’ve had three hour rehearsals six days a week for quite a while,” said Jared Campbell, a USU student who is playing Clyde Barrow’s father, Henry. “We had a shorter rehearsal period as compared to other shows, but I think it’s come together.”

The musical differs from other musicals due to its storyline and non-traditional score, which combines blues, gospel and rock music.

“I’ve had to develop a new style of singing that’s a bit different from anything I’ve ever done before,” said Katie Francis, the USU student playing the leading female role of Bonnie Parker.

“I was classically trained and this show calls for a strong mixed belt sound,” she said.

Before rehearsals started, those involved in the production were heavily involved in historical research to try and understand the roles they would be playing.

“Since these were real people and the events that took place really happened,” said Becka Frost, an ensemble member in the musical, “it’s important to have an understanding of what was going on during that era.”

“Our first several rehearsals were just spent sitting at a table, talking, discussing their personalities, circumstances, the motivation behind their choices, etc.,” Francis said. “It was important for us to have that solid factual background before we could dive in and recreate the lives of these real life people.”

“Bonnie and Clyde” debuted on Broadway in December 2011 starring Laura Osnes as Bonnie Parker and Jeremy Jordan as Clyde Barrow. The musical is based off the book written by Ivan Menchell with music by Frank Wildhorn and lyrics by Don Black.

Opening night always brings an air of excitement which Francis, Frost, Campbell and Amber Larsen, one of the assistant stage managers, are all feeling today.

"I am really excited for the energy that is going to be there tonight,” Francis said. “You have to keep it real and believable, but let’s be honest. We do all of this so that eventually, people can be in those seats and experiencing this journey with us.”

According to cast and crew members, everything is on schedule for this evenings opening, however, with live theatre, it is inevitable that something will go wrong, but they are ready for whatever comes their way, Larsen said.

“I’ve had some super great collaborators on the stage, a great management team and backstage crew,” Larsen said.

“I am excited for people to come,” Campbell said, “just be prepared for some really loud guns.”

“Bonnie and Clyde” opens this evening and will continue through April 18, with a matinee at 2 p.m. on Saturday. Tickets for adults are $18, $15 for youth and seniors, $10 for USU faculty and staff, and free for USU students with their ID card.