Review: Grand Prairie Arts Council's Bonnie and Clyde: The Musical will have you coming back for more!

 

Robert Mata as "Clyde," Brooke Matthews as "Bonnie," photo credit: Mallory Roelke

Bonnie and Clyde: The Musical

Book by Ivan Menchell

Music by Frank Wildhorn

Lyrics by Don Black

Directed by Jacob Rivera-Sanchez

Audience Rating: PG-13

Running Time: 2 hours with a 15 minute intermission

Accessible Seating: Available

Hearing Devices: Not Available

Sensory Friendly Showing: Not Available

ASL Showing: Not Available

Sound Level: Comfortable, may be loud at times for some patrons.

Noises and Visuals to Prepare For: violence, intimacy, gunshots, blood soaked clothing, depictions of being shot, strong language, sexual references, sexual harassment and several mature themes.

Reviewed by Natalie Shaw

17 ‘“Anyone who takes the life of a human being is to be put to death. 18 Anyone who takes the life of someone’s animal must make restitution – life for life. 19 Anyone who injures their neighbour is to be injured in the same manner: 20 fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth. The one who has inflicted the injury must suffer the same injury. 21 Whoever kills an animal must make restitution, but whoever kills a human being is to be put to death. 22 You are to have the same law for the foreigner and the native-born. I am the Lord your God.”  

--Leviticus 24:17-22

I'll never forget the first time I saw the image of the real Bonnie and Clyde after they'd been caught. There were so many bullets in them, it was difficult to know for certain if they'd caught the right couple. The image, to this day, is burned in my mind, smoldering with floating smoke, much like that which arose from their young bodies on that fateful morning on May 23, 1934. It's not a happy one. Surely, the citizens of 1930s Dallas hung heavily on the verses above, in effort of making right their retribution. But, if you know much about the Bible, you know that Leviticus is found in the old testament, geared specifically to the Israelites and how they were meant to live among themselves. The New Testament brings a different approach, guiding us on how we are meant to live among ourselves, today. Here's one from Romans, directly from the mouth of Jesus, in response to the passage above:

19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.

--Romans 12:19

There's no doubt in my mind that Bonnie and Clyde were driven by the hard times of the 1930s to commit their crimes, but that doesn't excuse their actions. There's also not doubt in my mind that law officials in Texas were driven by the same hard times, and struggling to uphold the law. Bonnie and Clyde were making fools of them, flaunting their crimes in their faces and laughing at them! How did they react? They retaliated with an overabundance of gunfire. Which, wasn't right. Yes, they were criminals. Yes, they were murderers. Yes, they were extremely dangerous. But, 17 bullets were found in Clyde's body and 26 were found in Bonnie's; over 150 bullets were fired, total, in less than 25 seconds. It's safe to say that law officials emptied their automatic rifles before they ceased fire. Was this justice, or was this revenge? Bonnie and Clyde: The Musical challenges these questions and our pre-conceived ideas about the couple and the motivations behind their choices. 

Director Jacob Rivera-Sanchez and the creative team of Grand Prairie Arts Council embrace the sympathetic side of the story, particularly in respects to Bonnie Parker, played firstly by Amrynn Wood as Young Bonnie, and secondly by Brooke Matthews as the mature Bonnie. Young Clyde Barrow is portrayed by Reece Turley, while Robert Mata does most of the heavy lifting as the elder Clyde. Only a few short scenes into Act 1, we learn of Clyde's fascination with the infamous "Billy the Kid" and the desire to supersede his idol. From a young age, Clyde has been pegged as a ne'er-do-well, and continues to live up to that potential. Bonnie finds herself infatuated by his bad-boy image, and falls head-over heels in-love, visiting him every day in prison, and ultimately helping him escape. Rivera-Sanchez utilizes a juxtaposition among the characters, particularly in the areas of young and old, in which he brings Young Clyde and Young Bonnie back onstage dramatically displaying moments of reflection and the heartbreak that leads to their demise. From his lens, we are able to see this tragedy play out in a different light. Matthews and Mata flawlessly capture the gripping passion between the couple, from the moment they meet, showcasing a feverish romance that quickly consumes like wild fire. 

Clyde's brother Buck (Ben Meaders) has had better luck on the straight and narrow path, thanks to his wife, Blanche (Caitlin Martelle,) but he can't help but envy his brother for making a name for himself. Meaders has crafted a tender-hearted Buck who chases the excitement and luster of a criminal's life, but ultimately wants to protect his family and do what's right, despite his poor judgement. Martelle's Blanche, likewise, wants to support her husband, taking a more wholesome approach by way of example. Martelle's main focus may very well be the saving of his soul through redemption in Christ, as Blanche is very intent on taking him to church, where he can be under the better influence of their Preacher (AJ Martinez.) Martinez takes us all to church with an eccentric Preacher who is so elated by the Holy Spirit, you'll be itching to sing, shout and dance along with the ensemble choir!  

The production boasts a remarkably strong ensemble with excellent vocals, dance coordination, and live music, thanks to the combined efforts of Rivera-Sanchez, Musical Director Kristin Spires, Choreographer Brianna Seanor. Principal actors Brooke Matthews, Robert Mata, Ben Meaders and Caitlin Martelle deliver outstanding vocals, heartfelt characterization and driven passion for their perspective roles, making this among the best productions in DFW this Fall season! Fight/Firearms Coordinator Carlo J. Aceytuno and Intimacy Coordinator/Asst. Fight Director Jorilyn Tasker have taken this show to the next level, making it all the more realistic and exhilarating. Extra flare is added by Scenic/Lighting Designers Joseph Laws and Preston Vickers and Sound Designer Ryan Brazil. Mallory Roelke provides incredible Projection Designs, carried out by Project Tech Randy Gamez. And costumes appropriate to the time period are provided by Abigail Hunt. 

Grand Prairie Arts Council's Bonnie and Clyde: The Musical is one to see again and again! With only one more weekend to perform, don't miss your chance to see it now, through Sept 22! Tickets can be purchased at artsgp.org. 

Y'all Enjoy,

Natalie 

Cast photos are generously provided by Kris Ikejiri.  

Love at First Sight: Brooke Matthews as "Bonnie" and Robert Mata as "Clyde"

AJ Martinez as "Preacher" takes us to church!

Go Back to Prison?! (Left to Right) Robert Mata as "Clyde," Ben Meaders as "Buck" and Caitlin Martelle as "Blanche."

Let's Ride! Brooke Matthews as "Bonnie" and Robert Mata as "Clyde"

Looking to take your Acting skills to the next level? Train like the professionals in the Master Class: Acting for Adults, taught by Dallas Theatre Journal's Founder, Natalie Shaw at Upright Theatre Co. in Euless! Classes run Oct 5- Nov 2, Saturdays from 2pm-4pm and are appropriate for actors on any level: beginning, intermediate or advanced.