Bank Robberies, Shootouts & Jailbreaks — ‘Bonnie & Clyde: The Musical’ Opens At Bay Street

As the house lights dim, and gunshots echo throughout the theater… the deaths of Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow mark the beginning of this tale of two young outlaws. 

“Bonnie & Clyde, The Musical,” book written by Ivan Menchell and music by Frank Wildhorn with lyrics by Don Black, is set in Texas during the Great Depression, a time when many families faced significant hardship. For Clyde and his brother Buck, bank robbery appeared to offer a solution to their financial struggles — until they got caught. Following their escape from prison, Clyde meets Bonnie, a small-town waitress with aspirations of becoming a Hollywood star. While Bonnie dreams of fame, Clyde has different ambitions, fully aware of his fate. As the legend goes, Bonnie and Clyde became two of the most infamous outlaws in American history, traveling through the heartland and killing up to 14 individuals while attracting widespread attention to their exploits.

Directed by Bay Street Theatre’s Scott Schwartz, “Bonnie & Clyde: The Musical” presents the story as a musical exploration of themes such as love, desperation, and aspirations related to the American dream and the struggle to obtain it during hard times. Sound familiar? It’s hard to believe that these two notorious folk heroes, Bonnie (Lyda Jade Harlan and played by understudy, Mackenzie Germain on opening night), were only 19 years old, and Clyde (Charlie Webb), 21, when they met. The musical incorporates elements reminiscent of the “Romeo & Juliet” narrative with a darker perspective.

The audience, never more than a few rows from the action, feels the heat between the main characters and the danger of their chosen path. The director’s choice to keep the ensemble often in the shadows, lurking at the edges like a Greek chorus, adds to the narrative. He also utilizes all the aisles within the theater to increase unpredictability. You never know which way they are coming. 

The set, masterfully designed by Anna Louizos, utilizes large sliding panels to represent metal bars in a prison. Set changes were efficiently managed by the ensemble themselves. The use of a large convertible box on wheels serving as the car, bed, and soap box was extremely practical and functional.

This Bay Street production emphasizes the music, displaying the ensemble’s highly skilled vocal performances, the accomplished musicians in the band, and the catchy songs — all of which deserve recognition. The diverse musical genres, span the bluesy jazz influences of the 1930s and 40s in Bonnie’s sultry rendition of “How ‘Bout A Dance,” the inspirational gospel piece “God’s Arms Are Always Open” performed by Preacher and company, and the energetic rock/country numbers: “Raise a Little Hell,” “Too Late to Turn Back Now,” and “When I Drive,” each reflect Clyde’s rebellious character.

Another notable mention, Blanche Barrow (Ashley Alexandra) delivered several show-stopping performances, impressing audiences with her exceptional vocals in “That’s What You Call a Dream” and with remarkable harmonies alongside Bonnie in “You Love Who You Love.” 

If you’re like many who still have visions of Warren Beatty & Faye Dunaway riddled with bullets in their getaway car on a dirt highway in the 1967 film version of this tragic drama, forget the nightmare and come and enjoy a night of thrilling music and singing, filled with fast-paced action, and a glimpse into the souls of America’s most infamous lovers at Bay Street Theatre’s production of “Bonnie and Clyde: The Musical” until August 24. 

Opening night was Saturday, August 2. The celebratory evening drew a vibrant crowd of supporters, music lovers, and special guests.

Among those in attendance were Bay Street Board of Trustees Co-chairs Lynn Mestel and Steve Todrys and members David Fink, John Frawley, Wendy Hashmall, Keith Green, Myra Hackel, Loretta Kaufman, Stewart Lane, Riki Kane Larimer, Leslie Mayer, Flora Schnall, Eric Segal, and Jennifer Bartley. Some other notable attendees were fashion model and entrepreneur Christie Brinkley, designer Donna Karan, Broadway director Walter Bobbie, “Bonnie and Clyde” playwright Ivan Menchel, and former Bay Street board members Patty Baker and Adrianne Cohen.

Visit baystreet.org for tickets and information.