Reviewed by Judd Hollander
For those who have known nothing but despair for far too
long, the idea of one's survival takes on an almost fervent urgency. A reality
brought devastatingly home in Girl From the North Country, now at
The Public Theater. Writer Conor McPherson melding his text with the songs of
Bob Dylan to examine the deeply buried or long-forgotten passions of the
inhabitants of a Duluth , Minnesota
It’s November of 1934 and the boarding house in question is
run by Nick Laine (Stephen Bogardus), who lives there with his family. Nick,
who has no head for business, is barely two months away from losing the
building to a bank foreclosure. A fate to which Nick is now resigned. He doing
his best in the meantime to care for his wife, Elizabeth (Marie Winningham),
who has suffered what appears to be a mental breakdown. Nick is also
continually urging his ne’er-do-well son Gene (Colton Ryan) to find a steady
job; while trying to convince his daughter Marianne (Kimber Sprawl), pregnant
by someone long since vanished, to wed a much older man. Someone she does not
want or love. Said union however, would ensure a future for herself and her unborn
child. Nick's actions toward his children taking on an increasing air of
desperation as he tries to help them the only way he knows how.
Also part of this ever-growing tableau are the various
guests and long-term residents of the boarding house. Among them, Mrs. Neilsen
(Jeannette Bayardelle), a woman in love with Nick and currently awaiting a
long-expected cash windfall; Reverend Marlowe (David Pittu). a bible-selling
preacher; Joe Scott (Sydney James Harcourt), a former prize fighter recently
released from prison; and Mr. Burke (Marc Kudsich) a once-prosperous factory owner
who lost everything in the stock market crash of 1929. Burke now trying to stay
one step ahead of his creditors, with his long-suffering wife (Luba Mason) and
somewhat slow-minded son (Todd Almond) in tow.
Each of the characters are also carrying their own personal secrets,
and will do almost anything to keep them hidden. Though when some are pushed to
the breaking point, everyone around them becomes a potential sacrificial lamb
in order to ensure their own survival.
Despite their circumstances - or more accurately, because of
them - many of the characters also have a need to leave behind some kind of mark
to show they passed this way. Even if it’s only an attempt to bring truth
to the lies they tell themselves. Burke’s actions and statements when he tries
to convince Joe to let him become his manager being a perfect example of this.
Todd Almond (center) and the cast of Girl From The North Country. written and directed by Conor McPherson, with music and lyrics by Bob Dylan, running at the Public Theater. Photo Credit: Joan Marcus
It’s the show's seamless blending of text and music which
brilliantly brings the characters to life. Each of these fully-developed
individuals quickly becoming far more than just an object of pity. The effect
something akin to tapping directly into these people's psyches to reveal the
torment within. Many longing most of all for a place and time that no longer
exists. It may take a few minutes for the audience to become accustomed to this
particular type of narrative structure, but by the time the third such song is
introduced in this manner, one is able to easily move with the transition and
perception of one scene to another.
An excellent example of these conflicting emotions can be
seen in the character of Nick. Nick believing, after all he's seen and
experienced, that he's no longer capable of loving anyone. At one point he even
questions if he still has a soul. Yet it eventually becomes obvious that Nick
does care. As do they all. It's just that some of them have gone so far past
the point of redemption, there's nothing left but despair. Kudos to Bogardus in
making Nick come across as someone far more than just a simple loser.
In a particularly nice touch, Tom Nelis does an excellent
job as Mr. Perry, the owner of a shoe store, and Marianne’s would-be suitor. An
old man, he's clearly making a fool of himself, and knows it. Yet he's quite
willing to risk his pride and self-respect for the chance of a little
happiness. Other standouts include Winningham, for whom fantasy seems to
have become a refuge (her marriage to Nick having long since ended in all but
name); Ryan, who must face losing the girl he loves (Caitlin Houlahan); and
Pittu, who dreams of God and a perfect world, but who is forced to make his way
amidst the gullibility and failings of man.
(L-R) Caitlin Houlahan and Colton Ryan in "Girl From the North Country, written and directed by Conor McPherson, with music and lyrics by Bob Dylan, running at the Public Theater. Photo Credit: Joan Marcus
The score is exquisite, with poetry of Dylan's lyrics never
more evident. In many ways, it's as if one is hearing these songs for the
first time. The scenarios and accompanying music such a perfect fit, it feels
like they've always belonged together.
McPherson shows the same sure-handedness with his direction
that he does with his writing. The result being a smooth flowing presentation
with not a single bit of business feeling out of place, extraneous
or tacked on. Each character is also given their own chance to shine, so
to speak, as the story spins toward its conclusion.
Rae Smith’s set design is excellent. The pieces and
backdrops calling to mind the time and era depicted. Also quite good is the
on-stage orchestra. Several of the cast taking turns on one instrument or
another during the performance. A process which, unlike other shows that have
used this method, doesn't take a single thing away from the overall effect, but
rather, helps add to it.
Girl From the North Country (also
the title of a Dylan song) offers a heartbreaking look at those who have lost
what they care about the most, and who are desperately trying to begin again. If
such a time is truly possible. It's an experience which stays with you long
after you leave the theatre.
Featuring: Todd Almond (Elias Burke), Jeannette Bayardelle
(Mrs. Neilsen), Stephen Bogardus (Nick Laine), Sydney James Harcourt (Joe
Scott), Matthew Frederick Harris (Ensemble), Caitlin Houlahan (Kate Draper),
Robert Joy (Dr. Walker), Marc Kudisch (Mr. Burke), Luba Mason (Mrs. Burke), Tom
Nelis (Mr. Perry), David Pittu (Reverend Marlowe), Colton Ryan (Gene Laine),
Kimber Sprawl (Marianne Laine), Rachel Stern (Ensemble). Chelsea Lee Williams
(Ensemble), Mare Winningham (Elizabeth Laine).
Girl from the North Country
Music & Lyrics by Bob Dylan
Scenic & Costume Design: Rae Smith
Lighting Design: Mark Henderson
Sound Design: Simon Baker
Orchestrator, Arranger & Music Supervisor: Simon Hale
Additional Arrangements: Simon Hale, Conor McPherson
Movement Director: Lucy Hind
Fight Director: Unkledave's Fight-House
Music Coordinator: Dean Sharenow
Music Director: Marco Paguia
Production Stage Manager: Arthur Gaffin
Stage Manager: Jeff Brancato
Fight and Dance Captain: John Schiappa
Written and Directed by Conor McPherson
The Public Theater
Tickets: 212-967-7555 or www.publictheater.org
Running time Two Hours, 20 minutes one intermission
Closes: December
23, 2018
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