Berkshire on Stage

Maggie, a new musical, has its American Premiere at Goodspeed Musicals this fall season. It’s a panoramic tale of a mother and her sons in industrial Scotland from the 1950s through the 1970’s. Christine Dwyer plays Maggie, and composers Johnny Reid, Matt Murray and Bob Foster. And lyricists Reid and Murray have given her a string of power ballads encased in a character that is complex and stunning as some of the other great leading ladies of Broadway. As Maggie interacts with her sons (good and bad), Dwyer has found the nuance and the strength to turn this leading role into a powerhouse.

The tale of mothers and sons is universal, and the scenario of Maggie could have been easily set in any locale from Pittsburgh to Paris. The people toil and getting ahead seems impossible. The tempers flare, but these characters are made of grit and hard work. We see Maggie’s life in the post-war era, where people are struggling, through the 60s, where a “brain drain” has young men and women seeking better lives in America and Canada. By the show’s end, the oil boom has offered hope and promise to the community. 

Set against Beowulf Borrit’s stonewall set, with exceptional lighting by Japhy Weideman, Mary Francis Moore stages the action with precision. The play is mostly sung-through, and Adam Souza’s music direction punctuates the effective score. A couple of the songs, the first act finale, “Confession” for Dwyer, and the second act ensemble opener, “Livin It Up” are stand-outs. The latter showcases EJ Boyle’s choreography, although Boyle’s movement designs turn some of the laundry room scenes into some very watchable moments. ”Jay Hilton’s sound design is well-balanced, and I really liked Emily Rebholz’s costumes. 

The ensemble are all terrific, but Dwyer’s performance in the title role is truly a stand-out. 

Over its 60+ seasons, Goodspeed Musicals has been known for producing new musicals. Its New Musical Festivals, showcases up-and-coming efforts. Its Terris Theatre programming is completely devoted to new works. And, its Mainstage season has featured many new musicals. Man of La Mancha, Shenandoah, Annie, and Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn are just a small sample  of Goodspeed musicals that have moved to Broadway. We need this continued commitment to new musicals, and kudos to Goodspeed for its efforts. Maggie may have a bigger future than East Haddam.

Maggie  runs at Goodspeed through October 20. For details: www.goodspeed.org. 

Goodspeed Musicals presents Maggie. Book and lyrics by Johnny Reid and Matt Murray. Music by Johnny Reid, Matt Murray and Bob Foster. Directed by Mary Frances Moore. Music direction by Adam Souza. Choreography by EJ Boyle. Scenic design by Beowulf Boritt. Costume design by Emily Rebholz Lighting design by Japhy Weideman.  Through October 20. Goodspeed Musicals, East Haddaqm, CT. www.goodspeed.org

Mark G. Auerbach studied theatre at American University and The Yale School of Drama. He has worked for arts organizations nationwide, and reported on the arts for print and broadcast. Mark produces and hosts ArtsBeat, Athenaeum Spotlight and On The Mark for WCPC15 and 89.5fm/WSKB. He’s a regular contributor to Pioneer Valley Radio and a member of the Berkshire Theatre Critics Association.