by Dan Mayer
America’s fascination with brutal murder and true crime stories is not a recent phenomena, and the media circus surrounding Lizzie Borden in the late 19th century is prime evidence of that. Lizzie: the Musical explores the human drama behind the salacious headlines with wit and irreverence, and Steamer No. 10 Theatre‘s production is a grisly good time.
The story revolves around the relationships between sisters Lizzie and Emma Borden (Regan Zlotnick and Megan Morse respectively), their family’s maid Bridget (Kelly Sienkiewicz), and their neighbor Alice (Emily Jenkins). They all feel trapped by their circumstances to some degree, but none more than Lizzie, who warns that something terrible is about to happen. The story that follows has some surprises in store, even if audiences may be familiar with the events that inspired it (more on that later).
The cast is terrific all-around, both in terms of their acting and singing talent. Sienkiewicz has a delightfully sarcastic sneer that comes through in her songs. Zlotnick brings a lot of tenderness to her character, and the private moments between her and Jenkins are very touching. There’s also a great dynamic energy between Zlotnick and Morse as sisters, whether they’re expressing something personal as in “Sweet Little Sister”, or butting heads like in “What the F#%k Now, Lizzie?”
The songs have an interesting progression throughout the show, slowly evolving from period drama to rock opera, and the costume design by Sienkiewicz follows that evolution. It’s a bizarre journey to go on, but an enjoyable one.
The production design is great all-around. Walking into the theater, observant audience members will spot numerous little pigeons hiding all around, which Lizzie was known to love. The stage is lined with metal bars, and the pit musicians sit behind similar bars, presenting the house of Borden like a prison. The absent Mr. and Mrs. Borden loom over proceedings in portraits on the back wall, and the excellent lighting design by Laura Darling draws our attention to them at crucial moments, such as during their untimely deaths.
Lizzie invites comparisons to Chicago, a similarly fun musical inspired by the true events surrounding a couple of grisly murders. The difference is, the characters in Chicago are fictional, loosely based on real people but not using their real names. By using the real names of the Borden family and other people related to the case, the writing team behind Lizzie (Steven Cheslik-DeMeyer, Tim Maner, and Alan Stevens Hewitt) are fabricating a story about real people. Granted, these are people who have been dead for over a century and have no direct living descendants to take offense, but there is still something slightly questionable about weaving this tale about real people who aren’t around to defend themselves. This story is simply one possible version of events, and needs to be taken as such.
Ethical considerations aside, Lizzie: the Musical is a lot of fun, and the show makes for a nice little extension to the Halloween season. Fans of macabre musicals will definitely enjoy this whole bloody affair.
Steamer No. 10 Theatre presents Lizzie: the Musical, by Steven Cheslik-DeMeyer, Tim Maner, and Alan Stevens Hewitt, directed by Kelly Sienkiewicz, runs from November 6th – 15th, at Steamer No. 10 Theatre, 500 Western Avenue in Albany, NY.
Music by Steven Cheslik-DeMeyer and Alan Stevens Hewitt. Lyrics by Steven Cheslik-DeMeyer and Tim Maner. Book by Tim Maner. Additional Music by Tim Maner. Additional Lyrics by Alan Stevens Hewitt. Based on an original concept by Steven Cheslik-DeMeyer and Tim Maner. Orchestrations by Alan Stevens Hewitt.
Cast: Megan Morse as Emma, Kelly Sienkiewicz as Bridget, Emily Jenkins as Alice, Regan Zlotnick as Lizzie, and Mel Magri as Swing.
Director and Choreographer: Kelly Sienkiewicz. Assistant Director and Stage Manager: Mel Magri. Music Director: Jess Fitzsisti. Sound Designer and Operator: Tom Moeller. Lighting Designer: Laura Darling. Costume Designer: Kelly Sienkiewicz, Hair by Laura Graver & Jennie Canale. Graphic Design: Kyle West. Axe made by Jack Schaefer. Show Photographer: Andrew Elder, Best Frame Forward.
Pit Musicians: Keyboard, Jess Fitzsisti. Guitar, Jefferson Wakefield. Bass, Dave Tuttle. Cello, Kindle Young. Percussion, Ben Martin. Bass Sub 11/14, Gabe Gallagher.
Performance dates are Friday – Sunday, Nov. 6 – 15. Friday and Saturday curtains are at 7:00 pm, and Sundays are matinees only at 3:00 pm. Tickets are $30, or $25 for students and seniors. Runs approximately 90 minutes with a 15 minute intermission. Tickets are available online. Visit https://steamer10theatre.org/ for more information.