Unique production runs through March 10, 2024
By Barb Pert Templeton
Having the lives of two notorious outlaws who robbed banks portrayed on stage amid songs and dancing may seem odd but that’s not the case with this production.
“It is a dramatic musical of a magnetic love affair, the struggles of the Great Depression, a common lust for fame, a life of crime and a tragic demise,” Director Stephanie Graham said about the upcoming stage production of the life story of Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow.
The play, “Bonnie & Clyde” will open at the Riverbank Theatre in Marine City on Saturday, Feb. 3 and run through Sunday, March 10. Tickets are $38 each and can be purchased online at thumbcoasttheatres.com.
A cast of 19 will bring the story to life along with some 35 songs including many musical transitions throughout the two-hour and 15-minute show.
Graham, who’s from Richmond, is making her directorial debut with “Bonnie & Clyde” and Blue Water Healthy Living caught up with her to pose some questions about the upcoming show.
Blue Water Healthy Living: Do you think fans of the traditional story of Bonnie & Clyde will enjoy this musical adaption?
Matthew Drinker, a New York based actor, will take on the role of Clyde while Mirabella Ziegler, a local actress, will play the role of Bonnie.
Graham: Absolutely. I think the musical offers a thrilling version of the story which allows you to see Bonnie & Clyde’s lives from another perspective, Matthew and Mirabella perfectly showcase Bonnie & Clyde’s charismatic but complicated personalities. They are the perfect dynamic duo to play these larger-than-life historical figures.
BWHL: Where did you hear about “Bonnie & Clyde” as a musical?
Graham: The show debuted on Broadway in 2011. I first came across the soundtrack on Spotify and it quickly became my driving music to and from Ohio for college.
BWHL: Seems different just because the original film is pretty dark with lots of killings – what’s the approach for this production – is it light because of the music, more a comedy or?
Graham: Many people have been wondering how the concept of Bonnie and Clyde can be turned into a musical, but it is a thrilling story. There are many comedic moments along the way, but as most people know, Bonnie and Clyde do get ambushed in the end.
The cast for the production includes 19 actors and the musical score features 35 songs.
BWHL: How many songs are there throughout the show?
Graham: The story is told mostly through song. The score features 35 songs if you count all of the musical transitions. Our band is pretty consistently playing throughout the 2-and-a-half-hour performance. The cool thing about this musical is the variety of musical genres included: gospel, rock, blues, and bluegrass. The band consists of Steven Summers on piano; Jimmy DeHeno on guitar, steel guitar, and banjo; Brian Mark on bass; and Jim Fouchia on drums.
BWHL: Is it the same basic tale of Bonnie and Clyde as outlaws or a different approach?
Graham: The musical doesn’t beat around the bush. They are definitely still portrayed as outlaws, but the show gives us insight on their characters from a young age. You first meet Young Bonnie and Young Clyde played by Luciana Meldrum and Angelo Taravella and know that from their childhoods they were kids who dreamed of fame and more adventure than their little towns and simple lives could offer.
BWHL: Can you share a bit of information about the two actors who will play Bonnie & Clyde?
Graham: Yes. Here are their bios so you can see what else they have been up to recently, including training and past credits.
Matthew Drinkwater (Clyde) is a New York based actor and singer. His past regional credits include Spring Awakening (Melchior), West Side Story (Tony), Nine (Guido), Titanic (Barrett). He also performs regularly at 54 Below and Birdland in New York City. Matthew can be seen on the upcoming season of I Can See Your Voice on Fox.
Mirabella Zeigler’s (Bonnie) favorite credits include Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella (Ella) and Grease (Patty/Sandy u/s). Mirabella has spent the last two years studying Musical Theatre at Siena Heights University, and plans on transferring to Oakland University Fall 2024.
BWHL: What do you think people will enjoy most about this production?
Stephanie Graham is making her directorial debut with the production of Bonnie & Clyde with Thumbcoast Live Theaters.
Graham: The cast does a fabulous job of bringing energy to the fast-paced storytelling of this show. The transitions are seamless and while the set is simple, the action is constantly moving from place to place. You get to see the story from many angles, from Bonnie and Clyde’s perspectives obviously, but also from their parent’s point of view as they warn them against following down this dangerous path, to the governor and law enforcement agencies trying to track them down.
BWHL: What has been the most challenging thing for you from a directing standpoint?
Graham: Most of my work has been children’s shows – it has been a blast working on my favorite musical which happens to be all things opposite of what I typically work on but it has also been a fun challenge modifying my directing strategies to working with adults.
BWHL: Can you share some information about your background and what led you to the director’s chair?
Graham: I am originally from Richmond and grew up doing music and theater through Richmond Community Theatre, The AUD Regional Youth Complex, and Richmond Community Schools. During high school, I began directing musical youth shows at The AUD – through this, I found my love for being on the production side of things. I went to Capital University in Columbus, Ohio where I got my bachelor of arts. Since graduating, I have performed on stage, taught music for school, taught private voice lessons, and directed youth productions. Earlier this year I joined the Thumbcoast Theatre staff as the Education Director and have had the honor of leading classes, directing, music directing, and producing our Youth4Youth show and Summer Camp.
