With Bonnie & Clyde finding a new lease of life in the UK, my excitement at the announcement of the proshot of its Theatre Royal Drury Lane concert that started it all was through the roof. I’ve already reviewed the UK tour if you’d like to read my thoughts on the show in general, so this one is going to focus more on the decisions made in this specific proshot. Starring Broadway heavyweight Jeremy Jordan reprising the role he originated in the original production’s short-lived 2011 run and West End star Frances Mayli McCann as Bonnie, how does this proshot make sure this world will remember it?
I was gifted a press screener of this recording in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Bonnie and Clyde The Musical: Filmed Live
Cast
- Bonnie Parker: Frances Mayli McCann
- Clyde Barrow: Jeremy Jordan
- Marvin ‘Buck’ Barrow: George Maguire
- Blanche Barrow: Natalie McQueen
- Ted: Liam Tamne
- Preacher: Trevor Dion Nicholas
- Emma Parker: Julie Yammanee
- Sherriff/General Schmid: Jeremy Secomb
- Gillian Bevan: Cummie Barrow
Rating: ★★★★
What are my thoughts on Bonnie and Clyde The Musical: Filmed Live?
It’s no secret that the Bonnie and Clyde one-night (okay two) only concert kickstarted the musical concerts trend that we’re seeing producers still take inspiration from two years later, but I think what makes this proshot great is it reminds you of why it did. It’s the ideal hybrid of a stage show and a concert: Actors appear in costume, there are props across the stage, projections backdrop the action and some ensemble numbers are choreographed, but it still highlights Frank Wildhorn and Don Black’s diverse music catalogue and Ivan Menchell’s book which are the real star of the show. Complementing them is Nick Winston’s direction which helps find the balance between the tragedy and heart in the material.
Proshots may not capture the same experience as seeing a show live, but I feel the decisions made in Bonnie and Clyde The Musical: Filmed Live found the right balance. The cinematography frequently features shots of the audience to remind you it is a stage production, yet also utilises close-ups which are reserved for the more emotional moments while sweeping tracking shots are effectively used to highlight high energy choreography and Phillip Whitcomb’s gritty all-American scenic design.
What’s the cast like?
It’s fairly obvious to start with the titular duo, and Jeremy Jordan and Frances Mayli McCann are simply incredible. Having passionate and fiery chemistry and strong banter, they make their romance feel impulsive yet also believable in their emotional moments. With it being over a decade since Jordan originated the role on Broadway, it’s like Clyde’s never left him. Filled with charm and charisma yet showing his monstrous side, his powerful voice and commanding stage presence are what make his Raise A Little Hell a real highlight that left me jaw-dropped (go and can watch my TikTok for my unfiltered reaction).
Frances Mayli McCann proves she can hold her own alongside Jordan with her hot-headed personality and soaring vocals in numbers including Dyin’ Ain’t So Bad. She really creates a new and fresh Bonnie that a new generation of theatre fans from the original Broadway production can love, which proved right when she later reprised the role in its Arts and Garrick Theatre runs.
George Maguire and Natalie McQueen are equally as phenomenal as beta couple Buck and Blanche, providing much needed comic relief to the often grim story yet finding honest emotion as their love also comes to a tragic conclusion. I must also praise Trevor Dion Nicholas, who give his two numbers God’s Arms Are Always Open and Made in America so much energy, while Liam Tamne provides heart as Ted who holds a torch for Bonnie.
The supporting case features loads of star-studded names in the West End. Jeremy Secomb is imposing playing the Judge and Sherriff Schmind. Julie Yammanee brings so much emotion and heartbreak to Bonnie’s mother Emma Parker, especially towards the end of act two. Debbie Kurup is commanding as Governer Miriam Ferguson.
What are my overall thoughts?
Having seen the Arts Theatre, Garrick and UK tour runs of Bonnie & Clyde, watching Bonnie and Clyde The Musical: Filmed Live made it so fascinating to see how the show’s new lease of life started and how it’s evolved ever since. While there have been changes to the book and music with each run, it’s still mostly the same. A must watch for fans whether or not they saw this concert or got into it years ago by listening to the original Broadway cast recording, I’m glad that we have a piece of this show immortalised for them to watch, especially in light of its recent UK tour being cancelled.
Bonnie and Clyde The Musical: Filmed Live is available to rent on bonnieclydelive.com.
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