When I first heard about "Girl from the North Country," I wasn’t sure what to expect. I knew the play featured the music of Bob Dylan, but I wasn’t familiar with his songs. Despite this, the idea of a musical set during the Great Depression in 1934 caught my attention. The story is set in a rundown guesthouse in Minnesota and explores the struggles of its residents during a tough period in American history. Playwright Conor McPherson, known for his strong storytelling, has woven Dylan’s music into the narrative in a way that enhances the emotions and themes of the story. Even without knowing the songs beforehand, I was curious to see how the music and story would come together on stage.
The narrative centres around the Laine family, who run a struggling guest house in Duluth, Minnesota. Nick Laine, the weary patriarch, battles mounting financial pressures while caring for his wife, Elizabeth, who suffers from dementia. Their son, Gene, a directionless alcoholic, and their adopted daughter, Marianne, who faces societal judgment for being black and pregnant, add layers of complexity to the plot. The guest house also hosts an array of troubled souls, including a disgraced boxer and a bible salesman, each with their own stories of despair and hope. As the characters navigate their personal struggles, Dylan's songs serve as their emotional outlet, weaving through the narrative like a conversation between the past and the present.
Rae Smith’s set design for "Girl from the North Country" is striking in its simplicity, evoking the bleakness of the Depression-era with sparse, yet powerful visuals. The guesthouse is the focal point, framed by what appears to be the outline of an old bakelite radio, reminding the audience of the isolation and desolation of the time. Mark Henderson’s lighting design enhances the atmosphere with its subtle, dim hues, focusing attention on the characters' inner turmoil. The costumes, reflecting the era’s worn and weathered aesthetic, further immerse the audience in the period. Together, these elements create a stark, almost monochrome world where the characters' emotions are laid bare.
The cast of "Girl from the North Country" delivers performances that are nothing short of mesmerising. Colin Connor as Nick Laine perfectly captures the essence of a man on the brink, his every gesture conveying the weight of his burdens. Frances McNamee shines as Elizabeth, her portrayal of dementia both heartbreaking and unexpectedly humorous. Her rendition of "Like a Rolling Stone" is a standout moment, filled with raw emotion. Justina Kehinde’s Marianne is a study in quiet strength, while Gregor Milne’s Gene offers a poignant portrayal of lost youth. Joshua C Jackson as the enigmatic boxer Joe Scott, and Nichola MacEvilly as Mrs. Neilsen, add depth to the ensemble, making every interaction feel charged with unspoken tension.
"Girl from the North Country" is a musical that transcends the typical jukebox format, offering a thought-provoking and deeply emotional experience. Conor McPherson has crafted a narrative that feels both intimate and epic, a reflection of the human condition set against the unforgiving backdrop of the Great Depression. The cast’s powerful performances, combined with Dylan’s evocative music, make this production a must-see. It’s a show that lingers with you long after the final curtain, leaving you with a renewed appreciation for Dylan’s lyrics and the stories they tell. Four stars well deserved.
Girl from the North Country is on at The Lowry until Saturday 24th September 2022, you can purchase tickets by clicking on the button below.
If you would like more information about the show and see where it will be touring to please click the button below for the show's official website.
Photo Credit - Johan Presson
*Our tickets for this show were kindly gifted in exchange for an honest review.
コメント