Queen of the Mist
| Queen of the Mist | |
|---|---|
| Music | Michael John LaChiusa |
| Lyrics | Michael John LaChiusa |
| Book | Michael John LaChiusa |
| Productions | 2011 Off-Broadway |
| Awards | 2012 Outer Critics Circle Award Outstanding New Off-Broadway Musical |
Queen of the Mist is a musical with music, lyrics and book by Michael John LaChiusa. Queen tells the story of Annie Edson Taylor. Produced by Transport Group Theatre Company, the musical opened Off-Broadway at The Gym at Judson's to positive reviews.[1]
Production
The show was the inaugural show of Transport Group's 20th Century Project.[2]
Plot
"Based on an astounding, outrageous, and haunting true story, Queen of the Mist stars two-time Tony nominee Mary Testa as Anna Edson Taylor, who, in 1901 at the age of 63, set out to be the first woman to shoot Niagara Falls — in a barrel of her own design. Navigating both the treacherous Falls and a fickle public with a ravenous appetite for sensationalism, this unconventional heroine vies for her legacy in a world clamoring with swindling managers, assassins, revolutionaries, moralizing family, anarchists, and activists. Convinced that there is greatness in her and determined not to live as ordinary, she sets out to battle her fear and tempt her fate. With a score that incorporates turn-of-the-century themes with signature LaChiusa elements, Queen of the Mist is the story of a single great fall, and how one woman risked death so that she could live."[3]
Musical numbers
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Cast and crew
The show was directed by Jack Cummings III, musical director Chris Fenwick, choreographer Scott Rink, assistant choreographer Megan Kelley, set design Sandra Goldmark, costume design Kathryn Rohe, lighting design R. Lee Kennedy, sound design Walter Trarbach, assistant set design Aaron Sheckler, assistant light design Robert Eshleman, orchestrations Michael Starobin, and wig design Paul Huntley. The band consisted of David Byrd Marrow (French horn), Chris Fenwick (keyboard 1), Susan French (Violin), Martha Hyde (woodwinds), Jeffrey Levine (bass), Mark Mitchell (keyboard 2), and Anik Oulianine (cello).[4]
The cast starred Mary Testa (Annie Edson Taylor), D. C. Anderson (A New Manager), Stanley Bahorek (Mike Taylor), Theresa McCarthy (Jane), Julia Murney (Carrie Nation), Andrew Samonsky (Mr. Frank Russell), and Tally Sessions (Man with his Hand Wrapped in a Handkerchief).
Reception
Ben Brantley of the New York Times said the show "moves forward with a steady, fixed intensity that makes it feel as if it never moves forward at all".[5] Steven Suskin of Variety said LaChuisa "developed a reputation for shows that are more esoteric than involving", but that Queen "breaks the pattern", and also noted that the score was "intelligent" and "tuneful".[6] Aubry D'Arminio writing for Entertainment Weekly referred to the show as "beautifully odd".[7]
References
- ↑ http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/07/theater/reviews/queen-of-the-mist-at-the-gym-at-judson-review.html?_r=0
- ↑ http://www.playbill.com/news/article/156527-Michael-John-LaChiusas-Queen-of-the-Mist-With-Mary-Testa-Extends-Off-Broadway
- ↑ http://www.playbill.com/news/article/156527-Michael-John-LaChiusas-Queen-of-the-Mist-With-Mary-Testa-Extends-Off-Broadway
- ↑ http://transportgroup.org/images/files/programs/queen_program.pdf
- ↑ http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/07/theater/reviews/queen-of-the-mist-at-the-gym-at-judson-review.html?_r=0
- ↑ http://variety.com/2011/legit/reviews/queen-of-the-mist-1117946524/
- ↑ http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20364394_20543641,00.html