“Dyin’ Ain’t So Bad”: Broadway’s Bonnie & Clyde
Broadway musicals are known for their tragic history of tragedy, heartbreak and death. Bonnie & Clyde, the Broadway musical that debuted in 2011, continued this tradition. Although the show ran for only one month, it was well worth more than 36 performances. Laura Osnes played Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow respectively. Jeremy Jordan was the Lead role. It can be described musically as country meets rock-n’-roll old school, meets southern gospel choir meets David Beckham. It’s daring and sexy. I’ve never heard it before. The shows were short-lived and rights were quickly purchased to allow them to be performed in community, regional, and international theaters.
This series follows Bonnie and Clyde’s adventures during their fight against poverty in the Great Depression. It depicts the ideals of professional criminals such as Al Capone in the 1920’s and 30’s. It also shows the problems that plagued common people during these times: poverty, lack work, low wages, food scarcity, distrust of government, prison conditions that are horrible, and the shifting of younger generations away from the old traditions. Frank Wildhorn composed the music, Don Black wrote the lyrics, and Ivan Menchell wrote the book. In 2009, the show was first performed in La Jolla California. Later, it moved to Sarasota Florida. The show received three Outer Critics Circle Awards nominations, five Drama Desk Awards nominations and two Tony Awards nominations. It did not win any of these awards. Clyde and Bonnie are unhappy in small-town life as children and dreams of a better future. Bonnie wants the movie industry, while Clyde isn’t content to live in poverty like his parents. Clyde hopes people will look up to him just like Al Capone. They meet when they are both grown up. Bonnie is married to Ted and is currently being courted by Ted. He brings life to Bonnie’s dull life by promising fame and success. They achieve this, but it comes at a high price.
Bonnie and Clyde have influenced many movies, songs and albums. The musical failed because of this. It was a Broadway musical that everyone enjoyed and provided a refreshing breath of air with its unique style. But, it was Broadway at an age when most Americans couldn’t afford to see it. The show was a huge success, even though it was loved by the masses. However, ticket sales were slow to non-profitable. Because of its incredible sound, Bonnie & Clyde are my favourite band. It’s unlike any other music I’ve heard. It is sexy-sexy, captivating, and heartfelt. It is everything I have ever wanted. It is beautiful. I was fortunate to see a regional production. Although they didn’t have all of the technical projected back drops/pictures/newspapers the Broadway show had it was still an amazing experience.
Apart from the amazing music, I love the costumes. Bonnie and Clyde will have more money so Bonnie can wear this maroon skirt/shirt/dress. The sleeves are usually white with a line art-deco-ish pattern. It can vary slightly from one production to the next. The whole great depression aesthetic appeals to me, and it’s a fascinating frame for such tragic love stories.
The gun fights are fun too. In one show, the lights would flash brightly at the sound of the gun shot. While the audience could not see the stage from the stage due to the darkness, the victim/dead person would then open a fake body capsule and simulate a gunshot wound.
It’s a great show, but I’m so disappointed at how little Broadway it received. Cast, crew, and all involved deserved more than 36 performances. It’s hard to believe that this happened.
