LIZZIE, the musical production at Southwark Playhouse Elephant, is a unique and thrilling exploration into the life of Lizzie Borden, the infamous woman accused of murdering her father and stepmother with an axe in 1892.
The musical, which premiered in New York in 2009 and received its London premiere in 2017, has been adapted for the UK stage by director William Whelton.
Lizzie's iconic status in popular culture dates back to the children's rhyme "Lizzie Borden took an axe and gave her mother forty whacks. When she saw what she had done, she gave her father forty-one."
Now, Lizzie The Musical is a gripping rendition of a classic murder story that is profoundly embedded in American culture. The musical version of this well-known narrative offers a new angle to the tale that has enthralled people for more than a century.
The show's score, under the management of the musical supervisor Katy Richardson, is a standout feature. It is heavy and intense, with authentic punk rock melodies that are both catchy and powerful. Almost every song puts the cast's amazing vocals to the test, with several of them finishing in a powerful rock screech. Especially striking is Lauren Drew's performance as Lizzie, showcasing her smooth silky vocal tone and powerful lungs.
The all-female band accompanies as the musical explores Lizzie Borden's complex psyche. The cast of this infamous story includes Lauren Drew as Lizzie, Shekinah McFarlane as Emma, Mairi Barclay as Bridget, and Maiya Quansah-Breed as Alice, Lizzie's neighbor. Through the prism of this actual crime story, the show examines topics of class, gender, and societal expectations.
Lizzie differs from previous musical productions in part because it uses rock and metal music to tell the story. While rap has become more prevalent in recent years for musical theatre productions, metal and rock music are still comparatively rare. The already exciting plot is made much more intense by this novel technique. The musical's theme is fashionable in addition to being catchy. The music heightens the production's overall gravity and is a wonderful match for the intense themes of the plot.
Lizzie is a fast-paced experience. There are periods in director William Whelton's choreography and direction where there is a distinct movement language and imaginative staging for numerous musical parts.
Not to be overlooked is the show's set and lighting design, which was masterfully done by Andrew Exeter. With striking contrasts between light and dark that evoke a spooky atmosphere, the design is simple but effective, keeping the audience's attention on the performers and the shows they present.
Although some aspects of the story's development could have been more detailed, allowing us to gain a better understanding of the characters' backgrounds, the overall portrayal of the serious subject matter was highly successful and intensely dramatic, transforming it into a captivating rock musical. Lizzie's powerful female fury and amazing belting will enthrall viewers. Any fan of musical theater, horror, or true crime should check this play out.
