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Ryan McKinny as Billy Bigelow
Photo: Karli Cadel/The Glimmerglass Festival
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The cast was uniformly strong in singing and acting, and I could understand almost every word. Ryan McKinny, whom I praised last season as Wagner's Dutchman, was Billy Bigelow. While the Dutchman was dark and sinister, Billy is sometimes light-hearted, sometimes very dark and brooding, and Mr. McKinny's singing brought out the contrasts. His acting was sure-footed and natural, and we understood how deeply troubled Billy was. Sharin Apostolou, also no stranger to these pages, was another standout as Carrie Pipperidge. It is impossible not to focus on her when she is on stage. As always, her acting was very natural. Her singing was very even and beautiful, both high and low.
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Ryan McKinny and Andrea Carroll
Photo: Karli Cadel/The Glimmerglass Festival
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Musical theater veteran Wynn Harmon again graced the Glimmerglass stage as the Starkeeper and as Dr. Seldon. Rebecca Finnegan, another musical theater veteran, was all harridan as Mrs. Mullin, and all sweetness and light as the Heavenly Friend. Young Artist Ben Edquist was a delightfully oily Jigger Craigin.
This is visually a beautiful production. A unit set by designer John Culbert suggested a pier or a beach or a sidewalk. Lighting was quite striking, especially in the scene when Billy meets the Starkeeper. Anne Ford-Coates and Jessica Jahn provided very effective hair/makeup and costumes. I should also mention Doug Peck's fine music direction of the show.
I'm happy to say this show continues its run through August 22. I recommend it highly!
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Photo: Karli Cadel/The Glimmerglass Festival
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*The title of this post is adapted from a quote from Mr. Brecht's Threepenny Opera.
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