Murder is always a little more entertaining under flashing bright lights and with a punk-rock score. This is especially the case when it surrounds one of the most infamous, acquitted cases of the 1800s: the murder trial of Lizzie Borden. Whether you’re already familiar with the case through the eerie nursery rhyme or looking to pregame the recently announced season four of Ryan Murphy’s drama series, “Monster” (highlighting Miss Borden), Keegan Theatre’s “Lizzie: The Musical” is sure to get your heart racing.
Brought to life on a grungy, multi-level set designed by Josh Sticklin, director and choreographer Jennifer J. Hopkins excellently showcases not just the complexities of the case, but also the true power and self-exploration yearning to explode out of women in the Victorian era. It also seamlessly cross-examines the themes that women are still striving to express in the 21st century. Hopkins’ vision of liberation translates across all technical elements as well, particularly seen through the innovative costume design by Logan Benson. Each of the heroines are outfitted in a modern/Victorian garb twist that becomes increasingly liberal as the women are liberated.
Leading in a tour-de-force performance was Caroline Graham as everyone’s favorite bad girl, Lizzie. She showcased powerhouse vocals in every number and delivered a nuanced performance — especially in the juxtaposition of songs such as “This Is Not Love” and “Will You Stay?” (sung gorgeously with Savannah Blackwell), as well as the ensemble number “Somebody Will Do Something.” Also worth noting is that Graham was belting to the gods in a corset, which is deserving of immense kudos. We were all on the Graham roller coaster and loving every second of it.
Rounding out the ensemble were Brigid Wallace Harper as Bridget, Sydne Lyons as Alice, and Blackwell as Emma. Each of these women gives the queens of “SIX” a run for their money with impressively wide vocal ranges. A special shoutout goes to Lyons for some jaw-dropping moments in “What the F#%k Now, Lizzie?” as well as sharp accent work by Wallace Harper who may as well be Irish for all I know, and overall commanding performances. This ensemble of bad-a$$ women truly showcases the diversity and sheer talent of the DC theatre scene.
