Maggie - Goodspeed Opera House

Maggie, the new musical at the Goodspeed Opera House, has a number of strong elements to recommend – the earnest, unfeigned performances by key members of the cast and the rousing, joyful, sometimes melancholy score - are the two most notable.  However, the book, by Johnny Reid and Matt Murray, needs more focus as it tries to cover too much ground and a wide assortment of issues. The story, set in Scotland circa 1950’s – 1970’s, centers on the difficult, at times, overwhelming, challenges facing Maggie as she rears her three sons as a single mother.  Only when the volatile family dynamics are front-and-center, does the show begin to soar and tug at audience member’s heartstrings.

The cast of Goodspeed's MAGGIE. Photo by Diane Sobolewski.

 

We first meet Maggie as a young mother.  Married, with two young tikes and another on the way, she is content within her hardscrabble life.  Very quickly, thought, her life is upended with the coal mining death of her husband.  Fast-forward a number of years and the boys are in their teens.  Anthony Festa (Jimmy), the youngest, is the brainiac, looking to be the first to pursue a university degree.  Wes Williams (Tommy), handsome and athletic, is seeking to play professional soccer.  Jeffrey Kringer (Shug), the eldest, a gifted musician, is searching for his place in the world.  Throughout the years, the boys grow and, due to unforeseen circumstances, their trajectories change – for good and bad.  Spliced within the churning domestic circumstances are Maggie’s interactions with her friends – receiving support and gentle prodding to move forward.  Numerous issues are also integrated into the musical such as spousal abuse, homophobia, sectarian violence, and women’s liberation.  Most of these matters, while not glossed over, have little depth and, sometimes, become a distraction to the focal point of the show - Maggie and her brood.

 

Sam Primack, Jeffrey Kringer, Christine Dwyer and Wes Williams in Goodspeed's MAGGIE. Photo by Diane Sobolewski.

By the end of the production, there is a combination of joy and contentment within Maggie’s domain, yet unresolved family complications temper her fulfillment and inner peace.

 

The main asset of Maggie is the music and lyrics by Johnny Reid, Matt Murray and Bob Foster.  The songs are emotional laden and full of energetic soul.  It is one of the best new scores I have heard on a Connecticut stage for a long time.  While listening, I was reminded of musical moments from the shows Once and Come From Away.  Standouts, under Adam Souza’s superb musical direction, include the upbeat “Everyone’s Gone;” the comedic strutting of “Queen For a Day;” and the testerone powered “Getting Outta Here.”

 

The cast of Goodspeed's MAGGIE. Photo by Diane Sobolewski.

Mary Francis Moore’s direction consistently propels the musical forward.  The performers, especially the women, seem to be in constant motion as the years leap forward.  While individual scenes work well, as stated earlier, the production does not always come together as a unified whole.  Ms. Moore incorporates Scenic Designer Beowulf Boritt’s free-flowing set which, primarily, utilizes chairs and tables to create the show’s environs.  Many key moments are amplified by Japhy Weideman’s Lighting Design.  Boritt’s creation of an imposing stone wall at the back of the stage, conjures up the bleakness the characters experience in their small town.  Choreographer EJ Boyle contributes a number of spirited dance routines for the show.

Christine Dwyer and the cast of Goodspeed's MAGGIE. Photo by Diane Sobolewski.

The cast, from the principle players to the featured performers, is superb.  They are led by Christine Dwyer as Maggie.  The actress imbues the character with fortitude, a fighting disposition, and heartfelt emotion.  Maggie’s three young men – Sam Primack (Jimmy),  Wes Williams (Tommy), and Jeffrey Kringer (Shug) – form a tightknit  trio of brotherly love and competitive spirit.  Each of the actors infuse their roles with passion and strength.  Other notable performances are three of Maggie’s best mates – Jean (Kennedy Caughell), Sadie (Sophia Clarke) and Betty (Terra C. McLeod).

 

Maggie, playing at the Goodspeed Opera House through October 20.  Click here for dates, times, and ticket information.