Girl From The North Country is a theatrical experience unlike any other, writes Chris Gregg.
At its core is the timeless music of Bob Dylan, who co-wrote the show with award winning playwright Conor McPherson.
But this is far from a typical jukebox musical. Set in a scruffy guest house on the shore of Lake Superior during the Great Depression of 1934, it follows the interwoven stories of the characters staying there, the owner and visitors with themes of family, love, racism, violence and betrayal, although ultimately it's a heartwarming and life affirming show.
The story follows the guesthouse proprietor Nick Laine who is struggling financially, his wife, Elizabeth who is living with dementia, their son Gene and adopted daughter, Marianne, who is five months pregnant.
Nick is trying to arrange a marriage between his 19 year old daughter and grey haired local cobbler Mr. Perry (who appears to be at least three times her age), in order to secure her future. When a bible salesman, Marlowe and boxer Joe arrive late at night, during a storm, everything changes for everyone in the house...
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Dylan's music is peppered through the show to great effect, performed by the cast, often just standing still or playing instruments as the lyrics give an extra layer of poignancy to each of the sub-plots.
Nineteen of his songs feature including a rousing performance of Like A Rolling Stone, Make You Feel My Love which was famously covered by Adele and Forever Young.
Visually, the smoky mood of the setting is perfectly realised with costume, set design and lighting giving a real sense of transportation. All of the music is performed on stage with period instruments and vocal performances from the whole cast are outstanding.
The full cast includes Keisha Amponsa Banson (Mrs Neilsen), Ross Carswell (Elias Burke), Colin Connor (Nick Laine), Frankie Hart (Ensemble), Joshua C Jackson (Joe Scott), Eli James (Reverend Marlowe), Justina Kehinde (Marianne), Teddy Kempner (Mr Perry), Graham Kent (Ensemble), Owen Lloyd (Ensemble), Nichola MacEvilly (Ensemble), Chris McHallem (Dr Walker), Frances McNamee (Elizabeth Laine), Gregor Milne (Gene Laine), Eve Norris (Katherine Draper), Daniel Reid-Walters (Ensemble), James Staddon (Mr Burke), Neil Stewart (Ensemble) and Rebecca Thornhill (Mrs Burke).
The Broadway production has received seven Tony Award nominations and deservedly so - this is a unique and very special show which needs to be experienced to appreciate how it makes you feel.
Bob Dylan himself said: "The play had me crying at the end. I can't even say why. When the curtain came down, I was stunned. I really was".
