Girl From The North Country, written by Conor McPherson, music & lyrics by Bob Dylan
Directed by Conor McPherson
At Curve til Saturday 11th March 2023
“a snapshot of life in 1934 rural America”
I have never been a fan of Bob Dylan, his whiny, New York accent has always put me off. So it was revelatory to hear his music and lyrics rearranged by Andrew Corcoran and sung by others. It allowed the poetry of his writing to shine through.
Narrated by the Laine family physician, Dr Walker (Chris McHallem), this is the story of the Laine’s failing guesthouse and Nick Laine’s (Colin Connor) attempts to save the family from destitution. Along the way he has to contend with his wife Elizabeth’s dementia, his son Gene’s (Gregor Milne) feckless drunkenness and adopted daughter Marianne’s (Justina Kehinde) pregnancy. As a distraction Nick has got involved with one of his guests, widowed Mrs Neilsen (Maria Omakinwa).
Various other guests impact on the family’s fortunes and the arrival of a couple of men in a storm upset everyone. Some fatally.
The show includes 19 Bob Dylan songs which carry the story along and give several cast members the opportunity to showcase their extraordinary vocal skills. Especial mention has to be made of Nicola MacEvilly as Elizabeth Laine. Both her portrayal of her descent into dementia and her amazing singing voice make her stand out.
A creative background soundtrack helps with the atmosphere and several of the cast play instruments on stage.
Girl From The North Country is a microcosmic snapshot of life in 1934 rural America and is at Curve until Saturday 11th March and then touring
www.girlfromthenorthcountryshow.com/
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