Lizzie Borden was famously acquitted for the axe murders of her father and stepmother in the summer of 1892 in Fall River, Massachusetts. Though she remained the prime suspect, Borden was never convicted.
Her name lives on in the chilling nursery rhyme, “Lizzie Borden took an axe, and gave her mother forty whacks; When she saw what she had done, she gave her father forty-one.”
The infamous trial that swept across America and captivated the nation is now reimagined in Open Eye Theatre’s production of “LIZZIE: The Rock Musical.” The two-act show follows Lizzie and her sister Emma Borden, their live-in maid Bridget Sullivan, also known as “Maggie,” and Alice Russell, a family friend and Lizzie’s fictional romantic partner.
The production previewed Oct. 9, starring four local performers who reshaped the historic women. Lux Mortenson played Lizzie Borden, Abilene Olson as Emma Borden, Marley Ritchie as Maggie and Grace Hillmyer played Alice Russell.
With 27 musical numbers, the show was carried by the vocally powerful and captivating quartet. Olson stood out in particular, as her performance of “Sweet Little Sister” highlighted her dynamic voice and commanding stage presence.
Ritchie’s portrayal of Maggie was equally compelling. Her wit, charm and ease on stage aided in the complexity of Maggie’s role in the Borden household and the unfolding crime. Her humorous delivery helped balance the show’s darker themes.
Olson and Ritchie’s chemistry was a highlight of the show. Their scenes together flowed effortlessly, leaving the audience wanting more of the dynamic duo.
Open Eye Theatre is located in a charming and quaint 110-year-old restored storefront, providing an intimate theatre experience and operation. This setting allows costuming and props to play a strategic role in underscoring character development and advancing the plot.
As the show progressed and the characters became reckless and vulnerable, their wardrobe evolved to reflect the change. Layered skirts, bodices and pinned garments enhanced the grunge aesthetic. Under once modest clothing, lace sleeves and tights symbolized the character’s growing rebellion and self-expression.
Lizzie’s final wardrobe was both visually and symbolically striking.
In Act One, Andrew Borden punishes Lizzie by killing the pigeons she affectionately cares for. A cruel act that reflects his controlling and abusive nature, and the root of her feeling trapped in a home and life she desperately wishes to escape.
In mourning her birds, Lizzie grieves the loss of not only her pigeons but her fleeting independence and self-identity.
By the production’s end, Lizzie takes center stage in a stark white corset, flowing pants and a long, sheer cape. A white bird embellished the corset, reminiscent of the pigeons she loved and symbolic of her newfound freedom following her parents’ death.
“LIZZIE: The Rock Musical” offers audiences an inventive take on a controversial moment of American true crime. The show runs through November, with a total of 20 performances.
Supported by thoughtful artistic direction and set design, the cast shows a promising future. Mortenson, Olson, Ritchie and Hillmyer bring undeniable talent to the stage.
Where the production has room to grow is in the ensemble’s group chemistry. While Mortenson and Hillmyer convey tenderness as secret lovers and Olson and Ritchie play off each other’s wit with ease, the quartet as a whole occasionally felt disconnected in shared scenes.
Still, there is every reason to believe the cast will deepen their onstage chemistry in future runs, allowing each character’s bold personalities to shine through.
That is, if no one else is axed.
