REVIEW: “Bonnie and Clyde: The Musical” Opens at Bay Street Theater

The musical, “Bonnie and Clyde,” opened at Bay Street Theater on Saturday, August 2nd. This most anticipated and final Mainstage production of the 2025 season had the audience hooting, howling, and standing at the end. Bay Street Theater Artistic Director Scott Schwartz, who directed the show, has successfully put together a prime example of an authentic, powerful American musical. Bay Street Theater produces “Bonnie and Clyde” with support from Patty and Jay Baker. “Bonnie and Clyde” will run until August 24th.

This production of “Bonnie and Clyde,” with its Book by Ivan Mitchell, Lyrics by Don Black, and Music by Frank Wildhorn, is a must-see. Every seat at the iconic theater was filled with excitement even before the introductory comments of both Bay Street’s Executive Director, Tracy Mitchell, and Artistic Director, Scott Schwartz, who mentioned the day-to-day, 365 days a year, efforts of both Bay Street’s Associate Producer, John Sullivan, and Deputy Director, Chris Siefert.

It takes a collection of exceptional talent to produce a musical, both on the stage and behind the scenes. Mike Billings’s lighting design is outstanding, as is the work of Music Director Noah Teplin and Music Supervisor Patrick Sulken. Emily Maltby skillfully choreographs the show.  

On opening night, Bonnie and Clyde’s songs delivered the intangibles of a great musical. The applause after every song grew as the show went on. “Made in America,” the song that opens Act II, is one you will most likely be humming days after seeing the performance, as is “The World Will Remember Us.”

The most important role of “Bonnie Parker” is brilliantly played by Lyda Jade  Harlan. Her singing charmed and mesmerized the audience all night long. There was magic in her southern drawl that was disarming and inviting. Her performance alone is worthy of purchasing tickets.

Charlie Webb plays Clyde Barrow. The dashing and athletic Mr. Webb’s presence on stage is explosive, dynamic, and powerful. His singing voice touches the audience with every note he sings. There is a natural chemistry between Mr. Webb and Lyda Jade Harlan that instantly draws the audience in.

Nick Bailey is outstanding as Marvin “Buck” Barrow, Clyde’s brother. He stood tall on stage and thoroughly nailed the number “You’re Going Back To Jail,” which he sang with Ashley Alexandra, who in the show is his wife, Blanche Barrow. Speaking of power, Ms. Alexandra’s voice drew in the audience “church-like” every time she sang.

Every show has an actor who wears many hats and plays multiple roles. In this production, that actor is Vishal Vaidya. He wonderfully appears on stage as Captain “Frank Hamer,” The “Teller”, and then the “Preacher.” Also playing multiple roles are Kathy Deitch as “Governor Miriam Ferguson” and “Eleanor”. She has stage presence and wonderful timing. Gisela Adisa shines under the stage lights as both “Trish,” and “Emma Parker.” Jeremy Webb appears in both the roles of “Archie” and “Sheriff Schmid.” Also there is the noted performance of Amy Bodnar as both “Cumie Barrow” and “Stella.” Most effective is Anargha Pal as “Ted Hinton.” It must be mentioned that this cast added panache with their singing, dancing and impressive entrances sometimes right through the aisles.

Kudos and accolades to: Anna Louizos-Scenic Design, Ashley Soliman-Costume Design, Jon Weston-Sound Design, Amy Jo Jackson-Dialect Coach, Liz Printz-Hair and Make-up Design, Michael Salvatore Commendatore-Projection Design. Rick & Christian Sordelet of Sordelet Inc. were the Fight & Intimacy Directors, and Amanda M. Stuart was the Production Stage Manager.

Although not part of the production itself, the amazing “Bonnie and Clyde” display in the Bay Street theater lobby, put together by Executive Assistant Eric Jacobson, is a show all on its own. It is very worthwhile to check it out with its many authentic photos and news clippings, while perhaps purchasing tickets at the nearby box office.