There is something quite captivating about the true life acquittal of suspected axe-wielding murderer Lizzie Borden in 1892.
Although there is no doubt that Lizzie Borden committed the murders of both her father and step-mother, her acquittal was influenced by factors such as nativism, gender stereotypes, and wealth.The Lizzie Borden murder case abides as one of the most famous in American criminal history and the atrocious nature of the murder was immortalized by a children’s rhyme passed down across generations.
Lizzie Borden took an axe,
And gave her mother forty whacks.
When she saw what she had done,
She gave her father forty-one. “
Last Friday May 5th, 2023, Montreal theater-goers were treated to a thrilling opening night of the Quebec Premiere of the hit musical LIZZIE: A Punk Rock Musical
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Presented by In the Wings Promotions, the production will run from May 6 to 13, 2023, at Théâtre La Comédie de Montréal, located at 1113 boul. de Maisonneuve E, Montreal.
Directed by META winner Nadia Verrucci with Musical Direction by META nominee Ian Baird, LIZZIE features a gripping score by Steven Cheslik-deMeyer and Alan Stevens Hewitt, along with lyrics by Steven Cheslik-deMeyer based on the book by Tim Maner.
This innovative and highly energetic musical takes the audience on a journey into the mind of Lizzie Borden, who was accused of murdering her father and stepmother with an axe in the late summer of 1892.
The musical explores the mysterious motivations of Borden, who may have been driven to murder by a sudden loss of her inheritance, a history of sexual abuse from her father , overwhelming oppression or simply, pure madness.
By her side are her older sister Emma, maid Bridget, and neighbor Alice, who together, perform to a highly energetic punk rock score that recalls the tale of why she took an axe and gave her mother 40 whacks and why, when she saw what she had done, she gave her father 41.
Photo: Monica Wong
The talented cast features some of Montreal’s established performers, along with some up-and-coming young talent. Erin Carter delivers an impressive performance as title character Lizzie Borden, while Courtney Crawford shines as the lovesick neighbor Alice Russell.
META nominee Skyler Clark brings her captivating presence to the role of sassy housemaid Bridget “Maggie” Sullivan, and META nominee Noelle Hannibal delivers a memorable performance as watchful older sister Emma Borden.
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In addition to the outstanding cast, LIZZIE features a top-notch creative team: Alexander Smith lighting design, Julian Smith sound design, Adrienne Ganteberg costume design, Catherine Sargent stage management, Spencer Jean Allder assistant stage management, Carmen Mancuso assistant sound design/tech, Adriana Catalano production assistance, and Megan Siow as PR/Social Media… all come together to create a dynamic and rockin’ production.
LIZZIE the musical is set to a fantastic ROCK score performed by an all-female band ( minus the musical director Ian Baird on keys) that draws it’s inspiration from bands likened to Bikini Kill, the Runaways, and Heart.
Expect some beautiful rock ballads like the tender song “Let me hold you close” but also some purely punk rock numbers like the explicit :
“What the F#%k Now, Lizzie? – sung by Emma, Lizzie in act two .
The amazing Victorian costumes designed by Adrienne Ganteberg consist of feathers, faux leather pants, lacy materials, corsets and other goth attire that help both in character development and in setting the right rock attitude for the musical.
It is important to note that this production contains implications of murder (both human and animal), parental sexual abuse, along with strong language.
- Parental discretion is strongly advised, and children under the age of 12 will not be admitted in the theater.
Théâtre La Comédie de Montréal
1113 Boul. de Maisonneuve E, Montréal, QC H2L 1Z6
LIZZIE runs May 6-13, 2023
May 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 at 8PM
May 13 at 2PM
at Théâtre La Comédie de Montréal
1113 boul. de Maisonneuve E, Montreal, H2L 1Z6
For more information on this unique gothic rock production, please visit www.inthewingspromotions.com.