Charlotte Welcomes a Unique Production of ‘Girl from the North Country’
This past week, Charlotte was electrified as the national tour of Girl from the North Country rolled into town at the Belk Theater. Running through October 6, this musical has been a hot topic since its debut at The Old Vic in London back in 2017. The creative team—a mix of Irish playwright Conor McPherson and legendary musician Bob Dylan—gave audiences high hopes, but opening night revealed a different reality.
A Surprising Attendance
Often buzzing with excitement, the Belk Theater saw a rather unexpected turnout for the premiere, leaving the venue just less than half full. This was puzzling for many of us since Dylan is known to have a devoted following. Was the attention perhaps diverted by other events in town, or were people staying home to catch the WNBA Playoffs or political debates? Whatever the reasons, the empty seats told a different story.
The Musical Experience
Walking into the theater, both my wife Sue and I were thrilled to catch a live performance infused with Dylan’s soulful melodies and McPherson’s captivating storytelling. However, as the show began, we couldn’t help but feel that some magic was missing. Set in 1934 Duluth, the story follows characters navigating their pains and woes, including a boxer named Joe Scott. Unfortunately, it felt like the connection between us, the audience, and the narrative faltered throughout the performance.
A Dissonance
One particularly unsettling moment was when the story saw its characters aimlessly launching into songs, taking away from the emotional weight and drive of the drama. Sure, moments like “Hurricane” had us holding hands and getting into the rhythm, but the more anachronistic songs seemed oddly out of place. Instead of pulling us in, they created a chaotic vibe, reminiscent of shows that once graced the stage but didn’t carry the same spirit.
The Cast and Characters
The character dynamics center around a dysfunctional family: Nick Laine, the innkeeper, his troubled wife Elizabeth, their artistically inclined but alcoholic son Gene, and Marianne, Nick’s adopted daughter, who finds herself pregnant and seeking love amid chaos. While each character had relatable moments, it became immediately clear that not everyone got their time in the spotlight. In fact, the role of Nick Laine, portrayed by John Schiappa, lacked that solo expressiveness, leaving us to wonder about his inner turmoil.
Jennifer Blood, as Elizabeth, belted out her emotional struggles with beautiful renditions of Dylan’s songs, but still, something felt elusive. Perhaps it was the sheer size of the Belk, dwarfing the performances, or a consistently dismal sound quality that made it hard to fully engage.
Highlight Performers
Standout performers did shine, though. Sharaé Moultrie gave a touch of grace, and her voice as Marianne allowed for glimmers of hope amid her trials. But amid a plethora of well-designed characters, audience empathy for their struggles didn’t run as deep as one might desire.
One bright spot was the duo of Aidan Wharton and Chiara Trentalange, whose duet on “I Want You” struck a notable chord with the audience. Their performance shifted the atmosphere slightly, proving there were small pockets of excellence throughout the show.
Comparative Theater Experiences
For those torn between this production and other ongoing plays, one might consider heading to Davidson to catch The Humans, a piece thought to rock your world far more than this particular evening’s fare. The nuances of McPherson’s narrative and character exploration do owe a nod to the great Anton Chekhov, but perhaps it misses the mark in transferring that emotional complexity to the stage.
Final Thoughts
This week marks an exciting moment for theatre lovers in Charlotte, but not every production can be a hit. While Girl from the North Country carries a unique premise and intriguing theatrical aspects, its debut at the Belk Theater might not leave everyone feeling warm and fuzzy. Here’s hoping that those looking for a captivating musical experience will keep searching for shows that ignite their passion for live theater!
