Back Row: Suzy Hunt, Sara Henley-Hicks, Cassi Q. Kohl, Angie Louise Front Row: Katherine Strohmaier, Molli Corcoran, Bobby Kotula, Erin Hyatt. Photo: Showtunes Theatre

Showtunes for the Love of Musicals presented a special staged performance of The Unsinkable Molly Brown with a four-piece band and eight, count ‘em, eight women playing the single character of Molly Brown. To celebrate the strong female character and give the audience a variety of perspectives, eight women of different ages were cast to play the lead character.

Because of the additional bodies on stage and so many of them devoted to one character, the show had a more ensemble feel to it than normal. We watched a thoughtfully arranged choreography of performers coming up to speak or sing, which led to a feeling of carefully controlled chaos and general excitement.

Every actor sang beautifully, every note delivered clear and true. The band had a terrific time and that could be heard in the playful, polished music they delivered. All in all, the show was performed beautifully and I only wish there were more production companies doing the same thing!

For the fans and the inquisitive, a thoughtful Q&A was delivered after the performance. For the social butterflies, the bar remained open and guests were invited to socialize and get to know one another. What a great way to engage with the community and make an evening out of Broadway. For fans of the music of classic music theatre, Showtunes delivers.

This was Showtune’s last performance of this season, so you’ll have to wait a bit before they return, but return they will! For more information about their next season and on how to donate, check out their website, showtunestheatre.org.

Tags: Broadway, Music Theatre, Showtunes, Showtunes Theatre Company, The Unsinkable Molly Brown