"If you want satirical camp like the fun "Bat Boy the Musical" or "Reefer Madness the Musical," you'll be disappointed. This is a moving, serious treatment of the sordid Lizzie Borden story. It's dark, moody and stays with you for days. Allison Fraser's dead, emotionless reading of the dialogue (yes, it's on purpose) gives me the chills. A wonderful surprise. I recommend highly."
4 stars for the CD, 5 stars for the show!
Tom Carnahan | 01/24/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Having first heard of this play through small talk at a theatre site, I wondered if it would even be available, how truly "great" it would be, and why there were absolutely no names I recognized involved. With one spin of the CD, I was in Fall River, black and white, and steamed with Father. Double entendre, musical allusion, and good story telling abound in this dark horse. Although there is license taken at the end(with a musical reprise interpreting the title lady's guilt), the aura of the period shines in the snobbish ladies, descriptions of places and clothing, etc...A must have for any true theatre buff, student, or patron.One let down, however, is the complete absence of any libretto. This would be one smashing read!"
Fantastic !
Tom Carnahan | 11/11/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I had no idea when I bought this CD that it would be so original and inspiring. Wow! I am really sorry I did not see the show in person! Buy it and hear for yourself....I am sure this not the last we will hear of this musical. Absolutely brilliant....Christopher McGovern and Amy Powers are to be lauded."
A brilliant chamber musical that's both chilling and moving.
Tom Carnahan | 10/11/1999
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I was lucky enough to catch a workshop production of this show in New York a few years ago, and I can't believe it hasn't had a major production yet. The show itself is an extremely compelling chamber musical with only 12 cast members. Its main theatrical conceit is telling Lizzie Borden's story through Lizzie as an adult and Lizzie as a child. This echo effect is what gives the show its heart and also makes it chilling. Instead of a whodonnit, it's more of a whydunnit. The music in the show - and in the nicely produced CD - is wonderful. There are several memorable songs, some of which merit recordings by major voices. My favorite is "House On The Hill." Broadway veteran Alison Fraser gives a lovely performance as Lizzie and it would be great to see her open this on Broadway. The show also has some comic tunes, which relieve the tension created by the story and music. I would compare this most to "Sweeney Todd.""
Outstanding! A must have for all musical theatre buffs.
Tom Carnahan | 11/04/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Christopher McGovern & Amy Powers have created a brilliant work of art - one that deserves to be seen and heard. In a musical about Lizzie Borden, I expected songs about murder, but I didn't expect the heart-wrenchingly beautiful, the humorous, or the many other varied types of songs. I've already purchased more CDs to give to friends. I'll cross my fingers that it comes to a theatre near me soon."