The legend of Lizzie Borden, the girl who “took an ax and gave her mother 40 whacks” wouldn’t seem the stuff of theater, much less a rock opera. And yet “Lizzie,” a rock musical inspired by the Victorian crime story, is an exciting and compelling look at female empowerment, according to Dr. Lauren Love, South Puget Sound Community College theater professor and director of the production, which is presented by the SPSCC Theatre Collective.
“I want audience members to come away feeling exhilarated, that pure feeling of freedom,” she said, describing the actors as “wonderful and fearless women.”
The show’s four characters — Lizzie; her sister Emma; Bridgett, the maid; and their friend, Alice Russell — begin the show in Victorian costume, then later change into contemporary rock concert attire, accompanied by a six-piece band. They return to Victorian clothing when the show revisits its historical roots in a courtroom drama. Costumes vary throughout the two-act show. In real life, Lizzie was charged with, then acquitted of the crime, and lived out her life in her hometown of Fall River, Massachusetts.
The play assumes Lizzie’s guilt, according to its director. It also doesn’t shy away from suggesting that Lizzie’s relationship with her father included sexual abuse, a theme explored in the song “This Is Not Love,” one of the 26 songs that tell Lizzie’s story.
“The music allows us to release into big feelings, cathartic feelings, and heightens the style of what we’re doing,” Love said.
While the play undeniably explores powerful themes, it does so with a light touch, and also contains “bits of humor, bits of light and hope,” according to Love. It’s ultimately, she says, a story of transformation.
Director Love chose “Lizzie” because she wants to provide diverse theater experiences for local audiences, and the school had not yet performed a rock musical. She also appreciates shows that spotlight female actors and themes. And with “Lizzie,” the show is exhilarating to perform as well as, she believes, to experience as an audience member.
“This is an exciting and fun project,” she said. “It lets us really play.”
Local audiences will be familiar with the community actors bringing “Lizzie” to life. Jesse Morrow, who plays Lizzie, had the lead role in “Amelie,” a 2024 SPSCC production. Emma Sorensen, who plays Lizzie’s sister, Emma, recently served as musical director of the Capital High School production of “Hadestown.” Heather Matthews, who plays Bridget, had a starring role in the 2019 SPSCC production of “Fun Home,” and Lola Havens, an Olympia High School student, was in the recent Harlequin production of “Cabaret,” as well as “Fun Home.” On May 31 only, local actor Amy Shephard will step in to play the role of Alice.
Backstage, SPSCC students Skylar Augustine, Kyoko Hosfield, Lena Kirkendall, Katie Phinney, Nolan Sutton and Carrie Thompson will comprise the crew. John Guarente is musical director, Owen Yates is lighting designer, SPSCC art professor Liza Brenner serves as scenic consultant, and Nicholas Main is choreographer. First performed in 2009, the play was created by Steven Cheslik-DeMeyer, Alan Stevens Hewitt and Tim Maner.
Due to the adult themes, the play is recommended for those 18 and over.
Photos courtesy SPSCC Theatre Collective.
WHAT:
“Lizzie,” a rock musical presented by SPSCC Theatre Collective
WHEN:
Friday, May 23, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, May 24, 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, May 25, 2 p.m.; Friday, May 30, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, May 31, 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, June 1, 2 p.m.
WHERE:
Kenneth Minnaert Center for the Arts Main Stage, South Puget Sound Community College, 2011 Mottman Road SW, Olympia
TICKETS:
Suggested price, $15 for community members; free to SPSCC students, staff and faculty.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
https://spscc.edu/entertainment