University Productions is ready to embark on a wild ride as “Bonnie & Clyde The Musical” is set to open Wednesday and run through Sunday in the Albert L. Jeffers Theatre on the Edinburg campus.
Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow led authorities on one of America’s most notorious manhunts in the 1930s as they went on a crime spree across the Southern states, mainly Texas, leaving a trail of robberies, burglaries and murder behind them.
The story of love and crime will come to the stage at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday under the direction of UTRGV Assistant Professor Brian Warren.
Warren, who has been with the University of Texas Pan American and UTRGV since 2002, has directed 31 productions with the university. He said “Bonnie & Clyde” was chosen because it’s a fun musical that hits close to home.
“It’s a Texas legend,” he said. “These two were born and raised in Texas, outside of Dallas. It’s always a joy to see the collaboration between the designers and the performers, and in this case, the musicians, to see how it all comes together from a variety of different kinds of talent.”
The 2009 musical was written by Ivan Menchell, with music composed by Frank Wildhorn and lyrics by Don Black. It brings a modernized touch to the stage.
The role of Bonnie Parker is played by Zoe Sesin, a junior theater major and Sharyland High School alum. Sesin said “Bonnie & Clyde The Musical” is an engaging fresh take on a story from the 1930s brought to life.
“I think that the ‘Bonnie & Clyde’ musical allows people who don’t know that much about theater or who have a narrow-minded perspective about theater, ‘Bonnie & Clyde’ kind of breaks those standards with these heavy guitar songs, these rockish and very modern songs,” Sesin said. “I think it was a great choice to do because it breaks the stereotype because it’s very engaging and there’s action that grabs you and draws you in and that’s what makes it so fresh.
Julian David Ramirez, who will play the role of Clyde Barrow, got his theater start in third grade when he played the prince in “Snow White.” He said the audience should be prepared to be taken on a ride when watching “Bonnie & Clyde.”
“The thought of robbing banks on stage seemed so adrenaline worthy,” Ramirez said. “It’s one hell of a ride.”
The musical will be presented again at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday.
Tickets are $10 for UTRGV students, faculty and staff, $15 for non-UTRGV students with ID, $20 for general admission and $25 for reserve seating.
For more information or special accommodations, call University Productions at 665-3581 or visit utrgv.edu/theatre.
