Casa Mañana Returns with a Bang!

Casa Manana’s 2021 creative Apprentice Program hits a homerun with their performance of Frank Wildhorn’s musical, ‘Bonnie & Clyde.’ The production’s cast is made up of dedicated young performers ages 19 and younger who are aspiring a career in theatre.

Together, this group has demonstrated more than a wide-eyed passion for the performing arts — the team has put together a performance on the heels of Covid-19’s cataclysm, which consequentially cut their rehearsal time short by a full week.  Could have fooled me! The level of talent and dedication poured into every aspect of the show was not lacking, and for that, I have nothing but praise and appreciation for these cast members and their production team.

So, let’s talk about the show itself!

The musical dives right into the ill-fated end of the notorious Bonnie & Clyde, leaving a visceral image in your mind before the scene quickly transitions back to the unfolding of their lives. Each of their stories are presented alike; their disgruntled upbringing to later living in the throes of the Great Depression where we see their cumulative dream of something more in life. As a result, enticing the wrong and unlawful means to chase their own aspirations of wealth and fame.

Photo courtesy of Casa Mañana

It is quite the experience to see their story told in a way that goes beyond the dynamic fugitives’ chase, but also witness the impact of their choices to those around them. Its immersive and fascinating to be sure.

Throughout the show, there’s a little bit of everything — light-hearted comedy, romance, high energy, and tragedy all wrapped up in one. The ensemble members, individually and as a group portray all those components seamlessly with powerful vocals and energetic stage presence, leaving each character story valued and believable.

Indisputably, leading actors Maya Michalski, as Bonnie Parker, and Tristin Thomas, as Clyde Barrow, conveyed their roles of criminal lovers well. Each delivered excellent chemistry as well as a dynamic interpretation of their character’s inner misguided recklessness and personal turbulence. Additionally, I was moved by Michalski’s versatile voice, blending a warm and bluesy tonality that defined the sultry ‘femme fatale’ image assigned to Bonnie. Equally, Thomas harnessed his character through his singing that not only complemented Clyde’s swaggering tendencies, but he also bellowed an impressive and technically balanced range.

As someone who grew up and worked in the theatre, I can say nothing but praise for the whole production team and their hard work to put together a brilliant and energetic musical experience. I look forward to future opportunities to see them perform and to continue my support of the local theatre industry.

The musical will have its final show on August 8^th at 2PM. If you missed your chance to attend, Casa has more exciting shows to come that you will not want to miss. Visit their website for a full calendar of events and tickets: Casa Mañana Theatre –  Broadway & Children’s Theatre (casamanana.org)

Gretta Hendricks is a multidisciplinary creative who has been a chocolatier, baker, birth-doula, performance artist, and freelance writer, although her favorite job to-date has been becoming a first-time mama to her beautiful rainbow baby, Ofelia, born in January of 2020. Gretta has enjoyed writing for as long as she can remember and is passionately interested in the ways she can both learn and share from the art of storytelling. Alongside her husband and daughter, she loves living in and exploring Fort Worth as well as pouring into her church and local community.