Wolfie and the Showgirl

Crescent Theatre, Bimingham

*****

If work rate alone was a measure of success, then Lizzie Wofford deserves great things. Fast on the heels of her recent appearance in Fanny, a new one woman musical, now comes Wolfie and The Showgirl.

Hailing from the same associate writers of Carolyn Scott Jeffs and Musical writer director Peter Jon Dodsworth they are building on the success of Fanny which won best show in the 2016 Birmingham Fest.

Wolfie is yet another one hour, one woman show that features again the formidable talents of Miss Wofford who delivers the Gangster’s moll tale of Bootlegging and crime in underworld New York in the 1920s with considerable zest.

With nothing more than a couple of costume changes and a table we are entertained with a moody and often funny monologue of deception and murder with her one to one conversation with us easing into some diverse musical numbers.

It’s the story of Annie Mae and her lover Wolfie told through their eyes. After a shooting the pair end up on the run, holding up banks and stores along the way when the money runs out. It certainly is of Bonnie and Clyde proportions with a womanly gender twist that seems to be a regular focus of Carolyn Scott Jeffs work in this form.

wolfie

This production is said to be a prelude to something greater in scale with the team promising to refine and re-orchestrate the musical works for a 12 piece jazz band . There is certainly room for that and perhaps it may ramp up the atmosphere when completed but in its current form as one woman show it doesn't feel to be lacking.

Although the approach to the play is from a cartoon Tex Avery standpoint it feels more relevant and real as if delivered from the memory of an incarcerated Annie Mae who may have been finally captured for her violent crimes.

The music is written by the very experienced Peter John Dodsworth and although the songs are designed to illustrate and punctuate the story , there are some very accomplished pieces. The Songs like Who is that woman , are passionately performed by Annie Mae as is this one when one of Wolfie's old flames walks back into their lives with murderous consequences.

It will be interesting to see how this production develops but even in its current form it is yet another well written platform for the talent of Lizzie Wofford .

With the producers Roberts and John and the writing and performing team all having their roots in the Midlands area, it’s another quality piece of work for the region to get behind and be proud of.

Jeff Grant

28-07-17

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