MIDNIGHT IN THE GARDEN OF GOOD AND BAD —
GET HIGH FROM A TALL GLASS OF LADY CHABLIS;
TAKE A BOTTLE OF BOURBON TO ENDURE THE OTHERS
The Goodman Theatre’s premiere production of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil brought the beloved non-fiction book by John Berendt to life in a way that fans may love, but newcomers, like myself, will find it lackluster.
Brianna Buckley (center) and ensemble members
J. Harrison Ghee (center) and ensemble members
True, I have not read the book. I gave it a try when I was assigned to review, but although I’m a voracious reader who often loves a true crime story, I’m sorry to say I couldn’t get into it. This context is important to keep in mind because my feelings about the musical were similar to my feelings about the book. I wouldn’t want to dissuade lovers of the book from seeing this very impressive show. It’s possible the story is just not my taste.
Tom Hewitt and J. Harrison Ghee
Tom Hewitt and Sierra Boggess (front), Jessica Molaskey, Sean Donovan, Christopher Kelley
From my limited knowledge of the book, I know that Jim Williams is the protagonist. The musical, with book by Taylor Mac and music and lyrics by Jason Robert Brown, can’t seem to decide on a single protagonist, though one character is clearly the most interesting: The Lady Chablis, played by the Tony-award winning J. Harrison Ghee (Some Like It Hot). When Ghee stepped into a scene, I was relieved, then entertained, and finally, energized. When Chablis walked off, I was immediately disappointed.
J.Harrison Ghee
It’s not that the other actors were any less wonderful. The cast of seasoned professionals gave impeccable performances all around. The problem was, I just didn’t care. Every minute we spent listening to Jim Williams, played by the very charming Tom Hewitt, and Emma Dawes, played by the vocally stunning Sierra Boggess, drawl on about restoration I became less and less interested. Just when the show had been flatlining for so long that I felt sure someone would have to declare it dead, The Lady Chablis finally returned and pumped life back into it.
Sierra Boggess (on bench)
(back) Mary Ernster, McKinley Carter, Jessica Molaskey, Kayla Shipman
Wes Olivier and J. Harrison Ghee
I think the musical recognizes that though. Each time The Lady Chablis returns she throws out a quippy comment about how glad we must be to see her. She seemed to speak my mind throughout the whole performance, but she really summed it all up when she said to Jim Williams, “Honey. We all get your story. You killed a boy, you in jail, you sad. End of story.”
Brianna Buckley, Tom Hewitt and Lance Roberts
Wes Olivier, Jarvis B. Manning Jr., Rory Shirley,
DeMarius R. Copes, Andre Malcolm, Maya Bowles and Shanel Bailey
Some of my favorite moments of writing came via The Lady Chablis as well. Not only was Ghee hilarious, but I thoroughly enjoyed the level of audience participation baked into this musical. It was enough to make me feel involved, but never put on the spot. The Lady Chablis had me up out of my seat singing along (when she asked me to) to Brown’s very catchy music. It was like being at a concert (and then suddenly being told to sit down and pay attention while a professor wheels out a blackboard and explains how to properly restore a chandelier).
(Standing) J. Harrison Ghee and Lance Roberts. (Leaning) Brianna Buckley, Kayla Shipman,
Jessica Molaskey, Jason Michael Evans, Sean Donovan, Sierra Boggess, Mary Ernster,
Tom Hewitt, Christopher Kelley, Justin Rivers, Shanel Bailey, Wes Olivier, Bailee Endebrock,
McKinley Carter, Andre Malcolm, Calvin L. Cooper and Austin Colby.
(Kneeling) DeMarius R. Copes, Jarvis B. Manning Jr. and Maya Bowles
Austin Colby,
Bailee Endebrock, McKinley Carter, Mary Ernster, Kayla Shipman, Jessica Molaskey
As I researched the history of this story, I saw an interview with the book’s author on CBS News in which he said, “Savannahians love eccentric people,” and it dawned on me that perhaps the reason these characters weren’t interesting to me is because there’s nothing surprising or charming about mere eccentricity in a musical. They felt like your typical cast of musical theatre characters. Perhaps I would appreciate their charm more in the book if I had powered through and finished it.
Sean Donovan, Mary Ernster, Jessica Molaskey, Jason Michael Evans, Kayla Shipman, Tom Hewitt,
Bailee Endebrock, McKinley Carter, Wes Olivier, Sierra Boggess and Jarvis B Manning Jr.
Andre Malcolm, Maya Bowles, DeMarius R Copes, Shanel Bailey, Jarvis B Manning Jr, Rory Shirley
It would be negligent of me to finish this without spending a moment on the music by Mr. Brown (The Last Five Years). Musically, I was a bit reminded of his astounding work in Parade, but he seemed to pull from a wide range of inspiration ranging from golden age musicals for Jim Williams’s songs to A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder for Emma Dawes’. Several minor characters got their own musical moments as well, though many of those could stand to be trimmed or cut altogether in the case of one completely unnecessary ballad, “Since My Mama Died.” Once again, some of the best musical moments were given to the Lady Chablis. “True Crime” was a favorite of mine which had me dancing in my seat.
Tom Hewitt
Jessica Molaskey, Sierra Boggess and Kayla Shipman
That leads me to the incredible choreography by Tanya Birl-Torres. She and director Rob Ashford created stunning stage pictures, particularly during songs sung by the voodoo priestess, Minerva, played by Brianna Buckley. The dancers managed to move set pieces almost as an extension of their bodies in captivating, snaking choreography. All around, the artistry that went into this production is top-notch, and I think, if the writers can trim about 30 minutes of fat, there’s hope that this musical can be a hit.
Mary Ernster, Christopher Kelley, Sean Donovan, Andre Malcolm, J. Harrison Ghee,
DeMarius R. Copes, Jarvis B. Manning Jr. and Wes Olivier
Austin Colby and Tom Hewitt with ensemble
Don’t let me dissuade you from catching Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil before it heads off to its next chapter. Despite all my gripes with the Jim Williams and Emma Dawes storylines, I believe this musical is worth seeing for J. Harrison Ghee as The Lady Chablis alone. I recommend you grab a stiff drink before the show, as a true Savannahian would. Drink your way through the sinfully dull white people so you can let loose and have the time of your life with Lady Chablis.
Mary Ernster, McKinley Carter, Sierra Boggess, Jessica Molaskey and Kayla Shipman
Brianna Buckley (center, on steps) and ensemble
photos by Liz Lauren
The Bird Girl statue
Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil
Goodman Theatre’s Albert Theatre, 170 North Dearborn
ends on to August 4, 2024 EXTENDED to August 11, 2024
for tickets, call 312.443.3800 or visit Goodman Theatre
for more shows, visit Theatre in Chicago