Ensemble Arts Philly and the
Shubert Organization are presenting the Tony Award winning Girl from the North
Country at the Forrest Theatre, 1114 Walnut Street. Written and
directed by Conor McPherson, Girl From the North Country is basically a
vehicle for 22 of Bob Dylan’s songs. Many actors have an opportunity to shine
with a solo or instrumental accompaniment on the drums or other acoustic aid,
but the most remarkable renditions of his songs are rendered by the entire cast
singing in gorgeous harmonies. The play is set in Bob Dylan’s hometown of Duluth, Minnesota during the Depression of
1934. Many characters lead depressing lives - a mother with dementia, a young
daughter who is an unwed mother, a con-man preacher and a nearly penny-less father running an
unsuccessful boarding house where characters come to spend the night or drop in
for breakfast. These characters are involved with others in short skits intermingled
with big musical numbers. The music, however, does not always seem to relate to
anything that is happening on stage. The lighting design is outstanding throughout.
The use of dark and bright spaces on the stage is extremely effective. The show
can be seen through Sunday, March 10, 2024. For more information or tickets, visit www.ensembleartsphilly.org.
