Beck Center for the Arts ‘The Robber Bridegroom’ is a toe tapping delight

Photo Credit Steve Wagner

Occasionally, a little known and not often performed show comes around that proves to be an absolute gem. Such is the case with the Beck Center for the Arts production of “The Robber Bridegroom” now on stage in the Center’s Studio Theater. With book and lyrics by Alfred Uhry and music by Robert Waldman the story is based on a 1942 novella by Eudora Welty and is set in the late 18th century.

The concept began as a musical workshop development before moving on to a brief Broadway engagement (14 performances and one preview) at the Harkness Theatre after which it set out on a national tour. This proved so successful that revamped extended production made it back to Broadway at the Biltmore Theatre for 145 performances and 12 previews. The show is currently celebrating its 50th anniversary. The heavily tinged bluegrass score proved popular and featured a small group of musicians playing guitar, fiddle, mandolin, bass and banjo. The Beck Center version features Larry Goodpaster on piano, Evan Kleve on violin, David Nicholson on banjo, Jesse Hogson and Michael Simile on guitars and Jason Stebelton on bass.

The first act begins in modern times with folks telling about their ancestors (“Once Upon A Natchez Trace”). As they sing and dance they shed their modern clothes and put on clothing more appropriate to the end of the 18th Century as they change into their characters.

Clemment Musgrove (Jordan Potter) is a wealthy planter traveling from New Orleans back to his home having successfully sold his tobacco crop. Wherever he goes he is confronted by townsfolk trying to steal his money. Making his way to a hotel he is forced to pay an exorbitant sum for a room so he can get some rest. Little Harp (Connor Lirio), a down on his heals robber, plots with his brother Big Harp (Morgan Thomas-Mills), who has been reduced to being a talking head in a trunk, to kill Musgrove and steal his money (“Two Heads”).

Little Harp is confounded by Jamie Lockhart (Nic Rhew) who is a gentleman robber and hero of local folklore. Lockhart convinces Musgrove to make the bed look like they are sleeping in it. When Little Harp “kills” the two with a two by four the pair jump out acting like ghosts and scare Little Harp off. Musgrove is so grateful, he invites Lockhart to his home for dinner and to meet his daughter Rosamund (Izzy Baker) with hopes Lockhart will woo her. In an aside, Lockhart reveals that he will forego stealing a mere purse when he could have the entire fortune (“Steal With Style”).

Arriving home, Musgrove greets his second wife Salome (Ruby Moncrieff-Karten) who is dead set on getting rid of Rosamund by sending her on dangerous errands. Salome is smitten by Lockhart who spurns her advances. As Lockhart arrives in the area he disguises himself with berry juice and becomes “The Bandit of the Woods”. Rosamund herself is in a dream world wishing to meet a man who will love her and call her name (Rosamund’s Dream”).

Upon his return, Musgrove gives Salome some small gifts while lavishing a beautiful dress sewn with gold thread to his daughter. Salome gets angry at the slight (“PricklePear and Lilybud”) and plots.

While in the woods, Rosamund encounters Lockhart who is disguised. They fall in love. When Lockhart comes to call (without the berry juice) Rosamund is cleaning the house dressed like a scullery maid. They do not recognize each other and the plot of mistaken identities moves forward.

This production features an extremely able cast of singers, dancers and actors who weave a complex story that is easy to follow and understand. While the “disguise” plot device is a bit thin it adds to the hilarity. Nic Rhew as Jamie Lockhart is a perfect choice for the part. He is handsome and charming with a great singing voice. Izzy Baker as Rosamund has a beautiful singing voice as well and portrays her part with gusto. Ruby Moncrieff-Karten as Salome is the second wife we love to hate.

The chemistry between Connor Lirio and Morgan Thomas-Mills as Little and Big Harp is perfection. During the Saturday performance when Big Harp receives a cut on his face he soldiers on and ad lib's it into the show. Seth Crawford as Goat plays the simpleton to a “T” and Mariah Hamburg as Airie doubles as his sister as well as various ensemble parts. Jordan Potter as Clemment Musgrove does a fine turn as the wealthy planter. Also worth mentioning is Eliana Taub who has triple jobs as Raven, Ensemble and dance captain and does each very well.

The set design by Trad A. Burns fills the Studio Theater’s small space with an abundance of knickknacks that are a joy to discover. Trad’s lighting design gets high marks as well. Lauren Marousek’s choreography is inspired. Carlton Guc has everyone mic’d and the sound fills the theater without overwhelming it. Jenniver Sparano’s costuming is marvelous as the cast transforms from modern dress to authentic looking 18th century garb. The show is superbly directed by Scott Spence who keeps the action moving quickly along.

This little diamond of a show really is an absolute delight. The well played blue grass music combined with excellent voices, dancing and fine acting make for a very enjoyable evening of theater. Seats are limited so order yours early and head out to the Natchez Trace!

The Beck Center for the Arts production of “The Robber Bridegroom” will be onstage in the Studio Theater at 17801 Detroit Avenue, Lakewood, Ohio through June 29, 2025. For more information and tickets go to http://www.beckcenter.org or call (216) 521-2540.