Interludes

THE HANGOVER REPORT – In Transport Group’s comprehensive revisal, Beth Malone irresistibly makes the role of THE UNSINKABLE MOLLY BROWN her own

• By drediman
• February 29, 2020
• No Comments

Beth Malone leads the company of Transport Group’s revisal of “The Unsinkable Molly Brown” by Meredith Willson at Abrons Arts Center. Photo by Carol Rosegg.

This week, Transport Group’s rare revival of Meredith Willson’s 1960 musical The Unsinkable Molly Brown opened Off-Broadway at Abrons Arts Center. Actually, many have labeled the staging a “revisal” rather than a revival given the creative team’s efforts to bring the show comprehensively up-to-speed with current feminist politics. As a result, wholesale changes have been implemented, with huge swaths of Richard Morris’s dated original book having been rewritten by Dick Scanlan (who also updated the similarly problematic Thoroughly Modern Millie). If you don’t already know, the work is a musical retelling of the life and adventures of Margaret “Molly” Brown, an historical figure known for being a feisty philanthropist and activist, who also notably survived the sinking of the Titanic.

Most of Mr. Scanlan’s updates work, even if the resulting show lacks a bit of tension. In this version, there is no question of Molly’s judgment and character; she’s the indisputable moral compass of the show. This absolute certainty demotes all other characters and points of view, giving the show a somewhat didactic tone that at times becomes monotonous. Luckily, Transport Group has enlisted A-list director and choreographer Kathleen Marshall, whose kinetic, confident work supplies the show with the (visual) layers that are insufficiently apparent in Mr. Scanlan’s episodic book. This comes as no surprise given Ms. Marshall’s impressive resume, having helmed high profile musical revivals on Broadway, like the most recent mountings of Anything Goes, Wonderful Town, and Grease. Her work on Molly Brown is elegantly stripped-down but never lacking, and she uses the cozy jewel box theater at Abrons Arts Center with inspired resourcefulness.

The show’s other asset is its excellent cast, led by the sensational Beth Malone as the titular Molly Brown (a role famously originated by Debbie Reynolds). Ms. Malone, who was so moving as the adult Alison Bechdel in the Tony-winning Fun Home, throws herself into the role (both literally and figuratively), attacking the show’s demanding physical and vocal demands with irresistible aplomb. Most importantly, she puts her own distinctive stamp on the role; her Molly is as seductive as she is brash. As her flawed, strong-willed husband, rich-voiced baritone David Aron Damane does his best in a nearly thankless role, particularly in the singing department. The rest of the small but exceptional cast do double-duty, playing multiple roles with impressive dexterity and skill. Finally, it’s a treat to hear Mr. Willson’s bouncy, Americana-tinged score played so lovingly by music director Joey Chancey and his excellent pit orchestra.

RECOMMENDED

THE UNSINKABLE MOLLY BROWN
Off-Broadway, Musical
Transport Group / Abrons Arts Center
2 hours, 30 minutes (with one intermission)
Through April 5