“Murder Ballad” preview Sept. 25 at 64 Oz. taproom. Director Mark Steighner is on keys, with bandmates Jason Hartmann, Paul Thompson, and Dennis Castanares. Cast members are Luke Firsching, Michelle Firsching, Tommy Fliss, and Emily Vawter.
“Murder Ballad” preview Sept. 25 at 64 Oz. taproom. Director Mark Steighner is on keys, with bandmates Jason Hartmann, Paul Thompson, and Dennis Castanares. Cast members are Luke Firsching, Michelle Firsching, Tommy Fliss, and Emily Vawter.
“Murder Ballad” is one of those rare productions whose title is the same as its genre: Murder ballads a la “Frankie and Johnny,” “Mack the Knife” and “Long Black Veil” are a long tradition in music and theater.
But this story is modern and gritty.
The new Columbia Gorge Orchestra Association musical production, opening Thursday, is a new “rock opera” by Julia Jordan and Juliana Nash.
The venue is a new one for CGOA: River City Saloon.
Director Mark Steighner noted that venue lent itself as a setting for the story of a tragic love affair that takes place mostly in a bar.
The show is open to kids 10 and up but is recommended for mature teens. Seating is limited, and front row seats are close to the action.
“Murder Ballad” is a full-on rock opera, with no dialogue — just songs, delivered with verve by cast members Luke Firsching, Michelle Firsching, Tommy Fliss and Emily Vawter.
Sara, a young New Yorker is torn between her dangerous ex-boyfriend and her reliable husband.
Led by a bartender who serves as the show’s narrator, “Murder Ballad” documents the details of the torrid affair with vibrant pop-rock tunes.
“Murder Ballad” appeared off-Broadway in two limited runs between 2012-2014, before moving to the West End in London. It has been produced in Europe, Japan, China and Korea.
Commented