LIZZIE

In the late summer of 1892, Lizzie Borden was accused of murdering her father and stepmother with an axe. Testimonies were muddled, evidence was incomplete, and Lizzie was acquitted. LIZZIE: The Musical delves into the mysterious mind of Lizzie Borden and speculates on the motivations she may have had: loss of inheritance, history of sexual abuse, overwhelming oppression, and madness. By her side is her older sister Emma, maid Bridget, and neighbor Alice. Together, the four women create a punk rock score to tell the story of why Lizzie Borden took an axe and gave her mother 40 whacks, and why when she saw what she had done, gave her father 41!

From the playbill:

We would like to welcome you to this exciting production of Spotlight Youth Theatre’s LIZZIE. This Badass piece of art examines a time within our American History where women were deemed “too demure” to take matters into their own hands. Heck, even the decision to acquit Lizzie Borden of the murders only took the all-male jury ten minutes to deliberate and declare a “not guilty” verdict. Whether you believe Lizzie committed the murders or not, this is quite the think-piece on how women are viewed and, at times, underestimated. What lengths would you go to in order to protect yourself?

During the rehearsal process, it has been a joy to collaborate with our young women as they worked to develop their own personal ROCKSTAR personas. Nothing is more incredible than watching a young performer push themselves beyond their own limitations. We are most grateful to have been entrusted with the safety of that journey. The care these young women have for each other and their respect for the process is truly inspiring. Our conversations have been deep and insightful. We are happy the future of the world is in their capable and powerful hands. Fondest moments during the rehearsal process include the staging of “Questions Questions,” “Why Are All These Heads Off?,” and our favorite song, “Somebody Will Do Something.” That number was so much fun to collaborate on with Katie (our brilliant choreographer) and our fearless cast. The way these young ladies are game for all the wild and unorthodox choices we requested from them made our job easier and enhanced our production!

We are grateful to have navigated this experience with not only the best creative team in the land (Thank you, Elise and Katie!) but also a dedicated group of designers, volunteers, Kenny G., and an entire band of incredibly talented female musicians! It has been an honor to inaugurate the new Spotlight Studio! Big Thanks to everyone who had a hand in getting the space primed for opening!

Lastly, we just want to share with the audience that our youth are intelligent, fierce, and fiery young women that you get to call your amazing children. As you witness their crafted characters, reflect on how much work went into creating this production and the countless hours they sacrificed to bring you this production. Sincere Thanks to Spotlight Youth Theatre and the SYT Board of Directors for this incredible opportunity.

Thank YOU for spending your evening with us. We invite you to ROCK OUT to LIZZIE!

Chanel Bragg & Marielle Tepe