Two names that stand out in the annals of American crime are Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow, the couple who kept the nation on edge during the Great Depression.<\/p>\n
Their story is captured in \u201cBonnie & Clyde,\u201d a musical covering the years 1920 to 1934 and making its regional premiere at San Jose Stage Company.<\/p>\n
As related in the musical’s book by Ivan Menchell, with music by Frank Wildhorn and lyrics by Don Black, “Bonnie & Clyde” is first and foremost a love story between two likable West Texans. They just happened to make their living through robbing and killing, including 14 lawmen.<\/p>\n
Clyde (Cliff McCormick), who had admired Billy the Kid, had already done some jail time when he met Bonnie (Allison F. Rich). She was working as a waitress in a diner and dreaming of becoming a Hollywood star like Clara Bow. The attraction was mutual. Even when he went to jail again, she visited him regularly, much to the dismay of her mother, \u00a0Emma (Judith Miller).<\/p>\n
She then helped him to escape, and they were on their way.<\/p>\n
Throughout their criminal exploits, they remained loyal to their families, including Clyde’s parents (Bruce Carlton and Lucinda Hitchcock Cone). Clyde’s brother, Buck (Will Springhorn), got involved with them despite the objections of his wife, Blanche (Halsey Varady).<\/p>\n
Directed by Michael Navarra with choreography by CJ Blankenship, the action takes place on a spare set created by Giulio Perrone and enhanced with projections by Garland Thompson.<\/p>\n
Several people in the 17-member cast create multiple characters. With musical direction by Allison F. Rich, the six-member band, ensemble singing and most of the solo work are excellent. Rich’s Bonnie is especially noteworthy.<\/p>\n
McCormick sings well as Clyde, but he doesn’t seem natural. He struts rather than walks, making his performance too large for the intimate space.<\/p>\n
The two-act show runs more than two hours with one intermission. Overall, it’s quite well done.<\/p>\n