Eight years after its world premiere in 2017, Girl from the North Country has had its homecoming in London at none other than The Old Vic. This Bob Dylan jukebox musical is written and directed by the master dramatist Conor McPherson, who has already seen several of his works go on the box office. And the only musical number on show this year is this poignant blend of Dylan's working man's blues and a very well-written Great Depression drama.
Girl from the North Country has every element that sets it up for success – fabulous music, period costumes, lovely staging and decent story. It follows a family running a bed-and-breakfast in Minnesota (unsurprisingly, the birthplace of Bob Dylan). They are on the edge of losing their business, which is also their home, to a bank. On top of the financial difficulties, things are tense at home – a pregnant daughter without the baby dad, an unemployed son with artistic ambition and a wife battling illness. There are also the troubled guests staying at their B&B, some not well-meaning, some with dubious pasts. It's slightly reminiscent of The Grapes of Wrath, but without the too-much-for-heart gut-wrenching miseries.
And there is also music which somewhat moves in its own rhythm. So the piece feels more like a concert, than a musical. The music does not advance emotional or ideological insight but plays as a separate spectacle often as a ‘breakout' moment. Nonetheless, the casts give everything. Especially, Katie Brayben in Elizabeth is a stunning performer who completely steals the show in her quite literally perfect pitch. Steffan Harri in Elias has a small role but is an absolute standout in his solo decked in a white suit much alike Elvis Presley in the most complementary way possible. The arrangement of Dylan's music into Broadway sound will also surprise you. ‘Slow Train' is a hidden gem. The harmony, drama and choreography on top of it is simply fabulous, but a ‘Dylanite' might say something poetic charm is missing – that easy-going yet soulful vocal of Dyan is irreplaceable.
But you would not expect a jukebox of Bob Dylan's songs from the north country to work flawlessly because that would be too Broadway. It is a little clunky but in a very, very charming way.
It runs until 23 Aug.
Review: Sam SY Lee Photo: Manuel Harlan