All photos by Meghan Moore

Through March 7, 2010, Merrimack Repertory Theatre, Lowell MA

In a fictionalized story based on Huddie Leabetter (Leadbelly), Frank Higgins turns the story upside-down, changing Leadbelly’s 1930’s “discovery” by musicologists to female characters. Not that Leadbelly’s story itself wasn’t worthy; Leadbetter  (see video below) was in and out of prisons, served on a chain gang, and was exonerated by the governor for good behavior, but having female leads provided opportunities for Higgins to explore friendship, as well as class and race issues.

Once you get past the annoying yodeling in the pre-show music, the magic begins in the opening scene where Pearl (Cherene Snow) with her ball and chain first meets musicologist Susannah Mullally, (Valerie Leonard). Pearl is played with just the right combination of attitude, irony, and insightful intelligence, and her soulful voice is gorgeous. She is the antithesis of Susannah, a brittle white academic, and as Pearl slowly learns to trust Susannah, she reveals her songs.

Susannah is driven, and the script explores some of her motivations. Leonard, who also sings in a clear strong voice, plays Susannah perfectly, but her character just by definition, “pales” next to Pearl’s, and although she certainly is not one-dimensional, Susannah has lots of sadness and regrets, but no real warmth.

Like the costumes, which had me wondering where one can still buy seamed stockings, the sets are flawless and detailed. The opening scene’s 1930’s office in a Texas prison is complete with a ceiling fan, and then a later bohemian apartment in Greenwich Villages has an array of perfect arty ornamentation. This show, although not a musical, is filled with songs, back dropped by a touching story that brought the opening night audience to its feet in a heart-felt ovation. Don’t miss this!

Below is a YouTube movie by Pete Seeger, featuring Leadbelly.

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