The new original musical
Rollicking! A Winter Carnival Musical celebrates the one holiday* that unites us all here in the Northland - winter itself! And specifically, it celebrates the way that we celebrate winter, namely the St. Paul Winter Carnival. Like all of History Theatre's original work, it's educational, shedding light on a little known aspect of local history, and it's also entertaining in the way it tells that history. But I don't think I've seen a History Theatre musical quite like this before, that wraps its historical lesson up in a bright fantastical world. It's an odd mix of real world facts and people, and a fantasy realm full of magical creatures, but somehow it works.
Rollicking! is a yummy confection of a winter musical that celebrates everything we love about Minnesota, its people, and its traditions.
Join the celebration at History Theatre in downtown St. Paul through December 21.
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| the battle between heat and cold (photo by Rick Spaulding) |
The real world story centers on
Clarence Wigington, aka Cap, who was the first Black municipal architect in the country, working for the city of St. Paul for over 30 years and designing dozens of buildings, many of which are still standing. Our story begins with Cap working on his design for a grand ice palace for the Winter Carnival in the 1930s. His wife Viola interrupts him and reminds him they have a party to go to, and since they've only recently reunited after a separation, it's important to her that they attend. She leaves Cap to finish up what he's doing, when he's suddenly swept into the magical realm of the Winter Carnival, where the legends of King Boreas, his wife Aurora, and nemesis Vulcanus Rex come to life. Viola soon follows after, and there they meet all of these mythical creatures, many of whom are also historical figures (just go with it). And since this is a fantasy world, we're able to jump around in time as the impish fact-spouting gnomes recite trivia from throughout the nearly 140-year lifespan of the festival. Cap and Viola go off on their own adventures in the realm, eventually meeting up and returning to the real world, having learned a few things and strengthened their relationship.
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| the wintery world of the magical realm (photo by Rick Spaulding) |
A fantastic and hard-working cast of just nine actor/singer/dancers bring this wild story to life. Roland Hawkins II is a wonderful Cap, with a gorgeous deep voice. Erin Nicole Farsté is also great as Viola, no shrinking violet but a strong and equal partner. In the magical realm, Benjamin Dutcher is the elegant Lord High Chamberlain (aka J.H. Hanson, who wrote the legend of the carnival), Randy Schmeling is delightfully mean as Vulcanus (aka James J. Hill's less famous son Louis), Tara Borman is a brash and bold Klondike Kate (and also a champion snowmobile racer), and ensemble members Elena Glass, Annika Isbell, Jon Michael Stiff, and Adrienne Zimiga-January portray multiple mythical characters, the latter representing the Dakota part of Minnesota and Winter Carnival history.
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Vulcanus (Randy Schmeling) and his world of heat
(photo by Rick Spaulding) |
Director Laura Leffler and the design team bring out all of the whimsy of the musical, with book by Rachel Teagle, music by Keith Hovis, and lyrics by both. There's a lot of silliness and charm in the script, and it really comes to life in a magical way on stage, as if we're in a winter wonderland snow globe. There's a literal snow globe circular shape framing the changing backdrops, with snow gently falling on occasion, practically and in projection form. Costumes are fun and colorful, the ensemble in a snow-white snowflake-bedazzled base layer with thick-soled white boots, with pieces added to represent the cold and hot sides of the realm. The lighting also helps to make the hot/cold distinction, particularly impressive in one number when the two forces are fighting, and the lighting switches back and forth between warm and cold at lightning speed. (Scenic design by Eli Sherlock, lighting design by Marcus F. Dilliard, costume design by Bryce Turgeon.)
This cold vs. heat battle song, and the show itself, are reminiscent of the early '70s animated TV special The Year Without a Santa Claus, featuring the Heat Miser and the Snow Miser, amping up the nostalgia factor. But I did not feel nostalgic about the Vulcan black V mark, which Viola receives on her cheek. I have some PTSD from when I was a child in the late 70s and early 80s, and the Vulcans would march in small town parades and assault women and girls by pressing their cheek to ours, leaving a black V, something I'm certain is no longer acceptable. After experiencing this childhood trauma at the hands (and cheeks) of the Vulcan Krewe, it's no wonder I'm Team Boreas. I loved the end of the musical when they sing about they joys of winter and hoping it lasts forever! (But ask me again in February.)
As with all Keith Hovis-penned scores, this one is clever and catchy and so much fun to listen to. Music Director Isabella Dawis leads the four-piece band on keyboard, hidden away somewhere backstage, video of them shown at curtain call to receive their due applause. The choreography (by Joey Miller) matches the fun and playful tone of the music and story.
Rollicking! A Winter Carnival Musical is another great new original historical musical from History Theatre, that celebrates Minnesota history, culture, people, and winter in a fun, inclusive, and whimsical way.
*Click here for reviews of all of the holiday shows I've seen this year.
