Just a little over one year ago, an exciting buzz began to circulate around campus. An edgy rock musical was to debut on the Birmingham-Southern campus. This new musical had not even hit the main lights of New York’s Broadway yet, and we had it coming to our campus for the first time. The show was only a couple weeks into rehearsal when campus was shut down and our world forever changed because of the pandemic.

Photos by Stewart Edmonds.

Now almost one year later, we are bringing this rock musical back to BSC! “Lizzie the Musical” runs at 7:30 p.m. April 12-16 and at 2:30 p.m. April 18.

This time the theatre department has double cast the show, with the cast rotating every other day. A double cast is not normally used at BSC, but with COVID-19 still running its course, this allows us to have more flexibility so that the show can go on. Each cast consists of four women, together totaling eight. The characters in the show are Lizzie, Alice, Emma, and Bridget. The two casts have not seen each other perform yet, and they look forward to seeing how someone else portrays the character that they will also portray.

Senior Brianne Kendall (Alice) reflects on the unique experience of this show and how the cast overcomes challenges that COVID-19 presented.

“The biggest difference is definitely the fact that we can’t physically interact with each other on stage,” she says. “It has been a challenge to create intimacy between characters without physically touching each other, but I’ve also been able to experiment with ‘simple intimacy.’”

First-year Mary Kate Brooks (Lizzie) says, “It can be difficult showing the relationships between the characters with so much distance, but the fact that the show is presented like a rock concert allows for a lot of freedom for us to figure out how to tell the story without physical touch.”

To say this show is unique is an understatement. The casts believe that the challenges of COVID-19 forced them to expend their talents in different ways that now add to their ability to tell the story. Junior Louisa Davis (Bridget) says, “I grew up as a choir kid, but getting to let out my inner rock star has been a lot of fun!”

There is nothing missing from this show – it contains the lighting display of a rock concert and the clothing style of the 1800’s. Brooks hopes to give the audience an understanding of the broad range of types of musical theatre storytelling. The show is based on a historical story about Lizzie Borden, but with the creativity of the BSC theatre department and the one-of-a-kind rock music, this experience will feel brand new to those who are familiar with its story.

Against all odds, “Lizzie” will run on the Birmingham-Southern campus and it is sure to bring delight and entertainment to all who watch it. Battling many challenges presented since last year, the theatre department found a way to bring entertainment to campus and continue with determination despite challenges, ultimately remaining true to the school’s motto, “Forward, Ever!”

Admission is Free. No reservations required. Seating will be limited based on social distancing and on a first-come, first-served basis. Face coverings are required for all audience members. Be advised that this show contains adult language and content.

Written by Rose Simpson, BSC Class of 2021