Dallas Review: Lyric Stage Presents “Mirette”
Shawn Stalter, Chief Dallas/Ft. Worth Critic
Lyric Stage continued its robust season celebrating the power and presence of women with a charming production of “Mirette.” Together, cast and crew delivered a vibrant, crowd-pleasing, show well complemented by the grandeur of the historic Majestic Theatre in downtown Dallas.
“Mirette” is Tom Jones, Harvey Schmidt and Elizabeth Diggs’ musical adaptation of Emily McCully’s Caldecott Award-winning book “Mirette on the Highwire.” It tells the story of “Mirette,” an exuberant young girl who lives with her mother in their Parisian boarding house alongside an assortment of eccentric stage performers. When a captivating and quiet stranger, later revealed to be the famous tightrope walker “Bellini,” comes to visit, “Mirette” becomes enamored with his unusual craft. After convincing him to teach her the secrets of his trade, against her mother’s wishes, “Mirette” quickly discovers her purpose in life. When the “Bellini” himself runs headlong into a period of self-doubt and low confidence, “Mirette” shines her infectious light upon him in a sweet conclusion to this heartwarming tale.
This production soars under Rick Estes’ expert direction. Having performed the demanding role of “Bellini” himself in Lyric Stage’s 1999 season, he leverages an intimate understanding of the show’s characters to craft an immersive and imaginative world for the audience. However, Rick Estes wasn’t the only veteran member of the show to return for a reprise. Lois Sonnier-Hart, also a part of the Lyric Stage’s 1999 “Mirette,” returned to once again grace the stage with her robust delivery of the zesty Russian songbird, “Madame Rouspenskaya.”
As “Mirette,” the young and skilled Emma Grace Freeman, fresh from her appearance in the children’s ensemble in Lyric Stage’s “Evita,” gave an endearing performance. Her well-developed vocal range and commanding stage presence conveyed a deep pool of talent well in advance of her young age. Together with “Bellini,” played by the charismatic Christopher J. Deaton, they offered a robust performance full of exceptional harmonies and well-developed synergy.
In addition to this talented team, Lyric Stage’s “Mirette” also featured praiseworthy performances from Mary Gilbreath-Grim, as Mirette’s mother, “Madame Gateau,” Jeremiah Johnson as the downtrodden juggler “Tabac,” Ryan Nuss and Rebecca Caroll as the acrobatic duo of “Clouk” and “Claire,” Annabelle Grace Woodard as the dancer “Gaby,” Colin Phillips as the clown “Camembert” and James Williams in the role of promoter, “Max.”
Overall, Lyric Stage’s “Mirette” is a fun and uplifting show sure to delight DFW theatergoers of all ages.
MIRETTE
Lyric Stage’s production of “Mirette” runs through 17 Nov at the historic Majestic Theatre in downtown Dallas. The show stars Emma Grace Freeman as “Mirette” and features Christopher J. Deaton, as “Bellini,” Mary Gilbreath-Grim, as Mirette’s mother “Madame Gateau,” Lois Sonnier-Hart in her role as “Madame Rouspenskaya,” Jeremiah Johnson as the juggler “Tabac,” Ryan Nuss as “Clouk,” Rebecca Carroll as “Claire,” Annabelle Grace Woodard as “Gaby,” Colin Phillips in the role of “Camembert” and James Williams as “Max.” This show also features music direction by Bruce Greer, costuming from Alastair Sigala Ramirez, sound by Jorge Guerra, lighting courtesy of Julie N. Simmons and choreography from Anabelle Grace Woodard.
Reserve a seat for an upcoming production of “Mirette” and learn more about Lyric Stage by visiting www.lyricstage.org or by calling the Box Office @ 214-871-5000. You can also learn more about the rich history of the Majestic Theatre by visiting majestic.dallasculture.org/
Photo Credit: Jamie Brogdon Photography