Review by Markus Hamence – Performance date: Friday 27 June 2025, The Arts Theatre, Adelaide, South Australia
When Bonnie and Clyde meet, their mutual cravings for excitement and fame immediately set them on a mission to chase their dreams. Their bold and reckless behaviour turns the young lovers’ thrilling adventure into a downward spiral, putting themselves and their loved ones in trouble with the law. As the infamous duo’s fame grows bigger, their inevitable end draws nearer…
“There quite positively is NO loose link in this production. The casting is immaculate and perfected. The crew know the frick what they are doing…”
– Markus Hamence
A Bold, Gritty Musical with Heart
Marie Clark Musical Theatre’s (MCMT) production of Bonnie & Clyde is currently lighting up the stage at The Arts Theatre in Adelaide, and it’s an impressive, emotionally-charged take on the short, fiery lives of two of America’s most infamous outlaws.
Fact: MCMT are known for great productions
But, now, Bonnie & Clyde has lifted the bar too ‘OUTSTANDING’ productions. This is well cast, a quality crew and sound attention to detail. Sit back and read-on as I chat on my thoughts…
Direction and Design
Director Lucy Trewin delivers a confident and nuanced production that captures both the glamour and the grit of Bonnie and Clyde’s journey. The stage design is simply structured and very effective – a faded stars-and-stripes backdrop, vintage props, and moody lighting by Michael Bentley instantly place the audience in Depression-era America. The production design leans into the musical’s darker tones without losing its theatrical flair. A team second to none. Bravo!
“The production design leans into the musical’s darker tones without losing its theatrical flair. A team second to none. Bravo!”
– Markus Hamence
Production Team:
Director: Lucy Trewin
Musical Director: Serena Cann
Choreographer: Deborah Proeve
Leading Performances
Ava-Rose Askew, as Bonnie Parker, brings depth and vulnerability to the role. Her performance of ‘Dyin’ Ain’t So Bad’ is particularly affecting and showcases her vocal and emotional range. Kristian Latella, playing Clyde Barrow, offers a charismatic and intense portrayal. His standout number, ‘Raise a Little Hell’, is delivered with both energy and emotional bite.
The chemistry between Askew and Latella is strong, really strong, grounding the characters’ whirlwind romance in believable emotion and making their descent into infamy all the more compelling.
The ‘young’ Bonnie & Clyde are exceptional and played with a confidence that is quiet and surely. The performance I experienced Olivia Emmett as Bonnie and Mia Khairul as Clyde (both Barrow Youth Cast) were just delightful. They struck their respective grounds and laid solid foundations for the story to follow.
Supporting Cast and Musical Numbers
The supporting cast brings great depth to the production. Carolina Fioravanti’s Blanche Barrow is a standout, especially in ‘That’s What You Call a Dream’. David MacGillivray, as Buck Barrow, offers warmth and charm, creating a touching counterpoint to the central couple’s chaotic energy.
Musical direction by Serena Cann is spot-on. The live band captures the genre-blending score – ranging from rockabilly to blues to gospel – with flair and precision. Deborah Joy Proeve’s choreography keeps things tight and dynamic, particularly during the ensemble numbers.
Full Cast Listing:
Bonnie Parker: Ava-Rose Askew
Clyde Barrow: Kristian Latella
Blanche Barrow: Carolina Fioravanti
Buck Barrow: David MacGillivray
Ted Hinton: Zachary Baseby
The Preacher: Rodney Hravtin
Emma Parker: Claire Birbeck
Cumie Barrow: Merici Thompson
Sheriff Schmid: Tom Moore
Governor Ferguson: Dawn Ross
Tricia: Darcie Yelland
Stella: Jasmyn Setchell
Eleanore: Alex Burton
Young Bonnie: Alyssa Faranda (Parker Youth Cast), Olivia Emmett (Barrow Youth Cast)
Young Clyde: Maisie Lewis (Parker Youth Cast), Mia Khairul (Barrow Youth Cast)
Ensemble: Tom Adams, Jess Evans, Aliyah Goodburn, Francesca Miranda, Axel Moen, Jarrad Prest, Jessie Rouse, Matthew Thompson, Ben Todd, Isabelle Trezise, Alastair Veitch, Jamie Wright.
Overall Impression
Bonnie & Clyde is a bold choice for community theatre, and Marie Clark Musical Theatre has pulled it off with style and substance. The show balances strong visuals, powerful music, and layered performances to tell a familiar story in a fresh, impactful way.
“This cast were born to sing. And perform. And, boy, did they.”
– Markus Hamence
The voices on The Arts Theatre stage are world-class. Each had their strengths. Each with amazing range. A sense of effortless ease emitted from each of the talents. This cast were born to sing. And perform. And, boy, did they.
There literally is NO loose link in this production. The casting is immaculate and perfected. The crew know the frick what they are doing. Costuming is sharp and the threads are NOT tired. Audible and Visually it is a production that is worthy of the world stage. Seeing the calibre of entertainment makes you proud to be South Australian. Credit to the freakin’ hard work and the many tireless hours of rehearsals that has gone into this. I can only say that it has paid off. Take a bow, you should all feel proud AF. FAULTLESS.
This production is a must-see for local theatre lovers and fans of musical drama. Only a couple performances left. It runs until 28 June 2025 at The Arts Theatre, so don’t wait too long to grab that ticket.
Rating
Final Performances:
Saturday, 28th June – 2.00pm (feat. Parker Youth Cast)
Saturday, 28th June- 7.30pm (feat. Barrow Youth Cast)
The Arts Theatre, 53 Angus Street, Adelaide, South Australia
Ticket Link!
Follow MCMT
