"Glensheen" is back on the stage of the History Theater in St, Paul. Photo: Contributed.
When you create a musical about infamous Minnesota murders, you would naturally temper your expectations. But for the History Theatre, “Glensheen,” the musical, has defied those expectations and become a powerhouse performer.
The production features an edgy script that delivers drama and humor as well as crisp staging, a range of musical numbers, and stellar performances.
“There is a reason the History Theatre continues to produce ‘Glensheen’ every summer,” Talkin’ Broadway says in a review of the show. “Not only is it excellent, it is darky comedic and great fun.”
The show is celebrating its tenth anniversary with another July run that begins tonight (July 9) at the St. Paul theater. Tickets are on sale, not just for the musical, but also a tenth anniversary party that will follow the July 12 afternoon performance.
“Glensheen” has become something of a “Christmas Carol” tradition in July for the History Theatre. Like the Christmas show, “Glensheen” puts “butts in the seats” and during a time of year that can be a void on the theater calendar.
Playwright Jeffrey Hatcher and composer Chan Poling are the creators of the musical about the 1977 murder of heiress Elisabeth Congdon and nurse Velma Pietila at the Glensheen Mansion in Duluth.
Congdon’s daughter, Marjorie Caldwell, and her husband, Roger Caldwell, are the prime suspects and the show details the aftermath of the murders. The focus is on Marjorie’s story – her charm, jealousy, overspending, and trail of crimes. The audience sits as something of a jury as the drama unfolds on stage.
The entire cast delivers but no one more than Jen Maren as Marjorie. Described as pitch-perfect for the role, Maren handles the moments of darkness and light – and music – with ease.
Talkin’ Broadway describes another cast member, Wendy Lehr, as the “Twin Cities grand dame of theatre” and “a showstopper in multiple roles.” She brings both victims – the heiress and the nurse, Velma Pietila – to life. In the role of Pietila, she sings a haunting ballad, “Stay With Me,” a tribute to the victims and one of the show’s emotional high notes.
But Lehr isn’t done. She also delivers an outlandish performance as a defense attorney called Beshmesher – not Ron Meshbesher. Another moment worth the admission.
It’s understandable if you’re skeptical about turning a murder into a musical. But “Glensheen” is a spectacular show – entertaining, funny, and moving. Here’s to “Glensheen” in July for another ten years.