INTERVIEW: Frances Mayli McCann remembers ‘Bonnie & Clyde,’ which is now available to stream
Photo: Bonnie & Clyde The Musical: Filmed Live stars Jeremy Jordan and Frances Mayli McCann. Photo courtesy of the production / Provided by Print Shop PR with permission.
Bonnie & Clyde The Musical, from composer Frank Wildhorn, lyricist Don Black and book writer Ivan Menchell, has had quite the theatrical journey over the last few years. The show played regional theaters in the United States, opened on Broadway and had two concert stagings in 2022 in London. Those concerts led to a full-blown West End production and then a rare re-staging of the work a few years later.
Those concerts, which took place at Theatre Royal Drury Lane, starred Jeremy Jordan and Frances Mayli McCann in the title roles, and thankfully the cameras were rolling. Now, the special event can be streamed live from the comfort of one’s home.
Of course, the story of Bonnie & Clyde is based on the true events surrounding a pair of young criminals who were outlaws on the run from the authorities during the Great Depression. The musical is the latest incarnation of this well-known tale. Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway memorably starred in the successful film version, which was directed by Arthur Penn.
Recently McCann exchanged emails with Hollywood Soapbox to talk about this streaming project. The actor is known for her work in Peter Pan, Chess: In Concert, Les Misérables and Evita, among many other stage roles. Questions and answers have been slightly edited for style.
Were you familiar with this real-life story and iconic film before signing up for this musical project?
I was a little familiar with the story of Bonnie and Clyde. I think everyone knows who they are, as they’re still mentioned throughout pop culture today, but getting to know them more through the rehearsal process was so interesting. Ivan Menchell gave me a book called Fugitives, which was written from the point of view of Clyde’s sister and Bonnie’s mum. It was great to get as much information as possible about the duo to develop the character for the stage.
What do you believe this story has to say to people in 2024?
I think it speaks to people today as people love a true crime story. Bonnie and Clyde were the celebrities of their time, albeit criminals, but out to seek a fortune for themselves in the Great Depression.
What do you like about the role of Bonnie as she’s portrayed in this musical?
What I loved about playing this role was the journey she goes on, from her humble beginnings with big dreams, to meeting Clyde and drastically turning to a wild life of crime and passion.
What do you appreciate about Frank Wildhorn and Don Black’s songs?
I love the score of this show. The music and lyrics are so beautiful and a joy to sing! I knew “Dyin Ain’t So Bad’ already, but getting to sing it in the original London production and have Frank Wildhorn himself tell me to make it my own is a gift for an actress.
Did you know that the 2022 concert staging would lead to a West End production?
We were hopeful it would lead to a West End production, but I wasn’t aware of any plans at the time. The West End had been waiting a long time for this show, and it would have been a shame to not stage a full show after the sell-out concert. I loved getting the chance to do the show again. The concert was a whirlwind, so having the time to reflect on that and try new things for the West End production was fun!
Are you a fan of watching your own performances? Will you watch this particular show now that it’s available?
I don’t really enjoy watching or listening to my performances, but I don’t really get the chance to with stage shows. You don’t know how it looks out front from the audience’s perspective. So, with the concert being filmed, it’s actually really interesting to watch what we created. But also, I’m quite critical so will likely be giving myself notes while watching it.
What’s next for you in 2024 and beyond?
Honestly, I don’t know what’s next. I guess that’s the life of an actor. I’ve been enjoying screen work for the last year. It’s nice to keep changing work from stage to screen. I love the variety and stretching my muscles in different ways.
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
Bonnie & Clyde The Musical: Filmed Live is now available to stream. Click here for more information.
