Rosetta (Michelle E. Jordan, left) and Marie (Marissa Rudd) harmonize. (Kevin Berne photo) |
“Marie and Rosetta,” presented by TheatreWorks
Silicon Valley, is deep in music but rather shallow in story.
George Brant’s play with music is based on the true
story of Sister Rosetta Tharpe, a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame singer from the
mid-20th century who influenced legends like Elvis Presley, Johnny
Cash, Little Richard and Chuck Berry, among others. She has been called the
“Godmother of Rock ‘n’ Roll.”
This 2016 play is set in the showroom of a
Mississippi funeral home in 1946. Rosetta (Michelle E. Jordan) and her
entourage are staying there because black people didn’t have much choice in the
segregated South.
Rosetta has discovered Marie Knight (Marissa Rudd),
a singer/pianist whom she’s considering as a musical partner.
The plot focuses on their contrasting styles.
Although both are religious, Rosetta is far more liberal, considering her music
to be praise enough for the lord.
The prudish Marie seems to see anything fun or
rollicking as sinful. Hence, Rosetta does her best to convince Marie to let
loose. The transformation doesn’t seem to take long.
Because Rudd’s Marie doesn’t always articulate
clearly, it’s difficult to catch some of her lines and follow the story.
That’s not the case with Jordan’s Rosetta, who
speaks her mind and lines clearly.
The real highlights in this show come from Jordan’s
roof-raising singing, mostly of gospel songs like “This Train,” “Sit Down” and
others. She has a powerhouse voice that’s irresistible.
On the other hand, Rudd’s voice has a sharp edge,
especially on higher notes or at higher volumes. She’s at her best in the quiet
“Peace in the Valley.”
Music director William Liberatore supplies Rosetta
and Marie’s piano playing, while Schuyler McFadden provides Rosetta’s acoustic
and electric guitar playing.
The program says that all songs in the show were
originally recorded by Rosetta Tharpe, who’s heard as the audience arrives.
The show is directed by TheatreWorks artistic
director Robert Kelley, who notes that it was presented as part of the
company’s annual New Works Festival in 2015.
The handsome set, complete with coffins, is by
Christopher Fitzer with lighting by Steven B. Mannshardt, sound by Cliff
Caruthers and costumes by Jill C. Bowers.
Running about an hour and 40 minutes without
intermission, “Marie and Rosetta” will continue through March 31 at the Lucie
Stern Theatre, 1305 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto.