Woody Sez to See TheaterWork's Latest Show

 Woody Sez to See TheaterWork's Latest Show

By David Pulvermacher


TheaterWorks brings a slice of Americana to Hartford with Woody Sez: The Life & Music of Woody Guthrie. Directed by Nick Corley, Woody Sez shines a light on the Greatest Generation through the eyes of the controversial folk singer Woody Guthrie. Guthrie’s musical motivation stemmed from his communal experiences through several of America’s significant events, such as the Great Depression, World War II, and the Red Scare. Through these historic events, Corley and cast connect the troubles of the past to familiar issues of today in a rustic and educational way. 


Born in 1912 in Oklahoma, Woody Guthrie wanted to express his passion for people in his music. However, he faced much pushback from the music industry. While the music corporations wanted to keep people calm and at ease with lackadaisical tunes, Guthrie wanted to sing about the struggles of the everyday person. Guthrie wanted people to know that he heard them and recognized their struggles. Guthrie lived the same life as many of his listeners, which included traveling and searching for a job to try and put food on the table for his family. 


Through his craft, Guthrie introduced and hooked the American public to folk music, with songs like “This Land is Your Land” that transcend even today. Other popular songs by Guthrie include "Do Re Mi," "Hard Travelin'," and "Talkin Dust Bowl." Not only did Guthrie become a voice of a generation, but he inspired legendary singers of the future. Peter Seager, Bob Dylan, and even Bruce Springsteen have credited Guthrie for influencing and inspiring them. From unemployment and famine to women’s rights and political opinions, Guthrie unapologetically sang about what he felt was important in his heart. 


The performances of the four lead stars are thoughtful and filled with enthusiasm. As Woody Guthrie, Sam Shrewood portrays Guthrie as a salt of the Earth kind of man who has experienced great sorrow. From Guthrie’s merrier folk songs to his heartache ballads, Sherwood brings you on a journey through Guthrie’s life. Supporting Sherwood are three castmates who portrayed many individuals in Guthrie’s life. Alongside Sherwood include David Finch, Nyssa Grant, and Helen J. Russel. Each of the three actors elevates the performance with their acting. From Guthrie’s mother and sister to his daughter and best friend, these three actors manifested their characters. Along with their acting, Finch, Grant, and Russel play a wide range of musical instruments. From the guitar to the banjo and even the spoons, the cast performs each song live. 


The set design is a rustic representation of Guthrie’s roots. Production Manager Mike Lenaghan established a scenery that depicts a working-class farm, and barnyard lined with musical instruments. Along with Lenaghan, Costume Designer Jeffery Meek establishes attires that feel authentic for the period of the working class in the late 1920s. 


While the show has its strengths, there was one-directional queue that felt out of place. The show begins with Guthrie, as an adult, fighting to sing what he wants on the radio, but shortly after flashes back to Guthrie as a child. The time skip felt unclear and took away from the story for a bit until I understood that the story is now following Guthrie sequentially from adolescence to adulthood. Additionally, the life of Woody Guthrie comes with the discussion of his family’s struggles and tragedies, with topics that may not be suitable for everyone. Topics include the passing of a child, as well as Guthrie’s struggle with Huntington’s Disease. Huntington’s disease is a brain disorder that deteriorates the brain cells over time. It is caused by a mutation in the protein, also known as Huntington. Huntington’s Disease is not contagious but is able to be genetically passed from one generation to the next. 


Woody Sez: The Life & Music of Woody Guthrie is a tribute to both the singer and the working people of the time. With clever social commentary parallels to today’s issues, with the use of classic folktale songs, Woody Sez is a thought-provoking show that makes you think about America as it was, as well as how it is today. Woody Sez: The Life & Music of Woody Guthrie is playing at the TheaterWorks until July 28th. Tickets start at $35 with performances from Tuesdays through Sundays. Tuesday through Thursday performances are at 7:30PM. Friday and Saturday performances are at 8:00PM. Sunday performances are at 2:30PM. For more ticket information, go to https://twhartford.org/ , contact the box office is 233 Pearl Street, Hartford, CT, or call (860) 527-7838
Location: 33 Pearl St, Hartford, CT 06103, USA

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