Hurried…anxiety driven…and commanding, ‘Lizzie’ now playing at Mudlick Tavern’s Second Floor, has thrust TheatreLab back in the spotlight! DDN’s Russell Florence put it best…‘a wonderfully raw, vocally-impressive spooky season production…’ The show is directed by Mackensie King, and I had the pleasure of interviewing her about the show’s high praise!!
D9: Mackensie…you have a hit on your hands!! Why did you choose ‘Lizzie‘ in the first place??
MK: I have always loved horror and all things spooky. What drew me to this version of her story is how grounded and real it feels. The question I asked myself at the end of listening to it the first time was: is she GUILTY? Not did she do it, but are the things this woman went through about to justify what she did to escape them. Plus, the music for this show is unlike any other theatre show. It’s true rock/ metal and allows the cast to really show off their vocal chops.
D9: Timely, considering the Menendez Bros. story of late! There is one thing that audiences are 100% on…your cast! What can you tell me???
MK: The words “high octane” come to mind when I think about this cast. The vocals are absolutely top notch and SO full of power. Under all of that, there is true connection to the material. Sam Evans as Lizzie brings such understanding and sympathy to the character and she really makes you want for Lizzie to gain freedom. Allie Haines as Emma is so fun to watch because she is really finding how it feels to have to been the head of a family at such a young age. MJ Janovich is taking Alice in a direction I’ve never seen with youthfulness and hurt (and just wait until you hear her belt) and Leah Fox is HILARIOUS and terrifying as the banshee, Bridget. 
D9: Strong ladies, indeed!! One thing I know TheatreLab is trying to do is incorporate more of a community feel in their productions! How did the whole Mudlick idea emerge?
MK: We really wanted to focus on bringing the arts TO Dayton. Unique venues really bring the audience in to the art and allow them to become participants. We have been neighbors with Mudlick for years and we wanted to partner with an incredible company. The show has a true rock show feel in the industrial space and Mudlick is curating specialty cocktails for the shows!
D9: I hear the cocktails have been a smash!! Such a great idea. I always say when people leave a show, they should be left with something…a thought, a feeling…..what are you hoping folks get out of Lizzie???
MK: I hope people walk away with 2 things. 1. That the talent in Dayton is worth investing in. The talent that you will see on that stage is worth keeping around. And 2: Women are angry and we have a voice and it’s about time you all listen.
D9: I, for one, hear you!!! I want to reiterate that this town is overflowing with talented folks!! Thanks for mentioning that! And thanks for being such an asset to Dayton’s theatre community Mackensie! So, what about this mysterious ‘Season’ TheatreLab is keeping close???
MK: Everyone is so excited. Keep Your Eyes Peeled….the announcement is coming soon!
You can catch ‘Lizzie’ on its remaining dates….
November 1 & 2 at 8:00pm. November 3 at 2:00pm.
TICKETS at http://theatrelabdayton.org.
