“Bernadette the Musical”

**** I never read “The Song of Bernadette”, and I understand there was also a film version, but tonight, I was in attendance at the Athenaeum Center for Thought and Culture on Chicago’s North Side. Many of us remember this building for the smaller theaters that were used by local companies as they started out. The large, first floor theater is now called “the Historic Main Stage”, and I must tell you, the building has undergone some radical changes and is quite stunning.

On their “Historic Main Stage”, they are presenting the United States Premiere as it starts its tour. Chicago, being the theater town it is, was a perfect spot to begin the tour and based on the new look ( and feel) of the Athenaeum, their main stage was indeed the perfect space in Chicago. Written by Serge Denoncourt, based on historical documents (  the novel by Franz Werfel is what the film version was based on), with music by Gregoire and lyrics by Lionel Florence, Patrice Guirao and Gregoire, with English adaptation by Barry Blue, this is a story that I am sure every Catholic is well aware of. I may have been the only person of the Jewish faith in the audience, but quickly learned about this young girl who became a saint.

Bernadette Soubirous lived in Lourdes, France and in a 7 month period of time reported 18 visions of the Virgin Mary. In many ways, it is a “love story” between the young girl and “the lady” in her vision. She is brought in for questioning as are her parents, and there are scenes in this musical that will remind you of “Les Miz”, in particular the final song of the first act, “I Believe in You” + a medley involving her, her parents (played to perfection by Jeremie Roy as Francois and Jessie Macbeth as Louise )and the Commissioner Jacomet ( Stephen Martella). There is also a brilliant portrayal of Father Peyramale, the Lourdes Parish Priest by Thomas James.

As brilliant as they were, the shining star in this production has to be the incredible Eyma handling the role of Bernadette as if she was the reincarnation of the young lady. What a voice, what style and with the direction by Serge Denoncourt, there were times that I found myself caught up in the story and wanting to know more about the stream that heals people. Bernadette doesn’t try to lead people to what she believes, but rather shows them through her actions. The people believe and once they do, it is the town that backs her up and despite the doubters, she rises to the top in spite of all the accusations that were made. Some mock her, others worship her. I now understand a little more about Lourdes and why people flock there to be cured.

After the performance, I spoke to some people who are far more knowledgeable about the Catholic religion, learning more about Lourdes and the story. I was not in love with the set, but I did love the story and feel that you do not have to be religious to enjoy the music and story-telling.

“Bernadette the Musical” will continue at The Athenaeum Center, on its Historic Main Stage through March 15th with performances as follows:

Wednesdays   7 p.m.

Thursdays       7 p.m.

Fridays             7 p.m.

Saturdays        2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.

Sundays           1 p.m.

For tickets call 312-820-6250

or visit www.athenaeumcenter.org

The theater is located at 2936 N. Southport with plenty of parking in the area

To see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up and click at “Bernadette, the Musical”.