“Run Bambi Run” Milwaukee Theater reviewed by Amy Menzel

***** Ya can’t stage a new rock musical about a story of Milwaukee folklore without a neon Schlitz sign, an accordion, and some really heavy Wiscaaansin accents. The Milwaukee Repertory Theater’s production of Run Bambi Run, based on the life of Laurie “Bambi” Bembenek, has all that and more. Academy-Award winner Eric Simonson (book) and Gordon Gano of the Violent Femmes (music and lyrics) team up to bring this story to the stage; The Rep’s Artistic Director, Mark Clements, directs, and Dan Kazemi is music director.

In the early 80s, Bembenek found herself on trial for the murder of her husband’s ex-wife. After hearing a mostly circumstantial case, a jury found her guilty and Bembenek was sentenced to life in prison. In 1990, she escaped and fled to Canada (cue the “Run Bambi Run” cheers – and shirts, signs, and, as I’ve recently learned, bumper stickers), but was soon apprehended after someone recognized her from a story on America’s Most Wanted. She returned to the US and attorney Ira Robins helped ensure she received a new trial, which ultimately resulted in a plea deal and her release for time served.

It was a story that captivated a nation – and remains widely compelling. Just last year, a new podcast based on Bembenek’s story came out (also titled Run, Bambi, Run). Still, there’s something about the story being told, in large part, by Gano, who graduated from Rufus King High School in Milwaukee the same year the crime took place. I doubt another artist could so keenly tap into Milwaukee culture. For example, who else but a Milwaukeean would write a song about Kosciuszko Park, complete with a playful debate on the pronunciation of “Kosciuszko”?

The story, the book, and the music and lyrics are impressive; equally so are the cast, musicians, and artists who bring this show to life at the Quadracci Powerhouse. Walking into the house is akin to walking right into Tracks Tavern circa 1980, already abuzz with patrons who are eager to share some stories. There are some familiar faces, including Matt Daniels (The Rep’s most recent Ebenezer Scrooge), Tommy Hahn (Man of La Mancha), Drew Mitchell (Much Ado About Nothing), and Katrien Van Riel (Much Ado). There are many more making their Rep debut, including Erika Olson who lends her talents and incredible voice to a nuanced and powerful portrayal of Laurie.

Few productions bring as much energy and urgency to storytelling as this one. This new rock musical, well, ROCKS! If you can take your eyes away from the action on the stage, you will definitely catch some folks bobbing their heads and clapping along. By the end, I was holding back from singing along: “The deeper you bury me, the louder I’ll shout!” (I did find myself belting out this line while driving this morning, though.)

Whether it’s an interest in Bembenek’s story that compels you to see this show or an eagerness to be entertained that brings you to The Rep, you will not be disappointed. My guess is that, if you don’t buy your tickets soon, you might miss your chance.

★★★★★

Run Bambi Run plays now through October 22 at The Rep’s Quadracci Powerhouse Theater. The show runs (a surprisingly quick) 2 hours and 50 minutes with one intermission.

Saturdays – 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Sundays – 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Tuesday, September 26 – 7:30 p.m. / Tuesday, October 17 – 6:30 p.m.
Wednesdays, Thursdays – 7:30 p.m.
Fridays – 8 p.m.

Special dates include:
Bus Matinee Performance – Wednesday, October 4 @ 1:30 p.m.
ASL Performance – Thursday, October 5 @ 7:30 p.m.
Captioned Performance – Sunday, October 8 @ 2 p.m.
Audio-Described Performance – Tuesday, October 17 @ 6:30 p.m.

Tickets start at $20 and can be purchased online at milwaukeerep.com, by calling the Ticket Office at 414-224-9490, or in-person at 108 E. Wells Street in downtown Milwaukee.