Ripping Up the Stage

Yesterday I had the distinct pleasure of watching the North American debut of Jack — The Musical, in Charlotte, NC.

This is an utterly unique adaptation of Jack the Ripper. This version inverts the myth of Jack the Ripper and tells the story from the psychotic inside out. It is a dark secret exposed and explored. We follow the evolution of the monster and experience first hand the tormented soul ablaze. This Greek tragedy-cum-opera performance was amazing.

The creators, French composer Erik Sitbon and English lyricist Christopher George, were kind enough to invite me into their world some months ago. I’ve been eagerly awaiting the debut and the wait was very much worth it. They were kind, intelligent, and talented gentlemen who talked with me before, during, and after the show. Immediately following the show they also had an open Q&A session with the audience. It is rare to find professionals so giving of their heart and soul to the general public, willing to take all the time necessary to discuss the experience weth each member of the audience.

Afterwards we went out to eat and drink. Naturally, I suggested Ri-Ra’s, which is the best Irish pub in the region. That’s because all things are better with Guinness. Erik and Chris were charming and down to earth. Real people who enjoy life and have a lot to give. I had a natural affinity with Chris, being a writer as well, but quickly learned that Erik and I have similar tastes in music, with avowed love of Elvis, rocking guitars, and of course, the one and only Queen. (By the way, Erik, if you ever read this, I have to quote this Queen lyric that popped into my head midway through the performance: “Momma! I just killed a man…..”)

I had a fantastic time and learned intriguing things about musicals, music, playing, singing, playwrighting, writing and research, stagecraft, acting, and, of course, the whole history and controversy of Jack the bloody Ripper.

What better way to learn about all facets of human nature!

I cannot recommend this dynamic stage show enough. It is gripping, romantic, terrifying, sad, horrific, hopeful, and tragic. Much like Shakespeare, the totality of the Human is crammed between the curtains here. The music was wondrous, constantly in motion between emotions, calming to startling, mournful to uplifting. The performance was almost more of an opera and the cast danced and sang with the best of them. There were fun moments and terrifying ones. The langauge was saucy and the tongues lashing when need be. The romance was real and heartening; the drama was moving and tearful; the terror was gut-wrenching and chilling.

Some did more than merely perform. Jason Barney (as Alfred) shown with an inner verve that truly brought his characters to life in delightful, refreshing, scene stealing ways. Of course, the dramatic action swirled and climbed throughout, rising to a hurricane-force crescendo. Center of the storm was lead actor Bryan Long (as Tom Dolan). Physically and psychologically he inhabited his character like few actors ever do. He commanded the stage and gave an outstanding and truly haunting performance. It is very rare, in my experience, to move an audience to audible gasps and sobbing outbursts. Mr. Long did so. He poured out his soul on that stage. A bravo performance. The thundering applause was much deserved.

Do yourself a favor. Go see Jack –The Musical. Listen to the French and English versions of it on CD. Better yet, request the musical come to your own hometown and experience the power of it live. I promise you this is one play you do not want to miss. This performance reaches down deep inside, like a knife plunging soul-deep. It will change you. It will stay with you forever. Just as Jack the Ripper haunts humanity, this play haunts your subconsciousness.