"Lizzie Borden took an axe and gave her mother forty whacks. When she saw what she had done she gave her father forty one." I'm sure this rhyme is familiar to many of us - but how accurate is it? Could someone truly be capable of ending their parents lives in such a barbaric way?
Lizzie the musical sets out to answer those very questions. It allows audiences a perspective from inside the household through a highly talented group of actors tasked with reconstructing what could have happened if Lizzie did commit the murders, all whilst performing catchy, rock-inspired songs that are sure to have you listening to the soundtrack on a daily basis.
The musical is highly engaging, humorous and enjoyable for people with all levels of knowledge of the case as it gives the audience an extensive inside view of Lizzie Borden's childhood, her possible motive, the events leading up to the murders as well as the evidence found by investigators and the course and final outcome of the investigation.
Fortunately, the musical doesn't contain any graphic violence or gore, although violence is implied and the audience does see blood-stained clothes and a few items such as the blood-stained axe. More importantly, the musical doesn't focus on the act of committing the murders in itself but rather Lizzie's possible motives stemming from her childhood and the way in which the evidently flawed investigation was carried out and how Lizzie may have therefore been able to cover up the truth if she wanted to.
The incredible songs on the soundtrack give the gifted actors a means of storytelling in a way that is exciting and engaging to the audience whilst also basing it all around central facts and pieces of evidence. This also allows the audience to clearly understand each character's feelings throughout the play as they fluctuate over time.
Audiences can watch the musical at the Southwark Playhouse in London until the 2nd of December but the entire soundtrack is also available on Spotify to enjoy for free.
Lizzie the musical will encourage you to reflect on the evidence and therefore your own judgements of the case. Do you believe that Lizzie Borden was truly innocent or do you think the truth could have been lying in plain sight?
