Heart, resilience, vibrancy. These are a few feelings portrayed in the Baldwin H.S production of the 1960’s play, The Unsinkable Molly Brown.. The Broadway musical presents the life of the young Margaret ” Molly” Brown (portrayed by 12th graders Sophia Tephly and Mikayla Rodriguez). Through Mikayla we meet a spunky,struggling, poor, illiterate Colorado-born dreamer and through Sophia we meet a wealthy, philanthropist, well meaning, pushing the boundaries, Denver socialite. This production presents the optimism and resilience of the original story, displaying how determination can ultimately transform life and the life of others.
The play tells the fictionalized story of Molly Brown, a traveller from Colorado hoping to work in the mines. Although life is not easy as she faces and confronts the biases of male miners who don’t want women working in the mines because they bring “bad luck “ she does not give up. Then after a mine explosion kills a man she stays on and teams up with James Joseph, the mine manager to help support Julia, the pregnant widow of the deceased miner. As time goes by, she helps and is helped by Julia, she forms a bond with J.J. and with an amazing discovery and indomitable spirit, the two rise to riches. Through her transition to wealth, her efforts to assist others continues, regardless of the rocky troubles of her marriage or the barriers of being a woman in the 1960s. Her fierce determination only strengthens after surviving the tragic sinking of the Titanic where she still considers others who need help over herself.
Under the direction of Tricia Wilder, the production does a commendable job of blending humour, heart, and drama. Overall, creating a compelling narrative that is both inspiring and empowering to every audience member. The pacing is tight, moving seamlessly from one iconic scene to the next, intertwining just the right amount of emotional depth to make the audience feel a connection to each character throughout the musical journey.
At the heart of this production are the passionate performances of Mikayla Rodriguez, the actress who skillfully plays the high spirited, outspoken, poor, illiterate young tom-boy Molly Brown, and Sophia Tephly, the actress who gracefully plays the matured, social reformer/feminist/ philanthropist Molly Brown. Both cast members deliver a powerhouse performance in their own right, effortlessly capturing the undeniable optimism, lively and larger-than-life personality of Margaret ”Call me Molly “ Brown at different stages in her life. This is also evident in the musical cast, the lyrics and well choreographed dance numbers. Just as good as the acting were the costumes and music. The lively, upbeat show-stopping anthem of “I Ain’t Down Yet” in particular, had an important and timeless message of perseverance and defiance of societal norms for women, resonating from the constant phrase Brown uses to revive hope, “We ain’t down yet”. Other outstanding performances were delivered by Christina Tephly, who plays Julia, the pregnant widow of a miner, Aaron Martin lll portraying an Italian miner, and Vincenzo, Altogether, these amazing performers captivates the attention of the audience and takes us back in time with their actions and dialogue A prominent contributor to the musical is Brandon Firth, who becomes Molly’s charming husband, J.J, He delivers a strong performance and adds a perfect counterpoint to Brown’s independent persona with their dynamic onstage chemistry.
Even individuals that made the play possible felt a prominent connection to the musical through the experience it shared to them. “While I was in the pit, I really enjoyed watching the actors rehearse and work so hard. On the day of the show I was proud to see the work of the stage crew, pit and cast all come together to make the Unsinkable Molly Brown happen!” says Ariana Foster-Guy, a bass player within the pit. A memorable statement from the leading actress of Molly Brown, Sophia Tephly describes the significance of Molly’s efforts “Since Molly is a feminist, she runs for congress as a woman in the 1890s and she’s a woman’s right’s advocate who does everything in her ability to get women the right to vote and the right to their voices.”
The Unsinkable Molly Brown is an impactful play, leaving an uplifting and highly favorable experience to audience members that showcases the power of perseverance, love and hope. At the heart of this play with its powerful performances, rousing music, and heartwarming message, this production reminds us all that, like Molly, we too can remain “unsinkable” in the face of adversity.
Who doesn’t like a rags to riches story line? This is a must-see for fans of classic musicals and anyone looking for an inspiring and fun theatrical experience. The combination of humor, heart, and historical drama makes it an ideal show for both families and theatergoers looking to be uplifted. A thoroughly enjoyable night at the theater.
Photo credits: David Malagon
