Review: EVANGELINE at Theatre Baton Rouge

EVANGELINE has found her way back to Baton Rouge, and the resulting efforts were well worth the journey.

This significant production jump started Theatre Baton Rouge's 2016-2017 season and right out the gate the local theatre has begun its latest season strong. With the scope of the artistic ambition behind this show, this is truly musical theatre at its best.

The musical saw the return of Paige Gagliano at the helm as its director. EVANGELINE first came to Gagliano 18 years ago, and she has directed the show more than a dozen times ever since. Upon viewing the production, it is quite clear how much work and love Gagliano had poured into this work based on Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's poem. The musical examines the history of the Acadian Expulsion with the story of newly married Evangeline and Gabriel. Separated by British soldiers during the expulsion, the two lovers leave their home in what is now Nova Scotia and search for each other up and down the eastern seaboard for decades, turning the story into an exploration of the nature of true love and sacrifice.

Carrying the weight of this story are Bailey Purvis and Curran Latas in the roles of Evangeline and Gabriel. Previously their roles on the TBR stage have been supporting. However, they have proven themselves to be magical performers with a bond so sincere you cannot help but get swept up in their love story.

Purvis is sweet and honest as Evangeline who longs to be reunited with her husband. Hoisting the lead role onto her shoulders, Purvis demonstrates her star quality through her mastery of musical synchronicity and emotion, along with displaying excellent chemistry with her leading man. Latas as her lover Gabriel is quite likable, which makes his sorrow all the more aching as he tries to cope with the loss of his love. It's refreshing to see when theatre wears its heart on its sleeve as evidenced by such songs as "My Guardian" and "Common Ground." With their combined melodies and harmonies and such richness of voice, it was a great pleasure to be able to sit in such an aural artistic experience. Rounding out the cast are several TBR veteran players including Marion Bienvenu as the boy-crazy Praline and Andre Chapoy as the story's narrator, Father Felician.

While there are audience members who will have a touch of pride seeing a piece of their history and culture on stage, I believe that anyone who watches this show can leave with a greater appreciation for this rich historical era. Why is that you ask? With its heartbreaking score, the music of EVANGELINE finds its way deep inside you. Wistful and big, the songs stay with you long after the final curtain. With the full power of the lyrics, it is at times reminiscent of the power of Les Miserables with the level of enchantment required for Beauty and the Beast. The chorus of voices shook me.

This may sound like a broken record, but Theatre Baton Rouge brings to the Baton Rouge community shows and productions that will resonate your very soul. I left the theatre with tears in my eyes over the tragic beauty of EVANGELINE, which will remain a significant part of Baton Rouge theatre well into the future. Truly, I cannot think of a better gift.