Todd Almond played Elias Burke in the Public Theatre and Broadway Belasco Theatre productions of Girl from the North Couintry, or, “the Bob Dylan musical”.
His absorbing book, subtitled “Bob Dylan’s Girl from the North Country and Broadway’s Rebirth” gives a clue that this will be a read about two things: the show, and the pandemic.
Being a huge fan of the show when it ran in London – I saw it at the Old Vic, in the West End and on tour – I was really excited to read about how the production came to be, how this particular actor faced its challenges, and how the sudden closure of Broadway caused an impact across the industry.
Almond assembles memories from those involved in productions from Girl from the North Country on both sides of the pond to explain how this show first came to be, written by Conor McPherson and using a variety of songs from across the Dylan catalogue.
We are taken into the rehearsal room and shown backstage emails, while watching the show grow and evolve. It’s a forensic examination of a show that defies catagorisation, noting its impact on audiences and, eventually, even on Dylan himself, who sneaks in to see it.
As a memoir of an artist who still has insecurities and still makes mistakes, it is a very honest glimpse into the actor psyche. And, as Covid recedes into recent memory, it reminds us of how devastating the closure of theatre was for those within it.
With its strongest appeal to those who know and love the show, this book’s chatty and open style is a fascinating companion to the cast recordings and stage productions.
It explores what it is like to watch a production from the wings, or how an understudy feels when “paid not to perform”, or how the mechanics of Broadway means several deserving shows never find their audience or venue.
It touches on the issues around auditions, transfers, ‘calling out’, adapting to new cast members, and carving your own path in a part you didn’t create.
It’s a lively book with a large heart, full of love for the theatre and whatever it represents.
Slow Train Coming by Todd Almond is published by Methuen Books and is available now.