A clever and captivating true crime musical, Bury the Hatchet blends sharp storytelling with lively bluegrass tunes and dynamic performances. A Fringe gem that’s both thought-provoking and thoroughly entertaining. Highly recommended.
Story & structure
Bury the Hatchet takes the infamous Fall Valley, Massachusetts murders of 1892 and doesn’t just tell the tale, it turns it inside out, stitches it back together, and hands you the needle.
Based on the true story of Fall River’s most notorious suspected killer, Lizzie Borden, the piece is cleverly presented as a show within a show: actors playing actors putting on a play about the murders.
Between scenes, they break character to dissect the case, debate motivations, and grapple with the eternal question: guilty or not guilty? This unsolved case is explored from every angle, and we, the audience, are left to pass our own verdict.
The structure is bold, and the meta-theatrical moments are thoughtfully integrated. Although the frequent transitions between playing characters and stepping out of role might risk interrupting the pace, they actually enhance the feeling of unraveling a mystery, almost as if you’re part of the conversation invited to weigh the evidence firsthand.
Performances
The cast sell this hybrid format with conviction, effortlessly moving between intense reenactments and moments of witty self-awareness. As someone who was unfamiliar with the horrors of Fall River, I found their storytelling genuinely gripping.
Each actor commands the stage, whether delivering impassioned lines as a suspect or slipping in sly, humorous observations about the unreliable accounts. Their seamless blend of sincerity and irony keeps the performances compelling throughout.
Music & atmosphere
From the very first notes, the show’s bluegrass sound sets a lively, foot-stomping tone that perfectly balances the dark subject matter. The folk tunes are catchy and heartfelt, weaving through the narrative keeps the energy buzzing.
Meanwhile, the lighting effects continue to add layers of mood and texture, the use of bright lights into immediate darkness at intimate spots that draw you closer into the unfolding drama. Together, the music and lighting create an atmosphere that’s both haunting and inviting, a perfect match for this tale of mystery.
Verdict
Bury the Hatchet is a wonderfully crafted, richly layered piece of theatre. Its clever mix of historical fact, meta-commentary, and toe-tapping tunes keeps you hooked from start to finish.
Overall, it’s a gripping, inventive take on a case that still has people arguing over a century later.
Bury the Hatchet
Summary
A sharp, spirited show that slices through history with wit, music, and theatrical flair, don’t miss it!
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