The Stage

Woody Sez - The Life and Music of Woody Guthrie

Published Wednesday 19 January 2011 at 14:15 by Paul Vale

Less of a musical and more of a tribute concert, Woody Sez touches upon the life of Woodrow Guthrie, the folk singer who emerged from the Great Depression to become the voice of the working man of America. The story tells of his roots in Oklahoma in the early 20th century, through his experiences during the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl to his death from Huntingdon’s disease. Continually battling censorship, Guthrie’s music and song writing addressed fiscal injustice, supported the unions and during the war, attempted to destroy fascism.

David M Lutken (back) (Woody Guthrie), Andy Teirstien (Pete), Helen J Russell (Nora) and Darcie Deaville (Lefty Lou) in Woody Sez at the Arts Theatre, London   Photo: MutzPhotography.com

David M Lutken and Nick Corley’s biopic maintains a strong sense of period and the ensemble could quite easily have been plucked from a Margaret Bourke-White still. Undoubtedly a labour of love for writer and performer Lutken, his finest moments as Guthrie include Dust Storm Disaster, This Land is Your Land and the amusing and somewhat pertinent Jolly Banker, where he is joined by Darcie Deaville as the inimitable Lefty Lou. Helen J Russell’s poignant vocals highlight the delicate and tragic relationship Guthrie had with his mother, whilst Andy Teirstein’s range is put to the test playing everyone from Radio City suits to blockade bums. Teirstein also proves to be a most versatile musician with instruments including the tin whistle, Jew’s Harp and to flamboyant effect, the spoons.

The Arts has become a notoriously difficult theatre in which to place productions but there is something decidedly honest and unpretentious about Woody Sez that should appeal to even the most cynical audiences.