NAPA’S LUCKY PENNY PRODUCTIONS OPENED A RAUCOUS — AND RISQUE — production of “Bonnie & Clyde,” the 2009 musical about the infamous gun-slinging Depression-era lovers, to a moderate opening night crowd Friday. Lucky Penny co-producer Taylor Bartolucci portrays the central character, sex-crazed rural Texas waitress Bonnie Parker, painted here as starry-eyed and impulsive yet astute enough to be keenly aware of the inevitable consequences to the couple’s increasingly violent escapades. James Bock is Clyde Barrow, the mysterious drifter who sweeps Bonnie off her feet with his worldly experience, halting good looks and the lure of a more adventurous life.

Lucky Penny’s production of the Wildhorn and Black musical is impressive in its imaginative and well-implemented staging. Scenes ranging from tiny bedrooms to businesses and roadways; from intimate, one-on-one encounters to crowded community gatherings, all are presented against a single backdrop and with minimal props, and all to a seamless and dramatic effect. The well-tuned design team is matched in prowess by a polished and synchronized five-piece band, led by keyboardist and music director Lucas Sherman.

Bartolucci is bright in the title role, exuding the signature, power-packed stage presence that Napa audiences have grown to expect from the Napa regular, and Bock is a good match in personal stature and easy confidence. The two seem to bring out a sexual magnetism in each other — which is a good thing, since the play focuses largely on the carnal aspect of their characters’ relationship.

Emma Sutherland and Jordan Martin bring just the right touch to their parts as the younger Bonnie and Clyde, she dreaming of a life in the movies and he a rifle-totin’ shoot-em-up cowboy. Sutherland has a voice to match her character’s lofty aspirations, powering through “Picture Show” in an early scene with tremendous projection and spirit.

Scottie Woodard and Heather Buck also give strong performances as Clyde’s brother Buck and Buck’s wife Blanche. Buck grew up to be more responsible than his wayward brother and Blanche is a grounding influence, but ultimately the bonds of family draw them into Clyde’s dangerous web. Heather Buck shines especially in some tender and dramatic scenes in the play’s climactic second act.

Bock and Bartolucci also seem to be at their best in the more quietly intense scenes. When they’re holding up a store or on the run in Bonnie’s car, the atmosphere is not as tense as one might expect. It’s when they’re alone in a bedroom or meeting with family that their emotions seem most genuine and easy to feel.

Dan Monez also gives a strong performance as Sheriff Smoot, and Kristen Wells, the angry and determined Governor Ferguson, sent chills up my spine when she marched in to lambaste the sheriff for his poor performance in tracking down the relentless criminals.

Director Craig A. Miller coordinates a slew of talent in the production. At times singers may be unevenly paired, one overpowering the other, and not every musical number rocks the house, but overall “Bonnie & Clyde” has plenty of spark and a cohesive, polished feel. The pace is quick, the scenes well executed and the music notably sharp, well-attuned to the action on the stage.

Lucky Penny began operating in a new venue earlier this year, opening its first full-scale production in the new digs in January. The warehouse space has been artfully transformed, greeting guests in a warm and inviting lobby area complete with an enclosed ticket booth and a spacious refreshment counter. Seating inside the theater is tiered and furnished with comfortable, padded folding chairs, and lighting and sound come through beautifully in the acoustically balanced room.

“Bonnie & Clyde” the musical play does a good job bringing many aspects of the couple’s and their families’ lives to light, and the Lucky Penny troupe does an equally good job bringing the play to life on the stage. Go and learn a bit more about the circumstances behind the duo’s historic exploits, and see the terrible effects they had on the good people they encountered along the way. But be advised: this production involves loud noises, overt sexual content and partial nudity.

If You Go
“Bonnie & Clyde” continues at the Lucky Penny Community Arts Center, 1758 Industrial Way, Suite 208, Napa, through April 4. Tickets are $35 and are available online at www.luckypennynapa.com.

Elizabeth Warnimont is a freelance writer specializing in the performing arts. She is also a substitute teacher for the Benicia Unified School District.