Eclipse the Musical

 

Dalton Trumbo is Grand Junction's main claim to literary fame. The left-leaning author and Oscar-winning screenwriter is best known for Johnny Get Your Gun  (National Book Award novel), a slew of memorable film screenplays (Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo, Exodus, Spartacus, Papillion) and his imprisonment for being one of the Hollywood Ten and refusing to testify before the House Un-American Activities Committee in 1947 during the red-baiting McCarthy Era. On the 100th anniversary of the city's Avalon Theatre, the Foundation responsible for its preservation and renovation hosted the world premiere of Eclipse the Musical. Conductor Scott Betts composed the music and wrote the lyrics adapted from Trumbo's first novel, Eclipse (1936) -- a social realist work based on his hometown.

My friend Dea Jacobson and I caught the first of two shows of this work which was a thinly-disguised fiction based on actual Mesa County characters and institutions. A fitting historical production with fine acting, great choreography, dazzling voices, live orchestra, period costumes, historic photo backdrops and a catchy finale song: "A shack, some grub and someone to be with. That's all you need. Any more is myth."

John Abbott lashes out at Violet Budd

While the story was a tribute to a capitalist hero who loses everything in the Depression, Trumbo imbued it with some interesting social critiques -- portraying the local madam as a supporter of the community-minded John Abbott who leverages his mercantile emporium and banking interests to lift up employees, boost the  town and even help his competitors. On the other hand, it's the righteous Violet Budd, crusading Women's Christian Temperance Union matron, who is the inimical thorn and foil who helps bring Abbott down. Their second act where Abbott unloads on Budd was poignant and powerful, after his assisting her projects for years -- even though he personally disliked her, having seen her as a  judgmental and self-serving virago.

Stumpy gifts Abbott when all others let him down

The singing was impressive throughout, with Joey Stafford's Budd waxing operatic, Chris McKim's Abbott was skillful and convincing, Miriam Deming's clarity was crystal and her warmth charming, Juli Jacobson's Ann Abbott solid, and Lana Leigh Rogal's Stumpy (the madam) winning in every way -- she doubled as director and choreographer making her a triple threat that served the production well.

The cast sings the finale song

The entire cast deserves praise and all the technical aspects were well done. A resounding success from all artistic angles.

Congratulations to Steve Doyle and the Avalon Theatre Foundation  as well as the Mesa County Historical Society for putting on a rousing celebration of Grand Junction's landmark theater's 100th year of existence.  It's no surprise the audience gave the premiere a standing ovation. 

The Main St. Trumbo sculpture in front of the Avalon Theatre