Publisher: Elizabeth Hurd

Outstanding Original Production – “Gallow Walkers”

Michael Todd, Chelcy Harrell, Mat Govich and Jennifer Teel in Gallow Walkers.
Photo courtesy of Michael Weeks

Michael Todd is a gifted singer/song writer. He is known for the popular group The Wild Frontier Band, playing in venues both national and international as well as Oklahoma City.  He has put his varied talents to work on a new musical that is now playing at Shakespeare in the Park on Paseo.  The show is “Gallow Walkers” and Todd has written the music, lyrics, and the book for this rather zany paranormal folk opera.  “Gallow Walkers” is not to be confused with the horror movie, “Gallowwalkers” by Andrew Goth and starring Wesley Snipe from several years ago.

The “Gallow Walkers” set draws from the interest and passion in spiritualism occurring in the latter part of the 19th century.  The location is coastal, in a town flavored by the old west; the characters include the Hangman/werewolf played by Todd, the mysterious stranger/devil played by Mat Govich, and the beautiful fallen angel/vampire of the evening, Jennifer Teel.  Representing the lighter side of beauty is Chelcy Harrell, a dancer gracing the stage in many musical productions; she shines in “Gallow Walkers” showcasing her exceptional talent.  Her dance in “Gallow Walkers” is largely vertical displaying the fascinating and beautiful dance form called rope dancing.  The combination of superb athleticism and elegant grace in her performance is incomparable. Harrell’s brilliant performance is the result of superb choreography from one of Oklahoma City’s finest, Hui Cha Poos.  All of the characters dance in various points throughout the show, some while playing an instrument as well as vocalizing, and they are all natural, graceful and composed.

In addition to the excellent vocals from Todd, Govich and Teel, the band lends eeriness to the mood along with exciting instrumental sound.  John Rouse, Ben Harrell and Amanda Fortney form an excellent band, creating a mysterious mood, and a melodramatic ambiance enhancing the vocals and entrancing the audience with mournful violin, strumming thrumming and trembling guitar, softly pounding percussion and keyboards.  Meghan Buchanan, designer, recreates the era subtly and reminds us that the story is told by a traveling troupe associated with the carnivals, a staple of entertainment in the latter 1900’s as the country expanded.

While “Gallow Walkers” is largely the creation of one man: Michael Todd, it is not limited to a single interpretation.  Michael Scott Gordon directs “Gallow Walkers” with skill, multiplying Todd’s original concepts, story and lyrics bringing a very universal appeal to the show.  Gordon and Todd are a combination revealing a perfectly trusting collaboration of two entirely different but uniquely oriented Michaels. 

The remaining performances of “Gallow Walkers” are Thursday, October 26, Friday, October 27, and Saturday October 28, 2017.  Curtain goes up at 8:00 pm each evening with an additional midnight performance on Friday, October 27, at 11:59 pm.  “Gallow Walkers” is being hosted by Shakespeare in the Park on Paseo at 2920 N. Paseo.  Order tickets on line at www.michaeltoddmusic.com or purchase at the door.  This is the final weekend for an outstanding original show that everyone should catch!