5Q: Girl from the North Country

“5Q” is an online-only column featuring five questions about stage productions in the Metro Area. Periodically, “5Q” will take the form of an interview with actors, directors, writers, etc. to shed some light on the production process.

Minnesotans take note! The Tony Award-winning musical that reimagines 20 Bob Dylan songs is launching its national tour at the Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis. Girl From The North Country transports audiences to the shores of Lake Superior in Duluth during the winter of 1934 while America is in the grip of the Great Depression. The story introduces a group of wayward travelers whose lives intersect in a guesthouse filled with music, life, and hope.

Joining the cast is Conway, South Carolina native Sharaé Moultrie, who discovered her vocal talent at a young age after singing her first solo in church. Known to theater audiences in such roles as Deena Jones (Dreamgirls), Aida (Aida), Nettie (The Color Purple), and Rizzo (Grease), she now lends her talents to Bob Dylan’s repertoire as Marianne Laine.

Can you tell me a bit about who you play and your character’s journey?

I play Marianne Laine, the adopted daughter of Elizabeth and Nick Laine. Marianne works around the guesthouse run by her parents and takes care of her ill mother. She’s hard working, spunky, and caring. Throughout the story, we see Marianne navigate the challenges of her current life and her desire for something more.

Transracial adoptions are a hot topic of discussion today, but Marianne’s story also takes place during the Great Depression. How does the show explore this topic given the time period and politics of the 1930s?

Our show acknowledges the transracial nature of the family early in the play. A white family adopting a black child during this time in our history was certainly rare. Our play discusses how Marianne lived a sheltered life because of her upbringing, but it’s also clear that she lived a life where she was cared for and loved by her family. I think it’s a beautiful testament that Elizabeth (Marianne’s Mom) went out of her way to care for Marianne when she saw that she was in need. Her race, what others thought, and the fact that they were struggling to take care of themselves didn’t stop her from loving and welcoming Marianne into their family. Our show in one word is about humanity. What’s more human than a selfless act of love such as this?

Obviously here in Minnesota, we have a special attachment to Bob Dylan. What does this music and this story mean to you?

Bob Dylan’s music is timeless, far-reaching, and, quite frankly, so human. His lyrics give beauty to the simplest and most complicated aspects of human life. His music coupled with this story reminds me that, while we are all different, we all share the same basic needs and desires. It’s so special to tell this story and sing this music in Bob Dylan’s home state.

What is your favorite moment of the show? Why?

Without giving away too much, my favorite scene is when a new guest, Joe Scott, tries to teach Marianne how to box. In this scene, we really see Marianne’s playful side. There is something intriguing and a bit thrilling about Joe’s story and spirit that causes Marianne to let her guard down. I have the most fun exploring this side of Marianne in the show.

This show has been described as “not your traditional jukebox musical” like others adapted from a musician’s hits. Why is that?”

This is definitely not your traditional jukebox musical. The scenes of this show are filled with so much depth and heart. The music, though not a direct reflection of the scenes, provides emotional color and imagery that elevates our storytelling. It really is a show like no other.

Girl from the North Country runs at the Orpheum Theatre from October 8-14. For more information and to purchase tickets, head to www.hennepintheatretrust.org.