By Sarah Schultz & Myah Schultz

Bucket Brigade’s new musical, written and conceived by Jeremiah Gamble, is a touching tribute to those who were lost and those who lived through one of Minnesota’s great tragedies: the Hinckley Fire of 1894.

The venue, Art House North, is beautiful and intimate—the perfect setting for this poignant piece of theatre. The stone, the stained glass, and the simple, elegant arches provide an air of gravitas, while the experience of sitting shoulder to shoulder in old church pews creates an instant feeling of closeness and community amongst the audience.

The set, designed by Sarah Prow, is extremely effective. Simple but not sparse, each element feels purposeful. Broad horizontal beams jut past the edge of the stage creating the railroad that plays a central part in our story. Whisps of wheat and gray, silvery, textured walls evoke the open prairie while portending smoke and ash. Well timed red and orange lights conjure first flickering flames, and later, a raging inferno. A simple backlit canvas makes the perfect stage for a clever bit of shadow puppetry involving a train and a burning bridge. All in all, the show is a real aesthetic treat.

While we (the reviewers) can only view this production from a white perspective, we felt like it captured the true spirit of Minnesota in a way that was inclusive and respectful. While stories of Scandinavian and German immigrants sometimes seem to dominate the Minnesotan narrative, they only account for a small portion of Minnesota’s history. This state is and has been home to immigrants and refugees from many nations, people who’s ancestors were brought here against their will, and the indigenous people who knew the land and lived with it as custodians long before anyone else made Minnesota their home. We felt that “Survivors of the Fire” did a good job representing more than just the white side of this particular story.

The entire production was elevated by skilled musicianship from band and cast alike. Classic American songbook tunes bring the audience back to 1894, pulling us into a very specific time and place. Eerie interstitials full of long, discordant bowing from the bass underscore many of the tensest moments, ramping up our anxiety, fear, and sorrow as we watch tragedy unfold. The Ojibwe Ancestors Song, “Anishinaabe Kwe”, sung by LaReina LaPlante, was a particular highlight—the haunting melody struck a real emotional chord as it soared over the audience.

The show’s one original song, “On All Sides” by Jeremiah Gamble and Ben Johnson, is stunningly beautiful. The simple, gorgeous tune rises and falls in waves. Harmonies grow and linger. Halfway through the show “On All Sides” becomes a theme weaving through the story. By the time the show draws to a close, the audience is familiar with the melody. Next to us in the pew, two little girls, maybe about 7 and 9, softly added their voices to the refrain. I think that moment, when those young audience members felt so moved they had to join the chorus themselves, sums up this show well. It’s sweet, hopeful, and heartbreaking all at once.

If you have a chance to see this lovely piece of theatre, make sure to take it.

Art House North, 793 Armstrong Ave., Saint Paul

bucketbrigadetheater.com

• Friday, September 20th, 7:30pm

• Saturday, September 21st, 7:30pm

• Friday, September 27th, 7:30pm

• Saturday, September 28th, 3:00pm

• Saturday, September 28th, 7:30pm

• Monday, September 30th, 7:30pm

• Friday, October 4th, 7:30pm

• Saturday, October 5th, 3:00pm

• Saturday, October 5th, 7:30pm

• Friday, October 11th, 7:30pm

• Saturday, October 12th, 3pm

• Saturday, October 12th, 7:30pm

Tiered Ticket Pricing: $25 Discount Ticket, $35 Standard Price Ticket, $50 Additional Support Ticket
Plus $20 opening weekend tickets.