‘O SISTER WHERE ART THOU?’ IN OGDEN
REVIEW
A classic film with an unforgettable soundtrack was seen in Ogden last weekend. Local folk/Americana band The Backyard Revival presented “O Sister Where Art Thou,” a parody of Oh Brother Where Art Thou, at the Copper Nickel event venue, part of a three-night run that included stops in Salt Lake and Provo.
Sarah Little Drum (Betty O’Malley) and Brian Bingham (Jack O’Malley), who co-produced the show, performed with Zaza Historic VanDyke from their band The Backyard Revival, along with an huge ensemble cast of local musicians – a wonderfully humorous retelling of the Cohen Brothers 2000 hit film with its famous tunes, ambient storytelling, and the talents of The Backyard Revival.
Left to right: Sarah Little Drum, Brian Bingham, and Zaza Historia VanDyke of The Backyard Revival. Photos by Robin Pendergrast
The film was a retelling of Homer’s Greek classic The Odyssey. Just like the movie, which had a Grammy-winning soundtrack, the music is where O Sister shined. However, it was far from just a concert.
“Oh Sister Where Art Thou” pulled you into Depression-era Mississippi with props and choreographed scenes. The music came together to paint a picture and soon you were on an ‘odyssey’ with these two outlaws.
It was a cozy feel from the start inside the venue with chairs laid out, a stage set up with a projected backdrop, and a cash bar in the corner. There was also a selfie station. As the performers got set up folks would mill about and chat and then the show began.
The Sheriff (Brad Williams, co-founder of SLC Lunatics) came out with sunglasses, waxed mustache boots, and all, warning the audience of two troublesome escapees on the run using their music to enchant the crowd. And enchants us they did. The duo sang a mixture of folk, blues, and gospel music accompanied by guitars, mandolins, banjos and a washboard. I’m pretty sure there was also a saw in there somewhere.
The production poster, designed by Sarah Little Drum with photos by Holland Houghton.
In between songs Betty and Jack told the story of their escape, and attempts to see their sick mother, with touching yet hilarious anecdotes. The background told the story of their little camp as other actors and musicians tapped their feet, clapped along, and passed around the bottle of “shine.”
Little by little the background characters would hop in to sing and play instruments as they traveled through the south. Happy memories, sad songs – and a bit of bickering about the merits of a banjo – were shared.
Audience members also learned the difference between a violin and a fiddle. “A fiddle is when you’re trying to buy it but a violin is when you sell it.” At least according to some of the band.
However, despite the wonderful music and jokes no story ever goes smoothly. The Sheriff found them. But being a kind-hearted soul he allowed them one more song: a beautiful rendition of “Down to the River to Pray,” a song moving enough that it even softened the stony heart of the Sheriff who then asked to sing the next song with them – even inviting the audience to join in and sing, “You are my Sunshine.”
Performance of “O Sister Where Art Thou” at Copper Nickel. Photos by Robin Pendergrast
“O Sister Where Art Thou” was a beautiful night of refreshing beverages, good company, and fantastic music, as well as a laugh or two mixed in. I think both George Clooney and Homer would have been pleased to be seated in the audience given the chance. I, for one, can not wait for The Backyard Revival’s next project.
EDITOR’S NOTE
Sarah Little Drum, script co-writer/co-producer/costume designer for “O Sister” says they may be doing more runs of this show in the future, locally and out of state, in addition to more tribute shows of the like. “It was an absolutely incredible experience — the cast, the crew, the community … all brought their hearts and souls and I am just buzzing from it.” She’d like to credit Holland Houghton for the poster photos.
FULL CAST & SET LIST, provided by Sarah Little Drum
Indian War Whoop
vocals - crowd
Guitar - Zaza VanDyke
Violin - Hannah Garrett
O Death
Vocals - Sarah Little Drum, Brian Bingham
Big Rock Candy Mountain
Lead vocals - Brian Bingham
Backup vocals - Sarah Little Drum
Guitar - Brian Bingham
In the Highways
Lead vocals - Brian Bingham
Backup vocals - Sarah Little Drum
Guitar - Brian Bingham
Didn't Leave Nobody but the Baby
Lead vocals - Sarah Little Drum
Backup vocals - Brian Bingham, Rocky Velvet Cee
Saw - Erin Stout
Jug - Matt Gooch
Hard Time Killing Floor Blues
Vocals - Brian Bingham
Guitar - Brian Bingham
I'll Fly Away
Vocals - Sarah Little Drum, Brian Bingham
Guitar - Sarah Little Drum
Mandolin - Brian Bingham
Angel Band
Lead vocals - Sarah Little Drum
Backup vocals - Brian Bingham
Guitar - Sarah Little Drum
Mandolin - Brian Bingham
Bass - Zaza VanDyke
Violin - Hannah Garrett
I Am Weary (Let Me Rest)
Lead vocals - Sarah Little Drum
Backup vocals - Brian Bingham
Guitar - Sarah Little Drum
Mandolin - Brian Bingham
Bass - Zaza VanDyke
Violin - Hannah Garrett
Keep on the Sunny Side
Lead vocals - Sarah Little Drum
Backup vocals - Brian Bingham
Guitar - Sarah Little Drum
Mandolin - Brian Bingham
Slide Guitar - Dylan Roe
Bass - Zaza VanDyke
In the Jailhouse Now
Lead vocals - Brian Bingham
Yodel - Sarah Little Drum
Guitar - Sarah Little Drum
Mandolin - Brian Bingham
Bass - Zaza VanDyke
Violin - Hannah Garrett
Slide Guitar - Dylan Roe
Banjo - Devin Lee
I Am a Man of Constant Sorrow
Lead vocals - Brian Bingham
Backup vocals - Sarah Little Drum, Devin Lee
Guitar - Brian Bingham
Slide Guitar - Dylan Roe
Bass - Zaza VanDyke
Violin - Hannah Garrett
Banjo - Devin Lee
Down to the River to Pray
Lead vocals - Sarah Little Drum
Choir - Brian Bingham, Sabra Schlyter, Rocky Cee, Hannah Garrett, Dylan Roe, Zaza VanDyke, Mavi Blue, Matt Goocg, Chase Kemp, Skye Quinonez, Devin Lee
You Are My Sunshine
Vocals - Sarah Little Drum, Brian Bingham
Guitar - Sarah Little Drum
Mandolin - Brian Bingham
Slide Guitar - Dylan Roe
Bass - Zaza VanDyke
Violin - Hannah Garrett
Banjo - Devin Lee
