The Resurgence of Community Narratives in Theatre and Literature

Bob Eaton’s musical _Good Golly Miss Molly!_ has made a notable return to the New Vic Theatre, celebrating its 40th anniversary. Originally staged in 1989, the play narrates the story of residents from Hawes Street in Tunstall who opposed a council plan to demolish their homes as part of a slum clearance initiative. The narrative is framed around a reunion concert of a local band, emphasizing the role of music in community cohesion. The character of Molly, portrayed by Shirley Darroch, evolves from a rebellious schoolgirl to a community leader, embodying the struggles and aspirations of the working class.

The Guardian

Critics have noted that while the musical effectively captures the spirit of the community, it could delve deeper into the socio-political conflicts faced by the residents. The play's vibrant musical score and nostalgic references resonate with contemporary audiences, reflecting ongoing struggles against urban development and loss of community identity.

The Guardian

In a contrasting narrative, Molly Crabapple’s book _Here Where We Live Is Our Country: The Story of the Jewish Labor Bund_ revives the historical significance of the Jewish Labor Bund, an anti-Zionist socialist party active in Eastern Europe. The book, released amid contemporary debates surrounding Zionism and antisemitism, draws parallels between the Bund's struggles and today's socio-political climate. Crabapple argues that anti-Zionism should not be conflated with antisemitism, emphasizing the Bund's ideology of solidarity among workers.

The ForwardTheatre Review: Good Golly Miss Molly @ The New Vic

Crabapple’s exploration of the Bund's history includes its role in the 1905 and 1917 revolutions, its activism during the Holocaust, and its eventual decline in postwar America. The author’s personal connection to the Bund, through her great-grandfather’s experiences, adds depth to her narrative, which is both a historical account and a contemporary critique of Jewish identity politics.

The Forward

While Eaton’s musical celebrates community resilience, it has been critiqued for not fully exploring the complexities of the residents' struggles against systemic forces. Similarly, Crabapple’s portrayal of the Bund, while rich in historical detail, has been described as somewhat romanticized, potentially overlooking the nuances of internal debates within the Jewish community regarding Zionism.

The Forward

Both works highlight the importance of community narratives in understanding broader socio-political issues. Eaton’s musical serves as a reminder of local histories that continue to resonate, while Crabapple’s book challenges readers to reconsider the historical context of Jewish identity and its implications in contemporary discourse.

The Forward

Eaton’s revival of _Good Golly Miss Molly!_ has been praised for its energetic performances and relevance to current societal issues. Critics have noted that the musical's themes of community struggle are particularly poignant in today's context of urban development pressures. Crabapple’s book has sparked discussions on the complexities of Jewish identity and the historical roots of anti-Zionism, with some praising her for bringing the Bund's legacy to light.

The Forward

• “But when it hits home, fortified by the tremendous company doo-wopping, harmonising and swapping instruments, it feels like the angst and yearning of the songs are the perfect expression of the working-class struggle Good Golly Miss Molly!” — Critic, _The Guardian_

The Guardian

• “serves as a guide to our urgent moment.” — Molly Crabapple, Author

The Forward

As both _Good Golly Miss Molly!_ continues its run until May 2nd, and Crabapple’s book gains traction in literary circles, discussions surrounding community identity and historical narratives are expected to evolve, prompting further exploration of these themes in both theatre and literature.

Theatre Review: Good Golly Miss Molly @ The New Vic