Woody Sez

Country music and Marxism combine in the life story of folk singer Woody Guthrie

Review by Joe Vester | 13 Aug 2007

If you don't like country music, you won't like Woody Sez. From the opening, "Come on down to the front folks, we don't have no microphones," to the final, "Thanks y'all for coming along," this is an undiluted dose of southern American charm.

As much a concert as a play, Woody Sez takes its name from the newspaper column written for many years by Oklahoma folk singer and union activist Woody Guthrie. In it, he aired his left-wing views in home-spun style, and this play tells of his dirt-poor childhood and even poorer adulthood during the Great Depression, singing his songs along the way.

There is much sour talk of politicians and the state of California (which kept migrant workers out of its borders), mixed with wistfulness for home and some girl who is far away. The performers are terrific, smiling and chatting along they pull off impressive instrumental tricks and remind the audience how this music sweetened the harsh life of a hillbilly. In fact, even if you hate country music, this show might just sell it to you.