Tag Archives: musical

“Just in time” review

My next show and the first a double header on my last day in New York for this trip is the matinee of “Just in Time”. This production opened at the Circle in the Square theatre on March 31st 2025 and is currently scheduled to conclude its extended run on January 11th 2026. The show has a running time of around two hours and thirty minutes with a start time of 2pm for the Saturday matinee. The shows book is created by Warren Leight and Isaac Oliver and is developed and directed by Alex Timbers who has done a brilliant job with the use of the theatre space, but more on him later.

The circle in square theatre 23rd August 2025

I took my seat in auditorium of the circle of the square and suddenly remembered that I have been in this theatre space before. It was for “Once on this Island the musical” back in the start of 2018. At first I did not recognise the space as it was so different and has now been transformed into a 50s style cabaret club. As this is no a traditional theatre space even for broadway terms there is only one level and floor seating for this particular production. I was sat in the orchestra row 5 seat 119. As per the image below my view was totally uninterrupted and am amazing view. Having said that any seat or even standing behind the Garuda rails at the top would provide an amazing view of the show with no bad seat in the full house auditorium.

View from Orchestra Row F Seat 119

I was a little hesitant as I am not aware of Bobby Darin as an individual however the production images of the show made it look like a Broadway spectacle and the draw of seeing Jonathan Groff live was too much and I would like to quickly say I was not disappointed. For those who don’t know like myself Bobby Darin was a singer/songwriter and actor who is considered one of not the best of his time in the 50s and early 60s. This show charts the story of his remarkable short life while highlighting and including some of his iconic songs some of which I knew and most I did not. However that was not a problem as this show did not rely on you knowing who he was or any of his songs as the show provides the full biopic of his life.

The show starts in a pretty unique way by breaking the fourth wall as Jonathan Groff is introduced as himself. After a very quick introduction we are thrown straight into the autobiographical section of the show and suddenly Jonathan Groff IS Bobby Darin. Before I get onto how brilliant Jonathan Groff is, the story and book of this show is fantastic. It was detailed enough for a complete Bobby Darin novice like myself to understand while keeping it fast paced. The two and half hours just flew by also helped by the brilliant direction and staging.

The set was pretty much static with the occasionally sliding of the piano in and out. There was very clever use of a second “mini” stage directly opposite the main stage and across the floor seating tables. This can be seen in the view from my seat image above and is in the bottom right. The performers moved from main to mini stage through the seated tables shown in the same image above or from the aisles literally through the audience. Very clever use of lighting to direct the audience attention to either area meant that small prop and scene setting could occur on the opposite stage. This meant for some very slick scene changes without the need for any actual moving set pieces.

The general lighting and especially direction and use of this unique theatre space meant that the whole show have a very immersive feel. This was aided by the intermit theatre space which really made you feel like you were stepping into that cabaret show space. Along with the lighting both around the auditorium and spotlight on the aisles really made you feel you were in the show rather than just watching it on stage. This was even my opinion from someone sat in the main seating, for those in the seated tables at point there were actually in the show and at all times had performers brushing past them. No matter where you were in the auditorium at some point during the show you were only a few feet away from the action, which as a whole gave an amazing non traditional musical theatre experience which was amazing to be part of. The on stage 9 piece band who did not literally miss a beat during the whole show really added to the authentic caberat club atmosphere.

As mentioned earlier the direction and production of the whole show was brilliant and Alex Timbers deserves the recognition for this as he has made this a truly unique and amazing broadway production. If he does not get nominated for Tony for this show then something is seriously wrong. The music as you would expect contains some of bobby Darin biggest hits including “Splish splash” and “Mack the knife” along with other huge hits from the time in which Bobby Darin covered or recovered over his active years. Each one perfectly fit the relevant part of the story and making this essentially a jukebox musical but not as you know it thanks to the brilliant direction and general production. The full cast recording as of last week is now available and I highly recommend you listen to it. A little taster of the show can be seen in the short trailer below:

Now to move onto costumes for this show which not only added to but made this a true broadway spectacle. The use of very subtle but slick costume changes throughout the show ensure that the slow of the production was kept up and aided the slick scene changes due to some very clever costume and prop movement around the stage. All costumes where spectacular non more so than the three sirens/ Bobby back up dancers. Who seem to reappear within seconds in a totally different but as amazing costume as before. Apart from Groff these three of Valeria Yamin, Claire Camp and Julia Grondin where the hardest working performers in the show.

Aside from these three performers the other standouts for me were the two actresses playing bobby love interests who start with Connie Francis played by Gracie Lawrence and Sandra Dee who is played by in this production the understudy Larkin Reilly. Both respectively are amazing and their vocals were brilliant. Again goes to show the power and talent of an understudy, without a note in my playbill I would not have known. Gracie has more stage time in the first act and Larkin taking the stage in the second act as we move onto the latter part of Bobby career and life. Along side these there are a brilliant supporting cast which also included Caesar Samayoa who I instantly recognised from the original cast of “Come from away” and also appears in the Apple TV recorded version of the show.

Now for a comment on the the star of the show Jonathan Groff. I do not generally support the idea of seeing a show just for one person as I believe as already mentioned in this review how amazing the supporting cast and understudies are. However I have to admit that as confessed earlier seeing Jonathan Groff in person was one of the main draws to the show for me. I can confirm he did not disappoint and was out of this world, one of the best musical theatre performers I have seen. I fully understand why he is a Tony award winner and should be nominated and WIN awards at the next Tonys for this performance. For the entirety of the first act he did not leave stage and took water breaks in characters and at relevant parts of the story. Even during the second act you can count the minutes on one hand that he leaves the stage. All this while performing every song in my mind to perfection along with every dance routine and his acting was spot on. Just to top off this triple threat perfection he even plays multiple instruments and the piano on more than one occasion during the show, all live. Showing he really is a quadruple threat and has to win another Tony.

Overall if it is not obvious already I loved this show and as a result is has to be 4 out of 5 stars. You do not need to be a Bobby Darin fan or even know who he is to appreciate and love the quadruple threat that is Jonathan Groff in this brilliant immersive production of Bobby Darin life where you are literally feet away from the action wherever you sit.

More information on this show can be found on their website.

“Rolling Thunder” review

This year I decided to do an extra Broadway trip over the August bank holiday. As per the new usual way I was able to tie in a quick day and half visit to Nashville before arriving in New York. As this is an extra quick visit to New York in addition to the two other trips I only plan on seeing three shows this time. I already booked two for Saturday, which left Friday evening. After landing from Nashville I booked my first show in the lyft to the hotel.

The show in question is “Rolling thunder” which opened on 10th July 2025 and is currently running until 7th September 2025 which is only a few weeks away. The show has a running time of around 2 hours with one interval. The show is directed by Kenneth Ferrone more on him later and has a book by Bryce Hallett and music from many of the top artists from the 60s and 70s. The show is currently playing at “New world stages stage 3”.

New World Stage Theatre, stage 3 22nd August 2025

The new world stage theatre is a really interesting theatre space which is officially an off broadway theatre. However only being literally a couple of blocks away from the official “Broadway” theatre locations. I really like this as a theatre space as it is able to host seven shows at any one time with five playing consecutively across the different capacity stages. Stage one and stage three (Where I am) are the largest it’s 499 seats.  I have been here once before to watch Avenue Q back in 2016. I took my seat in Orchestra central row G seat 108 which is mid way and centre of the stalls. I was surprised by the fairly emptiness of the auditorium with only really the central stall seats being occupied. However as fairly expected the general audience age was a lot older than myself due to the expected jukebox music in the show from the 60s and 70s.

View from Orchestra row G seat 108

The show is effectively a jukebox musical telling the story of the Vietnam war using songs from the top artists of the time in the 60s and 70s, this range from Bob Dylan, the Rolling Stones, Simon and Garfunkel and many others. The story uses a book by the writer of the show and journalist Bryce Hallett so is I assume very factually accurate. Most scenes are formed in the reciting of letters between those fighting and their loved ones at home. The main characters in which the bulk of the show centres around are Jonny (Drew Becker), Linda (Cassadee Pope), Thomas (Justin Mathew Sargent), Andy (Daniel Yearwood). The rest of the cast is made up by Courtnee Carter, Deon`te Goodman, Ethan Hardy Benson and ErinRamirez who all play multiple characters through the production.    

The show does not really utilise any real set and very little in the forms of props. The stages stages as shown in the “View from my seat” picture above. With the 5 piece band surrounding the performing space. The staging does use three large screens which are used to play historic new reels/ documents style footage and also show the letters that are being read out. The is six or so retro/ authentic TV sets which are used in conjunction with the large screens and at time so their own. The band are visible the whole time and during the songs are as at times as much of the show as the performers with at times their own solos during some of the songs. The band consist from left to right guitarist one, pianist and MD, Drummer, bass guitar, guitar two. All of which were amazing and able to play these iconic songs brilliant live.

Due to the lack of set and props lighting and projection were used heavily throughout the show. Both done brilliantly and meant that the lack of set was not missed at all. With great lighting design to simulate a lot of the war and helicopter scenes and projection used to simulate rain and the names of fallen soldiers during the war. The lighting design targeted the audience a lot which gave a more immersive fell for the war scenes.  

Like the set their was no real costume changes as the characters stayed mostly in the same outfits. There is one quite effective scene when Daniel Yearwood changes out of his civilian clothes into the army uniform as is enlisted to the war. Other than the costume are either military style or 60s or 70s themed for those located at home.

As mentioned earlier the songs are some of the top artists songs of the era. A lot of which I did not know however they did seem to fit the relevant part of the story. All were performed in a rock concert style. Which brings me onto my main opinion of the show and its choice in direction by Kenneth Ferrone. This is because all but one of the songs were song in a concert style with hand held mics and even mic stands.During a lot of the songs the performers did not seem to stay in character which for me along with the mic stands and hand held mics broke the illusion of a musical, even a jukebox musical. At time during some songs the band were even acknowledged by the performers again breaking that musical theatre style. I am not sure what the director was trying to aim for but for miss he missed. As the show seemed to be two different concepts shoe horned into one production. The talking/play historically accurate part of the show was great and the concert style performing of the songs were great however together they did not merge into one show seamless enough for me. There was one song “Killing me softly” which was song is proper musical theatre style with no hand held mics and just actors mics and it was brilliant. It really showed me wha the show could have been if it was a straight musical theatre production with the gimmick of concert style performing. Having said that the harmony’s amongst the cast during the songs were perfect and really did take the songs lyrics and make them part of the story. However this was tarnished by the boy/girl band style performances with even mic stand choreography at times which again would have worked if the whole show was like that with the straight plan/acting scenes.

During this performance I had no understudies performing. For me there were two stand out performers for me both vocally and with their acting ability there were Daniel Yearwood and Cassadee Pope who were both outstanding. Having said that it should not take away form the quality of the band and the other cast who were all brilliant just for me as a musical theatre nerd these stood out the most. An example of Daniel Yearwood performing “People get ready” from the show can be can be found on YouTube below.

The show works in America and off broadway due to the topic of the show and how I expect most people in the audience will have a direct link to the Vietnam war which has its 50th anniversary of its conclusion this year and due to the songs of the era being used. So if you are an America who loves this period of music then I am sure you would love this show more than I did. Having said that I did find it very enjoyable and once over the harsh difference between the two styles of concert style songs and the play scenes I did enjoy it as the quietly of the musicality performances were brilliant and the light design was great.

Overall I give this show 3 out of 5 stars. It is a not a musical and it is not a play. It’s 60s and 70s rock jukebox concert and a historically accurate play around the Vietnam war. Either would have worked better separately but not necessary together. As a Brit born in the early 90s I was not the target audience however the lighting and concert part of the show was worth the watch.

Further details on  this show can be found on their website.

Mean girls: The musical

My next show is back in London West End and at the Savoy. A venue I have visited multiple times over the years to see some very good and successful musicals. The show tonight is “Mean girls: the musical”. This particular production opened at the Savoy theatre back in June 26 2024. I have been waiting to see this show again after I watched in previous on broadway back in October 2018 at the August Wilson Theatre. Unfortunately it has not been as well received on the west end as it was on broadway as the show posted early closing and is scheduled on 8th June 2025 around a year after it first opened.

Savoy theatre 8th April 2025

The musical is based on the 2004 Lindsay Lohan movie of the same. This musical version book is written by one of the original movies stars and Hollywood star Tina Fey with music by Jeff Richmond and lyrics from Nell Benjamin. The orginal Broadway show was so successful it spawned the 2024 musical film version of the show which had a couple of songs added and removed for the big screen. I really enjoyed the orginal broadway production and have listened to the orginal cast recording countless times. I have also seen the 2024 film multiple times as it is normally a time filler on my flights to and from broadway. So I was very excited to take my seat in the stall of the Savoy theatre in row M seat 16 to see it again on stage with this London cast.

View from stalls row M seat 16

For those who have not seen either films here is a very brief synopsis. We meet Cady Heron (Charlie Burn) who moves from Kenya to a American high school. It is here she meets Janis Sarkisian (Elena Skye) and her gay best friend Damian Hubbard (Tom Xander). They attempt to help Cady navigate high school life but end up pushing her into the “Plastics” lead by Regina George (Georgina Castle) with Gretchen Wieners (Elèna Gyasi) and they’re not so intelligent friend Karen Smith (Clíona Flynn). After a battle over Aaron Samuels (Daniel Bravo) Cady seems to overthrow Regina who both pay the price over the discovery of the “Burn book”. The shows ends with the high school dance in which status quo seems to prevail.

Before I start to discuss the show and this production I have to mention that I did encounter one of the longest show stops I have had in all my time visiting the theatre. I have not had many mid show stops at all but for this show around thirty minutes into the first act we encountered around a fifteen minute stop. There was no mention of the reason, I did not notice any cast changes and the set design would not lend you to think it would be the root cause of a full quarter of an hour show stop.

The set relies very heavily on the screens that you can see from the view from my seat picture. It is these screens which provide the main set pieces for the whole show. With very good use of the screen technology. There was a few minor set pieces that were used throughout a few scenes with the odd drop in scenery of a toilet block or door way here and there. As a result the use of props were slightly more important however the show as a whole did not rely on the at all. Which was surprising considering the heavy use of screens. As all scene changes were dictated by the full wall of screens. Which did occasionally slide and move out the way to allow the odd larger prop like a bed to appear. On some occasions trap doors allows larger set and props to appear and disappear onto the stage.  As you can see from the below image the heavy use of screen was the same within the original production on broadway.

View MezzR row H seat 8 at the August Wilson theatre in 2018

The lighting design did not really have its time to shine due to the volume and interstitial of the screens. The general chronography seems good enough for a west end production but seemed to lack the effectiveness that it should for a west end production. I believe that this was not down to the performers and their talent but the general size of the Savoy stage. As it is quite a small stage it can look and appear very cramped very quick. Which is the general result I found for this shows ensbample dance pieces. This theatre does not lend itself to large ensbample dance break and routines. This is proven by every musical I have seen their in the past did not attempt such large ensbample dance routines shows like legally blonde and pretty women did not have such volume of routines.

Unfortunately it did seem that a lot of the book was lost on the UK audience. Which could explain the much shorter run on the west end stage. I don’t recall as much of the scripted jokes falling as flat with the broadway audience from 2018. There did seem to be attempts to apply it to a 2025 audience which all seemed in-vein. Perhaps it needed the broadway/American audience for the high school dynamic jokes to land. I found myself laughing when I should be but no a limited numbers of others were. It’s a great shame as it did distract from the overall impact of the show compared to the first time I watched it. Tina Fey book was brilliant on the broadway but did not have the same effect with a UK audience.

Now for some of the individual performances. Before seeing the show the only actor I was previously aware of was Grace Mouat as Karen Smith however I was presented with the third cover for a Karen and her debut in the role Clíona Flynn  under who played the role perfectly and is a prime example of why not only p understudies are under estimated within the West End. But the ensbample and all covers to be the third cover and a debut of the role and foe me not to even be aware shows the talent of these individuals.

First of all Charlie Burn as Candy Heron was perfection casting. Her vocals were flawless and her ability to gradually transition from a geek to a full on “Plastic” was perfection. Her credits are very limited within the theatre and musical theatre world but deserves many more roles in her musical theatre future.

Another role which is critical for the story progression is Damian Hubbard portrayed by Tom Xander. However the general role and impact and comedy that it should bring to the show again seemed to miss the mark. This was not due to Damian ability or talent as he wa Streatham in the role. I feel it was the London British audience who could fully get behind the character like an American audience could.

Along side him was Elena Skye as Janis Sarksian who was brilliant at not only the characterisation but vocals. Having some of the most challenges and demanding songs in the shows Elena was able to deal with them effortlessly. She was such a strong member of the cast.

A final mention has to go to Georgina Castle as the one and only Regina George. Overall her performance was great with the dominance it required while backing it it with some amazing vocals.   

I am such a huge of the music and lyrics for this show. Having listened to the original cast recodering countless times and even continued to listen to it on my journey home after seeing the show. It has some amazing songs that are great as standalone but really have a different decision when put into context of the story and show. I highly recommended you watch the 2024 musical film and also listen to the orginal cast recodering which is available on all major streaming platforms. For me my favourite songs that I could and do listen to on respect regularly are “I see stars” and “Rather be me”

Orginal Broadway cast recording of “I see stars”

More details from the show can be found on their website.

Overall 3 out of 5 stars, a great show fuelled by my love of the orginal Broadway show back in 2018. Unfortunately the book does not seem to land the same way with an UK audience. However still contains some of my all time favourite musical theatre songs. Recommend listening to the originally broadway cast recording and watch the 2024 film.

 

“Redwood” review

My last show of this Broadway visit and the second show of this last Saturday in America. The show in question is “Redwood” the new broadway musical staring the one and only Broadway legend Idina Menzal. This perticular show is had its opening night a few weeks ago on the 13th February 2025. The show has a book by Tina Landau with music by Kate Diaz and lyrics by Kate Diaz and Tina Landau and directed by Tina Landau. So between the two of them they really did do everything. The show is a straight through no interval production lasting around one hour and fifty minutes starting at 8pm on this Saturday at the Nederlander Theatre.

Nederlander Theatre 22nd March 2025

As I took my seat in the second row of the centre mezzanine I really was surprised how close it felt to the stage. Reviewing the ticketing site again there is a note which states that it is an immersive experience in which the mezzanine features the best view of the stagings full scale and scope. And they were not wrong, the full stage length screens wrapped round to the same level of the mezzanine seating. As shown the in the view from my seat image, I had to I take it in a wide angle else shot to grasp the full scale. You can even see how much the staging is protruding the original stage front. The wrap around effective of the screens really make you feel you are in the stage.

View from mezzanine Row B seat 111

The book for this show and therefore the story was very and surprisingly  basic. The story itself did not really progress at all throughout the nearly two hours of the show. This is very unlike any show especially a musical. Due to this lack of progression the synopsis of the show is very basic and does really tell you everything you need to know.
We meet Jesse (Idina Menzel) and her partner/wife Mel (DeAdre Aziza) who are struggling with the loss of Jesse adult son Spencer (Zachary Noah Piser). Jesse finds herself in the redwood forest where she meets scientists Finn (Michael Park) and Becca (Khalistan Wilcoxon). We then follow Jesse through a metaphorical  journey of grief acceptance thanks to the large redwood tree “Stella”.

As mentioned before the above is pretty much the story will very little progression and not enough for me for it to be a really good musical or even play. Even the songs didn’t really have much point to them apart from the odd one, generally it seemed both the book and lyrics were just there to fill time and not really adding anything to the show or storyline.

On the other hand the theatrical experience which this show created was outstanding and some of the best I have ever seen on wither Broadway or the west end. The use of these huge screens along with projection made you feel you were in the scenes. At times almost too much and almost felt disorientating. I can only assume it is the same experience gained within the sphere at Vegas. An experience I personally am happy not to witness first hand. However due to the screen and projection use age there was no set as such as the screens and white stage were used to create the scenes. The only major set piece was the tree “Stella” itself which appeared from a the revolving  centre screens. I feel like I have to name the tree Stella as the show was able to personify the stage piece of the tree so well it felt like the sixth character of the show. The whole theatrical experience was one of the best I have ever had on either side of the pond. An extra shot of the stage after the show had finished really highlights the screen and projection usage and also includes Sellla.

Post show view of stage

The only moving pieces of the stage were a small raising platform from the stage don’t which Jesse utilised as a seating platform. The other main moving piece was the tree platform in which most of the second half of the show is presented from. Apart from these two there was not much real life props. Apart from the climbing parfernally that was needed to climb Stella. This was one of the most impressive parts of the show as all three performers were at various times actual long climbing up and down the tree and the whole height of the stage.

Although the theatrical experience was amazing this was meant to be a musical, and for me it is were it fell short along with the lack of story. Although the vocal performance from all were amazing the songs enever really meant anything. Apart from one of the latter songs “Still” lead by Zachary Noah Piser. One of Idina Menzal songs “Great escape” can be found on YouTube linked below which highlighted her great talent, not that we needed to be convinced.

“Great escape”

As mentioned before the vocals from all were amazing but for me the two standouts have to be obviously Idina but also Zachary.

Idina Menzel vocals were outstanding in this show as expected. However I did not feel like the book or lyrics really gave her an opportunity to show her true musical theatre acting talent. Just being in the same room room and peri ending her sing anything live for the first time was breathtaking. It is unbelievable how effortless her ability is. Her voice really was mind blowing and like nothing I have seen before, it is just a shame the book and lyrics did not give her much to dig her teeth into. Her natrual ability was highlighted when she has to belt being literally upside down and swinging around Stella the tree.

For me the other outstanding member of the cast was Zachary Noah Piser who played the dead son Spencer. His vocal ability was outstanding and the way he was able to portray the feeling in the song “Still” was really moving. He really is a true talent and one to watch for the future.  

As mentioned early all the others cast vocals did not disappoint but for me these two where the most notable perofmrance of the production.

This has seemed like a shorter review than normal however there really was not that much going on apart from the amazing theatrical experience created by the screens and projection. There was little story and just had amazing vocals from all.

Overall I give this show 2 out of 5 stars as a musical and or play. However as a theatrical experience it is 5 out of 5. An experience like no other from the mezzanine seats, with amazing vocals from all especially Idina and Zachary however a lack of story progression hindered the show.

 

 

“Smash” review

My next show show on this Broadway trip is the first of a double header for Saturday as it is the matinee of “Smash” the musical. I was dry excited to see this as it is based o the huge TV show first broadcasted in 2012. However I somehow missed the boat on its original run. As a result I only just finished watching the the whole series a few weeks ago in preparation to see this show. So the concept and characters are very fresh for me. This production is still currently in previews which started on 11th March 2025 and has an official opening night scheduled for 10th April 2025. The show has a book written  Rick Elice and Bob Martin with music & lyrics by Marc Shaiman and Scott Whittman and directed by Susan Stroman. The matinee has a start time of 2pm and a running time of two hours and thirty minutes at the Imperial Theatre.

The Imperial Theatre 22nd March 2025

I took my seat in the orchestra row K seat 105 of the imperial theatre, which has great stagger so any seat within the stalls is pretty much uninterrupted. I was readying myself for a stage version of a the great TV show. A to show I highly recommend if you missed the orginal run back in 2012 and are a fan of musical theatre. It is currently available on Amazon Prime in the UK to binge the whole series.

View from the orchestra row K seat 105

First of all I have mention how surprised and taken back I was by the total change to almost all the characters and all the supporting cast. With only Ivy Lyn and Karen viewing kept from the original TV show. This was a total shock as I was expecting a stage version of the to show. Which in a way it was but not with the same character which is what I was expecting. Even the character dynamics between Ivy and Karen were changed. Along with all new characters playing similar positions but different dynamics. For example the womanising director of of Derek Wills is replaced by a camp Nigel. A Karen is married to one of the ensamble and the writers are married. If you have seen the TV show you will release how different this was and also reflect in my disappointment of the change. Which did take some time to readjust.

For those who have not seen the show or have but want to know the full character run down. Here is a brief synopsis. We take a step into the rehearsal room of a brand new Broadway musical “Bombshell” the Marilyn Monroe musical as well as seeing some of the “bombshell” songs. It during this time we meet the leading lady Ivy Lynn (Robyn Hurder), the understudy Karen (Caroline Bowman) and the director Nigel (Brooks Ashmanskas). We are also introduced to the writers husband and wife Tracy (Krysta Rodriguez) and Jerry (John Behlmann). Along with the producer Anita (Jacqueline B. Arnold) and her assistant Scott (Nicholas Matos). During the show we also also introduced to Chloe (Bella Coppola) who nearly takes the leading role from the production team and Susan (Kristine Nielsen) who plays Ivy Lynn Marilyn’s advisor. Between all of these and the ensemble they all highlight the trails and tribulations of putting on a Broadway musical.

The overall concept although very similar if not the same to the original TV show it did have a few touches of modernisation. Mainly around the use of social media and the role that “Influencers” play on the modern world.

The set design was good and mainly in the first act switched between the rehearsal room and the bar. With the second act bringing in set boxes to represent the back stage areas of the theatre of the dressing rooms and writers rooms of the theatre. While having the occasional curtain drop to reveal the “Bombshell” song performances. The overall staging was very good and had a triangle design which worked well and along with the lighting made for very good scene definitions.  During some of the “box scenes” having the rest of the stage fairly well lite meant that we were able to see the actors walk out of the scene into the rest of the stage no kind of spoilt the illusion of the scene for me. However there overall scene transfer and slickness to it was Broadway quality and was impressive.

The musical theatre part of this musical only really came form the “Bombshell” scenes. Which were lifted directly from the TV show including all music & girls and choreography. Which seemed unaltered as each song I was able to recall watching only a few weeks ago on the TV show. These include Mr & Mrs Smith, the 20th Century Fox Mambo and “I Never met a wolf who didn’t love to howl”. I for one am so glad that these remained untouched as they were amazing in the TV show and amazing in this show. There was definitely something special about seeing these songs being performed live on a broadway stage after watching them on my iPad on my daily comments a few weeks prior. There did seem to be one or two new original musical theatre pieces added to this production but I was glad they kept the orginal “Bombshell” songs. As well as the title track of “Let me be your star” my fave outer track from the whole show and still is after seeing it performed live is “Don’t forget me” which luckily has been recorded on the “Smash” YouTube channel and can be found below.

Don’t forget me

As a new Broadway musical I am not convinced that it hit the ark. Although it did have some comical parts of the script and the amazing “Bombshell” songs. I am not sure it really hit the mark and will be very interested in what the critics say in a couple of weeks time for the opening night. In my opinion they should have kept more to the original TV show characters and not just used the concept. As a musical theatre show I would rather have just seen a staging of “Bombshell” the musical. As it was only the Bombshell scenes which had the musical theatre aspects.

And now for more on some of the individuals from the cast. It was very interesting to see Krysta Rodriguez live as she is the only cast member who was in the orginal TV show. However if not a bit confusing as she was not playing her Ana character but instead one of the writers Tracy.

Robyn Hurder as Ivy seemed almost nervous during the start of the production. I am not sure if this is on purpose to highlight the progression of the character throughout the production or weather it was because the prodcution was still in previews. However I was pleased to see that by the end of the show her vocals were perfect. However I was still slightly distracted as I just was thinking that she is not Megan hilly (Who I watched live a few days prior in “Death becomes her”). Maybe this was just me and almost hindered by the fact that I have just watch end the original TV show. This view should not reflect on Robyn and a great performance.

I had a similar preconception and distraction with Caroline Bowman playing Karen as Katharine McPhee was amazing in the TV show. However Karen on this stage show did not have such a major role however Caroline vocals were spot on and amazing Tom start to finish throughout the whole show and was a great talent to witness live.

The next person who deserves a perticular mention is Bella Coppola as Chloe, a brand new character to the Smash world. Who vocals if not exactly beat Caroline or Robyn but were perfect for this role.

My final mention has to go to Brooks Ashmanskas as the very camp director Nigel. As soon as I saw Brooks bin stage I instantly remembered him from the original run of “Prom” which I watched o broadway a few years ago.  He was brilliant in that and was brilliant in this and fitted this role perfectly. He brought the campness and more importantly the comedy to the production perfectly. Even though portraying a similar role his performance was great and expect another Tony nomination in his future fro this role.

Overall I give this production 2 out of 5 stars. A different skew of the orginal TV show with different characters added to the same concept. With the same great “Bombshell” songs/routines. If you haven’t seen the TV you might like it even more than I did and if you did see the TV you will love the iconic performance live. 

More details on the show can be found on their website.

“The outsiders” review

My next Broadway show of the weekend is “The outsiders”. Which is a show I have been keen to see since before it’s Tony wins last year and finally I was able to secure a ticket. The show is a new musical which opened in April 2024 on Broadway and went on to receive 12 Tony nominations and win four including best musical in 2024. This production is directed by Dana Taymor with a book by Adam Rapp and music and lyrics by Jonathan Clay and Zach Chance. The show had a start time of 7pm on the Friday I watched it with a scheduled running of two hours and thirty minutes.

Bernard B.Jacobs Theatre 21st March 2025

The show is based on the original book first written by S.E Hinton in 1967 and was adapted into the 1983 film of the same name. As normal I had not read the original book or seen the 1983 film and as a result was entering the theatre to take my very cramped seat for this highly anticipated show was once again in the centre of the mezzanine in row B seat 105 with no prior knowledge of the story.

View from mezzanine row B seat 105

Before curtain up I overheard in the row behind me the predictive summary of “ So it’s a less family friendly version of grease”. After seeing the show I can confirm that he was not wrong.  However for those like me who do not know the story here is a bit more entailed but still very brief synopsis of the story.

We are introduced to 1960s Tulsa where we quickly delve into the life of the main character Ponyboy Curtis (Brody Grant) and his oldest brother Darrel Curtis (Brent Comer) who is taking on the responsibilities of running the family and the other brother Sodapop Curtis (Dan Berry).  We then meet the others members of the greases gang who are Jonny Cade (Sky Lakota-Lynch), Steve (Renni Anthony Magee) and Two-bit (Daryl Tofa) along with the one everyone looks up to Dallas Winston (Alex Joseph Grayson). The other reveal gang is the Cadillac driving  socs who is lead by Bob (Kevin William Paul) and has members which include Paul (Davis Wayne), Cherry Valance (Emma Pittman), Marcia (SarahGrace Mariani), Ace (Anna Bermudez) and Beverly (Melody Rose). Tensions build between the gangs mainly over Cherry which leads into a fatal run in which results in Ponyboy and his best friend Jonny Cade having to skip town. The second act charts charts lots of different events including a church fire, unexpected deaths and a sucide all crescendoing in a huge fight for dominance of the park.

The whole set of this production was totally static. With only one major moving part which was a full size Cadillac which came and went throughout the show each time gradually creeping towards the centre of the stage. The stage floor was covered with gravel which was used at many points throughout the show and added to that “raw” feel that the show was running from. The rest of the set although static provided a literal climbing frame for all the actors. As a result it it made the stage feel a lot bigger than it actual was.  

Along with the climbing frame aspect of the set which aided with the scene splitting for the production. The lighting design really aided this and without it the scenes would not be framed and as effective due to the static set.  The lighting design was not only used to scene set but also to aid with the many fight scenes. Along with lighting sound effects were used perfectly to really make the audience literally feel each blow of the many fight scenes.

Due to the static the use of props proved event more critical and were used so effectively. I did not realise how a simple set of tyres and blanks of wood can be converted into so many things from cinema seating to a hospital bed and more. This along with the lighting design really gave such authentic scene design without the need for any major set pieces.

Some of the staging highlights come in the second act with the usage of real life fire engulfing the abandoned church. This real life fire design with the staging is some of the most unique musical Thrace experiences I have had. This added with the real rain scenes, which equally some of the best theatre experiences I have had. It was able to somehow equal the national theatre on theatre experiences. The use of torches throughout the production were used so effectively and were seamlessly used with the lighting spotlights. The panning of torches throughout the stage and the auditorium really made the audience feel part of the production.

Even though this production did have some of the top theatrical experiences  have had and decently the best on Broadway. The show was made by the music and lyrics which is some of the best score and lyrics I have heard in a modern musical. It had a similar vibe to a Bronx tale. The music and lyrics where so good that for me it not only out shone the book but almost made the book seem inferrer. So much so that in my opinion the show would have been even better if it was sung through as the book at times somewhat distracted from the story and show as a whole. The lyrics were so good that at times they duplicated the spoken parts of the script. As a result it does mean that you will miss none of the story if you listen to the cast recording. Which is available on all major streaming platforms. I can not wait to listen  and re-listen to the full cast recording again and again. As the songs of this musical theatre production are some of the best I have heard/seen in a new modern musical. Although for me there was no stand out title song which you normal find in a musical theatre production. It almost highlights how good the whole score was for me to not have a stand out individual song.

As mentioned before the whole cast was brilliant but for me there were a couple of stand outs.

The first being the main character Ponyboy who is portrayed by Brody Grant. His authentic accent really sets the sene from the opening narration song of Tulsa 67. The offical music version of this song can be found here.

Tulsa 1967

He was able to maintain such. Unique and authentic accent through both the spoken word and all songs. All without sacrificing any of the musical theatre quality. Providing such emotion through all aspects of the show,  a really top talent.

The second stand out for me was Brent Comer in the role of the older brother Darrel Curtis. He had such a difficult character to play as he had to be both the parent figure for the whole family as well holding the recreation of the greases on his shoulders. Brent was able to portray both aspects brilliant. While also performing some amazing vocal and musical theatre talent thought out the show.  

Te last stand out for me has to be Emma Pittman in the role of Cherry. The character is the route cause of so many of the issues in the story and Emma was able to do this perfectly. While also performing amazing vocals on many of the numbers she was in.

The overall direction of the production was brilliant and it did contain some of the if not the best musical theatre fight dance choreography I have seen. There were many fight scenes however the best has to be during the second act during a full literal rain storm with amazing lighting and sound effects. I would normally reference the ensamble and how well they performed in not only the choreographed fight scenes but in general with the prop manipulation. However in this production I feel calling the supporting cast the ensemble would be disrespectful as each member had a character name. Most of the have been mentioned in the synopsis section of the review but not all of them.

I can fully understand why it received so many Tony nominations and wins last year it totally deserved all that it received if not deserving even more. Unfortunately I can not see this production heading across the pond to the west end. Even though it is now embarking on a US tour. I feel that some of the book was and would be lost on a British audience. As a result unable to replicate the success that it has had on Broadway on the West End.

Overall I give this production 4.5 out of 5 stars. It has amazing music and lyrics with great performances by Brody Grant and Brent Comer. With a static climbing frame esc set and amazing lighting and prop design creates a deserving Tony award wining production.

Further details on this show can be found on their website.

 

“Death becomes her” review

It’s that time of the year again when I visit New York to see a number of broadway shows. This first show is the start of a very musical theatre heavy broadway weekend trip. It seems that since my last visit in October there has been more and more musicals opening on Broadway. I for one am not complaining as I had pretty much ran out of musicals to see, so a new smorgasbord of musical is very much appreciated.

The first show in question  is “A death becomes her” which had an original run in Chicago back in the middle of last year (2024) and transferred to the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre towards the end of the year. It had its opening night on Broadway on November 21st 2024. Much of the orginal cast fro m hi cargo reprised their roles for the Brando way run. It has a book written by Marco Pennette and musical & lyrics by Julia Mattison and Noel Carey.  On one show days like the Thursday I was seeing the show it has a scheduled start time of 7pm however in typical broadway fashion did not start till at nearly 10 past. It has a running time of two hours and thirty minutes however it seem to finish before 9:30 PM so can assume since opening night they have tightened the show up.

Lunt-Fontanne Theatre 20th March 2025

As I took my seat in the front centre mezzanine of a theatre which had fully been taken over by the show themed décor. With period design covers all walls and large chandeliers around the whole auditorium. It is a big befit that Broadway has over the west end, as the theatre spaces are not historical and therefore can be altered and fitted out to the theme of the specific show. Which is impossible for most West End theatres due to the limitations of the historic buildings. Due to the high stage and the lateness of the booking due to only booking it a few hours prior to curtain up due to only landing in New York that afternoon. The front middle front mezzanine was a perfect view as shown in the view from my seat image below.

View from Front Centre Mezzanine row C seat 105

The show is a musical theatre adaptation of the 1992 film of the same name. Once again like many of these shows I have not seen the original film. So for those in the same boat as me her is a very brief overview of the synopsis of the show.
We are introduced to Madeline Ashton (Megan Hilty) a very successful and popular actress who seems to have it all. Until her long time old frenemy Helen Sharp (Jennifer Simard) turns up with her husband, Ernest Melville (Christopher Sieber). Madeline proceeds to steal Helens husband. Then we skip 10 years to where the tables have seemed to have turned. With Madeline aging and having less and less of a career while Helen is making it big a successful writer and looks better than ever. In a desperate attempt to save it all Madeline is introduced to Viola Vans Horn (Michele Williams). Who seems to shave the answer to save her future for the next ten years due to her magic potion. A push down the stairs proves that Madeline is invincible. During the second act we are exposed to the downside of immortal living as both Madeline and Helen are struggling with the side effects of living forever while everyone else continues a “normal” life expectancy.

Both the book and lyrics to this show are hilarious. This is very difficult to do and most “comedy” musicals are unable to achieve it correctly. But this show does with both the spoken scenes being equally as funny as the songs and vice a verse. Which really does create a literal laugh a minute. It was also very impressive how the concept of the original 90s film was able to be modernised. The most obvious is Viola Van Horn literally calling herself an “Influencer” and the brilliant ensamble of dancers her influenced. Which is such a modern concept which definitely would not have been “a thing” in the early 90s.  

Not only was the whole production a laugh a minute funny it never forgot that it was a musical. And this was double down by the epic vocal performances from the three main leads of Megan Hilty, Jennifer Simard and Michele Williams, but more on them later.

All other aspects of the show also did not disappoint. The first being the costumes which seem to be constantly changing during the first act. And especially during the first act scene of Madeline character acting quick changes where she literally had four or five costume changes in the space of a few minutes. A glimpse to this scene and the amazing performance from Megan Hilty can be found on the “Death becomes her” YouTube video here.
Link YouTube video “for the gaze from their YouTube channel .

“For the gaze”

The amount and variation of costumes really did add to the whole “broadway” worthiness of the show and really made you feel like you were watching a broadway show. Another aspect of the show which added to this was the staging which had huge set designs and changes throughout the show. Each scene to be as grand and “broadway” and the one before.

The lighting for the production was outstanding and seem to be able to take over and engulf the whole themed auditorium. It especially came into its own during the many “magic tricks”/ illusions that occurred during the whole show. But especially within the second act each scene seemed to have at least one magic trick or illusion in it. I assume this is to replicate what would have been CGI in the original film. The lighting along with the amazing prop department and amazing direction made all the stunts and misdirection possible. Which is needed for this kind of show. The costume department also aided with the trickery and was high tied during the shotgun shooting sene and providing th on stage illusion of one of the characters having a whole in their torso. It was up their with ghost the musical for the illusion but more of a slap stick version which was needed for this comedy musical.  

Before I talk about the main characters and actors, a special shoutout to the ensemble has to be made. As without them the show would simple not work, they aided in a lot of the misdirection as “stunt” doubles. As well as providing amazing dance routines which ensured that the musical theatre aspect of the show was not lost. Each and everyone worked continuously and tirelessly with constant contumely changes and appearance in the majority of the scenes.

This brilliant ensemble cast supports an amazingly strong cast which has many Tony nominees and even Grammy winners.

 The first is Megan Hilty playing Madeline Ashton. As someone who has recently (within the last few weeks) has just finished the show “Smash” in preparation to see the broadway production on Saturday. I was very excited to see Megan Hilty perform live. I am so glad to say that she did not disappoint and was brilliant across the board. She was funny and her vocals were amazing. Her harmony’s with Jennifer Simard playing Helen Sharp where some of the best I have seen in any musical theatre show. The show has released a “Broadway sneak preview” EP which is on all major streaming platforms. Which I do recommend listening to especially “Alive Forever” which highlights both Megan and Jennifer vocal talents. It also gives me hope that their will be a full cast recording in the shows future.

Another cast member who deserves a special mention is Michele Williams, who for a Brit I did not know individually before the show but can see why she is a Grammy aware winner. Her Perla ovals and personalisation of the Viola Van Horn character was amazing and perfect casting for the role.

As mentioned before the whole cast was brilliant but the last specific mention goes to Christopher Siber who portages the husband Ernest Menville who really becomes a more and more important character as the show goes on and epscailly during the second act. He ability to portray the comedy but also emotion which is needed for the role is great.

The Thursday show was also a broadway debut for Nick Alvino who got a special dedication during the curtain call. It is also special to witness someone broadway or West End debut.

Overall I give this show 4 out of 5 stars. It is one of the best comedy musical theatre shows I have seen. A hilarious book and lyrics create a literal laugh a minute. Which set, prop and costume all living up to a high Broadway standard. With amazing vocals and performances from the whole cast. A must see for any musical theatre fan.

Further details and tickets can be found on the shows website.

“The curious case of Benjamin Button” review

Tonight’s show is The curious case of Benjamin Button new musical. Which opened this run at the Ambassadors theatre on 10th October 2024 and has now extended its run to now close in May 2025. The show was originated at the the Southwark playhouse. The show has a running length of around two and half hours. The production has music and lyrics by Darren Clark and directed by Jethro Compton.

Ambassadors Theatre 13th February 2025

This was my first musical in the west end and in general for a quite a few months. With the last musical being Sunset on Broadway back in October on Broadway. I was so please to be back in an auditorium waiting for a musical to start. For this show I choose the front row (Row A) of the circle in seat 13. I choose this seat as I was aware how small the theatre is in general with a little rack in the stalls and a very high stage. You have to be so far back in the stalls you loose the full scale of the set. As a result the front row of the circle meant for an amazing unobstructed view.

View from Circle Row A seat 13

Like most people I was aware of the concept of the story of Benjamin Button however had not seen a show or film based on it including the 2008 Brad Bit film of the same name. However I was pleased to read that this perticular version was a re-imagination of the original F.Scott Fitzgerald story. As it was going to be taking place in a small fishing village in Cornwall. The reason for this is described in the programme by the director Jethro Compton as they state “home in the sense of where we feel we belong” and for as that is the heart of the story for them and North Cornwall is that place.

For some clarification here is a brief overview of this particular musicals story. Benjamin Button (John Dagleish) is born an old man much to the guilt and embarrassment of his Mother and Father. As time moves on it becomes just Benjamin and his dad (Benedict Salter) and as Benjamin grows younger he ventures out the house to the local pub “The pickled crap” in which he falls in love with the bar maid (Clare foster). The rest of musical charts their flourishing relationship through the back drop of WW2. Then through the birth of their children along with the turmoil that comes with this extrodenary  life. Highlighting the joys and issues that come with getting younger as time goes on. Charting the full life of Benjamin Button from start to finish.  

The Ambassadors theatre seems a perfect theatre for this production. As due to its small and intermediate nature it really added to the wholesomeness of the whole show. The theatre has also created its own “Picked Crap” bar outside the theatre which served Cornish themed food and drink. The set design for this production as you can see in the “view from my seat” picture was amazing. A fully authentic fishing boat/harbour design. With no set piece being changed through t the whole show. What you see at the start is the whole stage for the rest of the prodcution. The use of lighting and the odd prop changes and description from the script narration is all used brilliant to depict the changes in scene.

These scene changes seemed even slicker due to the almost magical appearance of props from hidden cubby holes in the stage floor. Which were opened to retrieved or stow the necessary props and even relevant a sandpit at one point. Along with the few actor props there was six boxes which were utilise to represent many different things throughout the play and really set the scene. All smoothly transitioned due by the whole cast who didn’t really leave the stage.

Now to talk about the cast and general production of this show. Which is very unique and not really like any other musical I have seen. The main reason for this was because the whole cast was the on stage band, ensemble and remaining characters. Which there were lots and all varied from each other. Not only were the whole cast on stage the whole production they were playing every instrument and while singing in every song. Which as this was a musical was every single scene. I was unable to list them all in the synopsis section of this review as they simply played to many characters. However they deserve a mention here so the 12 strong band/cast were Matthew Burns, Jonathan Charles, Oonagh Cox, Katy Ellis, Anna Fordham, Clare Foster, Philippa Hogg, Damien James, Elliot Mackenzie, Ann Marcuson, Emily Panes and Jack Quarton. Each and everyone of them are legitimate quadruple threat. As each was a brilliant actor, singer, musician and even dancer with some simple choreography. Along with John Dagleish and Benedict Salter as the main characters they produced an amazing folk inspired style musical.

The whole folk style of songs meant that the story was able to be explained and progressed through the lyrics. Which created most o the time lots of high energy numbers and creating a really feel good atmosphere amongst the audience. While still able to provide some real hard hitting scenes. The folk style in general fitted perfectly with the Cornish fishing village vibe while still being able to hit a huge musical theatre punch. The harmonies created by the whole cast were amazing throughout lots of the songs and add at time a sea shanty style while at other times creating an almost haunting feeling.

As well as the songs lyrics the main milestones of the story where provided in a narration style by each member of the cast. While providing the updates along with the exact time and or duration. Which kept reminding the audience of the concept of time and how precious it is no matter if you are running out of it by getting older or in Benjamin’s case running out of it by getting younger. Especially towards the end of the show the use of this narration was able to really drill home the sadness of Benjamin getting younger while everyone around him grows older. Providing a very emotional last ten minutes of the show.

One slight issue I did notice throughout the show was at times the sound levels were slightly off. Making it at times a little harder to hear exact members of the cast narration pieces. However this is to be expected hen you have around 14 cast members all mixed up moving and dancing around the stage while playing instruments live. It did not distract from the performance at all and if anything gave a more authentic feel like you were just in a pub in north Cornwall where the folk band has just sparked up.

This authentic love letter (As the director points out) to Cornwall was no more obvious than with the accents. Each character (Not actor) had they own voice while all still sounding 100% Cornish. This was without it being over the top and exaggerated and did not feel like an impersonation at all. The accents were also held throughout all the songs. This gave a truly authentic feel and meant that the transition between speaking and singing was seamless and exactly what you want in a good musical theatre production.

Another aspect of this musical which strayed from the musical theatre norm was that there did not seem to be a stand out title stand out song. With many of the second act consisting of reprises. Which is not normal in most Morden musical theatre. However as mentioned before the story was still able to be progressed easily and quickly. There is yet to be a full cast recording (I only hope this will change in the future). However there is an EP esc album on all the streaming platform which consists of three of the songs room the show. These three songs are also shown as a live recording on the Benjamin Button musical YouTube channel. My favourite of the three is linked below however I highlight recommend you check out all three.

When E`re she looked at me

Kudos really does have to be given to the director Jethro Compton for coming up with such a unique concept and amazing production. Being able to to great something so unique with the whole band being the cast on a static stage while still portraying a musical theatre production. Was pure genius as it is a musical theatre show but so unique and like none I have ever seen before.

A quick note on the costumes which were perfect for the early 1900s fisherman vibe that the set and story portrayed. Although almost no major costume changes, the subtle changes were very effective. For example the some of the earths that occurred during the show were marked by removing small parts of the costume like a skirt. It was also the costume along with some prop work which was able to dictate the younger versions of Benjamin. Again suitable changes like changing from a three piece suit to just a jacket to no jacket etc…

It was not only the costume changes which were able to dictate Benjamin becoming younger throughout the play. But the brilliant talent from John Dagleish. Who was effortlessly able to portray the de-aging process with small but effective physical changes. Which meant that you were able to witness a 80 something man become a 20 something man without really noticing it.  

The whole production reminded me of “Come from away” with a hint of “Choir of man” two great musicals. And if you like either of them you will love this. Although reminding me of these shows at certain times this production and show is like no other and really does have to be seen to fully appreciate it.

If not already obvious I really enjoyed this new musical and can’t wait for more from it hopefully in the form of a full cast recording and maybe even a live recording. More details about the show can be found on their website.

As a result I give “The curious case of Benjamin Button an unordinary musical” 4 out of 5 stars.
It is an unordinary musical to say the least. A brilliant new musical lead by John Dagleish but the whole cast who are also the band are the stand outs in his unique new musical. A must see.

Sunset Boulevard on Broadway

And now for my last show of this trip to Broadway and I really did save the best till last. My final show was “Sunset Bulovard” at the St James Theatre. This is the hottest ticket in town after recently opening for previews on 28th September 2024 with opening night scheduled for 20th October 2024 after its triumph run in the West End , winning pretty much everything that it could. The success was so huge that I was unable to get a ticket for the West End run so was very happy when I managed to secure a Broadway ticket. Currently the show is scheduled to run until 6th July 2025, however there will be no surprises if this gets extended.

The St James theatre 12th October 2024

While waiting in the entry line outside the theatre the theatre staff welcomed us all and exclaimed that this is the best show in town. When taking my seat in Mezzanine Front Center Row B Seat 109 within a very dark auditorium I was wondering if this show was going to live up to the hype and was Nicole Scherzinger really that good. All these questions and more will be answered within this review.

View from Mezzanine Front Center Row B Seat 109

As most people are aware this is a Andrew Lloyd Webber classic musical. With the book and lyrics from Don Black and Christopher Hampton. However this particular version had an ace up its sleeve in the form of director Jamie Lloyd.

I have to admit that I have never seen a production of Sunset Boulevard in the past. I was obviously aware of some the absolute classic musical tracks from this show but did not know the story or context in which they were in within the story. I have to be honest I forgot how many classic musical songs come from this production. So for those like me who don’t know the story is a basic brief synopsis of the show.

Left: Alternative cover Right: Modern Playbill cover

We open with a body a bag and Joe Gillies (Tom Francis) emerging from it reporting there has been a murder. We then change time frame to see Joe a struggling script writter trying to get a studio to take on one of his pieces of work. It is here we also meet Betty Schaefer (Grace Hodgett Young). While trying to outrun people chasing him for money Joe ends up in Norma Desmond’s (Nicole Scherzinger) house. We learn that Norma was a huge movie star however now a nobody and lives in her house with her security man Max Von Mayerling (David Thaxton). Norma is trying to make a come back and persuades Joe to help her with her script she is writing. The relationship escalates and Norma seduces Joe after attempting suicide. Act one ends with a very muted and depressive News Years eve party.

Act two opens with the now infamous street walk in which Tom Francis (Joe) wanders the backstage area and streets of the theatre while performing Sunset Boulevard live. While Norma and Joe along with Max are living together Paramount studios call to talk to Norma she is convinced it is about them taking up the script however we later learn it is to buy her car. We discover that Max is protecting the delusional Norma as we find out that he was in fact Normas first wife. Norma then learns of Joe and Betty affection for each other. In a finale crescendo to act two and the show. Joe attempts to leave Norma and tells her the truth that she is now a washed up actor and her new script will never get made. With this Norma shots and kills Joe (The murder we opened with).

From here on out I fear that it may be a short review as it lives up to the hype and awards and more. This production was outstanding and the director of Jamie Lloyd is an absolute genius. I will now try and attempt to justify this view.

First of all this is like no production let alone musical I have ever seen before, and I seen a lot shows. It wasn’t a concert musical but then it was not a traditional musical or even a more modern musical. This can not be categorised and has to be put in its own class and league. I think it is this reason why it has and will be so successful. I believe this all comes down to previous mentioned genius director Jamie as well as the amazing score and lyrics underpinning it.

There was no staging and for me to speak so highly of a musical with no staging that is not a concert musical is praise in its self. Most of the time it is the actors on a very large black empty stage with just some very good use of lighting and spotlights to concentrate the eye. As well as lots of dry ice. The lighting design or should I say the spotlight design is brilliant. The only changing feature of the set is the drop down video screen that takes up the whole backdrop of the stage.

It is this video screen which engulfs the stage which plays the live fed video feed from the onstage handheld camera operators. These camera operators are the stars of the show on their own. I have seen lots of shows (Network) and some musicals (Bat out of hell) use on stage handheld camera to livestream to a big screen. But i have never seen it done the way this production does it. The quality and clarity of the close up is so extreme you can see the individual hairs on the actors beard along with the scale of the screen make it so impressive. It allows every seat in the auditorium to have the best view regardless of your physical location within the theatre. Jamie Lloyd relies so heavily on these to portray the feeling of each face on screen. I can not speak highly enough of how effectively this was used. As mentioned before this format also allows the ability to have the infamous live walk through the streets of whatever city the show is playing in. One small piece of direction which I really appreciated was as a character left the story towards the end the actor physically removed their radio mics a very small but impactful move.

The effectiveness of this lack or set and camera work is only achievable because the score and lyrics are so good. The quality of the songs especially the more popular and famous ones allow the director to have the ability to strip it back and just listen to the songs. Like all Andrew Lloyd Webber musicals you find the score repeating its self throughout the production but this is a classic ALW approach and does not distract from it being an absolute classic of not only his but musical theatre as a whole.

The costume like the set are basic and understated with simple black and white outfits. With only Joe changing his costume once he becomes part of Normas life.

Before I discuss each of the main actors individually a quick mention of the ensemble. Which as expected was brinllient again there were a few but not so many traditional musical theatre ensable routines. But when there was they were executed perfectly. One such routine which stands out to me was the scene in which the whole ensable are lined up on chairs and stand up and then sit down exactly in unison to leave two random meembers standing to perform their line. The accuracy of these movements resempbled more of the rocketts Christmas show at rockfella that a musical.

Now for the main cast. Betty played by Grace Hodgett Young was brilliant and supported Tom Francis brilliantly. A surprising standout for me was David Thaxton playing Max Von Mayerling not only his amazing low voice but is acting and an ability to act with a camera a matter of centimetres away from your face.

Now for the main stars of the show apart from the director. Tom Francis playing Joe Gillis. There is no surprise that Tom along with a lot of the cast have revived their originated roles of this particular production from the West End to Broadway. He did not disappoint at all the vocals the acting the stage presence. We’re all perfection, even keeping though vocals out on the streets during the live Sunset Boulevard song. I was not really aware of Tom that much before his appearance of this role in the West End. However I along with everyone else will be very well aware of his next step in his career.

Now to move onto the title actress of the show and playing Norma Desmond, Nicole Scherzinger. Going into this show I was questioning whether she along with the whole production would live up to the hype and the awards that it gained in London. I can confirm that she DID. I had not seen her in any of her another stage shows such as Cats so was unsure how she would be able to cope “acting” a musical. I am always very wary of star casting especially in musicals. But in this age i am happy to stand corrected Nicole vocals were out of this world. The ability to stand centre stage with a spotlight and some dry ie and receive not one but two standing ovations mid way through the show just highlights how power her voice was. The first standing ovation came shortly into act one following “With one look”. Have never seen an audience reaction like it in a theatre easpically mid way though the show. It wasn’t until the end that I remembered that she has to to do this 7 or 8 times a week, highlight such power. Not only power but feeling and was seeing it as a musical theatre show and acting through the song like a real musical theatre superstar. It was not only the singing but her whole portrayal of Norma from the deranged to the funny to the vulnerable were all clear to see from Nicole. And unlike on normal musica theatre there was nowhere to hide as her face was the size of the stage thanks to the on stage cameras. I have to mention the casting team who casted Hannah Yun Chamberlain who played young Norma. The likeness to Nicole but younger was unbelievable. It even fooled the American audience who started cheering like it was Nicole during the opening scenes.

You will be able to hear all the whole cast on 25th October when the Cast recodering is released. I for one can not wait to relisten to this whole show and the brilliant cast again and again. It appears to have a total of 39 songs which is much more than any other cast recodering of this show. So I expect it to be everything you can hear during the show. Take my word for it whatever the cast sound like on the recording they sound the same if not better live.

Overall I give this performance a 5 out of 5 stars. There is no other show or production like it. Jamie Lloyd is a genius taking an Andrew Lloyd Webber score and classic Don Black and Christopher Hampton musical and making it like no other. If you can see the show see it, at least listen to the cast recording once it is released. It deserves all the hype and awards it has got and will get.

More details on this show can be found on there website.

Water for Elephants Musical

Now for my third review of this Broadway trip and my first matinee after starting this review site. Which means that it is a two show day for my last whole day in New York. The first show is “Water for elephants the musical” which is currently playing at the Imperial theatre. Which opened on 21st March 2024 and is set to close its broadway run on 8th December 2024 before embarking on a US tour.

The Imperial Theatre 12th October 2024

This show is based on the 2006 Novel by Sara Green which again I have not read or even aware of the story, so once again entered the theatre for the 13:00 start and took my seat in Orchestra Row L seat 104 not knowing anything about the story. This musical production has music and lyrics by PigPen Theatre Co and a has a running time of 2 hours and forty minutes.

View from Orchestra Row L seat 104

The show starts within a modern day circus and Mr Jankowski (Christopher Russo) who begins to regale the current circus workers the story’s of his past. We are then transported back to 1930s where a young Mr Jankowski, Jacob Jankowski (Kyle Selig) jumps on a train out of town. Without being aware that it is a circus train of the famous Benzini circus. After some convincing Jacob gets to stay a night so he can head out of town. It quickly transpires that Jacob is a nearly fully qualified vet after having to miss the final exams due to his vet father and mother dying in car crash. The circus ring leader and boss August (Paul Alexander Nolan) persuades Jacob to join the circus as their vet to look after the vast array of animals that made up the 1930s circus show. Jacob meets the circus leaders star of the show and wife Marlena (Isabelle McCalla) and her horse. Shortly after due to the poor work conditions the horse has to be put down by Jacob. This results in August having to find a new star of the show and buys the first available animal which happens to be an elephant named Rosie. While attempting to train Rosie, Jacob and Marlena start to fall in love. The first act concludes with the realisation that Rosie can perform when spoken to in Polish. A grand reveal of the whole elephant concludes the first act.

The second act involves a successes story of the new star act with Rosie. Jacob is treated to lavish parties with August and Marlena. Even though he has a new star act August continues to mistreat both Rosie and Marlena. Both Marlena and Jacob grow closer while Jacob tries to break it off for the sake of the whole circus. This is unsuccessful and August finds out about the affair and demands his right hand man Wade (Wade McCollum) to get rid of Jacob and his friends Walter the clown (Michael Mendez) and Cam (Stan Brown). Both of these were the reason Jacob was accepted on the circus train in the first place. As Jacob is with Marlena off the train, Wade continues to get rid off (Kill) Walter and Cam. The show crescendos with a large stampede of all the animals believed to have been caused by Wade due to the guilt. This stampede goes down as the greatest circus disaster of all time and destroys and kills everyone apart from Jacob, Marlena and Rosie. Who in the aftermath continue to live together for the 50 years before Marlena dies. We then rejoin at modern time in which Mr Jankowski is offered to join the new circus show and get out of his nursing home and join the circus again.

Left: Alternative cover Right: Modern Playbill cover

Now for the theatre review part.

First of all the set and props, which were surprisingly lacking for a broadway show. There was very little set design as a whole providing a very basic staging. However this show was not relying on the staging to give impact. This type of staging means that this production is very well suited to a tour production as mentioned at the start this is the next stage of this production life. This means that the touring audience will not actually miss out on any of the staging from the Broadway production. The main set/props are two scaffolding towers which are used to replicate the train. This is done very effectively due to the actors movement and lighting.

Lighting is a huge part of this production and is used instead of set design to set the scenes. As well as stage lighting, the use of shadows are very impressively used throughout this production. Not only in order to set scenes but also to portray the animals and scales very effectively.

The use of puppetry throughout this whole production is brilliant. Due to the vast amount of animals needed for the circus a few are portrayed by actors in suits but the rest are all puppets controlled by the actors. The use of these puppets for me rivals War horse and Lion King. Camel’s dog which is handled and controlled by a number of the cast is very impressive along with the other animals that make up the circus crew. However the stand out has to be Rosie the elephant herself. Who for most of the first half was only portrayed by a trunk or a leg here and there had its grand reveal at the end of act one. This reveal reminded me of the King Kong musical reveal which causes the American broadway audience to have an audible reaction. In this case of large cheers and applause. Very much like war horse you forget that Rosie is in fact a puppet and start treating her like a part of the cast as you start to feel compassion for her.

Not only is the puppetry amazing the use of physical theatre and especially acrobatics and circus style performers were breath taking. Instead of the ensemble having normal dance breaks and or supporting the songs and main characters. For most parts of the production the ensemble who I am going to call he circus performers from now on. These circus performers were the main characters and the main point of interest for the show. I really like how it replaced dance routines with circus/acrobatic routines. Unlike cirque du soleil which I have seen their Broadway show Paramour amany years ago. The routines themselves were not the purpose they symbolised and supported the show and the story. For example the death of the horse in act one is portrayed by an amazing aerial acrobatic routine performed by Nick Zelle. The whole production relied on physical theatre in which even the title principal performers of Isabelle and Kyle had to partipate in as well as perform brilliantly vocally. I can only imagine of the extra training they had to undertake in order to complete this successfully.

Before I move onto the music and lyrics and then the performers. I have to touch on some of the amazing transitions that occurred. It was these transitions that moved the show from the 1930s to modern day. They were so obvious but seamless at the same time. With either a simple light transition. Or one transition which consisted of Paul Alexander Nolan physically transitioning between August and the modern day character of Charlie by literally stepping out of the ring master costume while leaving it floating in the middle of the stage being supported by the rest of the cast.

Now for the music and lyrics and musical part of the musical theatre. For me this was not a major part of the production and unlike normal musical theatre shows, the show was not relying on the songs to progress the story, instead to just accompany it. This becomes more obvious when you look at the cast recording which is available on all major platforms. As it only has 19 songs around an hour of content for a two hour and forty minute show. I personally don’t think this impacted the production as it was relying more on the physical theatre than the songs. However I was a little disappointed as I expected a broadway musical. But it did not distract from the show at all. Having said that there were some stand out songs and musical performers. One came from Wade and his a capella country esc accompany in songs such as The road Dont make you you young. Even though it was not as in keeping with the rest of the show, i really did enjoy it. My favourite track has to be Isabelle singing “What do you do”.

One of my favourite songs of the show

Overall this was a great Broadway show not necessarily the best Musical theatre show I have seen. But the physical theatre and acrobat performances make it a great show and I recommend seeing if you can on tour or if we are luckily enough for it to come to the UK. I expect not initially West End but possible a touring production.

I give this production 3 out of 5 stars. A great story with amazing physical theatre and acrobatics with a bit of musical theatre thrown in. Not a standard broadway musical but still worth a watch.

Further information of “Water for Elephants” can be found on their website.