Post by marion on Jun 20, 2024 19:32:37 GMT
I hate going to the Barbican. It is so inconvenient, you have to walk forever from a station or bus stop! So I rarely go but ventured forth for this, the current crowd pleaser starring Adrian Dunbar. This is his first go as the lead in a big West End musical and, dare I say it, it shows!! There is something just a bit off and it’s not the singing, which held up well. I think it was the stage movement generally and a slight lack of oomph. I went with my U3A and our leader said to me “well he’s no Howard Keel” which sort of sums it up.
Apart from him, this boasts a terrific ensemble and some hot dancing. It always surprises me that this show contains Wunderbar and It’s Too Darn Hot, the latter being the highlight of the show for me and featuring some ultra springy dancing by Charlie Stemp. He plays the male juvenile lead but quite why, when he usually fronts a show, is rather puzzling. The leading lady is Stephanie J. Block, a Broadway star in traditional mould with a very strong soprano. The two gangsters, who were brilliant, were Nigel Lindsay and Hammed Animashaun who played Bottom at The Bridge some years ago and was hilarious then as well. Brush up your Shakespeare went down very well, with even a bit of a sing along.
I saw this some years ago, I think at The Old Vic, and it was I think a slightly better if far smaller production. But our matinée today was packed and everyone seemed to love it. I think it just needs a strong, experienced musical theatre triple threat in the lead role, then it would really be five star.
Apart from him, this boasts a terrific ensemble and some hot dancing. It always surprises me that this show contains Wunderbar and It’s Too Darn Hot, the latter being the highlight of the show for me and featuring some ultra springy dancing by Charlie Stemp. He plays the male juvenile lead but quite why, when he usually fronts a show, is rather puzzling. The leading lady is Stephanie J. Block, a Broadway star in traditional mould with a very strong soprano. The two gangsters, who were brilliant, were Nigel Lindsay and Hammed Animashaun who played Bottom at The Bridge some years ago and was hilarious then as well. Brush up your Shakespeare went down very well, with even a bit of a sing along.
I saw this some years ago, I think at The Old Vic, and it was I think a slightly better if far smaller production. But our matinée today was packed and everyone seemed to love it. I think it just needs a strong, experienced musical theatre triple threat in the lead role, then it would really be five star.
