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A CurtainUp 
London Review
London ReviewGhost the musical
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You took my life with you, you took my world with you. — Molly
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Richard Fleeshman as Sam and Cassie Levy as Molly (Photo: Sean Ebsworth Barnes) |
The opening scenes between Molly Jensen (Cassie Levy) and Sam Wheat (Richard Fleeshman) concentrate on those arguments and small niggles that couples have which you wish you had never pursued once the relationship is over, and of course this relationship ends in tragedy. Sam is murdered in a bungled attempt to steal his wallet. His banking colleague and friend Carl Brunner (Andrew Langtree) has set up the street mugging so that he can get access to Sam's banking codes to cover up Carl's fraudulent money laundering activities. Sam becomes a ghost and when he sees that Molly is in danger from Willie Lopez (Ivan de Freitas), the punk who killed him, he recruits Harlem medium Oda Mae Brown (Sharon D Clarke) to help.
Whilst both Richard Fleeshman and Cassie Levy as Sam and Molly can belt out their numbers, often strong love ballad duets, it is the singing from Sharon D Clarke as Oda Mae in her heavy rock and soul, tuneful songs "Are You a Believer?" and "I'm Outta Here" sung atop a set of Louis Vuitton trunks, which brings the production to a musical high point. I very much liked the scenes on the subway train brilliantly projected with Adebayo Bolaji as the aggressive Rastafarian Subway Ghost in acrobatic fight manoeuvres who teaches Sam to move objects in the material world, in the number "Focus."
There are many sensational visuals and bright lighting shifts creating a spectacular show. Paul Kieve has created some magic illusions, so that we see Sam shot and immediately his ghost like figure springs to life while leaving his body there. Clever stuff! The choreography reflects the New York business world of hectic motion with more projected dancers doing virtual cartwheels and back flips. What worked less for me is the scene of crowded ghosts in the hospital in the number "Ball of Wax" introducing Sam to the spirit world.
The best comedy is from Sharon D Clarke and her pair of charlatan spiritualists, Clara and Louise (Lisa Davina Phillip and Jenny Fitzpatrick). I loved their scene where they put client Mrs Santiago in touch with her deceased relative only to be spooked by the appearance of a "real" ghost. The acting performances are so convincing that I was really involved and found Richard Fleeshman's predicament believable and touching. Sam's big number "Suspend My Disbelief/I Had a Life" closes the First Act after Molly's sad song looking back on their life together "With You". I didn't find Dave Stewart and Glen Ballard's tunes memorable on first hearing but maybe on repeat they will be. The lyrics are fine and not toe curling. The live band gives good support. And yes there is a pottery scene with a wheel and Molly throwing a pot onstage.
If you like your musicals full on, then Ghost the musical is for you!
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| Ghost the musical
Book and Lyrics by Bruce Joel Rubin Music and Lyrics by Dave Stewart and Glen Ballard Based on the Paramount Pictures film written by Bruce Joel Rubin "Unchained Melody" written by Hy Zarell and Alex North Directed by Matthew Warchus Starring: Sharon D Clarke, Richard Fleeshman, Cassie Levy, Andrew Langtree, Ivan De Freitas, Adebayo Bolaji, Mark White, Lisa Davina Phillip, Jenny Fitzpatrick With: Jaygann, Ayeh, Paul Ayres, Samuel Edwards, Emily Harwood, Laura Selwood, Yemie Sonuga, Philippa Stefani, Jex Unwin, Sally Whiotehead, Mark Wiltshire Choreography by Ashley Wallen Design: Rob Howell Illusions: Paul Kieve Video and Projection Designer: Jon Driscoll Musical Director: James McKeon Dance and Vocal Arrangements: George Stiles Musical Supervisor, Arranger and Orchestrator: Christopher Nightingale Sound: Bobby Aitken Lighting: Hugh Vanstone Running time: Two hours 35 minutes including one interval Box Office: 0844 412 6600 Booking to 28th January 2012 Reviewed by Lizzie Loveridge based on 16th July 2011 performance at The Piccadilly Theatre, Denman Street, London W1V 8DY (Tube: Piccadilly Circus) |
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Musical Numbers
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Act One
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Act Two
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