Review: Summer - The Donna Summer Musical

Hey readers!
It's time for my review of Summer - The Donna Summer Musical.
This will be surprising to many people, however prior to Summer venturing onto Broadway, I had never actually listened to any of Donna Summer's music, nor had I ever heard of her. However, despite not being familiar with the music, this looked as if it would be a fun show, so I was able to get rush tickets to see Summer - The Donna Summer Musical!

Told through the dramatic lens of her final concert, Summer: The Donna Summer Musical presents the variety of different complexities and conflicts that this songwriter and singer faced in her meteoric rise – and descent. Donna Summer, undeniably, had a fascinating life story and one which works well for the stage. She was a determined, hard working and exceedingly interesting woman. Despite facing dozens upon dozens of hurdles throughout her life, she simply kept going and going. Having said that, whilst the book gives us a decent glimpse into her fascinating life story, it does feel as if some parts were rapidly glossed over. The musical is of a very fast pace, therefore not allowing the audience to soak in important parts of Donna Summer's life. For example, the show abruptly ends soon after Donna Summer is diagnosed with lung cancer, meaning that the audience are not given the opportunity to see how this diagnosis, and her eventual death, affected her family. Additionally, I also felt that her conflict with the LGBT+ community could have been more prominent within the show, as well as her dysfunctional marriage with her first husband.

The music featured in Summer - The Donna Summer Musical is excellent. As I mentioned, I was not previously familiar with Donna Summer's music, so it was a great experience to hear all of these well known classics for the first time. Her songs are fun, catchy and lively; it is clearly evident as to why her music is as popular as it was. Additionally, all of the numbers are marvellously performed by a sublime ensemble, led by the incredible LaChanze.

And that leads me onto the cast of Summer. The character of Donna Summer has been split into three different roles, each demonstrating a different aspect of her life: Diva Donna, Disco Donna and Duckling Donna. In the role of Diva Donna stars LaChanze, who I had previously seen perform in If/Then on Broadway several years ago. LaChanze is the glue at the centre of the show. She is a gifted singer and is highly believable in both of her roles. At the performance I was attending, Ariana DeBose who usually portrays Disco Donna was absent, and therefore Afra Hines was understudying in the role. Hines is a stunning triple threat; she's a talented actress, a skilled singer and an astonishing dancer. If I had not had prior knowledge that Hines was an understudy, I would not have been able to tell. She could easily assume this role full time. Finally, as the youngest version of Donna Summer, it is Storm Lever that steals the show as Duckling Donna. Lever is a force not to be reckoned with. She has a unique powerhouse voice, and I would even go as far to say she is one of the best singers currently on a Broadway stage. Lever is an utter joy to watch, not only proving she can sing like no one else, but also demonstrating she is an extraordinary actress and dancer as well.

The featured star of Summer - The Donna Summer Musical is, drum roll please... STORM LEVER!

This is a difficult selection, as LaChanze, Afra Hines and Storm Lever all gave astounding performances, however I ultimately chose Storm Lever. Lever excels in this role, giving both an energetic and moving performance. A great Broadway debut!

Now for my final verdict on Summer - The Donna Summer Musical. I give Summer - The Donna Summer Musical...

Whilst the book was somewhat weak, it is still an interesting story with great music and an exceptional cast and therefore I have awarded Summer three stars!

Think it should have got a higher rating? Agree with my rating? Think it should have got a lower rating? If so comment below.

Thanks for reading!

-The Reviewer