Review: Fracked

Hey readers!
It's time for my review of Fracked.
I had an empty schedule for all of my weekend, so I made the decision to go and take a look what was playing at Richmond Theatre. Playing there this weekend was a play named Fracked, which I had actually heard a little bit about via my Mum's friend. I wasn't sure if it would be my kind of thing, but I was able to get a great deal on tickets so went for it. If I had known what the play was going to be like, I would have bought tickets in a heartbeat. Fracked is a political comedy, which focuses on the subject of fracking. The storyline follows an elderly, middle-class and well educated lady, who becomes roped into the war on fracking and ends up leading the campaign against it. Fracked is absolutely hilarious from start to finish. It seemed every single one of the audience members were in stitches. The script is brilliantly written; it is both witty and intelligent. I actually believe it would appeal to a vast majority of people's sense of humour. Not knowing about the issue of fracking would  not be an issue, as they display a short video 5 minutes into the play, explaining as to what fracking is. The cast are all exceptional, they each display high-quality comedic ability. They all bounced off of each other's skills extremely well and through this kept the audience entertained for the duration of the play. Cast members who stood out were James Bolam as Jack, Harry Hadden-Paton as Joe, Freddie Meredith as Sam, Anne Reid as Elizabeth and Steven Roberts as Waiter. Usually in touring productions (especially for plays), the production aspects of the show are a little weak. This was certainly not the case here. Every single part of the production aspects are amazing. The set design, the lighting design, the costume design and the projection design were all remarkable. I was seriously impressed with all of these, it was a really pleasant surprise. It was a vert intelligent idea to use a revolving set, as it meant the show was able to show off different locations (usually touring plays end up having the same location throughout all of the show). Fracked is an extremely intelligent and artistic production, I can find no faults with it! It could definitely have a run in the West End and I think it would do very well.

The featured star of Fracked is, drum roll please... HARRY HADDEN-PATON!

I changed my mind a few times on this decision, because, as I previously mentioned, all the cast did a really excellent job. After changing who featured star was going to be several times, I eventually decided to choose Harry Hadden-Paton. Harry adds a lot to the show; he was the perfect choice for his role. He also bounces off his cast members extremely well. 

Now for my final verdict on Fracked. I give Fracked...

I did wonder whether to give Fracked 5 stars, however decided to go with 4 stars in the end. Fracked will be heading to Theatre Royal, Bath and the Cambridge Arts Theatre, so if you live near there don't miss out!

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

Review: Wonderland

Hey readers!
It's time for my review of Wonderland.
My tickets for Wonderland were bought extremely spontaneously, with myself and my Mum only buying our tickets 20 minutes before the show began. It's actually quite rare for me to leave buying tickets to the last minute like this, but it meant we got a fantastic price for great seats, so it was definitely worth it. I had very mixed feelings about the show. There is a large amount of aspects that are great about Wonderland, but sadly there is also a large amount of bad aspects. I'll begin with what I feel can be improved, and will then move on to what I thought worked well. I believe that the root of the shows problem is the book. For those reading this that aren't quite aware what a 'theatre book' is, it is the written dialogue and the backbone of a musical. The book was not well written, with the vast majority of the show making little to no sense. The thought of "What the heck am I watching?' wondered into my mind a few times. Perhaps with a complete re-write of the book, Wonderland could  possibly become a very good show. I genuinely think the book caused around 65% of issues within the show. The book makes Wonderland come across as a pantomime (thinking about it, I think Wonderland would make a glorious panto!). At times, the show seemed stuck with deciding what kind of musical it was. On the one hand, there are some really childish moments. On the other hand, there is some heavy adult innuendo. Once again, this issue leads back to the book. The vast majority of the cast do a terrific job, however I feel as if Kerry Ellis has been miscast as Alice. Kerry didn't seem to be taking the show very seriously and she appeared to be giggling at various points. Having said that, she has a terrific voice. The Cheshire Cat did not work at all. I understand that the Cheshire Cat is supposed to be somewhat annoying, but it got to the point where it became painful to watch. I definitely feel the Cheshire Cat needs to be toned down a little bit. The lighting design itself was quite good, however I think it would have worked better to hide the lights more. As I've mentioned in many of my past reviews, I really, really hate being negative, but as a critic I need to be specific about what I didn't like. Luckily though, that's the end of my list of negatives, onto the list of positives (and there's quite a few!). The main stunner of this show is the music. I adored the music; every single one of the songs was brilliant. My favourite was 'I Am My Own Invention'. Sadly the Wonderland Original Broadway Cast Album has not been released into the UK iTunes Store, which is a real shame as I would have loved to have listened more to this spectacular music. Perhaps they should cut the dialogue and storyline from Wonderland, and turn it into a concert displaying only the music. I'd certainly go and see it again if that were to happen! The majority of the cast were excellent; there are some terrific performances. Cast members who stood out were Wendi Peters as the Queen of Hearts, Dave Willetts as the White Rabbit, Stephen Webb as Jack, Natalie McQueen as the Mad Hatter and Ben Kerr as the March Hare. All of the above cast members had their own songs, which were all delivered to perfection. For the vast majority, the set design was well done, especially Alice's flat. The only set I wasn't too keen on was 'The Looking Glass'. Overall, I don't think this is a dreadful show. Without a doubt, it keeps all of its audience entertained, even though it needs a lot of work with its book.

The featured star of Wonderland is, drum roll please... NATALIE MCQUEEN!

There are some wonderful performances here, but at the end of the show it was Natalie who was the star, no doubt. Her voice raised the roof, it was like no other. She portrayed the Mad Hatter perfectly; she showed a wide variety of craziness, evilness and niceness. I have heard she once portrayed Elphaba in Wicked, which is something I would love to see her do as I imagine she would be a terrific Elphaba.

Now for my final verdict on Wonderland. I give Wonderland...

I give this rating because: it has some major problems with this book, but has dozens of redeeming qualities including a phenomenal score and a top-notch cast.

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

Review: Dreamgirls

Hey readers!
It's time for my review of Dreamgirls.
Dreamgirls had been on the top of my West End Wishlist for quite some time, so I was delighted when I was able to get a great last minute deal for the show. When I arrived at the Savoy Theatre, there was a sign stating: "Due to the indisposition of Amber Riley, the role of Effie White will be played by Marisha Wallace". I was a little wary of this at first, especially due to Amber's recent Olivier Award win. However, there was absolutely nothing to be concerned about. Marisha Wallace is a sublime Effie White, she does wonders in the role! Marisha even received a standing ovation for her solo at the end of act one, "And I'm Telling You". I can guarantee that no one in the theatre will be disappointed with seeing Marisha, as opposed to Amber. She has a stunning voice that truly brings the house down! We are so lucky that Marisha was able to come from America to do the show. Funnily enough, I saw her in Something Rotten (3 times) and she played an egg that actually sung a few lines of Dreamgirls. Something Rotten predicted the future! Marisha's fellow "Dreamgirls", Liisi Lafontaine as Deena and Asmeret Ghebremichael as Lorrell, were both excellently cast. They both had terrific voices and both had a large stage presence, I cannot find any faults with either of their performances. Joe Aaron Reid absolutely nails the role of Curtis. Curtis begins as ambitious and full of dreams, ending with the character becoming deceptive and greedy. A role like this really lets Joe show off his versatility. He is a brilliant actor, singer and dancer; triple threat! I think he'd make a terrific Aaron Burr (sadly though, the cast of Dreamgirls have not been allowed to audition for Hamilton). Tyrone Huntley as C. C. White is a big standout and one of the highlights of the show. Tyrone is an extremely talented singer and funnily enough, I also think he would be a good Aaron Burr (to be honest, I think Tyrone could nail any role role in Hamilton). Ashlee Irish was playing the role of Jimmy at the performance I saw and at stage door Ashlee told me it was only his third time playing the role. I actually did not realise this until intermission, when I went to look at the cast list. I would not have known if I had not checked,as I was very impressed with his portrayal of the role. I also think he will become even better in the role as time goes on. On the creative side of the show, I thought the costumes were outstanding. I couldn't quite believe how sparkly they were! I was also impressed with the choreography, which was excellently performed. I also liked the orchestrations. If I'm honest, I wasn't the biggest fan of the set design. I found the set to be quite bland, which is very disappointing considering it  was the same set designer for the musical  Shrek. That doesn't take anything away from the show, but I still think it's important to highlight.

The featured star of Dreamgirls is, drum roll please... MARISHA WALLACE!

I've used to say in a lot of my old reviews that understudies were under appreciated, but it is thanks to people like Marisha that understudies are really becoming recognised for their hard work nowadays. Perhaps once Amber leaves the show, Marisha will step in to fill her shoes permanently? Who knows what the future may bring!

Now for my final verdict on Dreamgirls. I give Dreamgirls...

Originally I was wondering whether to give Dreamgirls 5 stars, but it's not quite up there with my all time favourites so I feel this production deserved 4 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

Review: Groundhog Day

Hey readers!

It's time for my review of Groundhog Day.
I fell in love with Groundhog Day when I saw it in September at London's Old Vic on its closing night. It was my favourite show of 2016, I adored it! I couldn't wait to see it again; I was counting down the seconds! For my final day in New York (which was actually over 2 weeks ago now, sorry for the delay!), I got 40$ rush seats. What a bargain! Not only does it remain one of my favourite shows of all time, but it seemed even better second time round. I could happily watch this show again... and again... and again. My favourite aspect of this show is that it is so creative. Director Matthew Warchus has an extremely large imagination. He must be a genius! Whilst Groundhog Day is set in the dull small town of Punxsutawney, this outstanding musical isn't dull for one second. I was grinning from beginning to end. I had actually forgotten how good Andy Karl was. He shows extreme versatility, starting off with arrogance, going onward to depressive and finishing with a kind and sweet philanthropist. A role such as this one requires a vast range of acting ability, something which Andy Karl delivers with ease. He is also a phenomenal singer. Barrett Doss is owning the role of Rita. I thought Carlyss Peer was excellent in the London production, but Barrett Doss plays this role like no other. She was utter perfection, I thought she was perfectly cast. She too is a brilliant singer. All ensemble members are terrific. The score is one of my all time favourites. Since the cast album came out (Friday), I have been listening to it absolutely non-stop (a little bit like what Phil Connors goes through in the show!). I love every single song, I can't even choose a favourite. Choreography, lighting design, set design and costume design are all top quality; it is no surprise that all of these aspects received Olivier nominations (and if I'm honest, I feel they were robbed of some of the awards). I am terribly sad that the shows run in London was only a 2 month limited run. Luckily it will be returning to London in 2018. Typical, the West End finally creates a phenomenal musical which is loved by all, only for Broadway to take it off us!

The featured star of Groundhog Day is, drum roll please... ANDY KARL!

I can't rave enough about Andy Karl. I am praying that he'll come to do the London revival of the show. I'm actually having a little bit of difficulty imagining what the show would be like without him. Sadly Andy recently injured himself and I truly hope he gets better soon. It's amazing that he's still doing some performances, even with his injury. There is no doubt that he's a trooper!

Now for my final verdict on Groundhog Day. I give Groundhog Day...

I had no doubt about this rating. Groundhog Day is one of the best musicals of all time, it would definitely be in my top 10 shows of all time.

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

And that brings us to the conclusion of my New York reviews! Join me next time when I will be reviewing Dreamgirls, in London!

Thanks for reading!

-The Reviewer

Review: In Transit

Hey readers!
It's time for my review of In Transit.
Quite a few people have asked me, of all the shows on Broadway right now, why did I choose this one? The idea of an a cappella musical fascinated me, it was exciting to see something that would be completely new and different. I prefer singing a cappella myself, so it was interesting to see a whole show being sung a cappella. I'm sad to say that this show closed 7 days after I saw it, which was not announced when I saw it. I'm sorry I couldn't get this review out before it closed. I had 10 shows to review from my New York trip and was in Orlando shortly after  New York, so have been extremely busy. But as they say, better late than never! I'm really sad the show closed so early, I thought it was a gem; it is so much fun! In Transit is brilliant from beginning to end, there wasn't a dull moment throughout. I actually really wish the show had gone on longer (it only lasts 1 hour and 35 minutes). Then again, as the old saying goes, "leave them wanting more". In Transit stars an absolutely phenomenal cast of only 11 people. All 11 are stunning, no bad word can be said about any of them. It's amazing to think that such a small cast are able to compensate for a whole orchestra! The music is also fantastic and I will be purchasing the cast album as soon as it comes out (it is being digitally released next Friday). I'm thrilled that the show will be preserved through this cast album. I have nothing but praise to say about the production aspects; the costume, lighting, set and choreography were all top quality. Transit's storyline follows four different stories of people in New York, and how they are all  somehow connected. The show is 100% original material, something which is extremely rare in a musical nowadays. The majority of musicals are based on films, with some being based on books and plays. The original musical is an endangered species, so producing an original musical was extremely brave of the producers. My one negative for the show is that I wasn't a huge fan of the way they portrayed the multi-roles.  I was a little confused in places as to whether they had changed characters or not and I feel as if it could be differentiated a little more. Even though In Transit is closed, maybe they could write a sequel about the London underground and play it at the Young Vic? You never know what may happen in the future!

The featured star of In Transit is, drum roll please... JAMES SNYDER!

In a show like this, it is extremely difficult to choose a featured star, as they were all on the same level with no weak links. However, having to choose one, I'm choosing James Snyder. I thought he was the perfect choice for the role he was playing and was a brilliant actor and singer as always. 

Now for my final verdict on In Transit. I give In Transit...

In Transit doesn't get my 5 star rating, but having said that, it has hardly any faults and is one I would recommend, if it were still open. I hope that the show has future life, perhaps an Off-Broadway transfer may be possible?

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

Review: Hamilton (April 2017)

Hey readers!
It's time for my review of Hamilton.
As some of you may have seen on my Twitter, I was able to get $40 tickets to see Hamilton on Broadway (what an achievement)! I last saw Hamilton back in December 2015, but my Mum wasn't able to see it as tickets were so expensive so it was wonderful that she finally got the chance to see it (considering I've talked about it endlessly for over a year). Hamilton is my favourite musical of all time; I listen to it non-stop (pun intended). In this review I will be talking about the new cast of the show, and comparing them to the original Broadway cast. But first, let's talk about the production aspects. Second time around, I noticed the choreography and lighting design a lot more, both of which are the best I have ever seen in any show. They are really unique and second to none. A lot of thought has gone into both of these, they are two highlights of the show. I also adore the costumes, and as I mentioned in my first review, my favourite is the King George III costume. This goes without saying, but the music is phenomenal. I have a list of my top 10 songs of all time, where Hamilton takes up three spots (Wait For It, The Room Where It Happens and Satisfied). Each lyric has a deep meaning behind it and every word is carefully thought out. Lin-Manuel Miranda is a genius (but everyone knows that by now, right?). It was really weird seeing a different cast from the original. I've listened to the cast album day after day and have really gotten used to the voices and how the actors deliver them. Because of this, hearing certain lines delivered differently did throw me out a little. That by no means makes the show any less good, it's a more personal thing. However, I do feel as if a lot of the magic has left the show. Whilst still being a phenomenal show, it didn't seem to have that electric spark it used to. The original Broadway cast spent a lot of time getting the show right and perhaps time is what the new cast need. They are all giving very good performances, but to gel as well as the original cast together may take some time. Now to talk about the cast...

Javier Muñoz as Alexander Hamilton
When I first saw the show, it was Lin-Manuel as Hamilton that stole the show, so in my eyes it was Javier who had the biggest shoes to fill. It took me quite a long time to get used to the fact that Alexander Hamilton sounded and looked so different, however there is no denying he is brilliant in this role. Javier, whilst not being quite as good at rapping as Lin, is certainly a much better singer than Lin-Manuel. His voice really excels during 'Dear Theodosia' and 'Hurricane'. The only negative I have for Javier's performance is that I felt the final monologue that Alexander Hamilton does could have had a bit more emotion put into it, as it didn't move me to tears as it had originally.

Brandon Victor Dixon as Aaron Burr
Brandon is definitely giving one of the best performances in the entire show. He plays it extremely differently from Leslie Odom, Jr. and he certainly did make the part his own. Brandon plays Aaron Burr very seriously, something I think was very true to life. He absolutely nailed 'Wait For It', my favourite song of all time. My one negative for Brandon's performance is that during both the first 5 minutes of the show, and the last 5 minutes of the show, he seemed to have low energy. I'm not quite sure what was going on during those parts, but I assume it was tiredness due to being a two show day.

Elizabeth Judd understudying as Eliza Hamilton
I thought Elizabeth gave a phenomenal performance as Eliza and had I not read the sign saying she was understudying, I would never have know she wasn't in the role full time. She has a fantastic voice and portrayed Eliza perfectly. I can't fault her, I thought she really did an excellent job!

Bryan Terrell Clark as George Washington
Bryan excels as Washington; he is truly excellent in this role. Comparing his portrayal to Christopher Jackson, I'd say Bryan is actually a better actor that Christopher Jackson, however not quite as good a a singer (he's still a great singer, but it's very hard to beat Christopher Jackson at that). He really suited the part and gave a very powerful performance. He is extremely well cast.

Mandy Gonzalez as Angelica Schuyler
Mandy is perfect for the part and I really did like her in the role, however I feel as if she became upstaged a little during certain parts of the show. She has the potential to become phenomenal, but her performance needs more passion to make her a stand out. Perhaps as time goes by this will happen.

Seth Stewart as Marquis de Lafayette / Thomas Jefferson
This was always going to be tough role to take on after Daveed Diggs' stunning performance; where Daveed made it seem like the role was actually written for him. This puts Seth Stewart is quite a difficult position. He has a very good portrayal of Thomas Jefferson, but I wasn't the biggest fan of his portrayal of Marquis de Lafayette. His performance of Marquis de Lafayette looked like it needed some work and the French accent just wasn't right. During 'Guns and Ships', the French accent seemed to disappear. Luckily though, he redeems himself in act two as Thomas Jefferson, where I can't fault his acting, singing or rapping. He was hilarious as Thomas Jefferson!

Anthony Lee Medina as John Laurens / Philip Hamilton
Anthony Lee Medina was absolutely perfect for both of these roles and he was just as good as original Broadway cast member Anthony Ramos (if not better). I loved both of his portrayals! He played the passion of John Laurens and the youth and innocence of Phillip Hamilton. Anthony Lee Medina is an extremely good actor!

J. Quinton Johnson as Hercules Mulligan / James Madison
J. is an astounding actor and rapper, he did both roles justice. I thought he was the perfect choice for both of these parts and was just as good as Okieriete Onaodowan. I don't have a bad word to say about his performance.

Alysha Deslorieux as Peggy Schuyler / Maria Reynolds
Whilst I didn't think Alysha was bad, she didn't leave an impression the same way that original Broadway cast member Jasmine Cephas Jones did. There isn't anything particularly wrong with the performance, but there isn't anything special to it.

Taran Killam as King George III
Taran absolutely stole the show, despite a short stage time. He is an incredible King George, I loved his performance. He is complete and utter perfection! King George III only has 9 minutes of stage time, and yet it was Taran who left the biggest impression. I thought he was the star of the show! He is definitely just as good as Jonathan Groff.

The featured star of Hamilton is, drum roll please... TARAN KILLAM!

This was actually a very tough decision, as I wasn't sure whether to award featured star to Taran Killam or Brandon Victor Dixon (Aaron Burr, Sir). In the end I decided to go with Taran, as I can't deny it was him who stole the show. He really made the role his own and it worked extremely well. He was hilarious!

Now for my final verdict on Hamilton. I give Hamilton...

This was an obvious rating, as Hamilton is my favourite show of all time. Despite some of the magic going, it is still a phenomenal show and nothing can take that away. The new cast are doing a good job and will get better as time goes on.

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

Thanks for reading!

-The Reviewer

Review: Sunset Boulevard

Hey readers!
It's time for my review of Sunset Boulevard.
I tried to get tickets for Sunset Boulevard when it was playing at the London Coliseum last year in April, however tickets were very expensive so in the end I had to give it a miss. Luckily, the Broadway production was doing rush, which gave me the opportunity to see this production. I had a feeling the show would be good, but it seems I didn't realise quite how good it would be. It is phenomenal and surpassed all my expectations! I absolutely adored Sunset Boulevard! The story follows past silent screen actress Norma Desmond, who has recently faded out into obscurity and is slowly going insane. A young screenwriter turns up at her door one day and he is kept there like a prisoner. Whenever he tries to leave, she attempts to commit suicide. I was really moved by the storyline and found it gripping from beginning to end. The more dramatic moments of the show are done perfectly and I mainly give credit to director Lonny Price for this. I consider Lonny Price to be one of the best stage directors at the moment. All the cast are phenomenal, especially the lead four. The lead four are Glenn Close as Norma Desmond, Michael Xavier as Joe Gillis, Siobhan Dillon as Betty Schaefer and Fred Johanson as Max von Meyerling. Glenn Close gives one of the best performances onstage that I have ever seen. It's amazing to think she originated the role on Broadway over 20 years ago! This is a performance that cannot be praised enough. Her performance is magical, it's the best performance I've seen since Michael C. Hall in Lazarus. Glenn Close's performance is worth the ticket price alone, and then some. Even though they are up against a big star like Glenn Close, Michael Xavier, Siobhan Dillon and Fred Johanson all hold their own and give amazing and memorable performances. They all shine! The lighting and costume design are both exceptional. As you can see, I loved this show from start to finish and I am really happy I got the chance to see this amazing revival. It's a show I won't be forgetting and would happily see it again if given the chance.

The featured star of Sunset Boulevard is, drum roll please... GLENN CLOSE!

Glenn Close is giving the performance of a lifetime. It's amazing to think she is 70 years old; I don't think too many people could pull that off at 70! Her voice is absolutely phenomenal. Her rendition of 'As If We Never Said Goodbye' is incredible.

Now for my final verdict on Sunset Boulevard. I give Sunset Boulevard...

I had to give this show 5 stars; the show is amazing with no faults. I cannot come up with any critiques for this production, it's perfect in every way!

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

Thanks for reading!

-The Reviewer