I saw the show recently, opening night. The was one sound issue on the opening number. It was sorted straight away. You expect the odd sound issue, especially a touring company and not a show that is in a theatre for a week.
The set was very clever, how the stairs moved to double up as extra scenery and different levels to give it more levels and layers. And having the crew dressed as if they were part of the cast. Give you something different to watch.
Act 1 set up the story I thought very well. I only have vague memories of the film, so I was seeing it fresh. I also thought the first act showed the start of the camaraderie of the characters and how they were eventually going to be there for each other.
Jamel Crawford @jamalkcrawford played Gunnery Sargent Emil Foley brilliantly. At times your eye was drawn to him without realising. With his reactions and acting in the background, got me wanting to know more about the character, which we found out in the second act.
Luke Baker @lukeybaker I thought give Zach Mayo depth. And once he told Paula played by Georgia Lennon @georgiaalennon about what happened to him, (who matched him scene for scene and vocally). I liked how when he was taking to the Navy recruitment officer on the stairs was able to show how he looked younger.
You then realised that why Mayo's dad is the way he is. Tim Rogers @timrogers001 playing Bryon was subtle, you could see that his character was from a generation that had a hard time opening up. The way at times he was in the bar and missing the bar stool was a great acting choice. Funny, but sad when you think of the character. I have seen him in Whistle Down the Wind and in JCS, so his acting fits well with his character here.
Danny Whelan @danny123w was on as Sid Worley and i really got involved with his story. Especially in the second act and what happens to his character along with Sinead Long @sineadlonguk as Lynette Pomeroy broke my heart. At that point he stole the show. Melanie Masson @melanie.masson.official as Esther Pokrifki had a powerful voice and acting made me feel for her. It’s A Man’s World had me and the audience spellbound.
The ensemble were enthralling every time they were on stage. I loved when the cast broke the fourth wall to get us singing. But pulled it back before it became a sing a long. Very well done.
I thought Olivia -Browne as Casey Seegar was brilliant, showing how a lot of women were treated wanting to join the Navy. And her friendship with Zach evolved. I got really invested and how her story ended was great to see.
Wendi Harriott @wendiharriott as Aunt Bunny needs a mention her vocals and acting really stood out. My eye would go to her even when she was on the side of the stage. I wish I could mention everyone, they all deserve it.
I’ve seen a lot of jukebox musicals (A phrase I dislike) over the years, and personally I think the music and songs which are worded slightly differently, fits the story and drives it. So that I and the audience I was with really enjoyed it. Though for me it doesn’t count as a jukebox musical, just a film reimagined.
One I will remember for quite a while.
