Presented by Ambassador Theatre Group Asia Pacific, GWB Entertainment, Red Live and Adelaide Festival Centre Trust
Reviewed 9 January 2016
What a start to the year for the Adelaide Festival Centre and Adelaide in general!! The Australian production of Ghost – the musical is a stunning visual and aural feast.
The stage musical version of the hit 1990 film starring Patrick Swayze, Demi Moore and Whoopi Goldberg is every bit as magical, charming, funny, dramatic and romantic as the original, BUT more so!
The story of New York banker, Sam Wheat, who is killed in an attempted mugging gone wrong and becomes a ghost who can’t ascend to Heaven until he has solved his murder and protected his girlfriend, Molly, comes to life (pun intended) in this spectacular, glorious production.
Director Matthew Warchus, Video and Projection Designer Jon Driscoll, Sound Designer Bobby Aitken, Lighting Designer Hugh Vanstone, Choreographer Ashley Wallen and Illusionist Paul Kieve are all equally responsible for the brilliant kaleidoscopic theatrical experience that bombards (in the best way possible) the audience, giving them a fantastic, unforgettable experience.
The feel and look of the show is a wonderful combination of stage, film and music video.This combination allows us to participate in the cacophony of New York, whilst at the same time enjoying the poignancy and romance that abounds in the story line. If you don’t have a lump in your throat and a tear (of joy) in your eye at the end, then you are probably a ghost yourself.
Photo: Jeff Busby
The book of the musical works well, and is very faithful to the film (Yes, THAT scene that made Potters’ Wheels famous everywhere, is recreated), having been written by the original screenwriter, Bruce Joel Rubin. The music, thanks to Dave Stewart (of Eurythmics fame) and Glen Ballard is full of beautiful ballads and great Pop Rock numbers – and don’t worry, Unchained Melody IS included – all played assuredly by the orchestra under the control of Musical Director, Dave Skelton.
The final element of this ectoplasmic extravaganza is the high-octane energized cast. The commitment and enjoyment of every member of the cast and ensemble shines through and jumps off the stage.
Photo: Jeff Busby
Rob Mills as Sam gives his best performance ever! He finally gets to prove that he can act and extremely well: the audience can feel his frustration at not being seen and able to communicate with the ‘real’ world. Mills also shows off his strong vocal abilities to their full potential, especially with THAT song. This role is certainly Mills’ “coming of age”.
As Molly, Jemma Rix is absolutely beautiful. She brings a strength to a role that could so easily be wimpy and soppy; like Mills, she makes us feel her emotions along with her. Her Act One solo, With You is one of those magical moments of theatre one never forgets. Rix, Mills and Alex Rathgeber (as best friend, Carl) blend superbly in their harmonies, as well as all proving their worth as stand alone singers and actors.
Photo: Jeff Busby
The unmitigated ‘hit’ of this production, however, is Wendy Mae Brown as zany pseudo-psychic, Oda Mae Brown. Brown is not only hilarious, but totally ‘rocks’ the house with her powerful, ‘soul sister’ vocals. Her Act Two number I’m Outta Here with the Ensemble is a show-stopper and makes us wish that she wasn’t ‘outta here’. When a performer receives applause for every ‘exit line’, you know that you are in the presence of someone pretty special.
Ross Chisari is suitably menacing as low-life Willie Lopez; Evette Marie White and Lydia Warr back Brown nicely; and David Denis impresses as the Subway Ghost.
This production will have you coming out of the theatre wanting to see it again and again (just to try and work out the brilliant special effects alone). If you only see one musical this year, make it Ghost – the musical!!!
Trust me, after this, you WILL believe in ‘ghosts’.
Reviewed by Brian Godfrey
Twitter: @briangods
Venue: Adelaide Festival Theatre Adelaide Festival Centre
Season: 9 – 31 January 2016
Duration: 2 hrs 30 mins (including 20 min interval)
Tickets: $79.90 – $119.90
Bookings: https://www.adelaidefestivalcentre.com.au/shows/ghost/
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