Showing posts sorted by relevance for query Bronagh Lagan. Sort by date Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query Bronagh Lagan. Sort by date Show all posts
Sunday 14 May 2017
Tick, Tick... Boom, Park Theatre | Review
Tick, Tick... Boom
Park Theatre
Park Theatre
Reviewed on Thursday May 11th 2017 by Olivia Mitchell
★★★
With the success of Bruce Guthrie's current production of Rent, one of the defining musicals of the 90s, it's not a surprise this revival of Tick, Tick... Boom! has come about. Originally written as a one man semi-autobiographical musical, Tick, Tick... Boom! portrays the years of struggle Jonathan Larson faced and acts as a bittersweet reminder of the triumphs he never got to see after his untimely and heartbreaking death on the eve of Rents opening off-Broadway.
Bronagh Lagan's production is nostalgic and intimate whilst providing a reflective look at the brooding and anxious story of Jonathan. The staging allows warmth and engagement throughout, with Chris Jenkins as the composer often making direct eye contact with the audience therefore allowing them to really feel part of the story and environment.
For any Rent fan this is a truly brilliant piece of theatre as there are so many parallels with Larson's life and the lives of those in Rent which are explored throughout. Namely where Jon and Michael are dreaming of escaping the life they're living. There are also musical moments which conjure up the same feelings as Rent and it's lovely to hear the roots of Larson's writing and what developed from this show.
Larson's desire was to bring rock music into the world of musical theatre and this piece acts as a clear demonstration of that; providing moments of angsty drama as well as soaring glistening moments. The inner monologue is ever present but combined with moments of humour and sadness, the show has enough depth to keep the audience focussed and committed. Gareth Bretherton's band push the music along well and capture each side of the musical styles extremely well.
Joining Chris to make up the three piece cast are Jordan Shaw as the smooth toned best friend, Michael and Gillian Saker as the loving but conflicted girlfriend, Susan. All three have wonderful voices and fit the roles extremely well, seeming like true friends and giving very realistic performances.
This is a lovely production which works well in the space and is overall very fun and entertaining. It's up close and personal, with some brilliant singing and performances which are worth a watch!
Tick, Tick... Boom! is on at the Park Theatre until 27th May 2017
Photo by: Claire Bilyard
Friday 19 November 2021
Little Women, Park Theatre | Review
Little Women
Park Theatre
Reviewed on Thursday 18th November 2021 by Olivia Mitchell
★★★★
Louisa May Alcott's timeless 1886 classic has earned praise and adoration, especially after the recent adaptation starring Florence Pugh and Timothée Chalamet, therefore there's a lot of excitement surrounding the London premiere of the Little Women Musical.
Thankfully, this production, adapted by Allan Knee and directed by Bronagh Lagan is a completely wholesome treat which is full of youthful energy and is brilliantly loyal to the novel. It's a tale of life and love, with dramatic ebbs and flows that fit perfectly with musical moments.
The story follows the March sisters, with Jo, the outspoken writer taking us on a whirlwind journey through her life with her other sisters and the people they meet along the way. Everything about the story is intimate and familial and the sleek two level set and general feeling of the theatre fits it exactly. Particularly enjoyable are the moments when Jo brings her stories to life, at times cleverly mimicking the actions of various performers and later on with projections.
Whilst most of the music adds emotional depth, there are quite a few songs and at times the dynamic feels somewhat one level. They're performed admirably but several songs are a bit samey. However, that's no reflection on the female string quartet who are vivacious from start to finish, nor the cast who are stellar.
Leading the charge is Lydia White as Jo who is entirely excellent. Her voice is clear as ice and her emotional variety and intensity is a dream to watch; she exudes star power from start to finish. As the other sisters Hana Ichijo (Meg), Anastasia Martin (Beth) and Mary Moore (Amy) complement one another as well as having super strong solo moments. Savannah Stevenson's voice is stunning as she plays the role of the matriarch Marmee. Stevenson's vocal technique shinea through as she gives a nuanced and throughly endearing performance. Ryan Bennett as Professor Bhaer is charming as is Sev Keoshgerian who makes Laurie a bumbling, loveable and humourous character. Mention must also go to Lejaun Sheppard who is brilliant as John Brooke.
As a whole this is a wholesome musical that will have you laughing and tearing up. A number of shining performances and a story which highlights the importance of both unity and independence make it a thoroughly enjoyable time. Little Women is a little show with a big heart and hopefully a big future ahead of it!
photo credit: Pamela Raith
Thursday 16 January 2020
Rags, Park Theatre | Review
Rags
Park Theatre
Reviewed on Wednesday 15th January 2020 by Olivia Mitchell
★★★★
Originally developed by Fiddler on the Roof writer, Joseph Stein as somewhat of a sequel, Rags has been reworked many times since the original Broadway production closed after only four performances. Lucky for us, the Hope Mill Theatre production was rather more a success and has transferred to London's Park Theatre.
David Thompson's rewrites have made this a sleek production that ebbs and flows well, whilst retaining an gitty side. With four onstage musicians and wonderful performances from the cast, Rags is certainly successful in its ambition.
Opening with a solitary violinist who is extremely reminiscent of Fiddler, the musical follows two Jewish girls as they make port in New York and try to create a new life for themselves and their families. There are various subplots about worker's rights, the Jewish contribution to art and culture, conformity and of course, romance. Most of the time the musical is paced well but there are still times which feel a little slow, or confusing as too much is happening at once.
However, overall this musical isn't about the plot, but rather the human experience and genuine struggles faced by people trying to live the American Dream that was promised to them. Its a clear window to the vile anti-semitic views held and the trials which are unfortunately still faced today. It's quite shocking that a musical written in the eighties, still has so much relevance today.
Whilst the songs (music by Charles Strouse, lyrics by Stephen Schwartz) are not individually particularly memorable, the overall moods created are very moving and do the job to tell the story, even if you won't leave the theatre humming the tunes. Nick Barstow's arrangements are beautiful and the cast give exceptional performances.
Carolyn Maitland gives a sensational performance as Rebecca. Her solo moments are complete vocal treats and she leads the show with a delightful nuance. Alex Gibson-Giorgio is instantly likeable and vocally exemplary as the Italian immigrant, Sal. As bright eyed Bella, Martha Kirby is an absolute vocal star who brings the youth and vulnerability of the character to life excellently, and is certainly one to watch! Oisin Nolan-Power as Ben and Rachel Izen as Rachel also give stand out performances.
photo credit: Pamela Raith
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