Writers: Douglas Day Stewart and Sharleen Cooper Cohen
Director: Nikolai Foster
An Officer and a Gentleman, a new musical based on the award-winning 1982 film starring Richard Gere, Debra Winger and Louis Gossett Jr., delivers an impassioned romantic tale set against the backdrop of the inner workings of the American Navy. Replete with hits from the era, this is a singalong night out that shines when the music hits its mark.
Written by the original writer of the film, Douglas Day Stewart, along with Sharleen Cooper Cohen, this Nikolai Foster-directed outing is on tour across the country, bringing its brand of pop fun to many cities. Essentially a jukebox musical of the entire 1980s, the audience can expect hits from the likes of Cyndi Lauper, Madonna, Blondie, Bon Jovi and much more.
Adapted from the story of the film, the show follows Zack Mayo, played by Luke Baker, whose dream is to join the Navy and become a fighter pilot. He and a host of fellow recruits, including his brother-in-arms Syd Worley(Paul French), are put under immense pressure to succeed. On the other hand, the young women of Pensacola dream of leaving the dead-end town, eyeing the new recruits as a hope for their own future.
The two female leads are major stand-outs, especially in the singing department. Georgia Lennon and Sinead Long bring their all to each of their songs, demonstrating some impressive vocal prowess. The ensemble as a whole is tight and energetic, all with their own little quirks and stand-out moments. The audience is taken on a journey with these characters, through the highs and lows of romance and self-achievement.
However, the attempt to transplant the original film’s themes of American exceptionalism cannot help but feel out of place in 2024. Taken for what it is, a romance tale with 80s nostalgia painted across, it excels, but without any update in the handling of its context the musical feels as if it is only a throwback and nothing more.
If you want to sing along to the best hits from the 1980s then An Officer and a Gentleman is guaranteed to scratch that itch.
Runs until 6 April 2024