Book: Douglas Day Stewart and Sharleen Cooper Cohen
Director: Nikolai Foster
This week at the Wolverhampton Grand, get ready to be transported back to 1982 in Pensacola, Florida with the new musical An Officer and a Gentleman based on the classic film of the same name. The story follows Zack Mayo, a troubled young man with a heart of gold, as he tries to make it through schooling to become a Naval Officer. From chasing girls to running into his deadbeat dad on base, Mayo goes through personal trials while his training sergeant puts him through physical, mental, and emotional trials. All this, set to a rocking soundtrack of musical hits from the 80s, makes for an exciting night at the theatre.
Leicester Curve originated this production, working in tandem with the writer of the original film, Douglas Day Stewart, whose ambition to turn his film into a musical made this collaboration possible. Stewart wrote the film from his personal experience of training to be a naval officer, but the story has become more than autobiographical – it has become an anthem for the working class, a way for people to believe in fairy tale love stories, and that there will be a happy ending even when all hope seems lost. Cramming in the thumping beats and irresistible tunes from the 80s heightens that romanticism, and fans of the original film will find their classic story unchanged onstage.
This production features a harsh, metallic set design that cleverly incorporates the recognisable neon signs of 80s Americana while retaining the feel of metal bars closing in on the characters. Ben Cracknell’s lighting design combines the hazy spotlights and flash of an 80s concert with the practicalities of lighting for theatre to make for some captivating stage pictures. Put together with a costume design that strays to the more subdued side of the 80s, the design elements give the company a solid foundation to move within and build upon.
With a score of instantly recognisable songs, the cast have the difficult task of making those songs their own. This company stands up to the challenge, although their accents leave a little something to be desired. Each song is new and unique, and the voices are strong. Luke Baker’s Zack Mayo has a strong, clear belt that shines through his moody exterior. This particular evening featured two understudies taking on the roles of Paula (Mayo’s love interest, played by Julia Jones) and Seegar (a female officer-in-training who is at odds with Mayo until they learn the power of teamwork, played by Mia Harrison). Both were remarkable, and although the ensemble numbers felt slightly empty, the performance wasn’t drastically impacted.
The entire show seems to have been directed with the 80s in mind. At times, this is incredibly effective and moves the plot along. At other times, it amps up the tackiness of the time and creates some absurdly silly moments. From eye-candy moments for the actors to miraculous turning points in character development, there are plenty of 80s cheesy events. Newcomers to this story beware – alongside the cheesiness also comes a heaping helping of toxic masculinity and sexism. And redemption seems to be quite easily earned. Although the high stakes ending is emotional, it happens a little too quickly to have paid off fully for this reviewer.
However, if 80s headbangers and ballads are your thing, or you’re a long-time fan of the film, or if you simply like watching pretty people belt out bangers live onstage, this is the musical for you. While this story may be dated, the musical rings true to the time and creates an enjoyable night of escapism. See the unlikely heroic love story for yourself, and if you’re Living on a Prayer, don’t miss your opportunity to sing along!
Runs until 28 September 2024 and on tour
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