Music and Lyrics: Cole Porter
Book by: Arthur Kopit
As with any revival such as this, comparisons to the original are inevitable and it’s a brave cast who take on roles created by the triumvirate of Crosby, Kelly and Sinatra. Thankfully this production has the life and soul of the original movie and has a trio at its centre who give their all and look like they are having a ball whilst doing it.
The somewhat lightweight plot has rich, entitled socialite Tracy about to be wed to uninspiring accountant George, a man so bland that even his future family struggle to remember his name. At the party on the eve of the wedding, Tracy’s ex Dexter shows up, ostensibly to wish her well but clearly wishing he was back in her life. Cue some romantic shenanigans appropriate to the original screwball comedy on which the musical is based, as various sub plots play out including hidden or switched identities, drunken romps in swimming pools, misunderstandings and finally…well if you don’t know the story you’ll have to see it to find out.
Director Rachel Kavanaugh keeps the pace lively but perfectly controlled, the space afforded by the stage at the Theatre Royal is well utilised avoiding any scene becoming too static. The choreography by Anthony VanLaast adds to the sense of fun with some inventive use of furniture and props and of course the Cole Porter songs, many of which will be familiar, help give the overall impression that the cast are enjoying the swell party they’re singing about.
Helen George in the starring role as Tracy leads the way with some excellent vocals and some very enjoyable physical comedy when the champagne takes hold as the party gets going. Julien Ovenden as her ex-husband Dexter brings a smooth, relaxed demeanour to the role, combining this with some well observed moments of vulnerability, his voice perfectly suited to Porter’s songs which he delivers faultlessly.
As Mike, Freddie Fox is something of a surprise as he adds some spirited and athletic moves to a well measured singing voice, performing a couple of well-timed duets with Ovenden. Stand out vocal performance of the night however, goes to Carly Mercedes Dyer for a heartfelt rendition of ‘I’ve got you under my skin’ earning her well-deserved rapturous applause
Ably supporting the main protagonists are a talented cast including Nigel Lindsay as Uncle Willy who gets the most laughs out of his role, as well as being the instigator for ‘Now You has Jazz’ one of the visually stunning set pieces created by VanLaast. Naomi Pacquette as younger sister Dinah delivers her acerbic observations with vigour, with David Seadon-Young as the bumbling and rather dull witted George also garnering his share of laughs.
All the above comes together beautifully on a set well created by Tom Rogers carefully lit transforming it from grand hallway to garden and pool area without losing any of the natural flow of the action.
A wonderful revival enthusiastically performed by an enthusiastic company and very well received by tonight’s audience, get a ticket while you can.
Runs until 19th September then on tour nationally until mid-November
