Book: Kevin Del Aguila
Music and Lyrics: George Noriega and Joel Someillan
Director: Kirk Jameson
If you ‘like to move it, move it’, then get yourself over to the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre to experience the
family-friendly bonanza that is Madagascar The Musical. You will be forgiven if you are sceptical about whether or not successful animated films like these should be turned into an all-singing, all-dancing musical, but Madagascar just about passes the test.
There is an audible buzz that comes with a musical like this: the anticipation that the show is going to deliver on energy, colour and extravagant costumes. It does all of the above, but not without its limitations. The story matches its original film as we meet a cluster of animals seemingly living the high life at Central Park in New York City. Marty the zebra (Francisco Gomes) and the penguins have other ideas and plot their escape. What follows is a tumultuous journey into the unknown across the continents.
It is a disappointment that the musical copies the 2005 movie in its entirety with little creativity shown to develop the story in any way. Stage adaptations like these have the potential to do such a thing with the audience already sucked in through their appreciation of the film. What is creative, however, are the original songs by George Noriega and Joel Someillan. A mix of uplifting, bouncy and energetic songs with some delightful rapping by Gomes in the role of Marty all add to the show. One notorious song from the film had to find its way in and it just so happens to be the highlight of the musical. Karim Zeroual may be well known for his children’s TV presenting and Strictly Come Dancing exploits but he will soon be remembered for his charismatic portrayal of the lovable King Julien. Zeroual brings the second act to life with the classic I like to move it song and dance to get the cast and audience rocking.
The relationships between the other four main animals on stage are also solid and deepen what is otherwise a simple storyline. Alex the Lion’s (Joseph Hewlett) relationship with Marty is befitting, while Jarnéia Richard-Noel and Joshua Oakes-Rogers bring a ton of humour to their roles of Gloria the Hippo and Melman the Giraffe. Special mention must go to Richard-Noel’s vocal skills which prompt a rousing reaction from the audience at the beginning of the show.
Where the show lacks some creativity and originality in some areas, it more than makes up for it with its puppetry. Max Humphries and Emma Brunton have done an excellent job in their design and direction of the puppetry. Most notably the hybrid costumes for Melman and King Julien are clearly well thought through and add to the colour and life which grasps the attention of the predominantly young audience that attends.
Overall,Madagascar has enough life in it to make this a worthy family fun trip to the theatre during the half-term break. There are missed opportunities to show imagination in its storytelling but the blend of original music and eccentric puppetry is enough to make this a solid production to be enjoyed by young and old.
Runs until 1 June 2024 and on tour
The Reviews Hub Score
Excellent Puppetry
