Book: Kevin Del Aguila
Music and Lyrics: George Noriega and Joel Someillan
The highly acclaimed musical Madagascar moves into town this week with its plethora of wild animals skilfully brought to life by the puppetry design of Max Humphries. The Theatre Royal Newcastle hosts this amazing ensemble with its cast of colourful characters, costumes and staging. Madagascar the Musical is based on Dreamworks Animation Motion Picture. What a treat to be part of a lively, enthralled audience of young and old alike.
The story, for those unfamiliar with the film, follows the journey of four zoo animals from the city of New York to the wilds of Madagascar for an adventure of a lifetime. We join Alex the lion (Joseph Hewlett), Marty the Zebra (Francisco Gomes), Melman the Giraffe (Joshua Oakes-Rogers) and Gloria the Hippo (Jarneia Richard-Noel). Their journey takes them to the unfamiliar surroundings in the midst of wild creatures. Amongst these creatures is a lively bunch of ring tailed lemurs whose leader is King Julien (Karim Zeroual).
It’s a thin plot but still keeps a young audience interested. This shorter musical format inevitably means gaps appear as they jump between scenes, particularly in the first half, and the audience is not shown any clear journey from one point to the next.
Each scene portraying the journey from zoo, to subway, to ship and finally to the jungle of Madagascar is well designed by Tom Rogers.
The subway scene is lively and full of characters to hold the interest. During this scene, Alex the lion (Hewlett) receives a tranquilliser dart and his reaction is a stand-out moment. He gyrates and wriggles from its effects just enough to not overplay the moment. The design of the boat with the crated animals is well thought out too.
Lighting designer Howard Hudson creates impressive lighting throughout and shows clearly the transition from night to day. The storm scene is particularly effective with realistic bolts of lightning flashes across the back wall.
Francisco Gomes’ performance of Marty the zebra holds the show together. His friendship with Alex the lion is clearly seen. The overall message of friendship in spite of differences between animals is explored fully.
This musical has two contrasting halves, the first act being weaker than the second act. The songs in the second half are more upbeat and memorable. The stand-out songs of the night are Together For Ever and inevitably Move It, Move It. King Julien (Karim Zeroual) made this iconic song a hit with the audience. His acting skills were clearly shown and he had the young audience in the palm of his hands or should that be paws.
A mention must be made of the penguins. Although cute and full of character they did seem to be lost amongst the larger characters.
This show is ideal for families with lots of funny, witty moments and colourful characters. This is a perfect introduction for children to the theatre and one that adults will no doubt enjoy too. The running time is only an hour and forty five minutes. So just long enough for a young audience.
You will have to be quick and ‘Move It’ to get a ticket for this one.
Runs until 13th July
The Reviews Hub Score
Colourful family musical
