The premise of any good musical is that it has a plot, more often than not implausible but on occasion substantial. In the case of this affectionate look at the genre, with music by Eric Rockwell and lyrics by Joanne Bogart, our heroine can’t pay her rent and via a rakish philanderer and a lovelorn romantic she finds a way to overcome her obstacle.
This is very funny stuff because what this show is actually is a passionate pastiche, expertly directed by Robert McWhir, who superbly takes us on a journey of musical forms sending the different styles up to such a fever pitch of laugh out loud, raucous riotous moments that are just rib-tickling. No modern composer has been left out: Rogers and Hammerstein, Stephen Sondheim, Jule Styne, Kander and Ebb, Bob Fosse and Andrew Lloyd Webber all get the Rockwell and Bogart treatment.
What makes this work though is the four actors who are just at the top of their game in delivering superb and accomplished performances of the different musical styles. High praise for Charlotte Christensen, Sev Keoshgerian, Cecily Redman and lastly James Thackery. The actors were clearly having the time of their lives. This is a cornucopia of musical delight. A wonderful comedy cocktail, terrific treat and throughly entertaining. One of the best shows staged at Above The Stag this year. There is an adage that most gay men love a musical and with this show I have to unanimously agree.
*****
Photos by PBGstudios
The Musical of Musicals (The Musical) runs to Saturday 22nd December at the Above The Stag Theatre, 72 Albert Embankment, Vauxhall, London SE1 7TP. Box office via abovethestag.com
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