Ghost The Musical | Review
It’s not very often that an international musical premieres in Adelaide before travelling interstate. Usually by the time a theatre production comes to Adelaide we’ve already read Australian reviews and heard all about it. Therefore we didn’t quite know what to expect when going to see Ghost The Musical at the Friday night preview performance.
This production is a triumph in musical theatre. It has all the elements of a fabulous stage show which theatre lovers enjoy. It’s a great story to begin with; the acting, singing and dancing are performed brilliantly by the cast; and the special effects are pretty spectacular. Everyone has asked particularly about Rob Mills performance as Sam (Patrick Swayze’s role in the movie). He plays the role with great integrity. We knew he could sing and dance due to his appearances on shows such as Australian Idol, Young Talent Time, and the musical Grease, but in Ghost he has us believing in the complex situation of his character.
Jemma Rix plays Demi Moore’s character, Molly, with much soul and her singing is superb in this production.
It is Wendy Mae Brown as ‘Oda Mae’ (played by Whoopi Goldberg in the movie) who steals the show. She shines in this role and her performance will have you laughing each time she appears. She adds so much vibrancy and colour to the show – she’s a joy to watch.
The special effects by master illusionist, Paul Kieve, (who worked on the Harry Potter movies) are breathtaking. I found myself wondering, ‘How did they do that?’ throughout the show. The subway train scene has people thrown around; you’ll see ghosts passing through solid objects; and you will swear that it’s raining inside. You have to see it to believe it.
If you happened to be a little underwhelmed with the other recent theatre offering which was also a making of a Patrick Swayze film, Dirty Dancing, be assured that Ghost is everything that Dirty Dancing was not. While Dirty Dancing has a brilliant soundtrack, it was not actually a musical unfortunately. The creativity involved in bringing Ghost alive on stage is impressive and you will not be disappointed.
Whilst the original music and songs in Ghost are easy to listen to, it’s that old favourite, Unchained Melody, by The Righteous Brothers, which is re-worked as an anthem throughout, which audiences will relate to the most.
I won’t include any spoilers in case you haven’t seen the movie but it was a little bit funny when I heard an audience member say during the interval, “Oh, I didn’t realise he was going to die!”. You see, even my theatre companion, who had never seen the movie before, knew that he was going to die, given the title of the show, so I don’t think this is a spoiler. People who haven’t seen the movie before will have the additional element of surprise from twists in the plot, while those who know and love the movie, will enjoy this live re-telling of the story.
If you’re thinking of taking a child, I would suggest it would be suitable for 15+. There are a couple of scenes that are confronting. If you get a chance, go and see it for a date night or with friends, especially if you love musical theatre. It’s one of the best productions around – make the most of it, as it’s here in Adelaide first – unlike some that don’t even tour here. Creative, visually spectacular and totally entertaining – it’s a great night out.
For more information and to book tickets, see the Adelaide Festival Centre website here.
What: Ghost The Musical
When: 7 to 31 January 2016
Where: Adelaide Festival Centre | King William Street, Adelaide
Who: 15+
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