I agree with Jordan this show is just wonderful, I caught it for the second time yesterday for fear Omicron might shut everything down soon and I had a smile on my face the whole time. It's just pure joy, visually spectacular and I agree the songs really work in the way they have used them (I am sure if this makes it to Broadway people here could find ways to criticise but honestly, if this was an original score I think we'd be claiming it's one of the best/most melodic/catchiest of all time). I have a bit of a prejudice against jukebox musicals but this is really special. The entire 'concept' of the show within a show is a great device for some very funny moments (in addition to the humour within the 'show' itself).
One caution I would say is the actors really make all the difference - the first time I saw the show with a bunch of understudies (including Juliet) I thought the show was enjoyable but a little sloppy and lacked a bit of emotional honesty. However, watching it again especially with Miriam-Teak Lee it was a completely different experience. She is a very strong vocalist (I guess you can hear it from the recording), a stunning dancer and most importantly an excellent actor. A genuine triple threat. She brings so much depth to the emotion of her scenes and songs that we are 100% committed to and invested in her plights. She also has extra special 'thing', Charisma or x-factor you need in a lead/star. Without this honesty, I felt the show was kind of winking at itself and the audience (especially in the first act) too much with little depth.
I'm not one to think that there is often a reason to transfer West End casts to Broadway because I think the greatest musical stage actors in the world are in New York City (see the Company Revival for a good example of why). However, the three actors I would want to go with the show (or hope they really can find adequate replacements) are:
* Miriam-Teak Lee as Juliet
* Cassidy Janson as Anne
* Melanie La Barrie as Nurse
Give me claws and a hunch, just away from this bunch.
Updated On: 12/12/21 at 07:13 AM