Show: Showboat
Genre: Musical
Where: New London Theatre, Drury Lane (West End)
When: Tuesday 16th August 2016
Verdict: *****
Showboat - the musical that defined musicals to be what they are today. Some call it the first ever real musical, therefore a show with music as well as a story - I am one of those people.
Showboat hasn't been in the West End for over 20 years. As soon I saw the first few advertisements for this strictly limited West End revival, I knew that I had to book tickets. I managed to secure seats via Time Out for a relatively late date in the run (Showboat closes next week), and off I went. I expected to enjoy it, but I didn't expect to enjoy it quite as much as I did.
This classic Jerome Kern & Oscar Hammerstein II show reminded me of what musical theatre really is all about. And this particular production honestly didn't miss a beat. The cast were absolutely sensational. As someone who frequents the West End regularly, I didn't expect to watch a production that made me say "I think that is the most talented cast I have ever seen in a musical" and genuinely mean it. The vocals were flawless, and a special mention goes to Tosh Wanogho-Maud, the understudy for the role of Joe. After watching him, and listening to his superb voice, I didn't even want to imagine what the original member of cast sounded like. As well as having incredible vocals, the cast had such a wonderful connection with eachother, which made the entire performance all the more believable, and heart-renderingly magical.
This classic production was also presented beautifully and nostalgically. The New London Theatre was the perfect venue for 'Showboat' - the curved audience seating and the large space on stage helped create the perfect atmosphere for this production. The intricate, moving boat for scenes on the showboat and the staircases that helped create an abundance of levels on board all aided to the believability of the production. Moments of audience interaction also added to the diversity of the show. The choreography, by Alistair David, made you want to literally stand up, run on stage and join in - it was that infectious.
And finally - the story itself. Showboat is undoubtedly what a musical should be. A gripping story that spans forty years, beginning in 1887 and ending in 1927. Humorous much of the time, while also accurately representing the racial struggles of the time, this show gives audiences the chance to really think, laugh, and be moved all at the same time, as well as containing a love story that renders your heart like no other. Gina Beck plays the naive and hopeful Magnolia Hawks, and her portrayal of the heroine is timeless - not to mention her could-break-glass stunning voice which brought the audience to tears on a number of occasions. The comedy is constantly uplifted delightfully by Captain Andy Hawks, played by Malcolm Sinclair, and the touching yet heartbreaking performance of Julie La Verne is played beautifully by Rebecca Trehearn. Not to mention, Showboat is also filled to the brim with beautifully curated music by the legends that are Kern and Hammerstein.
All in all, this was a stellar production - cleverly staged, wonderfully cast and superbly performed. It's a classic musical that can never truly die - and I strongly urge you all to book last minute tickets if you can. This is what the West End really needed and truly deserved, and it breaks my heart that a show as wonderful as this is not lasting longer in London.
*book reasonably priced tickets now at:
LoveTheatre.com
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