Adelaide Festival Theatre. 13 Jan 2015
Like the film before it, Ghost – The Musical will have ‘mass appeal’. The show looks impressive; tells a familiar story; stars a musical theatre icon and a pop heartthrob; and will engage cinematic audiences.
The musical itself, however, has relatively lacklustre ensemble numbers and a disappointing score devoid of any real substance to drive the story. So, one finds oneself in a quandary; is it actually any good? Much of the audience appears to enjoy it a great deal - despite applause being relatively thin throughout. The feedback is mixed.
One is certainly entertained; but simultaneously disappointed at a missed opportunity.
When lovers Sam Wheat and Molly Jensen are separated by a twist of fate, Molly is left on her own while Sam’s spirit is trapped between earth and the afterlife until he resolves the circumstances of his own demise, and saves Molly from further harm.
Jemma Rix delivers a powerhouse performance in voice as Molly, yet seems hampered emotionally by the limited depth of the script. Her performance is excellent, but it is fair to say that both of the lead characters are a bit emotionally vapid by comparison to the on-screen originals. Rob Mills’ Sam is initially a tad too cocky but settles down to what can only be described as his best performance yet. Mills and Rix do have a great connection. They are even believably ‘in love’. But their character’s relationship is underexplored and too quickly established. The ensuing separation subsequently feels emotionally bland and a bit forced.
The performance belongs to Wendy Mae Brown as the charlatan spiritualist Oda Mae Brown, made famous by Whoopi Goldberg in the original. Brown nuances through frustration, fear, excitement, love and laughter with ease and develops the most well-rounded character in the production – hers is easily the best written too. Alex Rathgeber’s baddie, Carl Bruner, is slimy enough to be believed, but has just about the worst songs in the show despite being a very talented singer. David Denis is worthy of mention for his Subway Ghost, a character pivotal to some of the most technically impressive scenes in the overall production.
The 7 piece orchestra under musical direction of Dave Skelton is just right, and the balance struck between sound effects and live orchestration delivers a truly cinematic experience.
The show is visually spectacular to watch, and worthy of ones attention for just that reason. It is not an album you’ll rush out to buy, nor a particularly memorable show. The film’s notoriety will long outlive its spin-off musical companion. Perhaps off its back, a new generation will discover and fall in love with the original, like so many before; and that can’t be a bad thing.
Paul Rodda
When: 7 to 31 Jan
Where: Festival Theatre
Bookings: bass.net.au
