I was planning to start this review by saying there can’t be many of us who haven’t watched and loved the 1990 Oscar-winning movie Ghost, the love story which made international stars of Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore. That thought all changed at the opening night of GHOST THE MUSICAL, which is on stage at the Wales Millennium Centre all week. I was amazed at just how many in the audience had never seen the film but the show is high on their must-see list.
It’s fair to say that the musical is very much true to the film but obviously has the addition of music. There’s also a few nice surprises which really bring this story to life. Which is what we found when we caught up with some of the audience at the opening night. We also spoke to actor JAMES MATEO-SALT who plays the villain of the piece Carl Brunner.
If you are a Ghost newbie I suggest you skip over the next couple of paragraphs to keep the story a surprise.
Sam (JOSH ST. CLAIR) and Molly (REBEKAH LOWINGS), are a very much in love young couple who have just moved into their first apartment in Brooklyn. Their ‘best friend‘ Carl (JAMES MATEO-SALT) is helping with the move but before long it becomes clear there’s more to the friendship than first seems.
On a night out Molly and Sam are held at gunpoint by a seemingly random thief. Sam gets shot, killed and his wallet is stolen.
As Molly struggles to comes to terms with her loss Sam finds himself trapped between this world and the next. As he tries to communicate with Molly he encounters psychic medium Oda Mae Brown (JACQUI DUBOIS) who can actually hear him. Eventually, he persuades her to help let Molly know he’s still around and that her life is also in danger.
Fans of the movie won’t be disappointed in the way this tricky transition between man and ghost is executed. Without giving too much away, the effects are slick and clever, and even though you know how they do them, it still leaves you in awe, thanks to some clever design by MARK BAILEY and lighting by NICK RICHINGS.
The show was an instant hit when it opened, which is not an easy ask with a new musical. But with a soundtrack which features the classic ‘Unchained Melody‘ by The Righteous Brothers’ alongside many more instantly catchy songs co-written by DAVE STEWART from The Eurythmics, you really are onto a winner.
Okay, a confession here, I did have a little weep, on more than one occasion. The first came towards the end of act one during the beautiful ‘With You‘ sung magnificently by Rebekah. I defy anyone not to be moved by the lyrics and emotion behind this show-stopping number.
There are more incredibly powerful moments during the show but it’s also really funny, never more so than when Oda Mae Brown is around. Jacqui is everything that Whoopi Goldberg was in the film, and so much more. Her timing and delivery is spot-on and she captivated us all from the first moment she bursts onto the stage.
Although there are four main characters in the story, the production relies on a fantastic cast, and what we have on the Donald Gordon stage is all that and more.
There are some really nice set pieces – TIM MAXWELL-CLARKE as the Hospital Ghost brings charm and compassion to the moment Sam realises that he really is dead. It’s a lot to take in for our young hero, he’s just been shot and killed, but is beautifully navigated through the complexities of the afterlife by the seasoned spirit, and another really memorable song ‘Ball of Wax‘.
And it would be wrong of me not to mention ‘that moment‘. The Sam/Molly/Potters Wheel scene is not only iconic but has been recreated and mimicked hundreds of times on TV and film. So, how did they handle it on stage? Bear in mind there’s a tricky Sam and Oda Mae body swap thing to include. Well, they did it brilliantly and if you’re going to see this production you absolutely won’t be disappointed.
I came into the theatre expecting a carbon copy of the film with a couple of tunes thrown in for good measure. What I wasn’t prepared for is just how emotionally invested I was from the opening scene. The musical has breathed new life into a classic 35 year-old movie and the music elevates it to a heavenly plain. I loved it, simple as that. This fan-favourite is moving, heart-warming and a magical way to spend a couple of hours (2 hours 35 minutes to be precise) in the theatre.
GHOST THE MUSICAL is at the Wales Millennium Centre through to Saturday 8th March. Performances are at 7:30pm with a 2:30pm matinee tomorrow (Thursday) and Saturday. Tickets are still available starting at around £15, but some performances are showing limited availability. For more details and to get yours go HERE.
The age guidance is 8+ (no under 2s) and the show does have a few loud bangs. Little bit of advice – when you take your seat for the second act keep your wits about you, that’s all I’ll say.
