It was the opening performance of MADAGASCAR THE MUSICAL at the Wales Millennium Centre yesterday, and with only a few performances left and a resounding ‘must see‘ from everyone we spoke to at the end of the show, we figured we’d let the audience do much of the talking for this review.
This is the musical stage version of the classic, much-loved movie, and it was clear to see from all the excited faces heading into the theatre, that the film holds a special place in the movie collection of most families.
Nothing is missed out for the stage show, and although it is aimed at a younger audience, we can guarantee that mums and dads of all ages will have a fantastic time.
Just like the original film, the musical follows all your favourite characters in one of the most colourful adventures you’ll see. Honestly, the stage absolutely popped with colourful sets and costumes, really impressive puppets, and of course, those fantastic songs. Madagascar: The Musical is really funny, but cleverly one of those shows which caters to both kids and adults. We felt it spoke to the audience and not down at them, and that’s a great thing for a production like this.
Playing the role of the hilarious King Julien should have been TV, theatre and of course Strictly favourite KARIM ZEROUAL, for yesterday’s performance however it was CONNOR KEETLEY who stepped in. Connor was really superb and gave a majestic performance as the King, and very much a favourite in the production. This did mean a few of the other roles were switched around, but each performance was terrific and you really wouldn’t know. Aidan Harkins (Kowalski), Francisco Gomes (Marty), Joseph Hewlett (Alex), James Hilton (Ensemble), Ella Howlett (Rico), Gabriel Hinchliffe (Skipper/ Maurice), Brogan McFarlane (Private/ Mort), Joshua Oakes-Rogers (Melman) and Jarneia Richard-Noel (Gloria).
You can watch our interview with Karim HERE.
These friends escape from their home in New York’s Central Park Zoo and find themselves on an unexpected journey to the madcap world of King Julien’s Madagascar.
Alex the lion is the king of the urban jungle, the main attraction at New York’s Central Park Zoo. He and his best friends – Marty the zebra, Melman the giraffe and Gloria the hippo – have spent their whole lives in blissful captivity before an admiring public and with regular meals provided for them. Not content to leave well enough alone, Marty lets his curiosity get the better of him and makes his escape – with the help of some prodigious penguins – to explore the world.
If you love the movie you’ll be pleased to know the big anthem ‘I Like To Move It’ is there, along with a really great soundtrack. Some of the new tunes, but instantly familiar, are ‘Central Park (Raspberry Clouds)’ Alex the Lion has a solo with the incredibly catchy ‘Steak’. But it was always going to be King Julien’s ‘Move It‘ which had us all clapping and tapping along.
We do want to give a shout out to some of the puppet stars of the show – The Penguins (above). The puppetry is so good and after a few seconds you are completely engaged with the cutest, funniest creatures around. Skippper, Rico, Private, and Kowalski were a little bit of show stealers if were being honest.
The show is a great big hit already, and the audience loved the opening performances. You will however have to Move It, Move It if you want to catch the show.
MADAGASCAR THE MUSICAL is at the Wales Millennium Centre through to the 30th. Only a few performances left in the capital, so once again you’ll need to be quick to get the seats you’d like. For more details and tickets, go HERE.
