TO WONG FOO @ Hope Mill Theatre, Manchester

 

It seems incredible that it took so long for this musical to have its professional stage debut given the cult of the Drag Queen which now exists in the mainstream.  Based on Douglas Carter Beane's 1995 movie (starring Patrick Swayze and Wesley Snipes) which sees three New York drag queens cross America in a cadillac intent of reaching the Drag Queen of the Year finals in Los Angeles.  Its not quite that simple though, their ageing transport breaks down,  and they are towed to the hick town of Snydersville where they are forced to stay until the engine part the car needs arrives.  The crux of the story is the effect that Vita, Noxeema and Chi Chi (our three drag queens) have on the town, and who think they are real women.  There are of course many comparisons with The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen Of The Desert which debuted the year before To Wong Foo and which went on to be a considerable international hit movie and later stage musical.   But unlike that show,  this musical has an especially composed score by Lewis Flinn (Carter Beane's husband) and the songs serve the story very well as turns out.

 Hope Mill Theatre's limited resources are its greatest strength. The inventiveness with which they have always staged their ambitious projects is to be greatly admired. To Wong Foo is no exception.  Gregory Gale's costumes particularly stood out as the show darted between hicks-ville and chics-ville.  Naturally the trio of drag queens get the best costumes and the best lines. Peter Caulfield's Vita Boheme is the sassiest of the bunch whilst Gregory Haney is a delight as the sharp tongued, world weary Miss Noxeema Jackson.  Bringing up the rear as the 'drag princess' and cock tease Chi Chi Rodriguez, an impressive turn from Pable Goméz Jones. All three performers inhabit their characters, making them far more than one dimensional freaks abroad.  An 18 strong cast deliver a memorable theatre experience.  Stand outs include Carolyn Maitland as Carol Ann,  victim of domestic abuse and dreaming of a better life.  Her heartfelt solo  'Maybe Tomorrow' is a highlight of the production.

 

All musicals need a villain of sorts,  and here we have the excellent Lee Harris as bully husband Ed Earl and Duncan Burt playing to the gallery as drag-phobe Sheriff Dollard - both thankfully get their comeuppance. Susie Fenwick delivers a fine country ballad 'Sweet Dreams' when Clara Pearl (unexpected authority on Hollywood's black actors) finally finds her voice. Lovely performances too from Snydersville young sweethearts Bobby Ray (Alexander Kranz, making his professional debut) and Bobby Lee (Emily Ooi).  Despite mentioning a few standouts, this is a real team effort.  Douglas Carter Beane's direction brings out the best in the characters, whooping up the stage in the musical numbers, but allowing the heart warming personalities of Snydersville to break through in more tender moments.  It is yet another noteable entry in Hope Mill's impressive run of productions.

On this evidence To Wong Foo is here to stay. The musical certainly deserves a wider audience and we hope that Vita, Noxeema and Chi Chi take a road trip and deliver the show to venues far and wide. A hit. 

Rob & Ian