Movies into musicals is now a genre in its own right, some would say that like the jukebox musical, it is killing creativity. However, these adaptations are instantly sellable. In a world where we need to know what we are getting before we invest, they are massive sellers to the public at large. It must have been a bit of a no brainer when in 2011 the first production of Ghost The Musical hit the stage. The 1990 movie starring Patrick Swayze, Demi Moore and an Oscar winning Whoopi Goldberg has proved one of the most popular of all time. A true weepie about the enduring power of love and loss. So no pressure there than for the creative team of Bruce Joel Rubin (book and lyrics), The Eurythmics' Dave Stewart and Glen Ballard (music and lyrics).
This production by the late great Bill Kenwright has been touring the UK for a few years now on and off, audiences still though flock back to the show, proving that you can't keep a good show down.
In case there is anyone out there who is not aware of the plot, banker Sam Wheat is killed by a mugger in New York in front of is fiance Molly Jenson. But Sam is trapped between worlds, unable to communicate with anyone other than his fellow ghosts who haunt the streets and subways of NYC. However, a meeting with a reluctant psychic Oda Mae Brown sees Sam able to communitcate from the other side. As he and Oda Mae soon discover, his death is more than just a tragic circumstance, it is part of a deeper plot by his best friend Carl to defraud the bank at which they work of millions, and which puts Molly's life in danger.
The characters are so clearly defined in the movie by Swayze, Moore and Goldberg that it is no easy task to persuade audiences that other actors are now in charge. However, this production is blessed with the talents of formidable leads. Rebekah Lowings returns to the roll of Molly, and is a double threat. She can convey the yearning grief which consumes us all when it comes to the loss of a loved one and sing like an angel at the same time. She has several solo ballad moments, and of these 'Will You' is probably the highlight. She is lucky to play opposite the tall and rugged Josh St. Clair taking on Swayze's role of Sam Wheat. Again, this guy can sing, and his duets with Lowings portray the chemistry between Molly and Sam which are the very centre of the show. The comic tour de force of Jacqui Dubois brings Oda Mae to life, giving us a smattering of Whoopi whilst also making the character her own. Oda Mae has been conning people with her fake pyschic powers for years and isn't too thrilled to find she has a real connection to Sam. She may be a Medium but in other repects Dubois possesses big attitude, big voice and gets most of the big laughs. She has the audience on her side from the moment she steps out and performs 'Are You A Believer?' to a gullable widow.
Perhaps the most difficult role in the piece is Carl Brunner, Sam's banking friend and colleague who is the villain of the piece. James Mateo-Salt skilfully manages to convey the increasing panic and desperation of Carl as he is threatened with the exposure of his banking fraud by Sam from beyond the grave. Completing the major characters are Jules Brown as the killer hoodlem Willie Lopez, Garry Lee as the manic Subway Ghost and comedy legend Les Dennis who steps into the duel roles of Hospital Ghost and banking boss Lionel Ferguson with ease. Each of them bring another layer to this morality tale.
Director Bob Thomson makes sure the characters don't veer too far from the familiar, with Mark Bailey's set and Nick Richings lighting playing a large part in convincing us Sam is no longer an earthly presence with clever tricks and illusions in place of the movie's special effects. The score by Stewart, Ballard and Rubin contains serviceable songs, none which linger much past the exit door, but are certainly pleasant listens. 'Here Right Now' might be perhaps the one song which people will go out humming. However, the one jewel is of course the arrival of 'Unchained Melody' in several forms during the evening. The Righteous Brothers 1965 classic is a focal point of the movie and remains so in the stage version. Did we have a tear when Sam finally ascends to the other side? You bet we did!
Ghost, movie and musical, allows us to buy into the notion that our loved ones are still with us, and will be waiting for us. Something we'd all like to believe. This production is tastefully produced, gives us the feels and earned itself a standing ovation at the end of the show. For two hours at least, we did believe. Amen to that!
Rob & Ian
2024 and 2025 tour details can be found at the BILL KENWRIGHT WEBSITE
Further listening:
It can only be the original West End cast recording, the only English language version available, recorded in 2011 and featuring Richard Fleeshman, Caissie Levy and Sharon D. Clarke as Oda Mae Brown. Two German language cast albums (2017 & 2022) have also been released. Purchase options for all versions can be found by clicking on the cover below.
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