The King’s Theatre Glasgow – until 15 September 2018
Reviewed by Linda McLaughlan
5*****
‘truly outstanding performances from the entire cast’
At the beginning of the evening I was apprehensive as to how they would create a musical from an iconic movie such as An Officer and A Gentleman. The theatre was packed with an anticipating audience waiting for the performance to begin. As we waited there was shots of 80’s America displayed in the background with some iconic characters ranging from presidents to pop stars and the America signage promoting the army and navy.
Like the film the show began with some new recruits arriving on the bus to begin their training and attempt to get through naval college and get the opportunity fly jets ………. But first they had to survive the arduous training and also Training Sergeant Foley (played by Ray Shell). We get to meet the main characters of the film and show in the shape of Zak Maye (played by Jonny Fines), Sid Worley (played by Ian McIntosh), Paula Porkrifki (played by Emma Williams) and Lynette Pomrey (played by Jessica Daley).
My fears of how they turn this movie into a musical quickly dissipated as the story unfolded with some classic songs and musical score such as Hearts on Fire, Blaze of Glory, Girls Just Want to Have Fun, Kids in America and Up Were We Belong to name just a few of the spectacular musical score. What I found very impressive was how these had been inserted at just the right moment and were very relevant to what was being played out on the stage.
Would I recommend this show? Most Definitely yes and I will happily go and see the outstanding performances again……. Not too be missed