Leeds Playhouse
Reviewed by Dawn Smallwood
4****
In Dreams is a new musical written by David West Read, directed by Luke Shepphard and based on the music and songs by Roy Orbison. This musical is making its debut at the Leeds Playhouse.
The story is centred around a Mexican restaurant which also serves as a memorial service, in the US Deep Southwest. It follows Kenna (Lena Hall), a lead singer of the band Heartbreak Radio, and she is seriously ill. She is drawn to the Mexican rituals which includes celebrations of deceased loved ones. Kenna is acquainted with Oscar (Manuel Pacific) and his wife and mother to be Nicole (Gabriela García) and his grandmother Ana Sofia (Alma Cuervo) whom are owners of the restaurant and memorial service.
The story unravels with Kenna’s musical past including her former bandmates; Jane (Sian Reese-Williams and Donavan (Noël Sullivan) whom are husband and wife, and Ramsey (Oliver Tompsett) who is her ex-partner. They have been invited to Kenna’s “leaving party” at the restaurant. Another visitor to the restaurant is George (Richard Trinder) who reflects on his late wife and is currently seeking love and companionship.
Roy Orbison’s songs and music is cleverly arranged and set to the story and the characters’ state of minds and emotions. The musical numbers feature a wide range of Roy Orbison’s songs; some well-known, You Got it and Oh, Pretty Woman, and others not as familiar. The songs and music are placed well into the story and under the common theme of dreams which is echoed throughout.
Traditionally the Mexican culture and traditions includes Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) every year on the 2nd of November. These were interlinked by all the characters in the story with observation and celebration; remembering dead loved ones and celebrating the present no matter what adversary and challenges one faces, individually and collectively.
Every member of the cast gives their full commitment and energy to this well projected performance. The production is timely choreographed and thoroughly directed, courtesy of Shepphard and Fabian Aloise. Arnulfo Maldonado’s staging compliments the backdrop to the show with Howard Hudson’s lighting, Tom Marshall’s soundscapes and George Reeves’s videography.
In Dreams is certainly well received by the audience and Roy Orbison’s songs and music work very well in this production. The musical encourages and dares people to dream life and celebrate the now as well as in the past and in the future.