Curve Theatre Leicester – until 12th October 2024
Reviewed by Amarjeet Singh
3***
Based on the 1990 Oscar-winning movie, the musical adaptation of Ghost has been brought to the stage by the film’s original screenplay writer Bruce Joel Rubin. The story centers around lovers Sam and Molly, who are held up at gunpoint one evening, whilst walking home after Molly’s art exhibition. Caught in a tussle with the attacker, trying to protect Molly, Sam is shot dead. He tries to make sense of what he has become, a ghost, but more importantly, he needs to find a way to protect Molly. His death is not all it seems and Molly is in danger. Enlisting the help of a dubious medium and a terrifying subway ghost, Sam embarks on a journey to save the woman he loves.
Bruce Joel Rubin’s book speedily translates the classic story from screen to stage, retaining key moments which those familiar with the film will recall fondly, whilst taking artistic license with others as needed. However, heavily focusing on Molly and Sam and the love and loss aspect of Ghost really misses out on what made the film an Oscar winner. There are so many characters in this production who are left 2 dimensional with very little light and dark. Integral characters who have scarce motivation for their actions. If you haven’t watched the film, the story as a whole doesn’t quite fit. The relationship between Oda Mae and Sam is sorely underdeveloped. Along with others, it would have been great to have had more character development, giving them depth and enriching the story. In the film, the bond between Sam and Oda Mae is as important as the connection between Sam and Molly.
The set is well done, switching from Sam and Molly’s apartment to a street scene, to an impressive subway train to a bank in the blink of an eye. The special effects are hit and miss. There are moments where you are truly baffled as to where or how certain ghostly things happened and then others where you feel as if you are watching a children’s parlor trick.
The action is accompanied by original music and lyrics created by Rubin alongside Dave Stewart from the Eurythmics and Glen Ballard. Consisting mostly of ballads the songs are not catchy or ones that stick with you. Sung to perfection by the cast, the quality of their performance is what stays with you rather than the songs themselves.
Rebekah Lowings is enchanting as the delicate Molly, her vocals are to die for. Josh St Clair is an endearing Sam, drawing us into his plight effectively. James Mateo-Salt is a deliciously devious Carl, he did his absolute best to inject some depth into the role and was a delight to watch. Les Dennis is the consummate entertainer in his duel roles as hospital ghost and Lionel but its Jacqui Dubois who steals the show as Oda Mae Brown. Larger than life, medium to the dead, she embodies the role to perfection.
There is thunderous applause as the dulcet tones of unchained melody rings out across the theatre, there are tears and a standing ovation. Ghost will have you feeling the love…or at least ditto.