Streaming online 23 – 27 April
3***
Reviewed by Claire Roderick
Joey Contreras’ song cycle In Pieces follows eight characters through the ups and downs of relationships. Directed by Louis Rayneau, there are some wonderful moments, although that is down to the cast and their performances rather than the music.
With Kidzania standing in quite effectively for a New York mall, there is a studio feel to the film, even if some sets make the cast appear giants. There is no dialogue between songs, but the paths of the characters’ relationships become clear through the songs. Rachel Sargent’s choreography is energetic and fun. Up tempo pop tunes and sweet ballads follow a familiar template, but there are a few real bangers thrown in, in a mixed bag of numbers that need a little exposition in between to produce a slicker and more coherent show as at the moment it doesn’t quite gel.
The cast are outstanding, with Luke Street and Hilba Elchikhe taking us through the breakup of a relationship in great style, while Ross Harmon’s shy geek and troubled Mr Popular Jordan Luke Gage explore their feelings for each other, Kyle Birch performs ballads about unrequited love beautifully, Becky Lane has some comedy numbers about the awkwardness of love, and Danielle Steers fills her big number with passion and emotion. The group numbers are the standout moments, with Hilba Elchikhe, Amy Di Bartolomeo and Danielle Steers harmonising brilliantly on Like You Don’t Miss Me, and Amy Di Bartolomeo and the cast sharing experiences of love and repeating mistakes in the stunning Singing the Same Line.
Lifted by the wonderful cast, In Pieces is lots of fun and an enjoyable show, but with a decent book and a few more special tunes this could become a great show