I was blessed with the opportunity to attend the Melbourne premier of Ghost the Musical on Saturday night. I was anticipating stellar vocal performances (this is professional theater in Melbourne after all) and some digital mastery given the supernatural theme of the story. Ghost the Musical delivered these to the max. What I hadn’t anticipated was that a musical theatre performance could so dexterously transport the audience around the globe – to New York City. The Subway, Brooklyn, Harlem – it was all there. It sounds a little silly perhaps, but even though this was live theatre, with a mostly Aussie cast for those few hours I was in fact in New York. How did they do it? With some mighty fine sets, technical expertise and excellent acting performances from the cast that went beyond their singing and dancing prowess.
Ghost the Musical, based on the Oscar winning movie recounts the story of Molly and Sam a young couple in love who are confronted with tragedy. It combines elements of romance, suspense and the supernatural with an impressive musical score. The two main leads, played by Rob Mills and Jemma Rix give powerful performances however it was the ensemble numbers that took my breath away. Dancing bankers wanting “More” who would have thought they could be so compelling?
Wendy Mae Brown who plays Oda Mae Brown (Whoopi Golberg’s character in the musical) has a set of pipes on her to rival Aretha Franklin and the comedic finesse necessary for the role.
Wondering if you should take your kids to see Ghost the Musical? It definitely isn’t a performance for kids. Sexual themes, coarse language and stylized violence mean kids should wait at least until their teens before seeing Ghost the Musical.
Those that consider such things will find the theology of the story simplistic – good people go to heaven while bad people (corrupt bankers and dirty, poor ethnic criminals) deserve to die and go to hell. I could go on and on about this however it is not the place…Ghost the Musical is a piece of mainstream musical theatre and themes such as cherishing love, and the finite condition of our human situation are worthy in themselves.
Attending a performance of Ghost the Musical makes for a wonderful date night, or night out with friends. I recommend it wholeheartedly.
To the cast of triple threat heroes that delivered these performances – well done. To the production team that sent me to New York for just a few hours – thanks a million!
Ghost the Musical is touring Australia now showing at the Regent Theatre. You can book tickets through the website.
Disclaimer: I was gifted with my tickets to Ghost the Musical
I would love to see Ghost the Musical! I enjoyed the movie and it would be amazing to the musical. A great date nice with my hubby.
Dana we don’t get nearly enough date nights so it was wonderful to head out to the theatre.
I loved the movie…bet I’d like the musical too! What a novel concept!
It was great Amy – not a standard family travel blog post but I think date night info can be handy too perhaps?
Ah this remind me of my childhood!! Who didn’t love Ghost when it first came out?! I had no idea they had turned it into a musical, though, sounds like a fun night out for friends.
Yes – it’s toured the Westend and Broadway. Always good fun a bit of nostalgic reminiscing.
That sounds like a fabulous night out! I hope it tours the US!