Ghost the Musical UK Tour

Ghost the Musical UK Tour
Wolverhampton Grand Theatre
Saturday 8th June 2013
Dress Circle B39

GHOST the musical arrived at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre last week for the Midlands Premiere for this innovative and exciting 2013 touring production. Based on the film of the same name, the 1990 movie GHOST starred Patrick Swayze, Demi Moore and Whoopi Goldberg in the principal roles of this timeless and enchanting love story. Walking back to their Brooklyn apartment one night, lovers Sam and Molly (Swayze and Moore) are mugged, leaving Sam brutally murdered in a dark alley. Sam finds himself trapped as a ghost between the human and spirit world and through the aid of psychic, Oda Mae Brown (Goldberg), Sam tries to save and protect Molly in the hope of solving the plot of his own murder. 

Swayze and Moore in the original movie

GHOST the musical started its life at The Manchester Opera House in 2011 before transferring to London's West End for a short lived run of just over 500 performances, closing October 2012. It then transferred to Broadway taking across the pond principals Caissie Levy and Richard Fleeshman to reprise their roles as Molly and Sam. After seeing the London production in December 2011 I fell in love with the soundtrack and beautiful adaptation of the iconic film and I was sceptical how this extremely technical show would transfer for the road. I was however in no aspect disappointed with this production - which I would go as far to say is the best touring show I have seen this year!

Levy and Fleeshman in the West End Production

Adapted for the stage by Bruce Joel Rubin, GHOST is directed by Matthew Warchus with Christopher Nightingale as Music Supervisor and Arranger, and Choreography by Ashley Wallen. For me Wallen's innovative choreography keeps the production very current and with fusions of jazz, street and contemporary musical theatre movement brings the iconic story into the 21st century. This production is extremely technical with phenomenal lighting and sound effects by Hugh Vanstone and Bobby Aitken. However applause must be given to the 'Out of this World' theatrical illusions by Paul Kieve allowing Sam Wheat to walk through doors amongst other ghostly goings on! You have to see it to believe it!

Clarke and Trehearn in the UK Tour

Leading this fantastic company are Rebecca Trehearn and Stewart Clarke in the roles of Molly and Sam. Both actors complement each other beautifully and Trehearn's raw, emotional portrayal of 'With You' is breathtakingly stunning. After covering the role of Molly in the West End production Trehearn gives no understudy performance and puts her own spin on the role. Clarke is a strong leading man and presents Sam's heartbreak, anguish and anger perfectly. He is very well matched alongside David Roberts villainous portrayl of Carl who excelled as the slimy banker.

Wendy Mae Brown as Oda Mae Brown and Company

However the star of this show is Wendy Mae Brown in the role of Oda Mae. Her vocals and comic timing are second to none and she provides the audience with much needed humorous outbursts amongst the heart wrenching plot. Her outfits and wigs are flamboyant and garish and Brown's personality is as colourful as her costumes. Standout production numbers 'I'm outta here', 'Rain/Hold on' and 'More' alongside the old faithful 'Unchained Medley' prove GHOST to be a hit with audience members young and old. 

This production is simply stunning....don't miss this weeks ghostly goings on at the Grand before it ventures on to haunt other UK Theatres. At the Wolverhampton Grand til June 15th.