Undying passion: A review of Ghost the Musical (by a hopeless romantic)

Growing up in the 90s, I had my fair share of romantic movies that I did not quite understand (probably due to my lack of comprehension of what love was back then). Of all the sappy old love songs that I hear over the radio or on TV, one of the most unforgettable tunes had to be that of “Unchained Melody” by the Righteous Brothers. In fact, I must have heard it on repeat such that I have subconsciously managed to remember every single part of the lyrics.

Which brings me to my point of this blog post. I was at the gala opening night of Ghost the Musical last Thursday night by invitation, thanks to BASE Entertainment Asia. I knew about the musical through television adverts and remember pointing at the screen excitedly when I saw the disappearing act of the main lead behind those doors. I have a thing for musicals and stage productions, but never witnessed anything like that before. I knew I had to watch that show, although I had no recollection of the original movie starring Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore. So when Alvin asked if I was keen to review the show, I obliged without hesitation.

Turned out that I was not at all disappointed. The plot of the story is not one that is full of twists and modern complexities. It is rather one that drives straight to the point: A couple wrapped up in amorous passion gets into trouble one night when the male lead Sam Wheat (played by Liam Doyle) is mugged and murdered. Sam’s ghost becomes the leading character throughout the entire musical production as we follow him “through” doors, onto a “train from hell” and more importantly witness his heart-wrenching and uncompromising care for his love, Molly Jansen (played by Lucie Jones), whom he knows is in grave danger.

Sam gets help from a phony storefront psychic and she goes on to steal the whole show. End of story. Nah, I’m kidding. But it is hard not to like Odo Mae Brown (played by Wendy Mae Brown). This woman has got it all. With her funny antics and powerful vocals on stage, she will leave you in stitches and make you want more! I love the eccentricity of her character and her flamboyance is a striking contrast to the other characters.

Also, the Singapore cast features Lucie Jones as Molly Jansen, and I am absolutely impressed by her rendition of “With You”, a deep soul-stirring version of what it feels like to lose a loved one when you wake up in the morning. I first noticed Lucie in X Factor UK 2009 where her audition of Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You” wowed crowds. There is this vulnerability in her voice that fits her character perfectly, and I urge you to look out for this rising broadway star.

Ghost The Musical is directed by Tony Award-winner Matthew Warchus (Matilda, God of Carnage, The Norman Conquests, Boeing-Boeing) and choreographed by Ashley Wallen (“The X Factor”, Kylie Minogue, Seal, Madonna’s film WE). Illusions are created by leading stage and film illusionist, Paul Kieve (Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Matilda the Musical).

There are so many dizzying theatrics and psychedelic effects on stage it made me wonder if I was watching a magic show in disguise. You see characters levitate, you see inanimate objects fly off shelves, and you feel your heart thumping with excitement. Ghost The Musical promises to deliver its stage effects like no other, and methinks it certainly lives up to the hype.

I can go on and on about how wonderful this show is, but really, my words lend little weight to the theatre atmosphere I felt that night. My sister, whom I brought along that night may have echoed my sentiments more aptly:

“Have never had so many patterns of laughter-sorrow-laughter-sorrow” in an entire musical show! So much so that I gulped down the beer within minutes to clap and laugh heartily.”

So yes, if you have a penchant for sentimental love stories coupled with unparalleled stage effects, then this is a must to watch. Just remember to bring along a hankie.

Ghost the Musical is showing till 15 November 2015 at Sands Theatre, MasterCard Theatres at Marina Bay Sands. Tickets start at $85 and can be purchased through SISTIC at www.sistic.com.sg