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.

The iconic pottery scene where starcrossed lovers sway to the grooves of “Unchained Melody”

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.

Good old disco psychic pop queen in the house

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.

Liam Doyle shows you how to get through doors without turning the knob

 

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.”

One for the girls: Modern day apparition oozing of sexiness. Liam Doyle will win you in a heartbeat with his display of tender affection.

 

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.

height=315

 

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

 

Anson Ong

Recent Posts

CASETiFY’s Biggest Sale of the Year – 11.11 Sale is Here!

Boost your device protection with CASETiFY's 11.11 sale—featuring trendy, sleek, high-tech designs that blend style…

3 hours ago

Celebrate 15 Years of Highlight: Exclusive Cinema Screening of “Lights Go On Again” at Golden Village

Golden Village presents an exclusive cinematic experience for K-pop fans as Highlight’s 15th-anniversary concert “Lights…

7 hours ago

Jung Beauty Launches Damage Repair Keratin Shampoo with Oat, Black Bean, and Probiotics

Jung Beauty, the Korean beauty brand under Ksisters, has expanded its hair care lineup with…

8 hours ago

Razer Unveils the Viper V3 Pro Sentinels Edition – Honoring Esports Excellence

Razer has teamed up with esports team Sentinels to launch the Razer Viper V3 Pro…

9 hours ago

Deliveroo Singapore Expands to Retail with New ‘Deliveroo Shopping’ Feature, Marking 9th Anniversary Milestone

Deliveroo Singapore celebrates its 9th anniversary with a major expansion into retail delivery, launching ‘Deliveroo…

10 hours ago

Rediscover Singapore’s Cultural Heritage: My Community Festival 2024 Returns with Over 100 Unique Experiences

Explore Singapore's hidden cultural stories with the return of My Community Festival (MCF) from 1…

12 hours ago