Review: GHOST THE MUSICAL - Visual Effects Enhance a Well Written Show

With some spectacular visual effects and thrilling performances, Ghost the musical opened at the Regent Theatre last night in front of an appreciative audience. From the outset Jon Driscoll's video projections set the scene for what is a particularly clever musical both optically and emotionally. While Dave Stewart and Glen Ballard's score isn't overtly memorable there are some stunning melodies that capture characters inner thoughts and feelings and move the action forward, staying faithful to the original film with Bruce Joel Rubin adapting his original screenplay for the stage.

The musical follows the lives of three central characters Sam (Rob Mills) Molly (Jemma Rix) and Sam (David Roberts) and explores the idea of love both in life and an afterlife as a result of Sam being murdered in the process of a mugging. Mills fluctuates in his performance of Sam. In moments he is sublime, weaving effortlessly in and out of the action, in other moments he is let down vocally. Overall though, Mills' portrayal of the iconic character is quite solid. Rix as Molly, his heartbroken lover, plays the role with subtlety and nuance. Her voice is sublime throughout, pristine in its tone, effortlessly conveying her emotional journey. Roberts, brought in for the Melbourne season from London, brings a perfect sense of desperation and neuroticism to the character of Carl.

It is Wendy Mae Brown though who steals the show with her portrayal of Oda Mae Brown . Her comedic timing and interaction with Sam prove to be the highlight of the show. While Brown's musical numbers aren't particularly memorable her vocal delivery of them is phenomenal, her voice soaring throughout the theatre leaving the audience suitably impressed especially in her Act 2 number I'm Outta Here. David Denis as the Subway Ghost also leaves a lasting impression for his eerily sharp portrayal of a particularly fascinating character. The ensemble sing and dance particularly well individually with some wonderful cameo performances throughout the show. However, their synchronicity in choreography is lacking at times, their movement in certain moments looking rushed and flustered.

Ghost the Musical manages to combine incredible illusion thanks to Paul Kieve, with technology and a pretty score to tell a love story in a unique way. It combines impressive effects with a strong dose of love to really hit the heart in moments. It's really refreshing to see a piece of theatre like Ghost in Australia, a work that hasn't always been successful around the world and which could be lost in this country with the more common commercial musicals seemingly favoured. If you're a lover of the movie, or want to witness some pretty spectacular effects then this is a great show to see.

Ghost The Musical

The Regent Theatre Melbourne

Until March 13

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