BWW Reviews: GHOST, THE MUSICAL at SoLuna Studio

It is a brave decision for a local theatre to take on a show that was not exactly well received for its Broadway run. However, it seems that if it is derived from a popular movie it is certainly worth the risk and, in the end, people will attend the show. In seeing Ghost, The Musical at SoLuna Studio, you will see it is an excellent decision to add this show to their 2015 season.

Currently running through June 7th at the adorable, intimate Hauppauge, Long Island, venue, this Karen Braun directed incarnation boasts an incredibly gifted cast. Matt Henningsen and Michele Rubino portray Sam Wheat and Molly Jensen, the roles made popular by Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore in the iconic 1990 movie. Sam unwittingly gets involved in a money scam and his attempt, in the "after life", to protect Molly from some dangerous people is the focus of the story. Mr. Henningsen and Ms. Rubino (alternating the role with Ally Uss) are both fine in their respective roles. Strong voices and believable chemistry make them natural choices for the Bruce Joel Rubin/ Dave Stewart/ Glen Ballard score.

Also part of the cast is talented SoLuna vet Jahlil Burke as Carl, Sam's co-worker, friend, and, oh yeah, orchestrator of Sam's murder. Carl owes drug dealers money and is extorting it from the bank they work and Sam innocently comes within a whisper of finding out. Mr. Burke is wonderful in the role and shines on the songs he is included in like "More" and "Life Turns On A Dime". Highlights among cast also include Selma Jaber as Oda Mae Brown, Whoopi Goldberg's award winning role from the movie. A favorite among the audience was her show stopping number "I'm Outta Here".

Everyone in the cast truly did a fantastic job.

The stage is well equipped to take on this show and it relies heavily on graphic projections which are operated by Megan Pietroforte. The cast also moves pieces around for Molly's apartment and Sam's office. Ms. Pietroforte's lighting give the proper atmosphere and Ms. Braun's choreography filled the stage beautifully.

So, personally, I was thrilled to see Ghost, The Musical having missed it on Broadway due to its short run. Is some of it "forgettable" as I have read in reviews? Perhaps, but that is the fault of the creators. When you have a top notch cast as SoLuna does, you will always have a thrilling night of theatre.

The Long Island premier of Ghost, The Musical is presented by SoLuna Studio of Hauppauge, Long Island, through June 7th. Book & Lyrics by Bruce Joel Rubin, Music & Lyrics by Dave Stewart and Glen Ballard, Directed by Karen Braun, Choreography and Costumes by Karen Braun, Music Direction by Danny Passadino, Stage Management/Assistant to Director by Tyler Mooney, Fight Choreography by Mark Maurice, Assistant Musical Director is Dan Kiernan, Assistant Choreographer is Nick Caron, Lighting and Sound Design by Megan Pietroforte, Projections provided by Broadway Motion Design. For more information and to purchase tickets, please call (631) 761-6602 or visit www.solunastudiony.com.

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