I love the movie Ghost, but the new musical playing at the Lunt-Fontanne is devoid of magic. The music is tuneless, and the book is a bore. . The sets are spectacular, but in a horror show kind of way. Like a theme park gone array! The music is tuneless and the book (yawn) a bore.Bruce Joel Rubin, the original screenwriter, penned Ghost’s book and lyrics. The music and lyrics are by Dave Stewart, of Eurythmics fame, and Glen Ballard. What was Matthew Warchus thinking when he choose to work on this? Did he not listen to the score? He does the best that he can, but the foundation is too weak. Richard Fleeshman and Caissie Levy star in the roles that Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore made famous in the 1990 film.
Ms. Levy’s Molly and Mr. Fleeshman’s Sam have just moved in together. She is a potter, and Sam is a banker too shy to say, “I love you.” Fate steps in, and he is killed. Sam enlists the psychic Oda Mae Brown, played by the terrific Da’Vine Joy Randolph, to let Molly know that he loves her and to warn her that she is in danger. Meanwhile, his best friend Carl (Bryce Pinkham) has hired a thug (Michael Balderrama) to steal information and cover up the fact that he is embezzling money.
Mr. Fleeshmann and Ms Levy sing well but are boring, so we don’t care about their love story and the songs are mostly unforgettable ballads. The only reason worth seeing this show is that newcomer Da’Vine Joy Randolph will be nominated for a Tony Award. This was the girl’s first audition after Yale. Whoopi Goldberg, won an Oscar for her performance in this role and this girl is going places.
Ashley Wallen’s choreography is forgettable, but the special effects by Paul Kieve, in particular the subway scene, are cool. The sets also have this annoying video wallpaper that just makes you wish for an old-fashion musical. Poof!…..”Nice Work if You Can Get it!
I’ve heard, that the sets have been breaking down every two seconds. Maybe the humans should take the hint that the ghosts of the Lunt-Fontanne don’t want them in residence. Don’t mean to be mean but I do believe in ghosts!
Lunt-Fontanne Theatre, 205 West 46th St.
Posted by Suzanna Bowling
on April 25, 2012. Filed under ENTERTAIMENT,Theatre.
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