I CAUGHT this version of GHOST earlier on in its 2024/5 tour and was intrigued to see how well it was travelling a few months down the line – I’m pleased to say it has lost none of its magic.
GHOST was of course the 1990 movie that breathed new life into the Isley Brothers hit ‘Unchained Melody’, turning it into one of the greatest love ballads ever composed and surely the most sung classic for us ‘boom generation’ shower singers.
The cast was iconic too, with Demi Moore as Molly, Patrick Swayze as Sam and Oscar winner Whoopie Goldberg as Odo Mae Brown.
Picture by Alastair Muir. sBruce Joel Rubin wrote the original screenplay and 20 years later wrote the book for the stage version, sharing the lyric writing with composers Dave Stewart and Glen Ballard. It opened at Manchester Opera House barely a year after Patrick Swayze sadly died of pancreatic cancer and won several Olivier’s – including best new musical.
Rubin didn’t want GHOST – The Musical to just be a jukebox version of the movie, which is why he resisted working on it for so long – and all the better it is to for his stance. Save for ‘Unchained Melody’, all the songs were new and added depth to the storyline, making the musical a stand-alone classic.
This latest tour by the late Bill Kenwright’s production company is directed by Bob Tomson who adds plenty of thrills and panache to the iconic love story.
Picture by Alastair Muir. sHe is supported by an exceptional creative team including an awesome multi-location New York set from designer Mark Bailey, lit superbly by Nick Richings with an excellent soundscape from Dan Samson and stunning illusions by Richard Pinner. There’s high-energy choreography by Alistair David and a wonderful band driven by MD, Jordan Alexander making this GHOST a dream team indeed.
Rebekah Lowings ticks all the boxes as our heroine Molly Jenson. Warm and full in both characterisation and vocals, she takes us with her on her journey of understanding when she is robbed of the man she wants to marry in a street shooting. All before he would said the three little words she wanted to hear from him as well!
Josh St Clair truly makes the part of the murdered lover Sam Wheat his own as we follow his journey to the realisation that he is a ghost – but one who won’t move on, leaving Molly in danger.
Picture by Alastair Muir. sThe medium Oda Mae Brown who acts as go between Sam and Molly is a tour-de-force by Jacqui Dubois. She brings laughter and sunshine with a voice full of rich soul.
From a totally competent company and outside of the principals there are stand out performances from Garry Lee as the subway ghost and hospital ghost, Tim Maxwell-Clark.
GHOST is crammed full of vibrance, passion and tension with an ending to bring a tear to every eye as Sam finally tells Molly the three words she so wants to hear before he disappears into the stars. You don’t need me to tell you what they are.
Picture by Alastair Muir. sGHOST is not just a musical for a girls’ night out – it’s for soft hearts of all ages and genders. Unchained magic as well as melody
GHOST runs at Birmingham’s Alexandra Theatre until Saturday (April 5). Click here for times, tickets and more.
