I was delighted to catch he World Premiere of a new ALW musical which is always an event, even if the finished product is not to everyone's taste.
I also would not normally report from a first preview as I believe in letting the creative team do their bit during previews to fix what needs to be mended. That being said, STEPHEN WARD has obviously been relatively "frozen" as the cast recording has already been done and as most of know, ALW shows rarely change during previews.
I am sad to say that while STEPHEN WARD is not a train wreck in the mode of recent musicals such as FROM HERE TO ETERNITY or CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY, it is also a huge disappointment.
The story is a terrific one to make into a musical but so many angles of this fascinating story have been missed. While book is serviceable and the performances are terrific (especially the three leads and great turn by the terribly under-used Joanna Riding), the score is uneven and the design quite hideous. I have rarely seen a cheaper or tackier set in a West End show, particularly a show boasting and ALW score. It is primary a set of purplish curtains with projections that look muddled and unfocused with he occasional set piece. Perhaps this was a technical issue but still, not attractive except for the press/crowd scene which happens all too briefly in Act Two.
I had hoped that given the subject matter, ALW would deliver a daring score along the lines of EVITA or SUNSET BLVD and based on the opening number, the haunting "Human Sacrifice" I was excited about what could follow. Sadly the first act was death by ballads, most of which started simply and softly then went nowhere. Out of the 20 some-odd songs only a few truly land.
That being said, STEPHEN WARD may have a weak score but as a show I enjoyed it more than LOVE NEVER DIES and as much as WOMAN IN WHITE.
If you are not an ALW fan, this show will likely not change your mind but if you are, you might be a bit disappointed.
Criticisms aside, I applaud Lloyd Webber and his team for at least attempting a musical with a daring and interesting subject matter, even if it leaves you with more questions than answers.
|