| Bonnie & Clyde Saturday May 22, 2022 - Arts Theatre, London | |
| Posted by: PurpleMoney 01:40 pm EDT 06/12/22 | |
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| Let’s talk about the Arts Theatre. This is actually a West End theatre but feels more like a venue in the West Village. I’ve been here a few times. First in 1997 for something called Showstoppers that I have no further memory and then in 2002 for Jesus Hopped The A Train. After that it’s all been performance of Six, three times front row. Why Bonnie & Clyde is here is a mystery. Such a small space for a Broadway-sized musical. For the toilet minded, go somewhere else before the show. Average sized humans will not fit. I used the accessible toilet on the second level this time as I was sat in the circle. With the fan following of Jordan Luke Cage they could have filled a much large venue. I saw Bonnie & Clyde on Broadway in November 2011 with Jeremy Jordan and remember that I enjoyed the show: the score, but not the libretto. What to expect in 2022 with this long-awaited London production? I was about to find out. Jordan Luke Cage, who I know from playing Romeo in &Juliet, did not disappoint. I do with the mostly female fan base would hold back somewhat but it was not an intrusion. Frances Mayli McCann was refreshing as Bonnie. She could play any musical role and would be perfect as Marian in The Music Man. That she doesn’t “look” like the obvious choice for Bonnie, after moments in her presence, I was enthralled. Frances is known for Our Ladies of Perpetual Succour and Eponine in Les Misérables. Her first West End show was Priscilla Queen Of The Dessert in 2009. The cast is also lead by George Maguire as Buck Barrow and Natalie McQueen as Blanche Barrow. Brilliant in their roles. First time for George Maguire but Natalie has never disappointed in past performances of 9 to 5, Kinky Boots and Pippin. She’s been workshopping Dinah in a new production of Starlight Express. I also must praise Ako Mitchell, with the voice of a god, in the small role of Preacher. What does Nick Winston provide to “fix” a failed musical? With a performer’s background his strength is in the performances, and he has the benefit of an extraordinary cast here. A local bloke told me that Jordan Luke Cage was cast for his fan base, or they couldn’t raise the production budge, and he was not the best choice, nor part of the workshop. Back in the Summer of 2017 there was a workshop in London. I was unemployed so no cash for London trips. Jamie Muscato, previously in Bend It Like Beckham Lazarus and Heathers, was Clyde. Jamie is currently playing Vincent Van Gogh in a musical workshop with an eye on the West End in 2023. Ako Mitchell may have been the only holdover from that summer. Mr. Winston has assembled a talented cast. Set design is minimal so it could fit into the Arts. Although unfortunately, we’ve all heard about flying set pieces. Was there choreography? I’d describe it as over-the-top movement. Has the show changed for the better? In my opinion this new production hasn’t improved any aspect of a show I saw 11 years ago on Broadway. I’m happy that London audiences have this opportunity to see it. It’s selling fast for a limited time. *** out of 5 |
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| Link | Frances Mayli McCann |
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