Boogie Nights - the 70s Musical

Boogie Nights is based on the pop music of the 1970s, written by Jon Conway with Shane Richie and Terry Morrison.  The musical premiered at Bromley in November 1997, and debuted on the West End at the Savoy Theatre in October 1998, directed by Jon Conway. 

Boogie Nights was also performed by WYMT (Wakefield Youth Music Theatre) at Wakefield Theatre Royal in September 2008 where it was performed by youths ages 12–19 for 2 weeks and this afternoon EMUS, brought this musical very much to life with their talented, enthusiastic young team (both production and on-stage).

Charlie Pierson provided the beating heart of the production with a very strong acting performance making Roddie  very three dimensional, both cocky and also vulnerable at times, his humour always shone through while not upstaging any of his co-performers.

The other performer who shone through the production was Jorja Foster as Lorraine. Jorja’s vocal performance coupled with a very strong acting performance brought the pathos required to make the emotional depth of this character very real.  

The other principal roles were carried off with confidence and commitment by Holly Pilgrim as Debs the long-suffering girlfriend of Roddie who convincingly portrayed the dilemma of choosing a safe or dynamic life partner.  James Christian as Terry, the joker who is lucky in finding and also ‘keeping’ Trish, another fine performance by Rebecca Groombridge.  Reuben Gotts brought just the right edge to Spenser, Ethan Fletcher who’s Dean was both sympathetic and also not a bland alternative fighting for Debs' affections.  Joe Langley managed the challenge of playing an older  Eamon, convincingly with Michelle Blair providing great support as Mandy. 

These principal performances were strengthened by the depth of talent in the rest of the cast who’s performances added to the energy and dynamic range of the production. The imagination and efforts of Chrissie, Martin, Carol and Georgie in the rehearsal room was evident on stage with great dance and acting performance from the entire company and excellent lighting, sound and backstage team who kept the show flowing seamlessly throughout.

Congratulations all and here’s to ‘High School Musical’ on stage!

 

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