Cry-Baby The Musical

It’s always exciting to see something new and in “Cry-Baby the Musical” we were introduced to a fast paced satirical comedy based on the Jonny Depp film of the same name. I didn’t have a synopsis so hopefully I have picked up the correct story line but it was a bad boy meets and falls for prim and proper girl story reminiscent of Grease and West Side story but that’s where the similarity ended in this crazy comedy. Based in post war Baltimore and written by the same writers as Hairspray, the music was very “rockabilly” in style and certainly indicative of the 50’s decade the show is set in. 

The set consisted of rostra at different levels and an interchangeable sign to let us know where the action was taking place. This together with special lighting highlighted the different performance areas so that the action was continuous. Sound quality was good throughout and the musical accompaniment was in the safe hands of Chinami and a five piece band making a great sound. Costumes definitely reflected the period and there was good attention to detail with them, everyone looked great (just a minor exception, the judge’s wig, they haven’t worn them in the USA since the 19th century).  The choreography was enjoyable throughout making the most of the limited space especially in the full company numbers and the “Jailyard Jubilee” tap dance in Act 2 with number plates was a real highlight, so interesting to watch and very well performed.

The opening number “Anti Polio Picnic” set the tone for the crazy journey this show takes you on and introduced us to the full company as well as the key players. The two groups of teens, the rebellious “Drapes” and the squeaky clean uptight “Squares” clash and when Alison the sweet girl next door falls in love with Cry-Baby the leader of the Drapes it means trouble. Katherine Donald as Alison looked the part and gave excellent vocal performances showing her range of singing skills in the changes in the different styles of numbers she performed throughout the show. Gender blind casting of the show saw Anya Siou in the title role of the mysterious and misunderstood Cry-baby, Anya proved what a versatile performer she is and although the songs were at the bottom of her range she sang them really well. She had also perfected her “Elvis” type moves as the rock star performer and oozed charisma.  Cry-baby’s gang members “Pepper” Emily Smith, “Mona” Becky Howarth and “Wanda” Eleanor Adamson were the dysfunctional group of Drapes girls. They gave three entirely individual character performances which worked really well together and didn’t fail to make the audience laugh in every scene they appeared in. Becky wearing full face bandages was hilarious, well done girls. James Cooper played the steadfast sidekick to Cry-baby and also the emcee for the Drapes hangout “Turkey point”, he helped defer the attentions of “Leonora Frigid” played by Sheralyn Cooper as she pursued her unhealthy infatuation with Cry-baby. Sheralyn was hilarious in this role, her song “Screw Loose” had great vocals and physical comedy. Lauren Benson was cast as Alison’s grandmother and although playing a part much older than her young age she did very well and delivered a really strong performance. As leader of the “Whiffles”, a close harmony group, Lily Langers was excellent, she convincingly portrayed an uptight admirer of Alison’s who was desperate for her attention, another very versatile young performer; together with the other “Whiffles” – Rowan Allon , Cara Moody and Alex Rochester - they made a great close harmony sound. Well done to all of the supporting characters and ensemble, I know that there were many new members and everyone did well covering sometimes several cameo roles and the musical numbers were well performed with great energy throughout.  

Congratulations to the entire production team and company for bringing together something different and challenging, it was clear to see that a lot of hard work had gone into it. Well done Adam on your directorial debut, you did a great job!

I am very much looking forward to seeing “SIX Teen” and so pleased to see that the pantomime is making a return!  

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