Ghost The Musical

Ghost the Musical is a timeless fantasy about the power of love. Based on the classic 90’s film written by Bruce Joel Rubin. Long-time couple Sam and Molly are happily in love and living together in Brooklyn. Walking back to their apartment one night, they are mugged at gunpoint, leaving Sam murdered on a dark street. Sam is trapped between this world and the next as a ghost and unable to leave Molly--- who he quickly learns is in grave danger. With the help of a storefront psychic named Oda Mae Brown, Sam tries to communicate with Molly in the hope of protecting her. Featuring such popular songs as “With You” and the Righteous Brothers’ classic “Unchained Melody,” this powerful love story is a firm favourite of mine.

A warm welcome was received from cast members selling programs and by Producer Paul Coleman at the South Holland Centre. (Spalding) The programme was informative, colourful, and enriching, designed by Chloe Robinson. It included information about NODA, local businesses, sponsors, and a thank you to companies and people who had helped bring the show together.  We found our seats and relished seeing an almost full house for this, the second night.

Rob Nicholls directs this production, and he masterfully brings the story alive with excellent musical interpretation, fabulous acting, tremendous stage lighting, and effects. From the first number to the ultimate ethereal climax, the whole show was deeply emotional.

Sam Wheat played by Rob Callaby and Molly Jensen played by Dominique Spinks are deeply in love. Their history together is full of happy memories, and a newly shared apartment in Brooklyn. Rob and Dom played their roles to perfection. Sweet, tender, and believable. Perhaps the only downside to their idyllic existence is Sam's inability to tell Molly that he loves her, only ever using the word "ditto". Sam works with Carl Bruner, brilliantly performed by Charlie Russell, who is a good friend of them both, (or so we think!) The three lead actors create wonderful chemistry on stage and Rob Nicholls direction is superb, generating their very believable relationship.

Out together one night, Sam and Molly are set upon by a mugger, intent on stealing Sam's wallet. Sam offers him money, but this is not enough for Willie Lopez, played with great energy by Mena Ghabbour, shots ring out and Sam staggers away from Willie, he notices that Molly is crouched desperately over a body. His body. This dramatic switch was dramatic,  slick, with the lighting and sound effects managed really well. For the rest of the show, Sam is a ghost, he can’t be seen or heard by other characters until he meets other ghosts who are also stuck in this apparent limbo. The first is at the hospital, a friendly ghost played by Geran Jackson, who explains about his current situation. Gerans song ‘Ball of Wax’ was really well sung by Geran and although fairly new to SADOS, I suspect he is a talent to watch. Sam begins to learn how the spirit world works, but he cannot do the one thing that he needs to do, which is communicate with Molly. By this point in the show it is clear the musical element was so good, I thought I was seeing a professional show. Kay woods, vocal coach, had obviously worked hard with all the players to produce a solid ensemble performance and lead singers who were wonderful to hear.

Oda Mae Brown, a dodgy psychic played by Colleen Nicholls, specialises in conning money out of vulnerable widows. Sam realises that Oda Mae can hear him, and he persuades her to visit Molly to warn her of the danger she is in. Colleen was funny, a great comic actress with excellent timing and actions that had the audience roaring with laughter and an astounding musical performance. Oda Mae has two helpers, Clara played by Sam Strudwick and Louise played by Lauren Lee, who’s reactions and voices complimented Colleen’s comic performance. Their song ‘Are You A Believer’ was brilliant, sizzling with energy and with Mrs Santiago played by Donna Robinson the scene was loudly applauded by the appreciative audience.

Sam meets another violent ghost played with skill by Andrew Rudd, who fizzed with energy. He can move objects with psychic ability.  On-stage effects included, large objects rising from the floor, papers exploding into the air and items falling off tables without seemingly, being touched. This subway station scene was excellent. Andrew and Rob's physical moves, timing, and voices were fantastic.  Later with his help, Sam learns how to move objects with the power of his mind. Andrew’s song ‘Focus’ was another delightful and dramatic performance. (Andrew's best performance yet!) Sam can now protect Molly by moving objects to protect her before beginning to haunt Carl, fighting him and typing the word 'murderer' onto his computer screen.

The first act comes to a crescendo with Molly, Carl, Sam and the highly talented ensemble singing Suspend my Disbelief/I had a Life, I found I was holding my breath and completely caught up in the moment. Wonderful.

The band was conducted by Karl Gernert (also on keys), Gary De-Vanche (keys), Kimberley Jacob, (reeds), Martin Walters, (trumpet), Becky Brown, (violin), Sophie Love, (cello), Tom Wakley, (guitar), Phil Winfield, (bass), and Tom Simpson (drums/percussion) produced a fantastic sound, performed really well and it was lovely to hear a live band play this musical.  Well done.

Act 2 opens with ‘Rain’ / ‘Hold On’. A brilliantly choreographed number with the full ensemble, umbrellas, and rain effect. Samuel Michael-John Collins produced, in my opinion, the best choreography I have ever seen in a SADOS show. Extraordinary, emotive, and very effective. What a talent!

Gradually Carl becomes more desperate and unhinged, Charlie’s manic performance was mesmerising, and the frantic actions he chooses put Molly in danger and make Sam more desperate to save her. The tension in this part of the show was tremendous, I felt their pain and desperation, just bursting off the stage.

The ensemble, Rebecca Jones (great vocals), Hannah Wickham, David Wearn, Hayley Reed, Heather Small, Molly Smith (beautiful body language), Paul Roberts, Sian Groves, (great performance), Teigan Coupland, (smiler) were all amazing. I loved every opportunity to see them dance, hear them sing, and act out the performance perfectly. Natalie Mills also took on the role of the bank clerk, a lovely cameo role which she did very well. I loved the Nuns, ghosts, policeman, and other roles that enhanced the story with convincing dramatic performances. I particularly loved the demons, who quite scarily carried off the baddies.

The iconic scene where Molly throws a piece of clay, whilst Sam is beside her, singing ‘Unchained Melody’ was breathtaking, the emotion and vocals were brilliant.  Well done Dom for learning how to throw a pot!

Backstage crew Kip Barrs, Tori Callaby, Shanno Jackson, Andy Nicholson, Hannah Hards, and Matt (last minute stand in!), managed the huge amount of scene changes with a slickness that would be enviable on the West End. A few wobbles from the main flats, but I suspect this will smooth out during the rest of the run. A Brooklyn loft, a hospital, a subway, a street, a bank, the New York skyline, down town apartment, and more, excellent.  Rob used the whole auditorium,  to enhance the action.  The near stage boxes were utilised as office space and upstairs locations, the aisle was brought to life by the ensemble in one number.  This brought a very dynamic element to the show, well done.

Finally, Sam and Molly realise that it is time for them to say goodbye for the last time. Sam thanks Oda Mae and, for the first time, he is able to tell Molly that he loves her, before ascending up into the light of happiness and eternal life. The projected effects, the lighting, the voices from the lead characters, and the ensemble were magnificent. ‘The Love Inside’, probably one of my favourite numbers, brought tears to my eyes.

Overall, a wonderful return to the stage for SADOS. Such talented creatives and supporting committee members.  An amateur performance, yet a professional standard. Keep it up.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.