Ghost The Musical

Ghost The Musical is a poignant and supernatural love story based on the 1990 film Ghost. It follows Sam Wheat, a banker, and Molly Jensen, an artist, who are deeply in love and living together in Brooklyn. Their world shatters when Sam is murdered during a mugging gone wrong. But instead of moving on, Sam becomes a ghost—trapped between worlds and desperate to protect Molly, who is still in danger. Unable to communicate with the living, Sam turns to the eccentric psychic Oda Mae Brown, who unexpectedly discovers she can hear him. With her help, Sam tries to warn Molly and uncover the truth behind his death. The musical blends romance, suspense, and humour, all underscored by a haunting score that includes the iconic “Unchained Melody.”

NK Theatre Arts warmly greeted myself and my guest, making the experience personal and welcoming from the very start—thank you to Kirsty Reilly for your continued hospitality and dedication to the audience’s comfort. Upon taking our seats, we were met with an open stage design that featured the show title projected in the background, with the dimly lit ambiance setting the perfect mood for the story about to unfold. The musical begins with the entrance of Sam Wheat and Molly Jensen moving into their new Brooklyn apartment. The striking opening number, ‘Here Right Now’, perfectly set the tone for their intimate relationship on stage. This lovely duet was sung with vocal control and projection by Matthew McGoldrick and Holly Murphy, who captured the raw tenderness and hopeful beginnings of the couple’s journey. Matthew’s voice had a beautifully rich timbre, while there were moments when Holly’s volume dipped slightly. Nevertheless, their acting through song convincingly portrayed the depth of their love and excitement as they stepped into their new life together.

Matthew McGoldrick’s portrayal of Sam Wheat was a standout. He delivered a charismatic and grounded performance, embodying the confident charm of the role with a natural presence and composure. His emotional transformation throughout the show was executed with sensitivity and power, particularly in the moving solo ‘I Had a Life’, which resonated deeply with the audience. Holly Murphy as Molly brought a calming and sincere energy to the stage. Her portrayal was both vulnerable and heartfelt, especially during ‘With You’, where her emotional delivery highlighted the pain of loss and longing in a beautifully restrained moment. Carl Bruner, played by Steven Cheeseman, was a complex and layered antagonist. The character’s duplicity requires a clear portrayal of conflicting intentions, and Steven navigated this beautifully—balancing the surface-level charm with an underlying edge of jealousy and betrayal. Despite encountering technical issues with his microphone and lighting cues, Steven remained committed and composed, never allowing these setbacks to overshadow his impressive delivery.

The choreography by Helena Davies added a dynamic layer to the production. Her purposeful movement choices aligned seamlessly with the musical numbers, especially in ensemble pieces like ‘More’, which vividly captured the high-paced, cutthroat nature of Wall Street. The dancers, costumed as bustling bankers, navigated intricate formations and crisp gestures to stunning effect. One standout in the ensemble was Nichola O’Brien, who impressed with her precision, stamina, and expressive performance—her stage presence consistently drew the eye. Dominic Stannage’s musical direction brought cohesion and heart to the score. His ability to balance the show’s pop-rock balladry with tighter ensemble vocals allowed each musical moment to shine. The performers were clearly well-prepared, with sensitivity to tempo, dynamics, and harmony woven throughout the evening.

There were some limitations with stage lighting, particularly during several musical and scene transitions. At times, the lighting was too dim to fully appreciate the detail of the choreography or connect emotionally with the performers. While understandable given the technical complexity of the show, it did slightly undercut the impact of some beautifully executed moments.

Another particular highlight was the subway sequence, featuring ‘Focus’, where Sam learns to harness his ghostly powers. Kieran Hickey, as the mysterious Subway Ghost, delivered a commanding performance full of menace and emotional nuance. His body language and vocal intensity conveyed both the character’s authority and his haunting sense of entrapment. Kieran’s ability to embody this ghostly presence while still tapping into the character’s tragic history was truly powerful. Jocelyn Knight’s Oda Mae Brown brought comic relief and charisma, creating an energetic shift in tone every time she entered the stage. Her character—a psychic con artist suddenly confronted with real powers—requires great timing and presence, and while there were moments where her projection dipped slightly, Jocelyn recovered with brilliant flair. Her solo ‘I’m Outta Here’ was delivered with gospel gusto and a bold, cheeky spirit that lit up the room.

Despite the minor technical issues, this production of Ghost The Musical delivered an emotional and visually imaginative experience. Director Kerry Day deserves high praise for her vision and attention to detail—from character dynamics to supernatural effects, her work ensured each scene flowed smoothly and impacted the audience. Her guidance allowed the cast to explore their characters authentically while maintaining the magical quality at the heart of the narrative.

Thank you, NK Theatre Arts, for the invitation to this stirring production of Ghost The Musical. It was a memorable evening filled with passion, talent, and heart. I look forward to returning to your theatre again soon.

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