Popstars The 90's Musical

WOW! What a fantastic, high energy production. The storyline may be thin but the show is packed with smash hits from the 90’s including numbers made popular by artists such as Bon Jovi, Shania Twain, Celine Dion, Wet Wet Wet, Britney Spears, Backstreet Boys and Spice Girls to name but a few.

A group of American schoolgirls decide to form a girl band in order to win a competition rewarded with a recording contract with Simon Austin, a Simon Cowell equivalent. Meanwhile a group of lads also decide to compete for the much coveted prize. So it’s full on rivalry between the boy band and girl band.

The level of performance from start to finish was of a consistently high standard from both individual characters and the entire ensemble. Maija Niva made a grand job as the pushy, arrogant Shannon who ditches her boyfriend Mark in her ruthless efforts to achieve her goal of winning the contract. Caitlin Davis came over extremely well as the somewhat dizzy blonde Tina and Stephanie Knowles was in great form as the more extrovert, vivacious Stephanie. Trouble is that although this trio, the Candy Girls, can dance they can’t sing and have to hold auditions to find a lead singer. Eventually they recruit Charlie and Amy Totty was impressive as the gauche, insecure Charlie who surprises and impresses with her ‘(Everything I Do) I Do it For You.’

Matt McDonagh pulled at the heart strings as the little boy lost, confused, heartbroken Mark singing ‘Always.’ Not to be outdone, he determines to form a boy band Y2K. He is joined by his friend Vinnie played with great ease and humour by Stuart Williamson and Shane, Craig McKirgan, a man of few words but plenty of action. Matthew Steel, the youngest performer on stage was a fantastic all singing all dancing Patrick and certainly a young man to look out for in the future. ‘I’m Too Sexy’ was great fun and demonstrated the individuality of the characters in this boyband. Unfortunately this group has limited dancing skills and receive tuition from Ella, a hostess at the local diner. Lyndsey McGhee was perfectly cast in this part. Bold and leaving nobody in any doubt about who is in charge, she certainly belted out her numbers particularly with the ensembles in ‘Man I Feel Like A Woman’ and ‘Believe.’

It’s a pretty ‘cheesy’ show but all credit to the cast who were not afraid to play ‘o.t.t’ thus bringing out the humour in the script. As in all good musicals, we find the usual love tangles but all ends well despite neither group winning the recording contract. Jonny Farley as the suave Simon Austin could certainly give Simon Cowell a run for his money!

The large, fairly empty stage allowed plenty of space for the 20 plus fabulous dance routines. Choreography was engaging, sparkling and energetic and delivered with precision and verve. The company had so much to do with very little respite. Both singing and dancing were quite outstanding and were supported by an excellent band who also were kept on their toes.

Well designed lighting and the circular video projection created the perfect atmosphere. Costumes too were excellent.

This was a most spectacular, frothy production culminating in a full company MEGAMIX which was electric and had the audience on their feet. Many congratulations to this cast and production team for a brilliant evening’s entertainment. Full marks from me for a splendid production which most certainly had the WOW factor.

 

 

 

 

 

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