As I knew someone involved with the production, I got to take a sneak peak backstage. I was hit with all the amateur theatre nostalgia from before my anxiety stopped me from stepping onto a stage. It was all so very familiar back there, including the cast and crew playing cards while they waited to get ready for the show. I honestly miss being part of theatre. I miss the rehearsals. I miss the playing of cards while we were waiting for our turn onstage. I miss acting. I do not, however, miss being on stage at all. I hate people looking at me at the best of times.
For those who are unfamiliar with the show, it's essentially a weird science fiction/post-apocalyptic story where all music that is not computer created and performed is outlawed. A group called the Bohemians are the resistance, searching for the Dreamer, spoken of in prophecy, who will retrieve the last musical instrument and revive Rock and Roll.
The story is about as silly as it can get. The premise would be considered corny even in the eighties. The show, however, leaned hard into it, even drawing aesthetics from the eighties' idea of what the future might look like. There were many terrible jokes that played off song lyrics and puns, and a silly, over-the-top evil second in command. The whole thing was so very dumb.
And also hilariously entertaining.
The actors were great, with particular note to the character of Scaramouche (don't ask). The actor, who I think is Keri Kelly, was absolutely brilliant in this role. The character herself was so very well written, being both stubborn and sassy, and quite clever. I loved her a great deal. She was by far and away the best thing about the show.
As I've previously noted, the plot was... not great. The story was dumb, sometimes ridiculous.
However, if you can let go of the nonsensical, eighties-inspired plot, and just let the music (all stuff you should know by heart) carry you along, then this musical is hella fun. Even better, the musical doesn't take itself too seriously, unlike Cats, which has an equally stupid plot but takes itself far too seriously.
Honestly, if you're up for a night of spectacular music and some silliness, you can't go wrong here.
Gosh it was dumb. Gosh it was entertaining.
Right, I have work to do, so I'm off to go do it.
Ciao!