Ghost – a musical adaption based on the 1990 Romance/Thriller falls a little short of the epic quality created by Jerry Zucker’s vision. A case of something lost in translation from screen to stage that’s become all too common in recent years – with very few movie adaptations really lighting up the stage and thrilling fans.

In saying that, there are some highlights in this production. Rebecca Lowings plays a brilliant Molly Jensen. She handles the vocal complexity of the role with great musicality and skill. She is unafraid to use more of her legit technique for sustainability in this difficult role and it did not impact her powerful performance at all. Jacqui DuBois is a fabulous Oda Mae Brown – she’s quirky, energetic and full of spirit (pun fully intended).

The vocals fall a little short when it comes to the men. Josh St Clair has the range for the role, there’s no doubt about this, but his tone is often restricted and there’s clearly tension in his body as he aims for those high notes. It’s a little uncomfortable which is a shame as his chemistry with Lowing is palpable.

James Mateo-Salt as Carl Brunner has the same restriction in his tone – unfortunate again, as he embodies the role in every other way!

There are some lovely moments of real effect in this production – the disappearing door, the body double work and the incredible sets. This is juxtaposed by moments that don’t quite work including the last moment where Sam invades Oda Mae’s body to hold Molly one last time.

This is definitely an adaption issue, and these stilted moments really detract from the power of the story. In addition to this the music is overall a little lackluster – the addition of Unchained Melody is the musical highlight and tugs the heartstrings for any fans of the original movie.

Ultimately, Ghost The Musical isn’t the roaring success one would hope it could be – but it’s not without its moments and is sure to be a favourite for those who love the movie.

For more information about Ghost at New Wimbledon Theatre please use the link below.

Three Stars.

Reviewed by Olivia Ruggiero.

Photo Credit Alistair Muir.

Ghost The Musical

Rebekah Lowings – Molly Jenson
Josh St. Clair – Sam Wheat
Jacqui Dubois – Oda Mae Brown
James Mateo-Salt – Carl Brunner
Jules Brown – Willie Lopez
Garry Lee – Subway Ghost
Tim Maxwell-Clare – Hospital Ghost and Lionel Ferguson
Tanisha Butterfield – Clara
Keiahna Jackson-Jones – Louise
Molly Cleere – Mrs Santiago / Bank Officer
Gabrielle Cummins – Officer Wallace
Olivia-Rose Deer – Susan / Ortisha / Ensemble
Wade Lewin – Orlando
Jamie Pritchard – Detective Biederman
Joe Readman – Ensemble
Lewis Asquith – Swing

Book and Lyrics by Bruce Joel Rubin
Music and Lyrics by Dave Stewart and Glen Ballard
Directed by Bob Tomson
Choreographed by Alistair David
Design by Mark Bailey
Lighting Design by Nick Richings
Sound Design by Dan Samson
Illusions by Richard Pinner
Musical Director: Jordan Alexander
Associate Director: Jess Ellen Knight
Associate Choreographer: Michael Ward
Music Supervisor: Jeremy Wootton
Intimacy Coordinator: Rebecca Reaney