A Mirrored Monet The Musical-Charing Cross Theatre.

Christian Durham directs the new musical by Carmel Owens, A Mirrored Monet The Musical now playing at Charing Cross Theatre. Set in 1916 in the studio of the older Monet, an artist who is finding himself struggling these days with failing eyesight has been hit with a creative block. Nothing he does can snap him back into painting again.

The new Musical focuses around the older Monet, played by Jeff Shankley, reflecting on his younger self and his marriage to Camille (Brooke Bazarian). The older Monet can see how selfish he has been over the years and that he neglected Camille’s feelings and needs over his own all the time. Upon reflection, he is disgusted with himself.

Young Monet, played by Dean John-Wilson, portrays the keen young artist whose passion for his work over took everything else in his life. The arrogance of his youth and taking his wife from granted. Moving around to suit his own needs and paying little attention to her happiness.

There’s a charm and calm in the paintings by the late painter Claude Monet. Camille is one of his inspirational muses that can be seen throughout his many paintings today. There are times during the Musical where Monet asks Chamille to strike some of the famous poses seen in his paintings.

There are a few good numbers during the performance and an exceptionally talented cast throughout, although it has been slightly drawn out and would benefit from editing and some of the songs cut from the production especially in the first act.

It is worth going to watch to see how the scene changes take place and the visual artwork changes behind the cast. The picture frames lay blank at the start and are filled with different paintings to depict where the storyline is taking place. The wonderful part is that it brings some of Monet’s famous pictures to life.

I am sure this musical will attract an audience of Monet fans, and only time will tell what they think about the production. Personally, it was an interesting platform to present Monet’s life on, but I think it would be better as an edited play version.

For more information about A Mirrored Monet and future productions at Charing Cross Theatre, please use the link below.