My partner and I have been eager to see this show since it was first announced as coming to Broadway back in 2015. The fact the show has now been nominated for 19 awards, winning 2 of them, made it even more appealing. I'll be referencing the wins later. We both loved the music, which along with the lyrics has been written by 7-time Grammy nominee Sara Bareilles, as well as the characters and had been eagerly awaiting a London transfer. When it was finally announced I snapped up tickets as quickly as I could. I have to admit though I've never seen the 2007 film, of the same name, starring Keri Russell. I have now purchased it and will be watching it soon. That does mean though, other than listening to the Original Broadway Cast Recording, I have no preconceived ideas around what to expect.
I'm sorry to say though we both left the theatre disappointed. Now this wasn't because of the story or the music or indeed the theatre itself. It was mainly down to one actor, and one actor alone. Before I talk of this, let me talk about aspects of the show that I enjoyed, and there are a number of them.
Lets start with the story. A lady, who is extremely good at making pies, has an unwanted pregnancy. She hates her abusive husband and ends up cheating on him with a married man. All this against the backdrop of a dead end job she has at a diner. A very unconventional story line, that I'm sure will not be to everyone's taste. In fact a couple of people in front on me walked out halfway through the first act. I was a little unsure myself, however this is a reality for many people that's hardly ever spoken about. Its nice and refreshing to see a musical show real life, not some jumped up exaggerated story with songs. Not that I don't like that sort of thing I might add, sometimes its just nice to have something different. The staging is exceptionally good with set pieces rolling in from stage left and right, including a podium which carries the band. I was drawn into the story, and felt like I was a fly on the wall of the diner. The story is hard hitting but, as I said, based in many peoples realities. Its certainly an interesting and unusual subject on which to base a film let alone a musical.
Katharine McPhee gives a wonderful performance in the title role of Jenna, enabling audiences to feel empathy with a character whose actions many would disapprove of. Katharine's voice reverberates around the auditorium, and has a distinct warmth to it. She resonates friendliness and immediately brings the audience in. She has great chemistry with her waitress co-stars, Marisha Wallace and Laura Baldwin. Their friendship seems completely real and I get the impression they have fun on stage every night. Katharine isn't the best performer I've seen on stage, though she is more than adequate in her portrayal of this role.
The character of Becky, played by Marisha Wallace, is the friend who's also looking outside of her marriage for sexual pleasure, but for completely different reasons than Jenna. The role of Becky was originally performed of Broadway by the fabulous Keala Settle, now most known for her role as Lettie Lutz in The Greatest Showman. Its unfortunate for Marisha, as she will always have that comparison made with Keala. Marisha brings a whole new attitude to the character of Becky, more understated and complex. She does however have many comic moments, bringing at times some much needed comic relief. I was unfortunately at times however reminded of the song Random Black Girl from the show Homemade Fusion, by the writing due Kooman and Dimond. I'm not saying this in a positive way. If you have no idea what I'm talking about id recommend looking it up. Saying this though, she was an excellent performer. She made Becky into a fully realised 3D personality. It was a joy to watch. Laura Baldwin is also brilliant in the role of Dawn. I immediately loved her, wanted the best for her and felt protective of her. In many ways she reminded me of one of my dearest friends I've known since university. Her character like Becky, gave many comedic moments when it was much needed. She has a wonderful singing voice and gave a performance that outshone many of the cast.
Now onto the part that, for me, completely ruined the show. Jack McBrayer as Ogie. I know some people have enjoyed his performance, but for me it was lacklustre and quite frankly one of the worst performance I've seen on a main West End stage. Saying that, he was a perfectly competent actor though nothing amazing. As for his singing, well ………… there is definitely ALOT of room for improvement. The fact that in the programme his biography focusses more on who he's acted with rather than what he's been in, says a lot about his lack of experience. He is slightly funny, though completely overacts it, throwing himself around the stage which affects the already lacking quality of his singing voice. Now Christopher Fitzgerald, who played the role on Broadway, was stunning. He had exactly the right balance of comedy and creepiness that made you love the character. Chris is a seasoned performer, having appeared in Wicked and Young Frankenstein to name just two, and it shows in the quality of his performance. (UPDATE:- Joe Sugg is now playing the role of Ogie, and his voice sounds much better, which is surprising seeing as this is his stage debut and McBrayer was supposedly a 'professional')
Its a very interesting show and a breath of fresh air for the West End, even if the subject matter may be hard for some people to deal with. I imagine it will be on in London for a while, though I doubt it will last as long as the Broadway production is likely to last. It's also been announced that it will be going to Australia in 2020, though there has been no announcement as to the cast.
For information and tickets for the Broadway production, click here
For information and tickets for the West End production click here
For up to date information on the Australian production please click here
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