I Wish My Life Were Like A Musical


Alexander S. Bermange
Underbelly, Bristo Square

I Wish My Life Were Like A Musical

The lives and careers of musical theatre performers are put under the spotlight in Alexander S Beranger’s I Wish My Life Were Like a Musical. This is a delightful entertainment as we follow four aspiring performers from their early days in drama school through endless auditions and recalls before eventually getting a part in a musical.

The demands are great with complicated dance routines to be learnt, “choreographed by a masochist,” that play havoc on their bodies. There is a gorgeous parody on getting a leading role and working with a Diva as well as the problems of coping with waiting stage door fans. The music reflects many West End scores with soaring ballads and big upbeat numbers and the witty lyrics are a sheer delight.

The four highly talented, hard-working actors perform with panache and style. James Hume is hilarious as he battles with the flu, but the show must go on.

The plight of stand-ins getting an opportunity to perform is explained by Felix Mosse, but his hopes of appearing are shattered when the star turns up. You really felt for him.

Charlotte O’Rourke and Charlotte Ann Steen give powerful, impressive performances using a huge variety of musical styles. There is an amusing scene as they rehearse a stage kiss and the embarrassment of knowing how to make it look realistic.

As the cast sing in the finale, “It’s more than making magic, it’s more like magic making me.” Chris Whittaker’s taut direction makes full use of the small stage and there is so much to enjoy in this superb show.

Reviewer: Robin Strapp

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