Through Sun 2/26
Ghost: The Musical, now at The Beck Center is based on Ghost, a 1990s film. Not all film-based musicals work. This one does, at least in the splendid Beck Center production.
The show’s credits include book by Bruce Joel Rubin, music and lyrics by Rubin, Dave Stewart, Glen Ballard, Hy Zaret and Alex North (the latter duo for “Unchained Melody”).
In Ghost, love beyond death becomes real. Director Victoria Bussert allows us to suspend disbelief as we watch otherworldly spirits intertwine with earthly ones. The soon-to-be unlucky lovers, financier Sam Wheat (a stalwart Mark Doyle) and artist Molly Jensen (a fragile Jessi Kirtley), have just found their dream loft in New York City. Alas, Sam’s business partner, Carl Bruner (Mike Bindeman), has a nefarious plan that backfires and results in Sam’s death early in the first act.
(That’s not really a spoiler, is it? The musical is named Ghost.)
Sam, however, refuses to leave, and his ghost guides and supports Molly. When the grieving Molly visits medium Oda Mae Brown (Colleen Longshaw), love, rescue and comedy ensue.
It was a fine cast. Doyle exceled in exploring Sam’s gradual (often comic) realizations of his new (ghost) powers, while Kirtley, as the fragile, determined Molly, illustrated how love can make one vulnerable yet strong. Bindeman, as Carl, their so-called friend, convincingly revealed how a friend can be a mortal enemy.
Longshaw, as the outrageously comic Oda Mae Brown, brought vivid life to the show-stealing character played by Whoopie Goldberg in the film. (Side note: Longshaw is the only cast member not associated with the Baldwin Wallace University Music Theatre program.) Benjamin Michael Hall, as the unsavory Willie Lopez, radiated appropriate menace.
While the leading characters seemed perfect for their roles, the big musical numbers choreographed by Lauren Tidmore deserve special praise. Nimble ensembles evoked New York City’s bustle (“More”), the pain of love and loss with the oft-reprised “Unchained Melody,” and supported Sam and Molly in their various adventures.
A couple of solos stood out. Longshaw’s Oda Mae brought us with her (in spirit, anyway) as she paraded around with comic sass to celebrate unexpected good luck (“I’m Outta Here”). In “Focus,” Danny Bó, as the memorably cranky and fierce Subway Ghost, reveled in gravitational defiance. (One time he seemed to “fly” offstage.)
Costume designer Tesia Dugan Benson’s designs enhanced both characters (for example, Molly’s thin white blouses, Oda Mae’s bright colors, the Subway Ghost’s jarring outfits) and ensembles (glittering gold jackets, business suits, and more).
We moved easily from a loft apartment to NYC streets to portals to hell, thanks to scenic design by Jordan Janota, lighting design by Russ Borski, stage management by Jack-Anthony Ina, and sound design by Angie Hayes.
Ensemble members included Camille Brooks, Kechanté, Bella Serrano, Jeremy Alden, Richard Morgan, Praise Oranika, Sydney Jaye, Izzy Baker, Avery Fahey, and Kyle MacDonald.
The small orchestral ensemble conducted by Matthew Webb offered excellent support.
Bottom Line: Ghost: The Musical is a must-see for those who love fantasy, music, dance, and also nourish a spark of romance and comedy. Life is funny; turns out Death at times can be too.
One Response to “THEATER REVIEW: “Ghost” @ Beck Center by Laura Kennelly”
EDWARD MYCUE
i WOULD LOVE TO SEE THIS. But stuck in San Francisco when all the good stuff is in Cleveland these months. Table turning maybe someday.