Described as, ‘a steamy
exploration of the complications of love,’ 'Murder Ballard', a one act, through-sung musical for four actors by Juliana Nash and Julia Jordan, packs
more punches in its 75 minutes than many shows twice its length. Since
receiving its premiere 10 years ago, the musical has played to great success Off
Broadway, across Europe, and enjoyed an acclaimed run at the Arts Theatre in
London with a stellar cast including Kerry Ellis and Ramin Karimloo.
The musical’s title refers to a
type of song that describes a murderers’ motif and the crime that is committed.
The murder which takes place at the end of the musical is the result of a love
triangle that spirals out of control. Without wishing to spoil the musical for
those intending to see it, the identity of both the murder victim and murderer
are a genuine surprise when revealed.
Musically, a cross between a chamber
rock musical and a striped back version of 'Rent', 'Murder Ballard', set
in New York, tells the story of Sara, a young musician who falls in love with
Tom, a would-be actor and bartender who possesses a magnetic flair for danger.
When the relationship with Tom breaks up Sara meets Michael, a clean cut PHD student whom she marries, has a child with, and leads a conventional and
settled life. Missing Tom and the jeopardy that surrounds him, Sara secretly begins
a passionate affair with him, but it’s not long before she wishes she were back
in her comfortable life with Michael and her daughter.
Receiving its northern premiere
at the Forum Theatre, the home of NK Theatre, 'Murder Ballard', brings together
four of the region's most experienced and talented amateur musical theatre
performers. Each is perfectly cast, combining pitch-perfect characterisation
with spot-on musicality and dynamic vocals. In the role of the Narrator, Selina
Adams is excellent weaving in and out of the narrative, orchestrating actions,
and emotions like a silent assassin. The other performers, Heather Schofield as
Sara, Matt Corrigan as Tom, and Nick Ward as Michael are all at the top of
their game, giving performances that would proudly grace any professional
production. This supremely talented quartet are outstanding and set new
boundaries for what is possible in amateur musical theatre.
Director Paul Wilson, whose
burning passion it has been to stage this musica,l turns the Forum Theatre into
an immersive New York night club. Within this space the actors greet the
audience, assume their characters, and tell the story. Assisted by Lucy Worthington, Wilson expertly
directs the piece, using footage of New York and the stage and floor space to cleverly
represent a wide range of settings including Central Park, and downtown New
York. The on-stage band comprising of bass, drums, guitars, and keyboards brilliantly
led by Ceri Graves, provide fantastic accompaniment throughout, none more so
than when playing the musical's thrilling and pulsating finale.
Wilson says in a programme note
that he’s not one for jazz hands and dance numbers, this terrific intimate and dramatically
intense musical is a refreshing alternative to large, big budget spectaculars.
A significant challenge to stage, this musical asks a lot of its performers and
audience but the rewards as this fine production shows are huge and extremely
worthwhile. With only two performances remaining, this production which runs
until Saturday 26th March is highly recommended and a definite must-see.
Reviewer - Richard Hall
on - 24.3.22
No comments:
Post a Comment