THEATRE REVIEW: In Dreams - The Leeds Playhouse, Leeds.

World Premieres of new musicals are always interesting. I have, for as long as I can remember, been a fan of musicals, and discovering unknown or new works is one of the joys of life. Therefore, taking my seat at Leeds Playhouse this evening I was shivering with anticipation (oh no, sorry, wrong Musical!).

'In Dreams' is a jukebox musical with a fictionalised story built around the songs of Roy Orbison. The title is a little confusing perhaps, as it suggests a musical based on a particularly well-known work by Shakespeare more than anything, and has scant relevance to the actual show it titles. The story concerns Kenna (played here by Lena Hall), a singer / songwriter taking off on a solo career after the four-piece band she headed, 'Heartbreak Radio', split up years' ago. However, within the first few minutes of the show we learn that there is still a huge 'Heartbreak Radio' fanbase out there, and her doctor delivers the kind of news to her (over a telephone conversation) that no-one wants to hear; she has terminal cancer. 

For the remainder of the musical we are either in or outside a US border Mexican restaurant which specialises in wakes. The Latin American custom and festival 'The Day Of The Dead' featuring heavily throughout as both a physical leit-motif, and constant reminder of our own mortality and the fragility of life. Kenna has come here, and since she knows she is dying, requests that the owners prepare a celebration of her life, so that she can enjoy it too whilst she is still able. It sounds rather morbid and depressing, I know, but in truth, it isn't, it is all actually quite uplifting. Especially since she invites the other three former band members to join her (albeit by proxy!), and of course, romance sparks in all the right places, the band are a huge hit, and all ends happily ever after... well, not quite. There is still the issue of the cancer to confront.

This is a hugely feel-good musical, which celebrates life; it is about love, about living, about cherishing those moments and keeping them alive; because death is just around the corner. (oops, sorry.. wrong musical again!). It is however also hugely predictable, trite, and formulaic, requiring no thought whatsoever from the audience. It is as sweet as saccharine and everything is tied up in a pretty pink knot. There have been other musicals about cancer (which have been done better than this), and do we really need yet another jukebox musical? Especially when the music of Roy Orbison is not that well known in this country - at least not any more. And since the musical follows the same path as 'Rock Of Ages' or 'Mamma Mia' (ie: they use the music of the band / artiste) without doing a biographical musical like 'Buddy' or 'Cher', they could have used any music, even original writing for this show. It also means too that some of the lyrics seem a little out of place at times, the songs being made to fit the story rather than the other way around. There is, however, pathos and humour (both nicely placed) in equal measure throughout,. and the dynamics of the show work well.

The set for the restaurant is good and very detailed, but there are gaps at either side to the rear and so we can see the cast walking on and off stage behind the set at each side. These need covering. Whilst the sound levels, especially the louder, chorus songs, were set far too high this evening. We are in a small and intimate theatre setting, and not a rock arena. 

This is very much an ensemble show, and as such, the cast work excellently together. And since they are all originating these roles, there is no yardstick for me to compare them with. If I am allowed to be subjective just for one moment however, then Alma Cuervo as Ana Sofia was the most real and grounded on stage, putting in a beautifully measured and underplayed performance as the twinkle-in-her-eye-and-step grandma. 

Whether you know the oeuvre of Roy Orbison or not doesn't matter; just come along to an evening of easy-watching, insouciant, but expertly crafted new writing, and be swept up in the emotion of the music of 'Heartbreak Radio' and the Mexican traditions of celebrating life by inviting your ancestors to dance with you! 

Reviewer - Matthew Dougall
on - 12.7.23