This latest touring incarnation, as opposed to the recent London version which starred Michael Ball, reached Cardiff in February.
Book: Mark O’Donnell & Thomas Meehan, Music: Marc Shaiman, Lyrics: Scott Wittman & March Shaiman, Director: Paul Kerryson, Choreographer: Drew Mconie.
Cast: Alex Bourne ‘Edna Turnblad’, Brenda Edwards ‘Motormouth Maybelle’, Norman Pace ‘Wilbur Turnblad’, Katie Brace ‘Tracy Turnblad’, Rebecca Thornhill ‘Velma Von Tussle’, Richard Meek ‘Corny Collins’, Reece Richards ‘Seaweed’, Ross Clifton ‘Link Larson’, Jessica Croll ‘Amber’ and Rebecca Jayne-Davies ‘Penny Pingleton’ and full supporting cast.
Now as is my usual gripe here, these are the cast from the website as there were no posters to mention any alternates that may have been performing when I saw the show.
So this is a musical tour based on a musical film that was in turn based on the original musical production which was based on a non-musical film! Got it .. good 🙂
It tells the story of Tracy a ‘larger’ girl living with her parents in a run down part of Baltimore, who dreams of appearing on the Corny Collins show, where youngsters dance to the latest songs. It is set at the height of the civil rights movement in the 1960s.
This is a funny, entertaining feel good musical, with a message. That of tolerance and inclusivity, the hope that we can all get along despite our skin colour, size or background.
The cast were excellent, with for me the ‘Penny’ character really standing out this time, more than in previous productions.
Stand out songs: “I know where I’ve been”, “Good Morning Baltimore” and of course “You can’t stop the beat”
Check it out if it tours again, it’s a fun night out.
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