I Sing. To 23 December '06
I SING
Music/Book by Eli Bolin; Lyrics/Book by Sam Foreman; Book by Benjamin Salka
The Union Theatre, Union Street, Southwark SE1 0LX
Tue to Sat 7.30, Sun 3.00pm additional matinee Sat 23 Dec 3.00pm
Runs 2hrs with one interval
TICKETS : 08700 600 100
www.ticketweb.co.uk
Review : Geoff Ambler 30th November 2006
A lively, engaging love pentangle with an exceptional cast.
Billing itself as having Avenue Q’s attitude and being the musical equivalent of a ‘Friends’ and ‘Sex in the City’ cross it sets high expectations. These comparisons prove unnecessary as it defines its own style from the opening number and it is a thoroughly entertaining, engaging and a fun creation that Thomas Southerland has pulled together, which adds to the lengthening list of not to be missed fringe musicals in 2006.
As an Off Broadway transfer this is I Sing’s European premier and Southwark’s Union Theatre only adds to the rough edged feel that this show exudes. Passing trains shake the building and the seats rock during any applause but it feels in keeping with Wai Yin Kwok’s urban design and doesn’t detract in any way from the overall experience.
Dealing with the relationships of five New Yorkers, complete with painful break ups, love, both unrequited and requited and tangled friendships I Sing doesn’t break new ground in story telling however the comedic moments never cease to amuse and the performances from all five performers is always charming. Musically it is unmemorable, with only the opening title song sticking in your head, however lyrically it is hilariously witty.
The impressive cast includes the significant and accomplished vocal talents of Joanna Ampil and Debbie Karup and an exuberant performance from George Miller, as the briefly heterosexual friend Charlie, that verges on brilliance; Adam-Jon Fiorentino looks comfortable as the self destructing partner and a superbly angst ridden Declan Harvey rounds up this winning team.
Yet another, not to be missed but quite well hidden, musical graces another one of London’s superb fringe theatres, further emphasizing the breadth of quality availably in the capital this winter, offering a refreshing alternative to the big budget crowd pleasers.
Heidi: Joanna Ampil
Nicky: Adam-Jon Fiorentino
Alan: Declan Harvey
Pepper: Debbie Kurup
Charlie: George Miller
Director: Thomas Southerland
Music Director: Magnus Gilljam
Choreographer: Andrew Wright
Designer: Wai Yin Kwok
2006-12-04 16:26:22