SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER
Saturday Night Fever - The Musical
Based on the Paramount /RSO film and the story of Nik Cohn: Adapted for the stage by Nan Knighton
in co-operation with Arlene Phillips, Paul Nicholas and Robert Stigwood: Featuring songs by The Bee Gees
Presented by Robert Stigwood in association with Adam Spiegel Productions
At the Apollo Victoria Theatre, 17 Wilton Road, London, W1V 1LG
020 7834 6318
Runs 2.5 hours, including one interval 20 minutes
currently booking until April 2005
Booking by phone: Ticketmaster 0870 161 1977
in person: Box Office open Monday to Saturday, 9.00am - 8.00am, closed Sunday
website: www.ticketmaster.co.uk or www.cclive.co.uk
Review: Peter Kinsey, 8 July 2004
The Time is 1976 or whenever you were 19!
Directed and choreographed with precision and high energy by Arlene Phillips, this stage version of the famous film loses none of the excitement of the original. If anything, it gains from the rawness and immediacy that comes from live performance.
Set in New York in the late 70s, it tells the story of Tony Manero, a Brooklyn kid, who works in a paint shop in the week, but lives for Saturday nights at his local Disco club, 2001 Odyssey, where he is the most talented dancer. Carefree and charming, he antagonises his parents, but is popular with his gang of macho mates and attracts the rival affections of Stephanie, his latest dance partner, and Annette, a local girl.
Although elements of the plot remind you of former musicals about Youth - West Side Story it ain't. It does notseek to delve too deeply into social issues and much character development and dramatic crises have to wait until the second half. The first half, meantime, sets up the pulsating world of Disco.
And pulsate it does!!! To a string of now classic Bee Gee hits (including Stayin' Alive, Night Fever, Jive Talking, How Deep Is Your Love), the show is tightly and energetically performed by the main principals, backed by a strong ensemble and soundly supported by MD Chris Newton and the band.
Stephane Anelli (as Tony) has the sleek bodyline and pelvic agility of a true disco champion, the voice to match, and charms and engages the audience throughout.
Zoe Ebsworth (as Stephanie) and Kym Marsh (as Annette) have less chance to shine as his rivals in love: Tony is the centre of this story and they are in romantic support. However, they give well-contrasted characterisations. Zoe Ebsworth's character moves skilfully from pretentious bitch to vulnerable friend and Kym Marsh, who starts diffidently, comes into her own with the solo spot If I Can't Have You.
A solo moment (First and Last/Tragedy) also allows Alex Jessop (as Bobby C) to make a quiet mark against the wild camaderie of the gang. Shaun Williamson (as Monty the DJ) mixes his two performing strengths, comedy and powerful vocal talent, into one marvellous monster.
All this action is framed by the ingenious sets (David Shields) and Lighting (Gavan Swift) that spill out and over the audience, pulling us into Club 2001 Odyssey.
Cast
Tony Manero: Stephane Anelli
Annette: Kym Marsh
Monty the DJ: Shaun Williamson
Stephanie Mangano: Zoe Ebsworth
Bobby C: Alex Jessop
Gus: Peter Hillier
Double J: Aykut Hilmi
Joey: James Hughes-Ward
Fusco/Frank Manero: Mark Faith
Frank Jr/Jay/Becker: Russell Walker
Flo Manero/Lucille: Joyce Springer
Cesar: Tom Goodall
Chester: Paul Isaiah Isles
Maria: Lucy Banfield
Shirley: Kella Panay
Connie: Charlie Bull
Doreen: Anna Woodside
Sal: Ivan de Freitas
Dino: Richard Jones
Lou: Gerard McCarthy
Sophia/Doris: Rebecca Giacopazzi
Donna: Lydia Grace Hill
Gina: Debbie Joanne
Linda/Patti: Kimmi Richards
Rosalie: Jeanette Taylor
DanceCaptain/Swing: Ijy De Luca
Swing: Cary Chennel
Swing: Elliot Nixon
Swing: Oliver Tydman
Swing: Sarah Cortez
Swing: Angela Gee
Director/Choreographer: Arlene Phillips
Associate Director/Associate Choreographer: Karen Bruce
Costume Designer/Original Set Design: David Shields
Design Consultant: Eamon D'Arcy
Sound Designer: Mick Potter
Lighting Designer: Gavan Swift
Musical Director: Chris Newton
Musical Supervisor/Dance and Vocal Arrangement: Phil Edwards
Orchestrations: Nigel Wright
Production Manager: Patrick Molony
2004-07-10 17:57:50