ZORRO to 10 Jan 2009.
London.
ZORRO
book and lyrics by Stephen Clark music by The Gipsy Kings original story by Stephen Clark and Helen Edmundson.
Garrick Theatre, Charing Cross Road, London WC2 to 10 Jan 2009.
Mon-Sat 7.30pm, Matinee Thu and Sat 3pm.
Runs 2hr 40mins, One interval.
TICKETS: 0844 412 4662.
Review: Geoff Ambler 16 July 2008.
Infectious Latin rhythms set hearts racing and the Garrick alight.
Zorro swings into the West End as only a masked hero knows how; plenty of swashbuckling adventure, flashing blades, a huge flaming Z and all accompanied by the phenomenal music of the Gipsy Kings. While the diminutive Garrick makes an unlikely choice for a musical of this size it still manages to pack in the sizeable cast as they fence and flamenco across the boards. Director Christopher Renshaw's Zorro takes itself seriously and gets away with it superbly.
Zorro tells the story of Diego, who returns to the Spanish colonies of California, from Spain where he had been living with the Gypsies, to rid the lands of his childhood friend and the Pueblo’s new ruler, Ramon. Somehow Diego also finds time to don the mask of El Zorro, fall in love with childhood sweetheart Luisa and gypsy temptress Inez.
Matt Rawle magnificently becomes every part the eponymous hero of my childhood, born from the black and while summer morning television shows; the witty, dashing sword fighting magician, at times louche, then suddenly heroic, who brands his nemeses with three flicks of his rapier. Adam Levy takes the role of wicked Ramon, not traditionally evil and never pantomimic, which would have been so much easier, but more the disturbed psychopath, driven by festering childhood jealousies.
Emma Williams plays a wistful yet delightful Luisa, full of romance and simmering passions, which are only ignited after the glorious Djobi, Djoba flamenco shares some of the Gipsy Kings. Lesli Margherita, as the beguiling Inez, is wild, fiery Latin passion with some seriously magical dancing which, coupled with the excitement of the Gipsy Kings music, becomes the racing heart of this musical. Nick Cavaliere is wonderful throughout as the inept Sergeant Garcia, entranced by Inez and dominated by Ramon.
Zorro is overflowing with energy thanks also to the breathtaking singing and dancing gipsy chorus and the guitars of the Zorro band. The Gipsy Kings memorable hits, Baila Me, Bamboleo and Djobi Djoba, along with Rafael Amargo’s exhilarating choreography, filled the theatre with unrestrained Gipsy King energy and for once the reprised numbers at the end of the show ensured I left the theatre looking for an as yet unrecorded cast recording.
Diego: Matt Rawle.
Luisa: Emma Williams.
Ramon: Adam Levy.
Inez: Lesli Margherita.
Garcia: Nick Cavaliere.
Don Alejandro: Jonathan Newth.
El Jurado: Alamo.
Private Alvarez: Greg Barnett.
Private Sanchez: Paul Basleigh.
Priest: Dale Branston.
El Sacromonte: Isaac De Celia.
Juggler: Daniel Crute.
La Gatuna: Sonia Dorado.
La Piconera: Amparo Ferres Fernandez.
Senorita on the Balcony: Sarah Joyce.
La Somorrostro: Vera Leon.
Anabel: Lucy Lummis.
La Cantaora: Anna Mateo.
The Old Gypsy: Oscar Moret.
El Sobri: Jorge Muelas.
Hangman: Alexander Poulter.
Private Ramirez: Mark Powell.
Joaquin: Ramon Ruiz.
The Prisoner’s Wife: Shena Sanders.
The Ensemble: Alamo, Greg Barnett, Paul Basleigh, Dale Branston, Isaac De Celia, Daniel Crute, Sonia Dorado, Amparo Ferres Fernandez, Sarah Joyce, Vera Leon , Lucy Lummis, Anna Mateo, Oscar Moret, Jorge Muelas, Alexander Poulter, Mark Powell, Shena Sanders.
Swings: Madalena Alberto, Richard Costello, Saulo Garrido, Nicky Wilson.
Director: Christopher Renshaw.
Designer/Costume: Tom Piper.
Lighting: Ben Ormerod.
Sound: Mick Potter.
Illusions: Paul Kieve, Scott Penrose.
Choreographer: Rafael Amargo.
2008-07-20 20:57:39