08 September 2016 (released)
12 September 2016
‘Vanities, The Musical’ opened at Trafalgar Studios last week. It’s a three woman show, based on Jack Hefner’s play, an off Broadway hit from the sixties. He’s since adapted his script and together with David Kirshenbaum’s score and lyrics bring us the musical version.
This time the three friends from Dallas grow up, a bit – they hit their forties anyway and the four act drama unfolds from High School beginnings, through college, work marriage, re-hab, depression, divorce and all that jazz. Progressing from the sixties through to the eighties there are some nifty on stage costume and wig changes and plenty of drama as the friendships are tested, fail and then come together again.
Whilst this may have been a daring show in the 60’s, it’s quite the opposite now. That said, high school movies have always been a hugely popular form of escapism this side of the pond and here’s a chance to find out how those cheerleaders turned out. Disappointingly the resulting plot lines lack originality though the characters do have real charm. Joanne (played by Lizzy Connolly), who was desperate to marry, ends up with a desperately unfaithful husband, three kids and a stint in rehab. Mary (Lauren Samuels), who was a bit zany and had a crazy mum, sleeps around and then starts a pornographic art gallery and Kathy (Ashleigh Gray), the super efficient sensible one, discovers life cant be controlled by lists and sets of on a journey of self-discovery (backed by silent rich man). All juicy stuff (if you can suspend your feminism for a couple of hours) and delivered with immense energy and humour from the tireless cast. The songs are for the most part enjoyable, with sixties/seventies flavour and some lovely close harmonies. Ashleigh Gray in particular has a beautiful, soulful voice and Lizzy Connolly playing Joanne with her conventional aspirations but dark spirit is often very,very funny.
Is this show relevant now? It may not tread new ground but it’s certainly as good as plenty of musicals that draw the crowds and it’s warm- hearted, the vocals are impeccable and I came out whistling the tunes.
