Despite its successes off Broadway in 2004, it’s taken eight years for London to see this rock musical by John Hartmere (lyrics and book) and Damon Intrabartolo (music and book), enjoying a sell-out run at the Union Theatre earlier this year.
Now at the Greenwich Theatre, the first impression is one of West End grandeur and gloss, thanks to David Shield’s set, making you oblivious to the fact that this started life on the fringe. The large space betwixt Shield’s gothic arches and bare stone walls, gives ample room for the large cast of no less than 15 to pack a punch and ooze octane, especially given Richard Jones’ unstoppable choreography.
The only problem is the musical’s book. It rattles through teenage angst clichés, and crams more adolescent cataclysms into two hours than a whole season of One Tree Hill. Because of this, the characters have little time to really open up in depth, as they deserve to. Closet boy is closeted. Fat girl is fat, but has feelings. Slutty girl is a slut, but has feelings. And the only major black part is, of course, the sassy soul sista.
On the contrary, Hartmere’s lyrics are poetic and intelligent, catching glimpses of passion and power despite shallow roles and a mediocre neo-nineties rock score. Even though you can’t quite get a good grasp of the characters, you get a powerful insight into youth issues during certain numbers.
If its teenage kicks don’t quite leave a mark, the portrayal of the struggle between faith, sexuality, and religion is bold and surprising. And even as the show barrels towards an inevitable ending, it remains intense, intelligent, and forceful. Combine this with knock-out vocal performances from Michael Vinsen, Jodie Steele, and Molly Stewart, this is certainly worth your time.
• The Greenwich Theatre, Crooms Hill, SE10 8ES. Runs to 27th October.
• Tickets: 020 8858 7755 or www.greenwichtheatre.org.uk
