This is more a ballet with songs than a musical, and I found it to be a little bit of a slow burner as it took a couple of scenes to settle into the show. However, once it got going it was wonderful.
Unlike the movie, Adam (played by David Seadon-Young) is given a much larger role in this production and, I have to say, he was my favourite character of them all. I particularly enjoyed his inclusion in the ‘Stairway to Paradise’ tap routine, and he is completely endearing as the narrator. Robert Fairchild as Jerry Mulligan had the grace and talent of Gene Kelly, if not the suave charm. Leanne Cope was absolutely perfect as Lise, even being slightly reminiscent of Leslie Carron.
The actual ballet, however, left me pretty cold. After the visual spectacular from the film I was expecting something magical, but the impressionist theme did not provide enough of a storyline.
The set was very creative and clever, and I particularly loved the projections on the backdrop during “S Wonderful”. This production has much darker elements than the movie but captures the same love story, the same magical songs and routines, and is definitely a show to recommend.