A lavish jukebox musical based on the iconic 80’s film An Officer and a Gentleman is brought to life in a new tour that begins right here in Birmingham.
The show is currently playing at The Alexandra Theatre in Birmingham.
The original film, which was released in 1982, made stars of lead actors Richard Gere and Debra Winger. The movie cost just over $6 million and went on to earn nearly $200 million at the box office, and during awards season the movie scooped up the Oscar, Golden Globe, Grammy and the BAFTA for Best Original Song.
That multi award-winning song is at the heart of this Curve Productions stage show which begins a brand new tour. “Up Where We Belong” rubs shoulders with a number of 1980’s era defining tracks from artists such as Madonna, Bon Jovi, Cyndi Lauper and Blondie. Landmark classics such as Girls Just Want to Have Fun, Heart of Glass, It’s a Man’s Man’s Man’s World, Kids in America, The Final Countdown and Material Girl weave in and out throughout the scintillating show.
The stage show follows the main threads of the movie’s story which was inspired by scriptwriter Douglas Day Stewart’s own naval experience. Stewart co-writes the book of the musical with Sharleen Cooper Cohen.
The romantic ups and downs of Zack, a naval officer cadet who nurses the wounds of a troubled childhood where trust was nonexistent, and Paula, a factory girl from the poor part of town who dreams of escaping her dreary life by marrying an officer and flying off to exotic faraway places, forms the core of the plot which also explores the meaning of true friendship, true love and true sacrifice. The main characters all go through transformation and learn about life and love.
It’s almost impossible to erase the blistering performances of Richard Gere and Debra Winger but Luke Baker and Georgia Lennon share a sparkling chemistry as Zack and Paula and their passion is convincing and full of emotion.
Jamal Crawford takes on the role of Foley, the fiery drill sergeant, and his performance is right up there with the gritty Louis Gossett Jr. who won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor in the film version. Foley is always present in the scenes even when the character is off-stage. The energy that Crawford transmits is palpable and it charges the atmosphere.
Director Nikolai Foster keeps the action and dance numbers moving at a brisk pace to ensure no tedium sets in, and the energetic choreography by Joanna Goodwin is sexy and full of romance.
Goodwin makes excellent use of Michael Taylor’s imaginative set and costume designs for the production which celebrate and extenuate the sensual colours and lines of the naval uniforms.
Ben Cracknell’s lighting adds an atmospheric edge to the various scenes of the show, and there are times when the lighting is so kinetic that the stage seems to morph into an Imax theatre.
This show is not only a nostalgic trip down memory lane - for those of a certain age - but it also introduces newcomers to an era of incredible music, romantic delights and sizzling dancing.
An Officer and a Gentleman flies high in a show sizzling with romance and classic tunes.
Verdict: ★★★★★
An Officer and a Gentleman is now playing at The Alexandra Theatre in Birmingham until Saturday 2nd March
Excellent review, I for sure will be visiting to see this show next. Thank you.