REVIEW - CRUEL INTENTIONS: THE 90's MUSICAL | PALACE THEATRE MANCHESTER

Cast of "Cruel Intentions: The '90s Musical" on stage in vibrant attire, includes joyful, expressive poses. Red text: OUTRAGEOUSLY FUN.

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Cruel Intentions: The '90s Musical brings the scandalous world of the cult classic 1999 film to the stage, infused with a soundtrack of iconic '90s hits. The production embraces nostalgia, weaving beloved songs into the familiar tale of seduction, betrayal, and manipulation among New York’s elite teenagers. With its jukebox musical format, it aims to recapture the spirit of the era while delivering the darkly glamorous drama that made the original film a standout.

Three people stand confidently on stage, wearing suits. The background shows a cityscape, with a dramatic red and purple lighting.

The musical closely follows the film’s plot, revolving around the manipulative step-siblings Kathryn Merteuil and Sebastian Valmont, who revel in playing twisted games with the people around them. When Kathryn challenges Sebastian to seduce the virtuous Annette Hargrove as part of a bet, the stakes are high—but love, betrayal, and revenge soon complicate the game.

As the story unfolds, we see the tangled web of deception grow tighter, with supporting characters such as naïve Cecile Caldwell and her music tutor, Ronald, caught in the crossfire. The tension between characters builds quickly, leading to moments of passion, heartbreak, and betrayal. While the musical stays largely faithful to the film, the inclusion of ‘90s hits to underscore the drama adds an extra layer of entertainment. However, at times, the plot progression feels rushed, with emotional moments not always given the space to fully resonate before the next song kicks in. The balance between the story and the music occasionally leans too heavily towards the latter, making some key moments feel less impactful than they should be. Still, the fast-paced storytelling ensures the show remains engaging, particularly for those familiar with the film.

Man jumps excitedly on stage with a bench, while a woman plays cello. Purple lighting, with spectators on balconies in background.

Visually, Cruel Intentions: The ‘90s Musical leans into a sleek and stylish aesthetic, with a set design that evokes the polished, upper-class world of its privileged characters. The lighting design is effective, particularly in heightening the tension during dramatic moments, while the costumes reflect the era well, capturing both the preppy and rebellious fashion of the time.

The musical’s greatest strength is its soundtrack, packed with ‘90s anthems from artists like No Doubt, NSYSC, and Alanis Morissette. These songs are cleverly integrated into the narrative, though some fit more seamlessly than others. While certain numbers elevate the drama and enhance character moments, others feel more like an excuse to shoehorn in a nostalgic hit rather than serve the story. The high-energy delivery ensures the audience remains entertained, even when the transitions between dialogue and song feel slightly forced.

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The Cast's performances bring the characters to life with a mix of charm, intensity, and humour. Will Callan is captivating as Sebastian, balancing arrogance with glimpses of vulnerability, while Nic Myers commands the stage as Kathryn, exuding icy control and venomous charm. Abbie Budden brings warmth and sincerity to Annette, particularly in her emotional musical moments. Meanwhile, Lucy Carter’s Cecile provides some of the show’s funniest scenes, her comedic timing adding levity to the drama. Though the chemistry between characters is occasionally inconsistent, the cast’s energy and commitment keep the show engaging.

Performers on stage in vibrant school uniforms strike dynamic poses under purple lighting, with an urban backdrop and cheerful expressions.

Cruel Intentions: The ‘90s Musical is an enjoyable, nostalgia-fulled ride that offers plenty of fun for fans of both the film and ‘90s music. While it doesn’t always strike the perfect balance between story and spectacle, and some emotional moments feel a little rushed, it delivers a lively and entertaining night out. The soundtrack is undeniably a highlight, and for those looking for a show packed with cheeky, melodramatic fun, this musical delivers. It may not be groundbreaking, but it captures the spirit of the era with style and sass, making for an entertaining night out.

Cruel Intentions: The ‘90s Musical is at the Palace Theatre Manchester until Saturday 29th March 2025. Tickets are available for purchase through the link provided below.

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If you would like more information about the show, please click the button below to visit the show's official website.

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Photo Credit - Pamela Raith