"In Dreams" is the latest jukebox musical from the dynamic duo behind the hit show "& Juliet"—director Luke Sheppard and book writer David West Read. This time, they’ve set their sights on the evocative catalogue of Roy Orbison, infusing his timeless melodies with themes of love, death, and the celebration of life, all framed by the vibrant backdrop of the Mexican Day of the Dead. Premiering at Leeds Playhouse, this production is a heartfelt exploration of human connection, framed by the unique concept of a woman attending her own memorial service.
The story revolves around Kenna, a once-famous singer-songwriter from the band Heartbreak Radio, who receives a devastating health diagnosis. Instead of succumbing to despair, Kenna decides to celebrate her life while she’s still alive, organising her own memorial service at a quaint, family-run Mexican restaurant. As she gathers her former bandmates, including her ex-lover Ramsay, the show delves into themes of reconciliation, the complexity of relationships, and the joy of living in the face of death. The narrative is enriched with subplots involving the restaurant's owners, Oscar and Nicole, and other characters, adding depth and a touch of humour to the poignant main storyline.
The set, designed by Arnulfo Maldonado, perfectly captures the essence of a cosy, lively Mexican restaurant, complete with vibrant colours and intricate details that bring the Day of the Dead theme to life. The use of video projections by George Reeve enhances the atmosphere, particularly in scenes where the outside world is brought into the intimate restaurant setting.
The costumes reflect the characters’ backgrounds and personalities, with a mix of casual wear for the bandmates and more traditional Mexican attire for the restaurant owners, contributing to the authenticity of the setting. The lighting design complements the emotional tone of the show, transitioning smoothly from the warmth of reunion scenes to the more sombre moments of reflection.
Of course, the real star of "In Dreams" is Roy Orbison’s music. With over 20 of his songs seamlessly integrated into the narrative, the musical numbers never feel forced or out of place. Standout performances include "I Drove All Night," delivered with raw emotion by Oliver Tompsett as Ramsay, and Lena Hall’s powerful rendition of "Crying," which anchors the first act with its intensity.
The cast of "In Dreams" is nothing short of stellar. Lena Hall shines as Kenna, bringing both strength and vulnerability to the role. Her rock-inflected voice is perfectly suited to Orbison’s songs, making her performance of "Crying" one of the evening’s highlights. Oliver Tompsett is equally compelling as Ramsay, blending humour and pathos in his portrayal of the former drummer turned Uber driver. His performance of "I Drove All Night" is a showstopper, showcasing his vocal prowess and stage presence.
Supporting performances from Sian Reese-Williams and Noël Sullivan as the married bandmates Jane and Donovan, and Manuel Pacific as the grief-stricken restaurant owner Oscar, add richness to the production. Each actor brings depth to their roles, making the ensemble scenes particularly engaging.
"In Dreams" is a deeply emotional and beautifully crafted musical that successfully balances the light and dark aspects of life, much like Orbison’s own music. While the show occasionally feels slightly overcrowded with subplots, the strength of the performances and the emotional resonance of the songs keep the audience engaged from start to finish. Leeds Playhouse has hosted a gem of a production that is sure to captivate audiences as it continues its journey to Toronto and beyond. This is a four-star experience that celebrates life, love, and the enduring power of music.
In Dreams is at Leeds Playhouse until Saturday 5th August 2023, you can purchase tickets by clicking on the button below.
The show will then be heading to Toronto Canada where it will run at the Mirvish Theatre from September 26 - November 12, 2023 link to where you can buy tickets for these performances is below
Photo Credit - Pamela Raith
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