Discriminating Oriental Theatre patrons through January 19 will spend much of Act 2 contemplating descriptions more vivid than “train wreck” to describe Broadway in Chicago’s initial offering of the new year, the first national tour of the musical “Ghost.”
This too loud, blindingly bright, videocentric production offers none of the 1990 film inspiration’s sensuality. Unless, of course, one considers the sexy, iconic potter’s wheel scene performed atop the air hockey table in the middle of a Dave & Buster’s to be an effective homage.
This “Ghost” follows the film plot of young New York lovers Sam and Molly through Sam’s death and his ghost’s presence to protect her from imminent danger. A full synopsis and history of the stage production can be found here.
But the plodding theatrical book by Bruce Joel Rubin lacks the intimate connection seen through Demi Moore and the late Patrick Swayze in the film version. To be sure, young stage counterpartsKatie Postotnik and Steven Grant Douglas do their best with the material they have, but they really don’t stand a ghost of a chance.
Dave Stewart and Glen Ballard’s tunes are unmemorable and their lyrics predictable. Ashley Warren’s choreography is robotic. Director Matthew Warchus, whose Broadway work includes the current hit “Matilda,” should be embarrassed by his one-dimensional blocking. The latter may be due to the production’s liberal use of terrific special effects to levitate objects and allow Sam’s ghost to pass through walls. But outside of those cool illusions, there’s not an outstanding element in the production.
That said, performance nods go to Carla R. Stewart as psychic Oda Mae Brown, Whoopi Goldberg’s character in the film version. Her comedic timing, and the bold characterization ofBrandon Curry’s Subway Ghost, are indeed highlights.
If not for the show’s gross inadequacies, it would be easy to chalk this up as Broadway in Chicago’s latest example of lending its formidable brand to a substandard, non-Equity production. Because indeed they do, at a top fare of $95 per ticket.
But Goldberg, Moore and Swayze’s ghost themselves couldn’t make this deafening production enjoyable. It’s a bit cutesy to saddle a January show with the moniker, “worst of the year,” but chances are good that, come December, “Ghost” will still be a formidable contender.
“Ghost” at the Oriental Theatre, 24 W. Randolph St., Chicago, runs through January 19. Tickets are $27-$95 (plus fees) and available at Broadway in Chicago box offices, online or by calling Ticketmaster at 800-775-2000.
Barry Reszel is a Libertyville-based writer, at-home dad and executive director of the not-for-profit entertainment company Liberty Town Productions.
