A famously intimate scene in front of a potter’s wheel with the crooning tunes of the Righteous Brothers, “Unchained Melody” is what many viewers remember most about the 1990 Academy Award-nominated movie for Best Film. “Ghost” is a romantic fantasy that tells the story of Sam Wheat, who was murdered during a botched robbery. Sam’s body is trapped between the real world and the afterlife. As a ghost, Sam befriends the psychic Oda Mae Brown, who helps him to communicate with his fiancée. Sam’s goal is to tell Molly that she is in grave danger with the hopes of protecting her.
The musical theatre version of the story, which began its show run in England in 2011 before moving to Broadway in 2012, is now on its first U.S. national tour. Bruce Joel Rubin, who won an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay for the “Ghost” film script, adapted it for the stage. “Ghost the Musical” pulls out no stops with its illusion-filled stage version of the iconic movie. The illusions that help mix reality with fantasy are developed by Paul Kieve. Kieve, who has been with the play since its launch in 2011, is a British magician who has consulted on numerous projects including Harry Potter films “Prisoner of Azkaban” and “The Goblet of Fire.”
The play begins with a zooming introduction of the New York skyline accompanied by the orchestra playing a fast-paced tune that excites the senses. Through the use of CGI (computer generated images) the audience could feel as if they were floating through the sky.
On stage Steven Grant Douglas reincarnates Sam Wheat, famously portrayed by the late Patrick Swayze in the film. Though he is playing dead for most of the play, Douglas breathes life into the role. Between serenading his fiancée, Molly (Katie Postotnik) and discovering his path amongst the dead, Sam gives a rousing performance. However, it is the show’s supporting cast that gives the jaw-dropping performances. Sam’s buddy and colleague Carl (Robby Haltiwanger) is the epitome of a snake as he plays Sam’s back- stabbing friend and mastermind behind the botched robbery. Willie Lopez (Fernando Contreras) is later discovered as the gunman hired by Carl in the robbery that claimed Sam’s life.
Carla R. Stewart reprises the role of Oda Mae Brown, the character that won Whoopi Goldberg a Supporting Actress Oscar. Oda Mae Brown was the highlight of the show. Between her quick-witted comebacks and colorful voice, she had the audience in stitches.
The blend of the intricate dances and musical selections provided for a great show. The lyric’s “Oh, my love, my darling I’ve hungered for your touch” from “Unchained Melody” will repeatedly play in your mind as your exit the theater. “Ghost the Musical” has that magical touch.
