Get Down Tonight: The KC and the Sunshine Band Musical at Charing Cross Theatre Review
Get Down Tonight production image. Photo by Danny Kaan
Written by Jenna for Theatre & Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
On a sunny autumnal afternoon, we were invited along to the intimate Charing Cross Theatre for Get Down Tonight, the KC & The Sunshine Band Musical. After introductions by director and choreographer Lisa Stevens and the real Harry Wayne Casey himself, we were transported back to America’s early disco era for the show. The theatre’s simple, retro look and huge glitterballs overhead made the perfect backdrop for this brand-new musical, based on the early life and career of Harry Wayne “KC” Casey and featuring the iconic songs from the Band’s back catalogue. The use of the stage’s platforms is imaginative and makes for some clear and effective scene changes.
We are introduced to a young Harry (played by Ross Harmon) who works in a record store and hangs out with friends Dee and Gina afterwards, smoking pot. Best friend Dee, played by Paige Fenlon, explains how Harry can use dramatic techniques inspired by hit shows such as Hamilton to bring his story to life. I loved her use of humour and references to modern-day musicals. Harry wants to show only the highlights, whereas Dee encourages him to keep it more real and show some of the dark clouds, not just the sunshine.
We are later introduced to romantic Gina and ‘boogie man’ Vietnam veteran Orly, and the four friends go on a journey of love, friendship, sex and making records in the swinging sixties and seventies. The colourful costumes are instantly recognisable from these decades but with a contemporary feel, with my particular favourites being the silver glitterball type dresses for the funky disco number ‘That’s the Way (I like it)’. Choreography by director Lisa Stevens is superb, with the ensemble displaying their impressive dance moves to accompany the pitch perfect vocals from the entire cast. The overall effect is pure sunshine and joy, bringing smiles, dancing and applause from the audience.
There are also moments of sadness, such as when Gina discovers her crush, Orly, is sleeping with Harry, and later in life, when Harry has to say goodbye to his dear friends. I felt there was room to expand on these losses, as these final scenes seemed rushed. However, this did help to maintain the upbeat feel of the overall musical for the final megamix of all the hits during the curtain call. The entire show is around 90 mins long, and I think that with some clever writing, the show could be extended and improved, with an interval to allow the audience to keep the drinks flowing.
The show captures the atmosphere of Miami in the 60s and 70s, telling the story of how Harry develops his unique sound, inspired and encouraged by the friends he loves. References to the drugs, free love and social issues of the time are cleverly presented in a lighthearted way which fits well with the songs, but could have been a missed opportunity for some more dramatic and poignant moments. This is a musical that doesn’t take itself too seriously; like the music that inspired it, Get Down Tonight is uplifting, soulful and fun.
Get your tickets to ‘shake your booty’ and enjoy Get Down Tonight at the Charing Cross theatre, running until 15th November.
★★★★
