REVIEW | To Wong Foo Musical, Hope Mill Theatre

Reviews

27 Oct

`Peter Caulfield, Pablo Gómez Jones and Gregory Haney in To Wong Foo The Musical. Photo: Pamela Raith`

Written by Kirsty

*Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in return for an honest review

To Wong Foo The Musical tells the story of three drag queens Vida Boheme (Peter Caulfield), Noxeema Jackson (Gregory Haney) and Chi Chi Rodriguez (Pablo Gómez Jones) who break down in the small town of Snydersville on a road trip From New York to Los Angeles. What follows is a journey of discovery and change for everyone. This musical adaptation of the 1995 cult movie To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar was written by the original screenplay writer Douglas Carter Beane and the adaption did not disappoint.

With an exquisite original score from Lewis Flinn and gorgeous choreography from Jane McMurtrie, To Wong Foo The Musical, takes the audience back to 1990s small town USA. Although it still makes us consider acceptance, change and growth which is something that is definitely needed in the times we are currently live in with an increase of anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric and division.

Leading the cast is Peter Caulfield as Vida Boheme, and gives a performance which is heartfelt and strong, yet remains vulnerable which was perfectly shown in scenes with Carolyn Maitland’s Carol Ann and their duet “Maybe Tomorrow” was a real tear jerker. Watching Caulfield on stage is always a joy and Vida allows Caulfield to show a different side and it was to such great effect. Whenever Caulfield was on stage, it was a joy to behold and his vocals are always exceptional.

Gregory Haney played Noxeema Jackson, who was the Queen with a stoney exterior but their time in Snydersville allowed Noxeema to learn that showing vulnerability and kindness isn’t always a weakness. Watching Noxeema teaching the male residents of Snydersville was just perfection. Haney’s vocals were a highlight and blew the audience away throughout the show.

Watch: Our interview with Gregory Haney.

Pablo Gómez Jones as Chi Chi Roderiguez was one of the most emotional roles in the show, and Chi Chi is the Queen that learns the most through the show, and shows the most growth of the three Queens. Jones’s performance was hilarious and heartbreaking in equal measure and the scenes with Bobby Ray (Alexander Kranz) and Bobby Lee (Emily Ooi) were the perfect example of this. Jones has a very bright future and I can’t wait to watch him grow and shine.

Carolyn Maitland was flawless as the downtrodden Carol Ann who welcomed the Queens to town, and as an audience, we were taken on a journey with Maitland’s portrayal of a woman who learns her value with the help of her new Lady Friend, and she shone every time she was on stage with the powerhouse and gorgeous vocals we have come to expect from Maitland.

The show was undoubtedly made much stronger with the help of the performances of the residents of Snydersville with Samantha Bingley shining as Rose of Sharon, and Susie Fenwick truly stealing the show as Clara Paul, the town’s old lady who rediscovers her lost voice while helping Noxeema find their perfect role when they finally make it to Hollywood.

The whole ensemble was strong throughout which was demonstrated perfectly in songs like “Don’t Mess with Snydersville”, “Red and Wild” and “Strawberry Social Rave”, although a special shoutout must be given to Theo Maddix as Rachel Tensions who was a total scene stealer.

Gregory Gale’s Costume Design was used wonderfully, and the use of the costume changes throughout the show worked to help tell the story of change and acceptance in a way that shows how much of an impact great costumes can elevate a show. Lighting and Video was used to great impact as well with Dan Light’s video design being used in lieu of traditional scenery.

Lewis Flinn’s score was truly beautiful, and the use of an original score really helped to set the show apart from other similar shows. All the songs within the show were strong, with stand out numbers being “Make a Scene” and “It Will Be Beautiful”.

All in all, To Wong Foo The Musical has so much potential, and with a little work the show could become a true West End smash, and there is no doubt that the show deserves a life after December when the show closes at Hope Mill. I for one can’t wait to make a return visit to Snydersville and would tell anyone who can get to see the show to do so.