Clueless a New Musical

Trafalgar Theatre

A good representation of the hit 90s film. High quality design elements bring the film to life and the show gives the characters more depth. Does every chick-flick need a musical though?

It goes without saying that a lot of hard work has gone into putting this musical together to replicate the iconic movie, it almost feels like a love letter to the film. However, whilst the lines, characters and storyline are the same... it almost takes away the story's appeal. Clueless, the original film was released in 1955 and was based on the classic 19th century Jane Austin novel 'Emma'.

Cher stole the hearts of viewers with her confidence, fashion and the comedy embedded in her dim, but well-educated logic. Amy Heckerling, the original writer of the film and book, the iconic KT Tunstall's music, combined with Glenn Slater's lyrics have given the musical's audience a deep look at Cher's character and a lot of the other characters. The narration of her character and songs about her feelings almost over explains the story and the relationships of the characters. The audience are essentially spoon-fed every tiny detail, the comic characters and their iconic lines are given too much depth, emphasis and are sometimes repeated in songs to the point the comedy vanishes. Whilst clearly so much work has gone into the show to replicate the film, it has everything 'Clueless' has, but it is not at all the same and almost makes you cringe.

Let's talk design! A creative team have clearly worked TIRELESSLY to create a fantastic set, props and costume design that imitates the film perfectly. Paloma Young designed the costume for the show and there are so many eye-catching designs; that will make you want to change your whole wardrobe to match them. The costumes clearly display the character's personalities, the popping colours and styles are bold, playful and make each character stand out. Also, the iconic yellow three piece that Cher wears, if you know Clueless, you know what I'm talking about! Young gives her own spin on the outfit, modernising it, whilst also honouring the original design and you can appreciate her own signature stamp added to the outfit. Such as, cropping the suit jacket and the overlapping shirt, these are great adaptations to the design. In contrast, the set designed by Mikiko Suzuki Macadams presents Cher's grand, luxurious life in Beverly Hills and mimics the film's settings for the audience to feel the nostalgia of the 90's. The bedroom is the main event of the set design, shows Cher's organised personality and how particular she is.

Cher's organised personality is also shown through how she is portrayed and how she reacts when things she plans do not go as expected. Emma Flynn plays the lead Cher, and she clearly portrays Cher's charm through her bubbly persona and exaggerated character. However, she lacks the power of Cher's words, although what she says is comic, because she has intelligence but portrays her knowledge in a modernised, vain manner; she lacks Cher's self-awareness and power. Cher is portrayed in a way that makes her appear unaware and a little air headed. It just needs a little more power. It is very clear that Flynn is a very talented actress, her singing, dancing and acting skills are clearly very strong, she's a great casting. More confidence in her words and power would make the character perfect.

Other comic characters in the piece have more depth, such as Blake Jordan who plays Tai's love interest 'Travis', his character is exaggerated and is explored a little deeper than the film. This dampens the comedy of his lines and character overall. Josh is played by Heathers star Keelan Mcauley; another great casting. There are again moments that give the character more depth and spoon feed his feelings to the audience, in the film you don't exactly get to know his character, especially not in the way you do in the musical. Whilst Mcauley's singing, acting and his dance skills are all so impressive, the depth gets rid of the likability of his character. Whilst he sticks around the house and treats it like his home, he is still respectable. The direction of Josh and how he treats the house is almost disrespectful, such as, his feet up on the sofa in shoes and it taints his character. There's a difference between being comfortable, treating the space like his own and being too comfortable. There is so much talent in this show and the direction does not give the actors their opportunity to shine as bright as they should.

Choreography shines bright in the show. There are so many ensemble numbers and it is fantastic that the whole cast are included the majority of the time. Sometimes it feels there are too many ensemble numbers and comic, subtle moments from the film are highlighted and repeated a little too much. One of the most memorable moments from the film is when Tai has got hurt at the house party and Elton distracts her by getting her to learn a dance move to a song 'Rolling with the homies' this moment in the film is wholesome and shows Tai's naive character. However, there is a musical moment that turns this moment into a song, ensemble number and gets rid of the charm of this moment. It becomes cringey and emphasises a moment that is not exactly that important to the storyline. There is a divine dance number where all the cast are in a club, Cher has gone out with Christian played by Isaac J Lewis. The two are a marvellous pair on the dance floor and their energy is gripping. The show's choreographer is Lizzi Gee and this is the most skill filled number in the piece. The cast dance in pairs in an upbeat style, that presents a jive, lindy hop style... I'm not an expert in dance styles. Whilst the dance was technically well choreographed, very impressive and showed the cast's skills; it just did not feel suited to the 90's aesthetic, it was almost a 50s style.

It's clear that there are a number of weak areas that could be adjusted to give the show its strength and make it less inconsistent. However, I don't doubt that this piece will be a successful show for the Westend. Nostalgia does sell, it is beautifully designed and has everything the film has. It is a fantastic production for those who love the film and young teens who are new to the story and new theatre go'ers. For those who love musicals and theatre on the other hand it is not something that will blow you away, it's an easy watch and you can appreciate the work that has gone into the production. There are just so many chick-flicks turned into musicals, that in the past have stolen hearts; Legally Blonde, Mean Girls and of course Mamma Mia (it is already a musical.. but you get my point), do we need another one? It's no secret that theatre prices have increased a lot over the years and audiences are more willing to try something new if it is a story they know and love; hence why this will do well, and the fashion is similar to what is in style at the moment. It's a enjoyable show, it's just not groundbreaking.

And yes.. Yes, I did spend £7 for a fluffy Clueless pen.