Clint Eastwood’s 80s comedy classic hits the road one more time through the musical adaptation currently playing at London’s Charing Cross Theatre. Guillermo Nazara shares his view on the show, to let us know if the production earned its spurs.
When I was a little boy, I also dreamed of becoming a rich man’s widow so I could inherit all of his millions… It hasn’t happened yet, but tonight may be the night! I mean, I’ll destroy him some way or another… And now that you’ve already choked (God knows what you had in there…), let me tell you a story about a resilient young woman running away from a villainous fashionista with a Mufasa hairstyle, who ends up joining the craziest touring show in North America (the Blue Man group had not been invented yet). Put on your leather boots and buckle up to your horses (kinky, ain’t it?), and give a big “howdy” to one of the maddest, most absurd and, above all, funniest comedies in the last decades: my reviews. And, Bronco Billy is also nice.
Last night, the Charing Cross Theatre brought a bit of the desert heat to the ice-(effing)-cold heart of London, with the premiere of the classic family film now turned into a theatrical folly. With book by Dennis Hackin and music and lyrics by Chip Rosenbloom and John Torres, the show is a lively celebration of 80s camp – reviving the simple, nostalgic charm of those old movies (it’s time you face it…) we grew up with. Following the traditional musical theatre form in its outline, the score blends within the narrative rather smoothly – regaling us with a good bunch of numbers that, to some extent, makes you question why the piece wasn’t conceived for this genre in the first place.
Under the vision of Hunter Bird (the director, not the spirit of the mountain… you love me…), the production genuinely brings the house down through applause after applause, as its hilarious plot and renditions keep the laughs high in what results in one of the most fun nights out this new season has provided so far. There’s a few amendments to be made on its writing, nonetheless – as despite its infectious score giving us an overdosed boost of energy, some excerpts could do with a bit more development (their ending feeling too abrupt or unpolished), while the lyrics, though amusing, should add more bitterness and cunning to this already spicy broth of pure entertainment.
With an uncomplicated yet well-resolved set design (credit to Amy Jane Cook), the scenography excels at delivering a rather compelling atmosphere with very little – relying on a revolving bus structure that shifts into other locations through props and lighting. However, one can’t help but wishing they would have gone a bit further, bringing a fully immersive vibe to the montage by masquerading the whole auditorium (or at least, the first section of it) as if it was some kind of cartoonish far west saloon – thus, giving a more cohesive and enveloping space the performances, at many moments happening offstage, could benefit from.
Whatever the case, no one can’t deny that the cast alone is more than a sound, understanding and ratified reason to drop by the venue. Boasting extremely good vocal skills (with just a couple of moments in need of slightly better tuning), the whole company is an explosion of bliss and drollery. Both Tarinn Callender (Bronco) and Emily Benjamin (Antoinette) give a refreshing portrayal in their lead roles, exuding some mutual chemistry onstage while also endowing their characters with appeal. Yet, no one can overcome the hurricane strength of Victoria Hamilton-Barritt’s once again superb interpretation as Constance, through an uproarious depiction of the manipulative stepmother that, by all means, finds and brings the gold her persona is digging for.
An evening of unadulterated joy, Bronco Billy has stepped into the London scene with both hats and cowboys, offering us a remarkably vibrant journey of easy, straightforward whimsicality that’s guaranteed to give you more than a bundle of chills. Landing only a few steps away from the gates to West End’s fairground-lit hustle and bustle, this is probably a prelude to a louder spectacle that’s bound to arrive more sooner than later. First stop took a diversion from the Strand. But next time, its rusty bus may end up with a priority slot on St. Martin’s Lane.
All pictures credit to The Other Richard.
Bronco Billy plays at London’s Charing Cross Theatre until 7 April. Tickets are available on the following link.