Review of ‘Clueless, The Musical’: “Everything not as perfect as she sings”

The 90s classic lands on the West End stage with the opening of its first mainstream production, currently playing at the Trafalgar Theatre until the end of summer. Guillermo Nazara shares his views on the show, to let us know if this musical boinkfest is bound to leave audiences totally freakin’ out.

She’s not the smartest in regards to her brains. But when it comes to style, high school hierarchy, and using Daddy’s credit card, she’s an absolute pro! To be honest, who wouldn’t like to have a life like hers? She’s not a bright bulb – but wherever she goes, she’s the one who ends up shining the most.

An absolute icon of a film (which I just happened to watch for the very first time last Monday), now it’s time to Cher her story onstage. But though the creatives can sigh in relief knowing that easy title pun does not apply to her efforts – it’s not likely that this version will climb up the musical landscape clique any time soon either.

After a long, long, long era of jukebox shows taking over almost the whole face of the genre, now it’s time for old comedy films to turn themselves into song and dance and dominate the mainstream scene. Before you say anything, I’m aware this film is from the 90s, and I stand by previous statement of calling it old – deal with it, Norma.

We had Prada, where every element was less groundbreaking than florals for spring; and now, we have Clueless, The Musical. For those concerned about the similarities in quality between both pieces, we can definitely see an improvement in this one as for its core parts.

The score, written by KT Tunstall, is highly enjoyable, full of memorable themes, and generally well-developed in terms of musical structure. The lyrics, penned by West End regular Glenn Slater, are probably the best ones in his vault – with more adequate rhymes and some amusing lines here and there, despite still being a full-on Monet if wit is what you’re looking for. And the book mirrors the original script closely enough to please the fans, while also bridging the songs with sufficient strength and drive.

But this is hardly a finished product – especially, when we’re talking about the West End. As much as we’re entertained all through the performance, and the musical numbers are put together trough some stunning dance moments and flawless vocals, we can’t help but feel there’s more to be done that we haven’t been given.

The lack of independence from the source material casts a big shadow on the whole effort. One could argue that its target audience is primarily people that practically live for the 90s Hollywood classic (the two ladies behind me dressed in a yellow check three-piece confirm that theory). But any good adaptation must allow itself to breathe on its own. Not only does Clueless mimics its silver screen counterpart excessively, but it doesn’t add anything else other than its intentionally pastiche repertoire.

There’s not a massive understanding of theatricality – at least, from what we can gather throughout its execution. While the songs serve the right dramatic intention, all of them resemble the style of a recording album a bit too much – almost as if the action was following the number’s journey instead of the other way around.

The staging, on the other hand, feels very lazy and unimaginative – not putting enough thought into how to translate the film’s universe into a new language; relying, quite exceedingly, on the overused (and not too effective) tool of poking fun at themselves by acknowledging the scenery’s  appearance.

Regardless, we can still find a few reasons to give this production a chance; at least, to some extent. These would come primarily from its genuinely excellent cast – all of them, giving truly ravishing performances oozing flair, chemistry, and infectious energy. Among them, the highest praise goes to lead actress Emma Flynn as Cher, whose exceptional comedy bone is only surpassed by her superb singing, as well as Keelan McAuley in the role of Josh – bringing a great deal of personal charm and likability to the character, while also boasting extraordinary technique.

Mildly entertaining and boldly uncomplicated, Clueless proves to know a thing or two about the type of viewer it attempts to gratify – but not even they will leave the theatre thinking the experience was totally buggin’ to them. Perhaps good enough for a touring production, but still not displaying the glitz and electricity of a West End musical, the show is nonetheless far from feeling like a jeeped-up substitute of its ageless (unlike you) icon. But if I said I’d come for a second round, a big “as if” would follow right after.

All pictures credit to Pamela Raith.

Clueless, The Musical plays at London’s Trafalgar Theatre until 27 September. Tickets are available on the following link.

By Guillermo Nazara