Dazzling performance in a safe pyjama party. The show is billed as most relatable, but for sure, I found myself as an exception.
One of the reasons I fled Japan was to see more QUEER musicals, and many theatre productions have amused me. The revival of Kiss Me, Kate includes an energetic same-sex dance that made me Too Darn Hot. Londoners and New Yorkers may be used to these elements but still felt refreshing to me. So I was thrilled to see this musical but unfortunately, I felt out of place, like walking into a club party alone and trying to sip a half pint at the corner of the wall.
I’ve seen great new musicals with catchy music and a fresh approach to storytelling, such as Operation Mincemeat and Kathy And Stella Solve A Murder. But, this musical stands out for its even more magnificent dance scenes, including tap and cabaret-style jazz, even when they’re just chatting in the tiny flat. The trailer for this show is sure to be gorgeous and stand out from other West End shows. I was impressed by the ensemble cast—each actor was skilled and charismatic, making it easy to remember their faces and individual talents. I admire how they’ve pooled their creativity and expression into this musical, and I hope they’re enjoying performing as much as we enjoy watching.
We can exist together with the lovely characters in the fourth-wall-breaking moment, and it affects the audience to become this safe queer and ally space. I thought it would be fascinating if they had a dress-down night as opposed to a dress-up. But much of the comedy seems tailored specifically for a British audience, so the London accent and slang throughout the show were a bit too advanced for me. I couldn’t ignore the gap between this show and me.
I (or should I say we?) have tried to find ‘Over the Rainbow’ in the many plays, musicals and films—sometimes even heterosexual love or alien depictions have been interpreted in a queer way. Eventually, I reach two lonely friends who are fighting with a bee (literally they have a song just about a bee and it was hilarious) and don’t settle for the typical magical queer or a tragic dying gay. Which is amazing but also I couldn’t find what they expected us to take home, and hand over to the next generation.
I really enjoyed this show and may go again but it also made me reflect on how to create next queer production, if I consider a broader spectrum of minority communities. I believe the only way to represent minorities isn’t to leave others out. I can’t wait to read other reviews and listen to the cast recording soon.
★★★★
Why Am I So Single? is now playing at the Garrick Theatre Until 13 Feb.