Ghost The Musical

Ghost The Musical, on the final leg of its Australian tour, opens with a sudden flurry of high-tech audio-visual effects that take the audience on a wild aerial ride through New York. This immediately sets the style and scene for this amazingly technical production of Ghost.

Closely following the pattern of the film on which it is based, this show is highly plot driven, with strongly developed central characters (and some nice little cameos). While the songs are good, and help to progress the story, they are not particularly memorable.

Rob Mills shows impressive acting skills as title character Sam Wheat. Aided by great special effects, amazing stage combat and illusion skills, as well as an excellent vocal performance, Sam Wheat becomes both likeable and sympathetic.

Jemma Rix is lovely as Molly Jensen. She sings beautifully and creates a believable relationship with Sam - both before and after 'his death'.

David Roberts' conniving Carl Bruner is very nicely created with an expertly arched performance.

Wendy Mae Brown was clearly born to play Oda Mae Brown, and if her name isn't a clear sign, her scene stealing, larger than life performance is a highlight of the show.

Great support came from the remaining cast, especially WAAPA Graduate Ross Chisari as murderous Willie Lopez, David Denis' marvelously manic Subway Ghost and Evette Marie White and Lydia Warr as Oda Mae's assistants.

This show moves extremely quickly and has supernatural elements that challenge the imagination. A very intriguing and captivating production that most definitely entertains.

Kimberley Shaw

Photographer: Jeff Busby