A star rating of 3 out of 5.
In a time when almost every romantic comedy or chick flick seems to get transformed into a musical, it’s essential that each adaptation learns from its predecessors to avoid blending into the crowd of glittery and somewhat self-aware productions. After all, there are only so many instances where you can share a collective memory with others like “how many times did we watch this movie at sleepovers?
Fortunately, the latest Clueless musical seems to have taken valuable lessons from the past, blending the charmingly naive protagonist of Legally Blonde, the adolescent drama reminiscent of Mean Girls, and fashion so chic it might challenge The Devil Wears Prada for its style crown.
The outcome is a cheerful, playful journey filled with ’90s nostalgia that was almost as if Beanie Babies rained down from above instead of confetti.
The stage performance is similar to the 1995 film, as both are inspired by Jane Austen’s Emma and revolve around Cher Horowitz – a wealthy, well-liked high school student with a knack for interfering in others’ romantic affairs. A new student named Tai presents her biggest challenge yet, and Cher endeavors to pair her with the most popular boys at school. However, she soon discovers that reality doesn’t always align with her ideal image of perfection.
Due to its ’90s backdrop and era, the series leans heavily on its nostalgic references, which at times seem excessive. The dialogue is littered with slang phrases like “fly”, “fresh”, and “buggin” from the time period, often prioritizing these terms and displaying VHS tapes over natural humor flow, although perhaps this is something that will improve as the series progresses.
However, the performance isn’t just about the visual spectacle. The music, penned by ’00s pop sensation KT Tunstall, is rich with ’90s influences that echo some of the most iconic bands from that era. If you’ve got a soft spot for Nirvana, REM, or even the Backstreet Boys, you might find yourself spending a good chunk of the show reminiscing about ’90s tunes and the memories they evoke.
Regrettably, although the intros are delightful, the song lyrics and catchy parts could use more depth, and they don’t seem to linger in one’s memory. Similarly, the show’s underlying message attempts to appear profound and focused on genuinely assisting people, but it falls short when it comes to execution.
Moving on to the good points: While Alicia Silverstone played a significant role in making Cher famous, Emma Flynn shines brilliantly as the main character. Despite her character’s evident privilege and manipulative behavior, she’s so endearing with her wide-eyed innocence and lively personality that it’s hard not to like her.
A noteworthy highlight is Romona Lewis-Malley portraying Tai, who exudes a captivating sweetness and charm, yet balances this with strong vocal performances that starkly contrast her character’s puppy-like gaze.
The moments that stood out for me, surprisingly, occurred in the least anticipated areas. Max Mirza as Elton and Isaac J Lewis as Christian, potential suitors for Cher and Tai, were outstanding with their impeccable comedic delivery, proving that their characters were not to be taken at face value. Mirza’s solo, reminiscent of Right Said Fred’s I’m Too Sexy, was a riotous treat.
To put it another way, Clueless isn’t the supportive companion who offers guidance and emotional support, but rather the casual acquaintance who brings excitement into your life, then departs without making a lasting impact – yet if enjoyment was the goal, there’s nothing inherently wrong with that.
When and where can I see Clueless the Musical?
Clueless the Musical is coming to the Trafalgar Theatre from now until 14th June 2025.
Shows run every Monday to Saturday, with a matinee on Thursdays and Saturdays.
The Trafalgar Theatre is conveniently located near Trafalgar Square. It’s only a brief stroll away from Charing Cross Station, which services the Bakerloo and Northern lines, as well as Embankment Station, which also accommodates the Bakerloo, Northern, Circle, and District lines.
How to get Clueless the Musical tickets
Currently, you can purchase “mystified” tickets for London theaters from both London Theatre Direct and ATG Tickets. It’s recommended to go ahead and do so since there’s currently a good amount of seating available, but don’t delay as it’s best to go soon!
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2025-03-14 01:36