4.0 out of 5 star rating
It’s indisputable that Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss excel at composing infectious tunes. When I witnessed their successful musical, the tracklist lingered in my mind for days, possibly due to the fact that I kept replaying them continuously on Spotify afterwards. Notably, Get Down merits a special mention.
In a remarkable feat, Six has accumulated an impressive 23 awards for its innovative portrayal of Henry VIII’s six wives from a feminist perspective. Their upcoming production, titled “Why Am I So Single?”, described as a grand musical spectacle, faces the challenge of avoiding the pitfalls often associated with second albums, given the monumental success it has to follow. Interestingly, Moss, who is involved in this production, is just 30 years old, and Marlow, another director for “Why Am I So Single?”, is barely 29.
In “Why Am I So Single?”, the writers creatively tackle the subject matter by incorporating elements of a musical-within-a-musical, where characters Oliver (played by Jo Foster from “Jo Foster & Juliet”) and Nancy (Leesa Tulley from “Six”) engage in a discussion about the challenges of creating such a production. The process is depicted as complex, with plenty of sticky notes used throughout. While these characters aren’t exact representations of Marlow and Moss, they draw inspiration from their experiences, as well as those of their friends.
Scot Nancy, hailing from the south, and Oliver, originally from the north, who goes by the gender-neutral pronouns, share common ground with Foster and Marlow in this regard – they’re all found relaxing, rewatching Friends (specifically the episode where Rachel deboards a plane), sipping on prosecco, and pondering over the reasons behind their current singleness.
The core idea of this series may seem superficial at first glance, but it actually results in realistic scenarios and some deep insights. While Oliver and Nancy share a fondness for Friends, they gently poke fun at its stereotypical portrayal of relationships and idealized romantic norms in I Got Off the Plane. Lines like “I Hate Ross” and “I Hate Rachel” were not what I anticipated hearing, but I’m glad I did! (This version maintains the original message while using more conversational language.)
The setting primarily revolves around the apartment, featuring items such as house plants, a coat rack, a refrigerator, and a trash can that are both whimsical and human-like. Notably, the “doors” that change into rectangular frames resembling neon dating app profiles are an ingenious concept, leaving me puzzled as to why it hasn’t been done before. Or, creating a musical centered around contemporary dating and relationships – the subject matter offers ample opportunities for exploration.
Marlow and Moss produce more catchy tunes, notably the introductory track “Why Am I So Single?” and “Disco Ball.” The song “C U Never,” featuring Noah Thomas’s character Artie (familiar from Everybody’s Talking About Jamie) aiding Nancy in text composition, is accompanied by a clever tap dance routine, which reflects Marlow and Moss’s knack for wit.
The tapping is done to represent the sound a phone keyboard makes when typing… or deleting messages. It’s so simple, yet effective, and will leave you grinning from ear-to-ear. Men R Trash is another delight, with orange plastic bags utilised in the choreography. Also, if you thought you knew every word that rhymes with “single”… think again.
This musical stands out by featuring a central character who is non-binary and emphasizing a significant platonic friendship over romance. The storyline’s focus on this aspect is incredibly refreshing. Furthermore, it incorporates large, humorous musical numbers filled with double entendres that encourage audience participation. However, it also delves into themes of queerness, shame, rejection, and loss in a way that feels authentic and not merely tokenistic.
Speaking of Foster, they are absolutely captivating! I’d rush to catch their live performance in a heartbeat. Their stage charisma is electrifying, and their vocal range is mind-blowing – one moment they’re delivering pop punk with energy, the next they transform into a glamorous Marilyn Monroe-esque performer. Tulley, who has a delightful chemistry with Foster, truly stands out during the ballads. During these slower songs, she showcases powerful vocals that beautifully complement deep, emotional lyrics.
The issue I find with this musical arises during the song “Interlude in B Minor,” which follows Nancy’s emotional ballad “Just in Case.” This song, based on the tears in my audience, seems to resonate deeply with many people due to its theme of missing an ex. However, the song that comes next, about a bee in an apartment, while humorous, feels out of place compared to the other songs in the musical. It might benefit from some lighter moments following such an emotional number.
In simpler terms, “Six is a well-honed 80-minute performance without a break, and ‘Why Am I Still Single?’ might have been improved by this approach, making the musical feel more streamlined.
Without a doubt, anyone attending this musical is bound for a fantastic, entertaining time. It’s filled with uplifting moments, laughter, and creativity, making it a fresh, exhilarating addition to the West End. Mark your calendars for this show; you’ll leave feeling understood, regardless of relationship status.
When and where can I see Why Am I So Single?
Why Am I So Single? is showing at the Garrick Theatre until Thursday 13th February 2025.
Nearby Tube stations for the Garrick Theatre include Charing Cross, which serves both the Bakerloo and Northern lines, and Leicester Square, accessible by the Northern and Piccadilly lines. Additionally, numerous bus routes are also available.
How to get Why Am I So Single? tickets
Visit TodayTix to get your tickets. Prices begin at £23, though they’ll differ based on the seat selection and the date you attend.
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2024-09-13 15:04