We reviewed the current production of 'An Officer And A Gentleman' earlier in its run. This review is an updated version of a previously published one.
An Officer And A Gentleman is a new musical, based on the 1982 American romantic drama film starring Richard Gere, Debra Winger and Louis Gossett Jr.
It tells the story of Zack, a United States Navy Aviation Officer Candidate who is beginning his training and, through the bravado, meets his first true girlfriend - a local girl called Paula. He faces a number of challenges along the way, almost quitting and dropping out of the running, but the story is a real tale of positivity triumphing over failure.
The film version of the show is held in high esteem by many - it might not hold the cult status of Dirty Dancing or The Bodyguard but it comes a very close second and as we entered the auditorium there was an air of trepidation about how this could translate to the stage.
The staging and lighting is the first element of the jigsaw that makes this show stand out. Taking a simple outline and adding in subtle features to signify a scene change, An Officer And A Gentleman has a dynamic, overbearing, neon presence on stage. It screams 80s from curtain up.
I also defy you to find a better jukebox soundtrack - although one which differs from the original film score. Featuring the hits of Madonna, Bon Jovi and John Parr, this production is an 80s megamix to die for and an appointment with nostalgia. Whilst it's true that the arrangements are, in some cases, distinctly different this is every 40-year-old's guilty pleasure playlist.
Now, let's be absolutely frank. One of the pitfalls of putting a film on stage is always going to be telling the story. You can take inspiration and you can embody classic scenes but things are never going to translate perfectly.
Luke Baker (Billy Elliot, Everybody's Talking About Jamie) takes on the titular role and steps into Gere's shoes with ease - in fact I'd argue he's improved as the tour has prgoressed. His performance was convincing, slick and emotional, bringing a raw take on the part that didn't mimic the original. His vocal efforts were exceptional and his demeanour such that everyone in the auditorium felt a compassion for his plight that's so difficult to generate.
Julia Jones (Mamma Mia The Party, Joseph) stood in as Paula and is a shining example of why understudies are a lynch-pin of the industry. Belting out sounds with apparent ease, Jones is a shining example of what a leading woman should be.
We should also take a moment to applaud Jamal Crawford (Fame, Guys & Dolls) who takes on the role of Emil Foley and - to be frank - absolutely smashes it. This is a role which could have been written for Crawford who bring a tough, punishing but ultimately supportive slant to the character.
An Officer And A Gentleman is a classic love story, punctuated by a brilliant soundtrack and an energetic and well rehearsed cast. Is this Sondheim? No. Is this a three-hour throwback with a classic love story and a stunning soundtrack at it's heart? Absolutely.
An Officer And A Gentleman runs at Wolverhampton Grand until 28th September 2024. For more information, or to get tickets, head to grandtheatre.co.uk.
