Review: BLONDE - THE MUSICAL, Kristian Thomas Company (Online)
Marilyn Monroe is known for playing comedic “blonde bombshell” characters and becoming one of the most popular sex symbols of the 1950s and early 1960s; she served as a symbol of the era’s sexual revolution. However, BLONDE – The Musical allows us to build a bolder understanding of the American actress, thanks to Kristian Thomas Company.
The streamed production, the first from the Derbyshire based company, allows the audiences to unearth and discover who Marilyn Monroe really was beneath the persona. We are taken on what feels like a rapid ride through this journey, spanning the last nine years of the public and private life of Marilyn Monroe, captured through the eyes of young photographer Georgie Gifford (Finlay Paul). Verity Power is given the tough job of being the iconic character that Monroe was foreseen in the media whilst also trying to portray the woman that she really was. Power has gorgeous vocal ability which aligns well with the characteristics of this character. But what is effective in the delivery of this production is introducing Norma Jeane (Anna Bond) and seeing how Monroe’s personality differed and developed once she was influenced by her desire to work in Hollywood.
The 90-minute show definitely moves at a rapid pace and it feels as though the plot is slightly lost within the second half. This means that the conclusion comes far more suddenly than expected so it will need a little more development in order to execute that emotive ending. The musical score fits in well with the storytelling of this musical, but probably takes more of a lead than in fact the script itself does. This new musical definitely has the potential to be bigger beyond this stream and has created further interest into discovering Monroe’s story further. The choreography and staging of this production is also well constructed to adhere to Covid guidelines and helps to bring the stage and story to life well. The ensemble are excellent in supporting the main cast and creating atmospheric scenes to fit within the era. Considering this is the first streamed performance from this company, they are able to bring an enjoyable night of theatre into your homes.
In what has been an incredibly difficult year for the theatre, even those like the Kristian Thomas Company are able to ensure the show goes on for their devoted and new audiences. It’s definitely a ticket worth buying to support smaller theatre companies who are just as (or in fact more so) passionate about the future of theatre.
**** Four stars
Reviewed by: Emmie Newitt
Blonde – The Musical, presented by Kristian Thomas Company, is available to stream now until 16 May 2021. Purchase your tickets here.
This review is also posted on Emmie’s independent blog, Carpe Diem Emmie.
