Review: CRUEL INTENTIONS - THE 90s MUSICAL, New Wimbledon Theatre - Tour
Photo credit: Pamela Raith
The 90’s cult film Cruel Intentions comes to the New Wimbledon Theatre in the form of a sassy, camp and enticingly raunchy jukebox musical. If you’re looking for a dose of naughtiness and nostalgia, Cruel Intentions: The 90’s Musical hits all the right notes.
Twisted step-siblings Kathryn (Nic Myers) and Sebastian (Will Callan) are the ultimate sadistic high school rich kids. They are as good looking as they are wealthy (extremely!), both using sex as a form of manipulation to get what they want. For those unfamiliar with the plot of the film, Sebastian, who is notorious for his bad boy reputation, takes on the challenge of winning over the saintly Annette (Abbie Budden) in an attempt to take her virginity and win a salacious bet with Kathryn. Goofy and naive Cecile (Lucy Carter) also becomes the victim of another one of the step-siblings’ schemes, when Kathryn decides to exact her revenge after her ex boyfriend dumped her for Cecile.
Although the original plot has numerous twists and turns, the show does a good job of condensing everything down and making the 90’s soundtrack the main focus. This simplicity is also enforced by the ensemble assisting in set and scene transitions, often as part of a musical number. As with most typical jukebox musicals, the show consists of song and dance numbers lightly peppered with dialogue, and although some songs do feel unnaturally shoehorned into the storyline, the production’s greatest strength is letting us know from the very start that it’s not taking itself too seriously and neither should we. Abrupt transitions into song, which could otherwise be seen as jarring, actually add to the comedic elements of a scene, particularly during the steamy scenes between Blaine (Luke Conner Hall) and Greg (Joe Simmons). Their performances are the real standouts for us; bringing exceptional comedic timing to their homo-erotic sub-plot.
The audience were bobbing their heads along to songs throughout and every now and then, a wave of excitement would ripple through the stalls when another 90’s favourite would roar from the stage. It’s all fun and games, but we are still given the opportunity to connect with characters on a level and not feel like we are just at a 90’s tribute concert. Nic Myers showcases her vocal skills during an incredibly emotional medley where we almost started to feel sorry for the manipulative scheming Kathryn and the poignant use of the Verve’s ‘Bittersweet Symphony’ during the final scene have a really powerful effect in setting a more sombre tone.
It’s worth noting that the characters do use some controversial terminology in relation to gender, race and sexuality, although this is a reflection of the dialogue and plot taken from the original film. Overall, this is a successful adaptation which leans into the camp and playful essence of 90’s nostalgia.
Cruel Intentions: The 90’s Musical is pure entertainment and is as extravagant as it is fun.
**** Four stars
Reviewed by: Chess Hayden