Review: MIDNIGHT AT THE NEVER GET, Signature Theatre
Midnight at the Never Get is the third production in the Signature Features 2021 season, streaming on Marquee TV until 21 June . The new musical about a forgotten sliver of gay history is a bittersweet story of love and loss that will tug at your heartstrings from start to finish. The book, music and lyrics by 2018 Jonathan Larson Award Winner Mark Sonnenblick is centred around a singular piano in the smoky backroom haze of New York’s 1960s gay underground nightclub scene. At the heart of the piece is two men torn apart by the pressures of a world that is not ready to change. “Midnight at the Never Get” is a fictional cabaret concert about impossible love, revolution, music and memory.
It’s down to singer Trevor Copeland (Sam Bolen) to recall the story of his romance with songwriter Arthur Brightman, the peak of which was their late-night club act. However, pressures from a world on the cusp of change expose an ache and ultimately, they were torn apart. There’s an obvious look at what they could never have in a wistful and whimsical serenade, with tunes reminiscent of the Great American Songbook. This journey is most definitely from the heart and it’s hard not to become emotionally connected to the story.
What begins as a simple cabaret act slowly transforms into something far more magical and poignant by the end of the show. It’s one of the most moving streamed productions we have witnessed.
The musical score within Midnight at the Never Get is beautifully curated to fit within the atmospheric emotions behind this story. ‘Dance with Me’ and ‘When It’s Spring Again’ are obvious stand outs. The simplistic staging of this production does not stray away from its power in delivery, and the style and flare of this musical makes for enjoyable watching.
We definitely recommend you watch this new musical and see this moving snippet of history for yourself.
**** Four stars
Reviewed by: Emmie Newitt
Midnight at the Never Get is available to stream on Marquee TV until 21 June. You can find out further information and book your tickets here.
