The Osmonds were without doubt one of the biggest musical phenomenon of the 1970s; the family which become famous around the world.
‘The Osmonds: A New Musical’ tells the story of how it all started and gives us an insight into what happened during their rise to fame and what it was like to be that famous family including hardships like the impending bankruptcy ; with an albeit slightly rose-tinted viewpoint at times written by Jay Osmond – it’s a heart-warming whizz through their careers and their relationships, with a soundtrack of Osmond hits which are sure to delight fans.
Directed by Shaun Kerrison; this production moves quite smoothly although can feel a bit long in places as what feels like full songs are performed back to back and some sections overrun somewhat; but it does deliver a feel good experience and my goodness; you will be transported back to the 1970s in minutes of it starting.
It’s bright, colourful and full of glitter; a great musical to escape the modern world and metaphorically put on your flares and have a singalong, helped by a set designed by Lucy Osborne which does an incredible job of encapsulating the story of a family’s life constantly viewed through TV Screens with clever staging.
It does entertain throughout and the main attraction for this musical has to be the cast, they are outstanding!
The entire cast have energy, passion and superb vocals just like their characters; Alex Lodge as Jay Osmond is terrific and leads us through the show as a narrator, Ryan Anderson as Merrill, Jamie Chatterton as Alan, Danny Nattrads as Wayne and Joesph Peacock as Donny have a great chemistry as the brothers. The Younger versions: Osian Salter as Donny, Jack Jones as Alan, Alfie Jones as Wayne, Harrison Skinner as Merrill, Tom Walsh as Jay and Fraser Fowkes as Jimmy give it their all and it’s great to see.
The cast do have the advantage that they are performing a back catalogue of hits which always deliver a smile to its fans; having sold over 100 million records – there is huge hits featured such as ‘Love Me For a Reason’ & ‘Puppy Love’ – and the cast do it with such gusto and energy; it’s electric!
This musical is a sure fire hit for any Osmonds fans; its pace can be a little slow in places but overall, it’s a feel – good production which had the entire Manchester audience up on its feet dancing!
Verdict: A Must See for any Osmonds Fan!
You only have until Saturday 13 to catch this in Manchester before it continues on its first national tour. https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/the-osmonds-a-new-musical/palace-theatre-manchester/
Reviewer: Max Eden
Reviewed: 9th August 2022
North West End UK Rating: ★★★★