What I liked
All the performers were excellent. Kim Dalton was exceptional and is a real star-in-the-making. The Avenger’s song “You Tore My Heart Out” is beautifully sung by Jared Reed and a true show-stopper.
What I didn't like
The show is not very good. It’s way too long, full of empty repetition and empty calories and SO DERIVATIVE (“Hairspray” meets “Phantom” with lots of “Young Frankenstein” thrown in for good measure). Also, there was a constant buzzing of the sound system which was very distracting and annoying. I sympathize with the producers who did their best to address it, but the venue should have had someone there to help out. Finally, the musicians were smirking and laughing at their own private jokes in full view of the audience during the show. This is so amateurish that I really felt for the actors, who were giving their all.
My overall impression
Watch out for Kim Dalton and Jared Reed – they have real star power! Shirley Anne Hatton was a powerhouse too, and the two supporting guys were mostly excellent. Too often their valiant efforts were undercut by a so-so script and unnecessary songs, much less the constant buzzing of the sound system and the bored onstage musicians. Worth seeing – but the producers need to get their act together and be able to give their great performers the support they deserve.
