Review: Rosie: The Musical (soundtrack)

Review: Rosie: The Musical (soundtrack)

Summary

Rating

60

Good

Musical soundtrack that hits high notes despite duff lyrics.

I love a good musical. Conversely, bad musicals irritate me, especially the bland modern ones which all sound the same and commit the cardinal sin of failing to supply any memorable tunes. I include in this rosta of drabness such lauded productions as Dear Evan Hanson, A Strange Loop, that one about growing up in a funeral parlour, and the theatrically inventive but sadly un-hummable Groundhog Day.

Now that I’ve turned my nose up at these critical darlings you may not consider my opinion worth listening to, but I thought it best to set my stall out early.

I’m effectively going into this soundtrack review blind. How much of the subject will I be able to gather from the lyrics? And crucially, will the tunes capture my heart?

The twelve songs presented are mostly a showcase for Lucy Thomas with a few other vocalists joining in along the way. Thomas has a superb voice: rich and resonant and with a reassuring sense of accomplishment. It would be a pleasure to hear her sing anything at all. Meanwhile, Chris Broom is responsible for the music and lyrics.

The first song is ‘One Day’. With its lush strings and aspirational sentiments, it feels like it could have come from an early Disney film – an unused track from Cinderella perhaps. That may sound old-fashioned, but the magic of songwriting is a timeless craft, and the world isn’t necessarily crying out for another Hamilton. I might query the need for even one Hamilton, but I’ve already flagged my contrary views, so I’ll leave that be.

Pretty as it is, ‘One Day’ immediately exposes one significant flaw in the enterprise: the lyrics are resolutely clichéd and unimaginative. “I follow my guiding star, no matter how near or far”, Rosie assures us in the opening number. She later exhorts “Magic from above to help me find my one true love”, and the threat of adversity is met with the cheery motto “So if it’s raining, I won’t be complaining”. With sentiments as shallow as these, Clintons Cards will be losing no sleep.

Another concern is that the lyrics are so vague it’s impossible to gauge the trappings of Rosie’s story. What’s her background? What does she aspire to? Why should we care about her? These questions may well be answered in a full production, but some idea of the context should be evident in the songs themselves. 

These narrative concerns aside, the soundtrack proceeds with a succession of sumptuously scored and gorgeously sung numbers. ‘I Still Believe in Love’ is an effective post-affair lament with a real emotional resonance, its melancholic stoicism akin to ‘I Know Him So Well’ or ‘Another Suitcase in Another Hall’. ‘Above the Clouds’ is a duet with Will Callan – like Thomas, an exceedingly gifted vocalist – and their close harmonies are tender and moving. If ‘Romano’s’ feels like a scene-setter in search of a scene to set, it’s nevertheless an irresistible tune, led with bravura by Louise Ashdown, Sarah Keirle and Lorna Day (members of Kantos Chamber Choir). 

According to the press release, Rosie:The Musical is based on the true story of Rosie Boote, an Irish convent girl who pursued a career on the London stage and caused a scandal by getting romantically involved with a toff. None of this potentially interesting story is evident in the songs, but there’s a showcase concert planned for this autumn, and in the meantime we have this collection of twelve very tuneful and well-sung ditties to enjoy.

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Music and lyrics by: Chris Broom

Book by: Sam Babenia

Cast: Lucy Thomas, Will Cahan, Desmonda Cathabel, Kantos Chamber Choir, St. Bede’s Catholic School Ormskirk Chamber Choir

Artistic Director Elspeth Slorach (Kantos Chamber Choir)

Choir Leader Annemarie McMurray (St. Bede’s Catholic School Ormskirk Chamber Choir)

Further information, previews, streaming links and to purchase the CD, click here.