Alex Lodge and the cast of THE OSMONDS: A NEW MUSICAL. Photo: Pamela Raith
Driven by some energetic and infectious performances, THE OSMONDS: A NEW MUSICAL gives us a glimpse into Osmond family life but barely digs beneath the surface.
With more than 100m record sales to their name and a wealth of hit songs in their back catalogue, it’s surprising that it’s taken so long for an official Osmonds musical to take to the stage… until now.
THE OSMONDS: A NEW MUSICAL tells the story of five brothers from Utah who are pushed into the spotlight as children by their military father, George. From their star residency on The Andy Williams Show to the arrival of Donny and Marie Show, the jukebox musical charts their rise to fame, selling out vast arena concerts and making record-breaking TV shows, until one bad decision costs them everything.
The cast of THE OSMONDS: A NEW MUSICAL. Photo: Pamela Raith
Director Shaun Kerrison, who co-wrote the book with Jay Osmond, keeps the action moving along at a zippy pace, weaving the succinct tale with delicacy and insight. As one of the first families to grow up on TV, Lucy Osborne’s vibrant set, framed like a ’60s TV screen, makes for an effective backdrop. Add Ben Cracknell’s lighting and Dan Samson’s sound design into the mix, and the show quickly evokes the feeling of a classic Osmonds concert.
As the show’s narrator, Alex Lodge is undeniably charming as Jay Osmond, spending more time on stage than any of his famous siblings. Jamie Chatterton and Danny Nattrass as Alan and Wayne Osmond, respectively, impress in their roles, while Ryan Anderson, as Merrill Osmond, delivers some impressive vocals as the band’s lead singer.
In the tricky role of Donny, Joseph Peacock is note-perfect in PUPPY LOVE and displays natural on-stage chemistry with Georgia Lennon as Marie, who steals the show with her solo number PAPER ROSES.
Osian Salter & Alex Cardall in THE OSMONDS: A NEW MUSICAL. Photo: Pamela Raith
Just as impressive are the child actors who play the brothers in their childhood years. The talented youngsters (Osian Salter, Jack Jones, Alfie Jones, Harrison Skinner, Tom Walsh and Fraser Fowkes) capture the audience’s hearts and add another dimension to the family-friendly performance.
Yet, THE OSMONDS: A NEW MUSICAL isn’t without its flaws. While the musical gives us a glimpse into the Osmond family life, it barely digs beneath the surface at times.
Flashbacks show the boys’ military-style upbringing and the family’s personal and financial struggles, but as quickly as it is revealed, it is shoved back under the carpet. The best dramatic scene, which comes near the show’s end, could have come earlier to allow for the repercussions.
The piece could also do with a little tightening here and there. The first couple of songs fall a bit short in energy, and some performances of songs could be trimmed.
That said, driven by some energetic and infectious performances, it isn’t long until the audience is swept to yesterday, singing along with chart-topping hits like LIKE LOVE ME FOR A REASON, CRAZY HORSES, LET ME IN, PUPPY LOVE, and ONE BAD APPLE.
The real magic happens when the group perform together, with Bill Deamer’s groovy choreography, bringing to life many of the group’s live and television performances, including an energetic tap number.
If you’re a diehard Osmond fan, you’re sure to enjoy this wholesome, feel-good show.
THE OSMONDS: A NEW MUSICAL runs at the Palace Theatre, Manchester, until 13 August 2022
Donna is the Founder and Editor of Frankly, My Dear UK. By day, she works as a digital marketing specialist, by night she reviews film, theatre and music for a wide range of publications including WhatsonStage and The Reviews Hub. Loves Formula 1, prosecco and life.
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