“Ghost the Musical”

Highly Recommended ***** For many, the 1990 movie “Ghost”, starring Patrick Swayze, Demi Moore and Whoopi Goldberg, is considered THE classic love story.  In fact, many people, watch it on television at least once a year. Several years ago, a Broadway musical was made from this love story and Chicago was witness to this production back in 2009. It was okay, but certainly needed more work to be as memorable as the film version. The newer version of this musical, now making its Chicago area premiere on the intimate stage at Theatre at The Center in Munster, Indiana is sheer perfection and is a true love story that will bring you the same feelings as the film.

Sharply directed and choreographed by Linda Fortunato, with a true understanding of the film and this adaptation (book by Bruce Joel Rubin, who also wrote the lyrics . The music and other lyrics are by Dave Stewart and Glen Ballard) and the intimate stage ( with a great set designed by Sarah Ross) in Munster. Unlike the original musical, this is not one filled with glitz and glamour, but instead, uses a small ( but powerful) cast of players. In the story, which is the same as that of the film, we meet Sam (an incredible and powerful performance by Garrett Lutz) and his girlfriend, Molly ( played to perfection by Courtney Mack). She is an artist and he is an investment counselor. They are madly in love, and yes, the show does feature “Unchained Melody” from the film as well as a condensed version of the clay molding scene.

Sam’s best friend/co-worker, Carl ( Tony Carter) it seems has been playing with Sam’s numbers and has been stealing from the investors. In order to cover himself, just as in the film, he plans to get the codes from Sam and in doing so, Sam is murdered. Here is where we witness Sam trying to make contact from the outer-world to the current world to keep Molly from the harm that is heading her way. This is where we get to watch the magic of Forutunato and her direction. There is not electronic imagery, just her techniques and some special lighting (Guy Rhodes). Fantastic- and realistic!

Here is where we meet the hysterical Oda Mae (Deftly handled by Donica Lynn, who creates her version of the character rather than imitating Goldberg) a fake storefront psychic, who for some strange reason hears Sam and then assists him in his plight of saving Molly from the fate that awaits her. Lynn owns every scene she is in and while  “bigger than life”, her character never takes us out of the story being told. Terrific!

The ensemble in this production is small in numbers but HUGE in talent. Christie Coarn, Jackie Gessert,Qiana McNary, Carlos Olmedo, Kelvin Roston Jr. and Travis Austin Wright ( a powerful subway ghost). These six actors play a multitude of roles and do so with ease. Again, the intimacy of the theater and the staging makes the story easy to follow and be prepared for some heavy emotion. I suggest a few extra tissues in your pocket or purse for the sensational and captivating ending of this wonderful production. The music, for the most part is part of the story and with the exception of “Unchained Melody” will not be memorable, but with the five musicians, under the leadership of William Underwood, you will love what you hear.

The technical aspects of the production, in addition to the multi-leveled set (Ross) and lighting( Rhodes) is superb. Brenda Winstead’s costumes, Michael J. Patrick’s sound, Amanada Herrmann’s props and Kevin Barthel’s wig design and the fight choreography designed by Jason Kaplan. The ensemble members are also the set changers, carrying pieces and props off and on the stage, but doing so in character. Keeps the flow of the story easier to stay with. While Munster may seem a great distance to go for a play, it is just over the border and to be honest, this one is worth the trip! By the way, you can save money on gas in Indiana and in Munster, you can visit Munster Donuts and have a treat that makes Munster special.

“Ghost the Musical” will continue at Theatre at the Center located at 1040 Ridge Road in Munster thru October 14th with performances as follows:

Wednesdays  2 p.m.

Thursdays  2 p.m.

Fridays   7:30 p.m.

Saturdays  3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Sundays  2:30 p.m.

Tickets range from $42-$46 and can be purchased by calling 800-511-1532 or the box office at 219-836-3255, by visiting http://www.TheatreAtTheCenter.comor by stopping in. Student tickets are available at a discount.

The run time for this production is 2 hours with one intermission.

There are some special activities, so check out the website for these and other discounts-www.TheatreAtTheCenter.com

To see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up and click at “Ghost the Musical”