Official Blurb: Tony® nominee Phillipa Soo returns to Broadway in AMÉLIE, a new musical based on the beloved five-time Oscar®-nominated film, and “an enchanting act of theatrical reinvention” (Los Angeles Times). Amélie is an extraordinary young woman who lives quietly in the world, but loudly in her mind. She covertly improvises small, but surprising acts of kindness that bring joy and mayhem. But when a chance at love comes her way, Amélie realizes that to find happiness she’ll have to risk everything and say what’s in her heart. Come be inspired by this imaginative dreamer who finds her voice, discovers the power of connection and sees possibility around every corner. In these uncertain times, Amélie is someone to believe in. Directed by Tony winner Pam MacKinnon (Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?), with a book by Pulitzer Prize and Tony nominee Craig Lucas (The Light in the Piazza) and an original score by Daniel Messé and Nathan Tysen, AMÉLIE is a heartwarming comedy that “proves that the world is better when we’re all in it together” (Paste Magazine).
My take: It is a perfectly nice and acceptable show but it is just missing a little bit of magic.
Things I liked: Philippa Soo! Her voice was on point and she gave a truly engaging and lovable performance. Also, all the colors on stage gives you a very happy feeling on stage. The costumes and the sets were beautiful and I specifically loved all the light projections that appear as if it was writting. Finally, i am starting to become a fan of this shorter paly times with no intermission. ITs so sharp and quick and allows for much better restaurant table access afterwards.
On a not so positive note, the music is sweet and serviceable, but its nothing spectacular. It also did not put me in france it was just a little bit disjointed from the story. I also can’t remember a single song (definitely not how you want the audience to leave). I also feel it seems mainstream. Like a show it should have gone all out and it stays to long in middle of the road land. I{m trying to figure out if the show fails in comparison against all the great things that are currently on stage, or if it’s just failing in its own right. I actually think it is a mix of both. It is definitely not a strong show but it might have a more receptive audience if I hadn’t seen so much magic onstage recently (really its been a good two years for Broadway!)
Disclaimer: i have never seen the movie so I came into the show an Amelie virgin and therefore my thoughts are purely about the broadway as a stand alone situation and not how it compares to the movie. I did go see it with some movie fans and here’s some of their thoughts: they liked the musical but definitely liked the movie more. They think her back story is more fully developed in the movie. Additionally they feel that her quirkyness is not properly translated on stage.
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