By Moonlight’s final act for the season, ‘Saturday Night Fever’, based on the iconic film with the infectious Bee Gees soundtrack, finds itself in a dance conundrum. Glittering in parts, yet often tripping on its narrative.
For starters, the musical’s content seemed fragmented, with some storylines hanging in suspense while others made transient appearances without purpose. It’s bewildering how the script, despite undergoing multiple revisions since its West End premiere, seems to have detracted from its original form. The family-friendly adaptation seems misfit for a show that might not typically appeal to children. This iteration’s target seems to be a more family-friendly audience, perhaps missing some depth in the narrative department.
Yet, for all its narrative shortcomings, the musical shines brilliantly in other departments. The dance sequences are the pulsating heart of this production. John Vaughan’s choreography is nothing short of spellbinding. Every twirl, leap, and tap resonates with an energy that makes it impossible not to get swept up in the disco euphoria. For lovers of dance, ‘Saturday Night Fever’ at Moonlight offers an unforgettable visual treat, arguably one of the best choreographic renditions this season.
Elan McMahan’s musical direction was like the pulse to this heart-thumping show. Her command over the musical score ensured that every number was perfectly harmonized, creating an auditory landscape that the audience could lose themselves in. Even though some songs like the last rendition of ‘How Deep is Your Love’ might not have peaked as expected, the majority resonated deeply with the Bee Gees fans in the house.
Another bone of contention remains the inclusion of songs that felt out of place. While the Bee Gees’ original numbers were a hit, additions like ‘Dog Eat Dog’ raise eyebrows, detouring from the celebrated soundtrack.
Yet, amid these critiques, there are elements that shine exceptionally bright. Jennifer Edwards’ lighting design transformed the stage into a radiant discotheque, each light beam dancing in tandem with the performers. Peter Herman’s hair and wig designs are worth lauding. Capturing the essence of the 70s without veering into caricature is no easy feat, yet Herman achieves this with finesse.
Performance-wise, the cast was a dynamo of talent. Brandon Keith Rogers, as Tony, set the stage ablaze with his charisma. His commanding vocals and suave dance moves make it hard to look away, effortlessly becoming the heartthrob of the night. Allison Spratt Pearce returns to charm audiences as Stephanie. Her renditions of ‘More Than a Woman’ and ‘100 Reasons’ are pure bliss. Jenna Lea Rosen emerges as the vocal powerhouse, with her heart-wrenching performance of ‘If I Can’t Have You’ earning the loudest applause this season. Her character’s unresolved arc, though, left a bittersweet aftertaste.
In conclusion, ‘Saturday Night Fever’ at Moonlight is a dichotomy of exceptional dance and music, contrasted by its narrative hurdles. Yet, it’s a journey worth undertaking. As we bid adieu to this season, Moonlight’s legacy continues to promise unparalleled theatrical experiences. With an exciting lineup on the horizon, theater enthusiasts have much to look forward to. Until then, let’s keep our spirits high and support local art and performances. Moonlight, take a bow for your unwavering commitment to the stage!