Aberdeen's prestigious His Majesty's Theatre was packed to the rafters with anticipation as Here & Now: The Steps Musical kicked off its run to a sold-out audience, channelling the infectious energy of pop sensations Steps into a vibrant tale.
While the production's Voice Over introduction promised an explosive start, building hype for a high-octane burst, the actual opener felt slightly subdued, with Rebecca Lock's Caz stepping onto the stage for a more measured, heartfelt ballad.
It's a minor mismatch in pacing that doesn't detract from the overall exuberance, but it leaves one wishing for that initial spark to fully ignite.
While the production's Voice Over introduction promised an explosive start, building hype for a high-octane burst, the actual opener felt slightly subdued, with Rebecca Lock's Caz stepping onto the stage for a more measured, heartfelt ballad.
It's a minor mismatch in pacing that doesn't detract from the overall exuberance, but it leaves one wishing for that initial spark to fully ignite.
What truly elevates this jukebox musical is its ingenious set design, which transforms the stage into the bustling aisles of Better Best Bargains (or BBB for short), a fictional supermarket complete with checkout counters, shopping trolleys, and shelves.
The supermarket's entire branding and appearance was clever nod to the pop group whose music the production is based on, not only serves as a playful homage but becomes a character in its own right.
The supermarket's entire branding and appearance was clever nod to the pop group whose music the production is based on, not only serves as a playful homage but becomes a character in its own right.
The script, penned with sharp wit, delivers a plethora of unique jokes and one-liners that had The Granite City audience in stitches from curtain up.
At its core, the story is relatable threads: the struggles of local businesses facing closure in favour of soulless housing developments, and the unsung dedication of frontline workers who keep communities ticking.
It's a poignant reminder of the value in supporting local businesses.
Equally commendable is the organic portrayal of same-sex relationships, integrated naturally into the fabric of the characters' lives, no tokenism or forced labels, just a normalised celebration of love being love in all of its forms, a refreshing contrast.
At its core, the story is relatable threads: the struggles of local businesses facing closure in favour of soulless housing developments, and the unsung dedication of frontline workers who keep communities ticking.
It's a poignant reminder of the value in supporting local businesses.
Equally commendable is the organic portrayal of same-sex relationships, integrated naturally into the fabric of the characters' lives, no tokenism or forced labels, just a normalised celebration of love being love in all of its forms, a refreshing contrast.
Leading the charge is Rebecca Lock as Caz, the stalwart "Work Mum" of the ensemble, whose powerhouse vocals convey raw heartbreak and resilience with effortless grace.
She's the emotional anchor in a cast that shines collectively.
Special applause goes to Rosemary Annabella Nkrumah, who stepped in at short notice to portray Vel, delivering a seamless performance that fit like a hand in a glove.
Rosemary's poise and integration making it impossible to detect any last-minute adjustments.
Well-wishes to Jacqui Dubois, the original cast member, and hopes for a quick return to the stage to showcase her talents in Aberdeen at a later date.
She's the emotional anchor in a cast that shines collectively.
Special applause goes to Rosemary Annabella Nkrumah, who stepped in at short notice to portray Vel, delivering a seamless performance that fit like a hand in a glove.
Rosemary's poise and integration making it impossible to detect any last-minute adjustments.
Well-wishes to Jacqui Dubois, the original cast member, and hopes for a quick return to the stage to showcase her talents in Aberdeen at a later date.
In the Orchestra Pit, the Conductor/Music Director (MD) brought infectious enthusiasm while leading her band and taking the term, 'multi-tasking', to the extreme.
All through the performance Georgia Rawlins was boogieing along to the songs while playing the keyboard, donning a matching hat during some scenes, delivering arm movements (providing her own choreography), all while directing her talented musician ensemblists.
It appeared Georgia was providing Backing Vocals to some numbers.
In all of my time attending Musical Theatre performances, I have never seen an MD have so much fun at work, Georiga was having the time of her life while providing the all-important musical soundtrack to the entire production.
With the electricity on the historic stage, and Georgia in the Orchestra Pit, there was simultaneous infectious energy everywhere you looked.
All through the performance Georgia Rawlins was boogieing along to the songs while playing the keyboard, donning a matching hat during some scenes, delivering arm movements (providing her own choreography), all while directing her talented musician ensemblists.
It appeared Georgia was providing Backing Vocals to some numbers.
In all of my time attending Musical Theatre performances, I have never seen an MD have so much fun at work, Georiga was having the time of her life while providing the all-important musical soundtrack to the entire production.
With the electricity on the historic stage, and Georgia in the Orchestra Pit, there was simultaneous infectious energy everywhere you looked.
But River Medway as Jem, the fabulous Drag Queen sourcing supplies at BBB between gigs, who truly stole the the show.
His jaw-dropping Washing Machine routine is a highlight of physical comedy, charisma, and glamour and truck loads of campness.
River was unbelievable and he was forced to halt a portion of his performance as the entire house was cheering.
His jaw-dropping Washing Machine routine is a highlight of physical comedy, charisma, and glamour and truck loads of campness.
River was unbelievable and he was forced to halt a portion of his performance as the entire house was cheering.
Backed by Steps' iconic Back Catalogue, reimagined with fresh arrangements that honour the originals while propelling the plot, Here & Now was a triumph.
The audience was enthralled and gave a standing ovation at Curtain Call which provided a lengthy medley of all Steps hit records.
The audience was enthralled and gave a standing ovation at Curtain Call which provided a lengthy medley of all Steps hit records.
STAR RATING: ★★★★★
A shopping trip that has you grooving all the right Steps, Here and Now.
A shopping trip that has you grooving all the right Steps, Here and Now.
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