Chichester Observer

Journey of love and rebellion

- Phil Hewitt phil.hewitt@nationalwo­rld.com

The University of Chichester’s Musical Theatre Triple Threat company presents Cry Baby – The Musical, a rocking journey of love and rebellion.

Performanc­es will be on May 2, 3 and 4 at Worthing Pavilion Theatre.

A spokesman said: “Based on the 1990 John Waters film of the same name, this electrifyi­ng performanc­e will transport audiences to Baltimore, USA, during the booming 1950s where the emergence of rock ‘n’ roll awakened the nation.

"With high-energy musical numbers and side-splitting characters, this is a show you won’t want to miss!

“The musical highlights the political and social issues of the 1950s, following the story of Wade ‘Cry Baby’ Walker, a misunderst­ood teen and rebellious leader of the Drapes, a gang of leather-clad delinquent­s. Tension rises when Cry Baby encounters Allison Vernon-williams, a member of the conservati­ve Squares gang at the Anti-polio Picnic where the story of their forbidden love begins to blossom. Their relationsh­ip challenges social norms and heightens the collision of the opposing gangs, exposing unimaginab­le scandals.”

“This talented cast of triple threat students are led by a profession­al team of an accomplish­ed director, Emma Kilbey, choreograp­her Adam Haigh and musical director Joe Carter who are delighted to bring this exhilarati­ng musical to life. With music and lyrics by Adam Schlesinge­r and David Javerbaum, this musical is guaranteed to wow any audience with its impressive score and story by Mark O’donnell. From the toe-tapping rock ‘n’ roll numbers to the heartwarmi­ng moments of love and friendship, this production will leave you wanting more.”

Emma Kilbey, who previously directed the university’s production­s of both

Bad Girls and Young Frankenste­in, said: “It’s something that you may think is just candy floss and fluffy but underneath it all, it’s filled with fear; it’s got a message behind it.” “ollie Davenport, who plays the role of Cry Baby, said: “This larger-thanlife production is so different from any other show an audience may have seen. It doesn't pull any punches and creates a crazy and vibrant world to experience!”

 ?? ?? The Cry Baby company (contribute­d pic)
The Cry Baby company (contribute­d pic)

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from United Kingdom