EVERYBODY’S TALKING ABOUT JAMIE - A CELEBRATION OF DRAG CULTURE AND GROWING UP COLORFUL
JAMIE’S MATES ARE ALL EXCITING DANCERS AND SINGERS THAT FILL UP STAGE TIME ON ALEX KIRSCHNER AND ALEX RODRIGUEZ STAGE.
Review by Vince Flores
Based on the real-life story of Jamie Campbell, a sixteen year old boy who dreamed of being a drag queen and attending his school prom in a dress, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie is a celebration of identity, self-expression and proving the doubters wrong. A party from the get go with real moments of emotion peppered throughout this musical is full of heart and humor with an uplifting message that everyone can benefit from. Directed by Alex Kirschner and Choreographed by Alex Rodriguez and featuring a classic local cast. Ray Of Light now on stage through June 23rd at the Victoria Theatre San Francisco.
The musical has been on a journey since it first encountered Jamie’s story in a documentary that aired in 2011. Opening as a musical in 2014 before a transfer to London’s West End, and then an Amazon Prime film release. There’s no stopping the impact of this inspiring story about a young man with a huge dream. Everybody’s Talking About Jamie is a fun, warm-hearted musical. The plot of Jamie is easy to follow, so my Everybody’s Talking About Jamie Theatre review is based on a true story, it tells the story of Jamie New played by the clever Romelo Urbi. Upon turning 16, he tells people he wants to be a Drag Queen and embarks on his quest to be himself, with an ambition to attend his high school Prom wearing a dress. The story goes deeper with the relationship Jamie has with his amazing mom Margaret forming the heart of the show.
As Jamie, Urbi who wows us with his triple threat talents. Perfectly portraying Jamie, Urbi effortlessly balances the heart and vulnerability of the character to the confidence that grows as he becomes his Drag persona. With a stunning singing voice bringing something new to these songs truly awe inspiring dancing, Urbi is a star in this role. Personally, I was happy to see him in a show that is worthy of his talents.
Though the cast are all incredible in their own right, J Conrad Frank is an absolute marvel as Hugo / Loco Chanelle. It is fair to say he plays the role more than I have ever seen which feels fitting to the character. While he still manages to pull it back for some of Frank’s more tender moments, the grandeur he displays elsewhere brings something new to the character and I was living for every moment he was on stage and every choice he made. Belting out his lyrics, he turned his musical numbers into showstoppers every single time, and the moment he transformed into Loco Channelle completely took my breath away. I have been lucky enough to see Frank in several roles in recent years and this may be his very best.
Annie Elizabith Clark her role of Margaret New is amazing. No stranger to an emotional musical where she plays a poweful mom. It is easy to buy into the relationship she has with Jamie, with stunning chemistry between her and Urbi. Her vocals are also exemplary with her performance of the standout number ‘He’s My Boy’ one of the best I’ve ever seen.
The writing by Dan Gillespie Sells and Tom Macrae beautifully tells the story with deep and complex characters. With no shortage of comedy thrown in, there are some one liners being told. Everybody’s Talking About Jamie sensitively brings this much needed message being true.
Jill Styter plays the role of Ray the auntie, stealing every scene. With her approach, Ray gets some of the best one liners of the show and Styler delivers these with glee, showcasing comic timing. Andrea Dennison-Laufer delights in her time as teacher Miss Hedge, camping it up for the stunning ‘Work Of Art’. The school bully Dean Paxton, Tucker Gold leads a talented cast of young performers playing Jamie’s classmates while Madelyn Davis Haddad is completely great in her portrayal as Pritti Pasha, embodying the kind of genuine best friend.
Full of numbers that have become classics among musical theatre fans, the music by Dan Gillespie Sells and the lyrics by Tom Macrae are truly outstanding. From the bigger group numbers ‘And You Don’t Even Know It’ and title number ‘Everybody’s Talking About Jamie’ to the more somber ballads ‘The Wall In My Head’ and ‘It Means Beautiful’, there is not a dull number in this show.
Alex’s Kirschner direction makes sure the story is played out to its full potential, creating big moments, working seamlessly with Alex Rodriguez’s brilliant choreography. The set design from Matt Owens is retaining the scale very close to the original. Music Director and Acting Coach Jad Bernardo and Jenn Bevard work well together to add class to class this sweet show. Erik Scanlon’ video design provides excellent backdrops as the scene changes to locations around Sheffield, with Weili Shi’s lighting creating some gorgeous effects. Costumes by Daniel Harvery and Makeup by Vanilla Merlngue add that final shine to this bright cast.
I love Everybody’s Talking About Jamie on a personal level and as a lover of theatre. From its phenomenal writing and amazing music, this show is a work of art at the best of times. It is one of the best casts and you are left with a flawless production. This beautiful show about celebrating your authentic side is what we all need. Be sure to catch the second performance of this season Legally Blonde that opens Sept 7th. In the meantime stay tuned for this wonderful cast of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie.
RAY OF LIGHT THEATRE - PRESENTS
EVERYBODY’S TALKING ABOUT
JAMIE
Created by
Dan Gillespis Sell and Tom Macrae
Directed by Alex Kirschner
Choreography by Alex Rodriguez
Music Direction by Jan Bernardo
Victoria Theatre - 2961 16 St., San Francisco, CA 94102
Running Time 2 hours 30 minutes
I love Everybody’s Talking About Jamie on a personal level and as a lover of theatre. From its phenomenal writing and amazing music, this show is a work of art at the best of times. It is one of the best casts and you are left with a flawless production. This beautiful show about celebrating your authentic side is what we all need. Be sure to catch the second performance of this season Legally Blonde that opens Sept 7th. In the meantime stay tuned for this wonderful cast of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie.
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