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The Osmonds: A New Musical - Royal and Derngate Review

"We want The Osmonds" is the chant delivered before 5 actors who portray the most prominent band members take their bows and it's clear that The Osmonds remains popular as they become the latest musical group to receive a biopic jukebox musical.

Alex Lodge (centre) and the cast of The Osmonds A New Musical. Photo by Pamela Raith

The musical rattles through the rise of the family group, from childhood stars on The Andy Williams Show to megastars who sold over 100 million records. It may help to have some prior knowledge of the group to help connect the piece and the characters within the family as it really is quite a pacy show with little time for character development.

The story for the show has been written by Jay Osmond and that certainly helps with the authenticity of the piece. It also makes Jay the lead character, often playing a narrator figure. Julian Bigg and Shaun Kerrison's book is filled with nostalgia that many of the largely senior audience members lap up and a back catalogue of hits including "Love Me For A Reason", "Puppy Love" and "Crazy Horses" delights.

Alex Lodge gives an outstanding performance as Jay Osmond. He is instantly warm and likeable (as in fitting with the squeaky clean image of the group) and has bundles of energy, he's matched excellently by the bandmates around him. Ryan Anderson has an outstanding vocal as Merrill Osmond, he never fails to make even the highest of notes sound good. Danny Nattrass as Wayne Osmond and two understudies on the press night in Northampton; Alex Cardall as Alan Osmond and Tristan Whincup as Donny Osmond all do a great job of matching each other with brilliant vocals and harmonies.

Georgia Lennon (centre) in The Osmonds A New Musical. Photo by Pamela Raith

Charlie Allen commands military precision as the father of the brothers, George Osmond whilst Nicola Bryan is a much calmer affable presence as their mother Olive Osmond. Georgia Lennon's Marie Osmond boasts true star quality as her gorgeous vocals shine especially during a great rendition of "Paper Roses".

There's some delightful work from the Brothers in childhood, all 6 of the youngsters have real confidence and ability. Nicholas Teixeira has a couple of stand-out moments as Young Donny Osmond.

A cracking band under Will Joy's musical direction fills the theatre with a rocking sound that is matched by the cast. A thunderous curtain call has the auditorium bouncing and blows the roof off. "Having a Party" perfectly summarises the evening. as the entire production feels like one big joyous party embossed by the bright colours of Lucy Osborne's set and costumes and Ben Cracknell's lighting design and energetic rhythmic choreography by Bill Deamer.

You'll leave the theatre having learned a little more about one of the most successful bands in music history. The Osmonds careers have had great longevity and the musical deserves a long life too. Massive fun.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
 
The Osmonds: A New Musical continues at Northampton's Royal and Derngate until Saturday 7th May 2022 with tickets available from royalandderngate.co.uk/. The tour continues thereafter with tour dates and tickets https://theosmondsmusical.co.uk/

LtoR Danny Nattrass, Jamie Chatterton, Ryan Anderson, Alex Lodge, Joseph Peacock in The Osmonds A New Musical. Photo by  Pamela Raith

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