Prepare to be swept off your feet with An Officer and a Gentleman The Musical, based on the award-winning 80s movie. This timeless story of love, courage, and redemption will make your heart soar and leave you breathless, longing for more.
Be part of the emotional journey of Zack Mayo, a fearless young officer candidate, and the captivating Paula Pokrifki, whose fiery spirit matches his own. Their encounters ignite a spark that transcends boundaries, awakening a passionate love that defies all odds.
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| Jamal Crawford in An Officer and a Gentleman. Photo by Marc Brenner. |
With every note, every step, and every heartfelt ballad, immerse yourself in this romantic masterpiece. Set to a smash-hit soundtrack featuring the songs of Madonna, Bon Jovi, Cyndi Lauper, Blondie, and many more, the power of music will carry you through the highs and lows of their extraordinary love story, including the award-winning (Love Lift Us) Up Where We Belong.
Taking on the role of Gunnery Sergeant Emil Foley is actor Jamal Crawford. With the musical at the Milton Keynes Theatre we spoke to Jamal to learn more.
What can you tell me about An Officer and A Gentleman and your role Sergeant Emil Foley?
An Officer and A Gentleman tackles many topics including parental trauma, discrimination, female empowerment and many others. For me the overriding theme for the show is about triumph. Tackling and getting over each characters personal obstacles.
My role Gunnery Sgt. Emil Foley is at first a seemingly complicated character. He has his means and ways of getting the most out of each recruit he comes across no matter how harsh they may seem, his intentions are actually pure.
An Officer and A Gentleman tackles many topics including parental trauma, discrimination, female empowerment and many others. For me the overriding theme for the show is about triumph. Tackling and getting over each characters personal obstacles.
My role Gunnery Sgt. Emil Foley is at first a seemingly complicated character. He has his means and ways of getting the most out of each recruit he comes across no matter how harsh they may seem, his intentions are actually pure.
What first attracted you to the role?
It’s very rare to be able to show many characteristics to one character on stage. I loved the idea of being able to bring that unpredictability to a role, leaving the audience constantly questioning his motive and next move.
It’s very rare to be able to show many characteristics to one character on stage. I loved the idea of being able to bring that unpredictability to a role, leaving the audience constantly questioning his motive and next move.
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| Photo by Marc Brenner |
How do you think your performance and understanding of the role has changed over the course of the tour?
I think over the course of tour, i’ve understood more and more the intentions behind every line given by Foley to the other characters. Every line has an intention behind it and is thought of, not just to belittle but a personal attack to better them all.
Is Foley a baddie or is he just doing his job?
Not at all, Foley has his way of weeding out the strong and the weak. He does everything he does to stop the wrong people from excelling in the navy, in so to save lives and stop people from being harmed through the weak minded.
Not at all, Foley has his way of weeding out the strong and the weak. He does everything he does to stop the wrong people from excelling in the navy, in so to save lives and stop people from being harmed through the weak minded.
How do you prepare for a performance and getting into the head space for the role?
I have a daily ritual, I tend to play the “Men of Honor” soundtrack from the film, which tends to get me in that mood for the role. I also sometimes refer back to Louis Gossett Jr. performance via the movie.
I have a daily ritual, I tend to play the “Men of Honor” soundtrack from the film, which tends to get me in that mood for the role. I also sometimes refer back to Louis Gossett Jr. performance via the movie.
On the flip side, how do you unwind after a performance?
Music, anything slow and calming.
Music, anything slow and calming.
Where did your arts career begin?
My first professional job when graduating was The Bodyguard UK tour.
My first professional job when graduating was The Bodyguard UK tour.
How did you approach a performing career?
I always enjoyed acting and performing on stage. I didn’t really think anything could come of it from an early age but had many people around me who kind of guided me and steered me in the right direction.
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| Jamal Crawford and Olivia Foster-Browne. Photo by Marc Brenner |
If you were stranded on a desert island and could take a player and 3 musical theatre soundtracks, what would you take and why?
Be A Lion – The Wiz
Steal Your Rock & Roll – Memphis the Musical
Wheels of a Dream - Ragtime
What do you hope an audience member takes away from seeing An Officer And A Gentleman?
I hope every audience member is able to leave An Officer and a Gentleman feeling uplifted and just better off in some way by seeing our show.
Be A Lion – The Wiz
Steal Your Rock & Roll – Memphis the Musical
Wheels of a Dream - Ragtime
What do you hope an audience member takes away from seeing An Officer And A Gentleman?
I hope every audience member is able to leave An Officer and a Gentleman feeling uplifted and just better off in some way by seeing our show.
An Officer And A Gentleman plays at Milton Keynes Theatre until Saturday 26th October 2024. Tickets are available from https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/an-officer-and-a-gentleman-the-musical/milton-keynes-theatre/. The tour then plays at Churchill Theatre, Bromley from 28th October - 2nd November with the tour concluding at New Theatre, Hull from 4th - 9th November 2024. Find full booking details at https://www.officerandagentlemanthemusical.com/#header
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