Review: Now That’s What I Call a Musical at Opera House is ‘a nostalgic masterpiece full of magic’

“Now That’s What I Call a Musical” is a truly heartwarming experience, seamlessly blending moments of joy, sadness, and self-acceptance.

The production captures the essence of nostalgia and emotion in a way that resonates deeply with the audience.

“Now That’s What I Call a Musical”

The stage design is both clever and evocative, framed by cassette tapes that instantly transport you to a time of simpler memories. The set, designed as a bar, transforms effortlessly throughout the performance, with each scene change feeling fluid and natural. This creative set design not only adds an element of surprise but also enhances the overall storytelling. A special shoutout to Tom Rogers for his exceptional creativity in bringing this dynamic set to life—it’s a masterclass in how to use space effectively.

Maia Hawkins as Young April

Maia Hawkins delivers a breathtaking performance as young April. Her voice effortlessly fills the entire theatre, never once straining, and her portrayal of April captures both vulnerability and strength. What makes her performance even more remarkable is how she mirrors Sam Bailey’s portrayal of the older April. There’s an undeniable sense of continuity between the two, making it feel as though she could truly grow into that role, which is no easy feat on stage.

Speaking of Sam Bailey, her performance as older April is nothing short of spectacular. Her voice seems to improve with each note, and there’s one particularly unforgettable moment when she belts out a powerful note, takes a quick drink, and continues with flawless ease. She brings an incredible depth to the role, balancing youthful energy with a grounded maturity that makes her portrayal feel incredibly authentic.

Nikita Johal as young Gemma

Nikita Johal, portraying young Gemma, is another standout. Her performance, much like Maia’s, is so convincing that it’s impossible not to believe she will seamlessly transition into the older Gemma. Gemma’s story is undeniably tragic, and Johal navigates the character’s struggles with a perfect balance of strength and vulnerability, making her portrayal incredibly empathetic.

When Nina Wadia takes the stage as older Gemma, she does so with the kind of brilliance that leaves a lasting impact. The emotional weight she carries as she embodies both the present and the memory of her younger self is no small feat, especially knowing the full emotional arc that will unfold for the audience. Wadia handles this dual responsibility with incredible skill, making her performance one of the emotional anchors of the show.

Shakil Hussain

I would be remiss not to mention Shakil Hussain, whose portrayal of older Frank is nothing short of exceptional. His voice, particularly when singing about April, is powerful and moving, yet often goes unnoticed in the midst of other standout performances. It’s an underrated gem that deserves recognition.

On a personal note, Now That’s What I Call a Musical struck a deeply emotional chord with me. The themes of lost and rekindled friendships resonated so strongly that it brought back memories of my own best friend, with whom I recently reconnected after years apart. The show’s concept, production quality, and the stellar performances from the entire cast made for an unforgettable night at the theater.

Tickets for Now That’s What I Call a Musical at Opera House

Now That’s What I Call a Musical will be playing at the Opera House until February 1st. Tickets are available here