BWW Reviews: SEE WHAT I WANNA SEE, The Jermyn Street Theatre, 11 September 2015

Michael John LaChiusa's unusual musical See What I Wanna See opened at the Jermyn Street Theatre last night. Though it is perhaps only admired by true musical theatre geeks, any production of this challenging, interesting show deserves a large audience - perhaps larger than such a small theatre can give it, though the intimacy of Jermyn Street is at some points very effective.

Much discussion of the show's plot would do it an injustice. Fundamentally, this piece is about perspective and how drastically different the truth can look from the other side of a room. It suffices to say that LaChiusa's script and rich libretto are based on three short stories by the Japanese author Ryu Akutagawa, set in Medieval Japan, then 1951 and 2001 New York. As to what actually occurs? The audience will have to make up their mind.

This production comes highly recommended. The score is exceptional; LaChiusa is smart and his instrumentation is smooth, yet always alive and surprising - and without any of the awkward melodies usually associated with sung dialogue. Mark Goldthorp is exceptional in his various roles, utilising his rich voice and a calibre of acting seen too rarely in musical theatre. Sarah Ingram was fantastic throughout and Jonathan Butterell really came into his own during the second act, portraying the priest with an immensely believable naivety. Marc Elliott was strong throughout - again, particularly in the second act. Cassie Compton concludes the cast list; though I often wished Compton was a little braver, it is more than possible that Compton will relax into this extremely challenging role as the show's run continues. Despite playing it a bit safe, Compton's performance was believable and in some ways the most interesting - her glassy demeanour speaks reams about the show's subject matter. You see what you want to.

All in all, director Adam Lenson has created an intelligent, interesting production and Richard Bates does a wonderful job as musical director and first keyboard. If you go and see one musical this year, rather than a huge juke-box classic, let it be See What I Wanna See. Here is a truly innovative show; it highlights what musical theatre could be if more people were as brave as this creative team.

See What I Wanna See runs at the Jermyn Street Theatre until 3 September 2015.

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