BWW Reviews: THE GLENN MILLER STORY, King's Theatre, Glasgow, September 15 2015
There is no doubt from the cheers when he walked onstage that most people were drawn to see this musical because of its star - the legendary Tommy Steele. A short while into the show, though, I found myself a bit confused by this casting choice. Yes, he's charismatic and he can hold a tune, but at 79 years old Steele is playing a man who went missing in action when he was 40.
The music of Glenn Miller defined the big band sound of the 1930's and 1940's. There isn't a great deal of acting from Steele and it feels as though perhaps he would have been better suited to narrate the piece. This musical takes us from Miller's career beginnings through to his disappearance in 1944 on his way to entertain the troops.
The plot is a little underwhelming and the musical is a bit slow to start. The show really starts to shine at the end of Act 1 when the on-stage orchestra are featured. The music is familiar and it is difficult to see where you could go wrong with a musical with such talented musicians and quality material. Songs featured include Chattanooga Choo Choo, Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy and It Don't Mean A Thing If It Ain't Got That Swing. Sarah Soetaert excels as Miller's wife Helen; however, the age gap between the pair was a little hard to digest. While Tommy Steele is undeniably talented, it seems very odd to cast somebody fifty years younger than him as his wife.
The Glen Miller story relies on the age old formula of well known music, a big star and a familiar story. While it isn't the most thrilling musical I have ever seen, it makes for a decent night at the theatre.
The Glenn Miller Story is on tour around the UK.
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