‘He’s My Brother…’ The Osmonds, A New Musical, Orchard Theatre, Dartford. 15.11.2022
Its like they can’t keep me away, as it was back to the Orchard Theatre for this weeks opening night of The Osmonds, a New Musical.
The Musical focuses on the five Osmond brothers rise to fame from their childhood quartet, up until their reunion in 2008 with Jay Osmond narrating from his point of view, who was always the middle man of the five – as he mentions throughout. Now, I have to mention that, prior to this production I am not what you would say a ‘Osmond super fan’ with the only knowledge of Donny and Jimmy and a few songs I was a complete newbie to this band. But, having now seen the show and learnt about their story and it was understandable as to why the wish to turn this into a live jukebox musical with their childhood stardom driven by their military father, to their sold out world tours ‘Osmondmania’, to the unexpected torment of bankruptcy. You learn some truth before the much loved boy band.
As with any Jukebox musical, the focus comes a lot within their music which was played throughout and it was great to see how the audience responded to each number – especially when ‘Puppy Love’ began, one of the songs I myself knew of. I was also very impressed that with every number the choreography was outstanding, Choreographer Bill Deamer made sure each song looked good along with sounding perfect, pairing beautifully with each step.
From the start the cast had to make sure they gave it their all, with the many Osmond fans in the audience they needed to make sure they did them justice and from the reaction and standing ovation they received at the end – they did just that! At first we see the young Quartet Osmonds played by Jayden Harris, Austin Redwood, Dexter Seaton, Miles Redwood take to the stage brilliantly and cute, following in suit was young Herbie Byers as Donny and the Austin Riley as Jimmy. An outstanding youth cast, that allowed them to show their many talents and gave the adult Osmonds a hard act to follow! Though that being said, the older cast didn’t let them down! #
Alex Lodge, steps into the role of Jay Osmond the narrator, story teller makes sure the audience warms to him instantly with his warming presence, sweet smile and his moments of humour that has the audience in the palm of his hand. He gave a strong performance and it allowed the audience to follow their story with ease! Joining him on stage was Jamie Chatterton as Alan the eldest of the brothers, Danny Nattrass as Wayne and Ryan Anderson as Merrill – each portrayed their characters well and had stunning voices that complimented each other! Joseph Peacock in some ways had hard shoes to fill with playing the part of a much loved Donny Osmond but he did not let them down with his sweet innocence and smile the audience were swooning as if the real Donny was singing to them.
Olive Osmond, and George Osmond had a huge part in the Osmond’s rise to fame played by Nicola Bryan and Charlie Allen excellently, it left me wanting to find out more about their role within the story – something I have to look up later myself. Their sister Marie also had her moments on stage, played by Georgia Lennon her voice had a warming tone that suited each of her country numbers brilliantly and I would have loved to have heard more of it! Her relationship with her brothers especially with Donny was greatly portrayed and you could really feel a huge family love within the cast as it would of been!
Not knowing anything about the Osmonds than a few bits and bobs, I did find that I myself was not pulled towards this Jukebox musical as much as others I have seen. Which has led me to feel that this production was lost on me, I did however come away learning something new and was provided a talented nights entertainment from a strong cast. However, I can see this show becoming successful thanks to the many 70s fans, that adored the band from their teens to now, allowing them to take a trip down memory lane and hear the songs they fell in love with and watch ithe cast play their favourite boy band. It was great to see so many of the audiences dancing in their seats especially at the end where their well known songs were being performed.
Playing at the Orchard Theatre until Saturday 19th November 2022, for all ticket information go here. It then continues on its final leg of its UK tour, for all dates and ticket information go here.
