REVITALISED, reimagined or simply new? Whatever your poison, Cole Porter’s High Society is a superbly elegant, swellegant musical that will make you feel ashamed to wear a pair of jeans ever again!
Inspired by the original 1956 film of the same name, famously featuring Frank Sinatra and Grace Kelly, this production has one key variation: unlike the movie it features choreography rather than close-up shots with very little movement.
But, thanks to the creative duo of director Rachel Kavanaugh and choreographer Anthony ‘Mamma Mia’ Van Laast, a revitalised narrative, centred around Porter’s exquisite wit, along with elegant choreography and stunning costumes, brings this old school show takes to the stage with beauty, style and panache.
Freddie Fox, right, as Mike Connor, with on stage sidekick Dexter Haven
(Image: PAMELA RAITH)
Long Island socialite, Tracy Lord (Helen George), doesn’t quite know which man she wants: is it ex beau, Dexter Haven (Julian Ovenden), undercover reporter Mike Connor (Freddie Fox), or the man she is set to marry, boring accountant George Kittredge (David Seadon-Young)?
What an elegant, swellegant party. Image: Pamela Raith
(Image: Pamela Raith)
Either way, the antics of all three combine to produce a Shakespearian-style mixed identity musical dripping in the fabulous wealth and champagne lifestyle of Newport, Long Island, with lost and rediscovered love and that most desirable of things: a happy ending.
With the heartbreak of Miss Saigon and the misery of Les Mis, what better way to leave the theatre than with a spring in your step humming such favourites as: I’ve Got You Under My Skin; Well, Did you Evah! and Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?
If it’s happy and uplifting you want then High Society hits the sweet spot!
Helen George, following her last musical stint as Anna in The King and I, makes for a convincing Tracy Lord, handling the comedy well in this less demure role, requiring of a lower vocal register and that Ethel Merman skill of ‘belting ‘em out’!
Nigel Lindsay as irrepressible gin drinking Uncle Willie wrung every ounce of comedy out of his part; superb, whilst duelling prospects for Tracy s hand, Freddie Fox as Mike Connor and Julian Ovenden as Dexter Haven were excellent, particularly the latter whose musical experience shined brightly.
It is hardly surprising that this show, direct from a sell-out summer season in London’s West End, had them standing in the aisles and, interestingly, attracted a slightly older demographic that would have remembered the 1950’s movie. Nevertheless the theatre was packed.
It is lavish, costumed magnificently, beautifully directed and slicker than an ivy league graduate keen to impress, with a real feel of that other Cole Porter winner, Anything Goes.
If class is your thing, exquisite fashion your penchant and money your aspiration then High Society is for you and, whilst your spending power won’t necessarily have increased by curtain down, you will certainly be richer of spirit following an evening filled with fun and frivolity.
- High Society runs at Leeds Grand Theatre until Saturday, August 29.