Madagascar The Musical is a flamboyant stage version of DreamWorks' 2005 animated commercial smash hit Madagascar, featuring a cleverly devised score and delightful choreography.
The plot of Selladoor Worldwide’s production remains faithful to the original film, albeit in a slightly condensed form, allowing for a more family-friendly running time. Alex the lion is the ‘King of New York’ and star attraction at Central Park Zoo. Whilst Alex relishes the adulation and free steaks, his best friend, Marty the zebra, longs to run free in the wild. When Marty discovers the penguins have an escape plan, he joins them, shortly followed by Alex, Gloria the hippo,and Melman the hypochondriac giraffe. Things do not go according to plan, and the animal pals find themselves, and their friendship, tested when they are stranded in Madagascar.
The addition of an original score from George Noriega and Joel Someillan helps to differentiate the stage version from the movie. Most of the songs are upbeat and fun-filled, with the odd ballad which helps drive home the message of friendship. This may be a production aimed at younger audiences, but it has an incredibly polished finish: the puppets, designed by Max Humphries, are sensational, while Tom Rogers’ costumes are exceptional.
Joseph Hewlett plays Alex with aplomb;hiseffervescence is palpable. Hewlett’s incredible vocals, including an unexpected falsetto, are noteworthy, and he evinces real skill as an actor, especially when it comes to catering for his younger audience. Thanks to Matt Terry a whole new generation will be able to fall in love with Alex the Lion.
There is a lovely symbiosis between Hewlett and Francisco Gomes in the role of Marty, while Jarneia Richard-Noel's Gloria and Joshua Oakes-Rogers’ Melvin provide plenty of comic moments. There are a few gags and innuendos which will go over the heads of the children and delight the adult audience, but this hasn’t been over-done.
ActTwo includessome fantastic numbers, particularly Karim Zeroual as King Julien belting out a rousing, ‘I Like To Move It’. There’s just something about seeing a lemur flossing and dabbing that makes it hard not to feel absolutely crackalackin’.
Indeed, much of the exuberance felt by the audience derives from Fabian Aloise’s snappy choreography from Fabian Aloise. It is expertly conceived and sharply delivered, and it is without a doubt the making of Madagascar The Musical.
Younger audiences will adore the animal characters and puppets, while the catchy and upbeat tunes will also give them much to enjoy. Madagascar The Musical delivers enough to satisfy adults too, with the buoyant score and professional delivery making this an entirely entertaining night for the whole family.
On tour around the UK until 24 August 2024.
