The Osmonds, A New Musical At The New Theatre, Oxford Review
TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW.
Reviewed by Joanna Woodburn
As a fan of The Osmonds, it was with great anticipation that I arrived at The New Theatre, Oxford for the opening night of The Osmonds – A New Musical, which tells the incredible story of the multi talented Osmond brother’s rise to fame and fortune and how they captured the hearts of a generation. Written by Jay Osmond, the autobiographical narrative gives the show an emotive authenticity and a depth of intimacy rather unique in jukebox musicals.
What a show it was! The Osmonds – A New Musical is a musical which guarantees a party night of nostalgic entertainment. The New Theatre, Oxford is also the perfect venue to take you back in time, with a most impressive auditorium, comfortable seats, with ample leg room and is completely access friendly.
You will absolutely love The Osmonds – A New Musical for many reasons! Full of energy from start to finish, and in true Osmond style, the amazingly talented cast really did give it their all. They seemed to have a real blast working their way through the amazing story of the wholesome and hardworking Osmond family from Utah. It is hard to believe it has been almost 50 years since The Osmonds rose to the height of their fame, with smash hits dominating the charts and capturing the hearts of millions of adoring fans across the world. The story starts in 1963, with the young Osmond’s star residency on the Andy Williams Show, Alex Cardall is absolutely brilliant as Andy Williams and as for the little Osmonds – wow, such talent!
The Osmonds professionalism and dedication to hard work shines through alongside their talent and there is a feeling that their squeaky clean, trusting naivety made for some misjudged decisions and difficult times ahead. The band and the music evolves and shifts with time, alongside complex family dynamics and there is the sense it could never have been an easy journey. The show is always, however all about the music. With perfect renditions of all the huge, multi-million selling songs such as ‘Crazy Horses’, ‘Love Me for a Reason’, ‘Paper Roses’ and Donny’s iconic ‘Puppy Love’, the back to back hits just kept on coming!
With a very last minute COVID related cast change, Luke Hogan admirably stepped up to take on the role of Jay Osmond with commitment and charisma thus ensuring the show did go on. All the adult Osmonds gave stellar enthusiastic and confident performances, with Ryan Anderson as Merrill Osmond impressing with his powerhouse vocals. Georgia Lennon is perfectly cast as Marie Osmond, looking so much like her and is captivating when singing ‘Paper Roses’.
The Osmonds – A New Musical is a must see! With all the audience on their feet, singing along and a well-deserved standing ovation at the end, a fabulous night was had by all!
Rating: 5/5
Tickets cost from £13.00 plus transaction fee of £3.65
The Osmonds – A New Musical is at New Theatre, Oxford from Tues 22nd February – Sat 26th February 2022, for more information or to book tickets visit https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/the-osmonds-a-new-musical/new-theatre-oxford/ or call 0333 009 6690
24-26 George St, Oxford OX1 2AG