Amelie, which I saw on tour last year at the Reading Hexagon, has not lost any of its delightful charm and infectious energy after eleven months of performance. Its improbable coincidences, tormented characters, and infectious group numbers, make this one of the musical triumphs of the last decade.
It closes at The Other Palace tonight but hopefully will have another life in the future. Audrey Brisson’s title role is sweet as sugar cake but never cloying as she fixes problems and relationships, and the puppet work (a friendly fish, a travelling gnome, some evil figs) is very accomplished and entertaining.
Taking the place of Danny Mac as Nino, the complicated photo collector trying to solve a mystery, is Chris Jared, and his voice blends well with Brisson’s even if his personality is overshadowed. His slow and certain pursuit of the reticent Amelie is nicely done, and makes us root for them both.
Written by Craig Lucas (book), Nathan Tysen and Daniel Messe (music and lyrics), directed by Michael Fentiman and designed by Madeleine Girling, Amelie manages to keep the spirit of the 2001 film and gives a voice to those too reclusive to reach out.
Images by Pamela Raith.
LouReviews purchased a ticket to see Amelie.