Mike Woody reviews Ghost: The Musical: now at La Comedia Dinner Theatre thru Feb 9
Review: Ghost: The Musical at La Comedia
When I saw Ghost on the schedule, the first thing that came to mind was pottery. The famed pottery scene is my only memory of the 1990 film. With thrilling suspense, beautiful music, emotional drama, and some laughs the artists at La Comedia molded themselves a masterpiece. Ghost: The Musical has elements worth remembering for thirty plus years.
It’s no wonder why Montana Iverson as Sam and Charmien Byrd as Molly, are so convincing as couple in love. They are engaged in real life. Their chemistry provides the show’s emotional center, which resonates with the audience.
A tragedy shatters their characters lives when Sam is killed. However, for her own protection, he remains present in Molly’s life, despite not being able to be seen, felt, or heard. To the crews credit, I was curious of how a supernatural being (a ghost) would be presented in a believable way. They passed the test due to some impressive special effects. Felt like I was at a David Copperfield show the first time Sam passed through a closed door.
The key to Sam connecting with Molly is Oda Mae Brown (Dwan Hayes), a psychic, who communicates with the deceased. Hayes oozes with charisma. Her introductory scene is filled with so much spirited energy I felt like I was in an African American church. Hayes is so delightfully captivating I could even watch The View if she was host.
Beyond a moving love story, Ghost is also a murder mystery. There’s more to Sam’s death than there initially appears to be. When the killer is in Molly’s apartment without her knowing, is the most suspenseful scene I’ve ever seen at La Comedia. It held that record until the thrilling conclusion, where my heart was made to race even faster.
There’s many ties that bind within the cast, including the real life friendship between Iverson and Dylan Jackson (Carl), who will be serving as his best man. Jackson excels at playing good hearted, likeable characters. There’s a twist to Carl though, and the surprise is made even greater by Jackson portraying him.
The personal connections also include Ed Iverson (Hospital ghost/ensemble), who is Montana’s father and Meghan Slowik (ensemble), who will be Byrd’s maid of honor.
Ghost also features the best rap I recall ever seeing on the La Comedia stage. Not to take anything away from Kevin Ray Johnson but there’s not many to compare it too. When I read in his bio that Jackson is a two time Grammy award winner with the Metropolitan Opera, I was anxious to hear his powerful voice. I wasn’t expecting a rap, but it didn’t disappoint.
Other performances worthy of being mentioned are; Elena Danielle Elmore and Sierra Jones who boosted the energy with their beautiful voices in Oda Mae Brown’s introductory scene. In the same scene, Sam Evans spoke volumes with her mannerisms.
The use of a video screen provided several scenic backdrops and helped make the set changes faster. As alluded to earlier, the special effects really elevated the show.
An emotional ending will touch your heart and is the culmination of a great show.
More information: Ghost: The Musical at La Comedia Dinner Theatre
