Theatre Review - Road Show
Reece Richardson (Wilson Mizner) and Oliver Sidney (Addison Mizner) [Simon Jackson]
A lesser-known musical by the legendary Stephen Sondheim (book by John Weidman, and orchestrations by Jonathan Tunick), Road Show had several incarnations before this final version premiered in 2008.
Based on the true story of the Mizner brothers, Road Show explores ambition, greed, capitalism and the souring of the American Dream.
After their father (Robert Finlayson) dies, leaving them a derisory inheritance, Wilson Mizner (Reece Richardson) and younger brother Addison (Oliver Sidney) set out to make their mark on America at the turn of the century.
We follow the two siblings as they seek their fortune in the Alaskan Gold Rush and, later, in Florida real-estate.
Wilson quickly shows his true colours by taking up gambling rather than putting in the hard graft on their Klondike gold claim. When he wins a saloon in a poker game, an exasperated Addison takes his share and travels the world looking for business opportunities.
After his get-rich-quick schemes come to nothing, Wilson rejoins his brother, now an architect, and seduces Addison’s client, a rich widow. He fritters away her money promoting boxing matches and horse races – brilliantly encapsulated in the rousing number That Was a Year.
Following the death of their mother (Katherine Strohmaier) Addison travels to Palm Beach to take advantage of the property boom. On the train he falls for Hollis Bessemer (Rhys Lambert) who dreams of creating an artists’ colony. Their meeting of minds is beautifully realised in The Best Thing That Ever Has Happened.
Once again feckless Wilson turns up like a bad penny and thwarts Addisons plan’s, spawning another standout number, Boca Raton.
This may be minor Sondheim, but top-notch performances, Amanda Nour’s nimble production and Harry Styles’ deft musical direction ensure a fun-filled evening.
Until January 12