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Ever wondered what life would be like as a superhero? In a bid to foster the fantasy, SuperYou is the unequivocally punchy and powerful piece to satisfy a hunger for a true guilty-pleasure theatrical experience to be enjoyed again and again. In its first fully-formed stage as a musical, having previously been halted by lockdowns and reappearing as a concert version, the social media sensation is ready to spread some epic energy to new audiences. Featuring a explosion of stylistic genres through Lourds Lane's compositions (from rock and pop, to hip-hop and even a dash of country), the majority of moments are woven through witty lyrics, with a consistent blend of beautiful vocals to illustrate best the visionaries that pair with Caite Hevner's excellent projection design.
Following the journey of Katie, an unfair state of turbulence lingers throughout her childhood, remaining as she grows older. Mixing these timeframes to generate a multi-dimensional reflection, Vicki Manser stars as her adult view, while Aaliyah Monk embodies the young and inspired girl with big dreams. Touching on many different themes including alcoholism, grief, and domestic abuse, there is a lot to unpack from a concept that initially appears simplistic or childish with Eugenius! vibes. Ambitious in nature, some elements fell underexplored as the script is spread thinly, though the continuity of the tracks offer a sense of fluidity that makes the components flow enough, despite the looming gaps in the narrative.
Some traditional tropes - boy meets girl; absent parents, for example - match with a modern and engaging story as Katie teams up with her brother Matty (Owen Lloyd) to make themselves an escape through their art. Bursting beyond the comic scenes, an array of characters including the fiery Blast (played by Courtney Stapleton), sassy Seven (B Noel Thomas), the ray of confidence that is Ima-Mazing (Kingsley Morton) and violin maestro Rise (Lourds Lane). Imagined yet based on other outcasts at her school, Katie's squad become a guiding distraction from darkness. Fellow comic book nerd, Jay (Damien Walsh) is the troubled love-interest, and adds the idea of navigating self- identity in relation to others - that feel of being needed and when to prioritise ourselves. An interesting incorporation is the portrayal of Katie's Mom (Belinda Lee Chapman): mostly shown to be in distressing states, yet juxtaposing this with bouts of gentle interpretive dance and only a few words which speak volumes.
Vicki is a joy to watch perform - the delivery of each line and every note is done with precision yet a dreamy ease as her talent oozes beneath the spotlights. Similarly, Aaliyah's artistry demonstrates her immense career ahead, given the skills portrayed already in both this production and previous castings. Each of the other company members also bring their own twists to their parts with very individualistic approaches that offer a mix of bold and feisty dynamics.
A relatively minimalistic set by Anna Louizos enhances the effective use of different levels through the motions; direction by JoAnn M Hunter. Also working on the popping choreography, it generates a buzz to complement Ryan O’Gara's exuberant, flashy lighting. Cynthia Nordstrom has designed some costumes to appear a visual feast, fitting seamlessly with the personalities of the given characters, all of which present some impressive vocals throughout the incredibly talented cast. Packing in the songs mean it's difficult to pick notable moments given that each are required in their own right to build the script. 'Fragmented' is a stunningly moving composition and solo track for Vicki to so gracefully perform while 'And Now I Rise' is just one example of the catchy, upbeat banger. A full cast album is needed- join Lightning Girl and Thunder Boy on their adventures while we're waiting! With few expected pitfalls for a premiere, there is definitely a place in the industry for this one after some slight plot tweaks.
Whatever you think of the show, it’s undeniably important message for everyone shines through: to be unapologetically ourselves. For some, it is a musical. For others, it is the resonating, life-changing voice they need to hear. SuperYou is a truly uplifting love letter to all the misfits out there. Whatever you take from the show, you''ll undoubtedly walk away with a fresh spark of creativity nurtured by a vital reminder to be kind to ourselves and who we are.
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