The world premiere stage adaptation of the Oscar-winning film The Artist, which began performances at the Theatre Royal Plymouth May 14, has officially opened, and the reviews are in.
Directed and choreographed by Drew McOnie (King Kong), Robbie Fairchild leads the cast as silent movie icon George Valentin, the role played by Jean Dujardin on screen, alongside Gary Wilmot as Al Zimmer, Briana Craig as Peppy Miller, Alexander Bean as Clifton, Tiffany Graves as Gertie Gams, Ebony Molina as Doris Valentin, Rachel Muldoon as Constance, and Thomas Walton as Uggie.
The ensemble includes Will Bozier, Matthew Caputo, Lily Laight, Deja Linton, Tyler Lotzof, Louis Mackrodt, Mark Samaras, and Daisy West. Rounding out the company are swings Nicole Alphonce, Tim Hodges, Lukas Hunt, and Shayna McPherson. Casting is by Will Burton.
The New Statesman (Zuzanna Lachendro)
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Playbill will continue to update this list as reviews come in.
Based on the 2011 film written by Michel Hazanavicius, the stage work is co-adapted by Lindsey Ferrentino (Amy and the Orphans) and Olivier winner McOnie (King Kong). The production also features set and costume design by Christopher Oram; music, music supervision, arrangements, and orchestrations by Simon Hale; lighting design by Zoe Spurr; sound design by Simon Baker; video design by Ash J Woodward; puppetry design by Maia Kirkman-Richards, and hair and makeup design by Georgia Nosal. Isaac McCullough is music director.
The film, which won five 2012 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, is set in 1920s Hollywood and follows silent movie icon George Valentin and aspiring actor Peppy Miller. While her star is about to rise, his might just be about to flicker into insignificance with the arrival of the Talkies.
McOnie Company is producing, along with Theatre Royal Plymouth, Playful Productions, Bill Damaschke, and Stephen and Nancy Gabriel.
The limited engagement concludes May 25.
Visit TheArtistOnStage.com.
