FEW successful West End shows can cite a quartet of compilation CDs featuring rock and roll classics as their inspiration, but for Dreamboats and Petticoats showing at Venue Cymru in Llandudno until August 6, that is exactly how the musical came to being.
Written by Laurence Marks and Maurice Gran - the team behind Goodnight Sweetheart and Birds of a Feather - the show is set in 1961 where competing musicians Normal and Bobby attempt to win a national song writing competition with the help of the talented young ingénue Laura.
But with saucy Sue the object of the young men’s affections, will anyone get any music actually written?
Like in most stage musicals, the keyboards, guitars, saxophones, drums, trumpets and trombones are not an unusual presence.
But usually the musicians are tucked away in the hidden orchestra pit - not thrown front and centre on the main stage.
More a rock concert than a musical, Dreamboats and Petticoats takes more than 40 classic tracks and weaves them into an engaging narrative, keeping the music at the forefront throughout.
Formulaic it may be as song after song of rock and roll staples ranging from The Wanderer to Runaround Sue are performed.
But it is their execution which really impresses.
With the band all on stage - and involved in the simple but effective love story - the music becomes the driving force and essential in the tale telling, whether it's the full sound of 'band practise' or stripped back a cappella numbers, with each carefully plotted song used to dramatic or comedic effect.
The leads all impress with their stunning vocal talents, and perform the knowing script with tongues placed firmly in their cheeks (plenty of nods and in-jokes to 60s life are sure to stir some amusing memories for older audience).
But Dreamboats and Petticoats is certainly a show for all ages.
Full of toe-tapping songs, energetic dance, colourful costumes and a party spirit, be sure to put your dancing shoes on - especially for an electric ending which is sure to have all ages up on their feet and wanting more.
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