A musical adaptation of the iconic 90s film Cruel Intentions that tells the story of a group of wealthy teenagers in New York hits Edinburgh Fringe this month.
Making its UK premiere, it’s a punchy pop musical that features smash-hit songs from the 90s. Performed by a stellar British cast, it’s a dynamic production that has all the ingredients for a successful musical. Told in a slick 75 minutes, it tells the devious story of step-siblings Sebastian Valmont and Kathryn Mereuil at a posh Manhattan school. They are manipulative and conniving as they plot against their classmates to destroy their lives forever.
it has a very Heathers vibe and sits nicely in that ultra-American, brilliantly over the top and slightly shocking musical. The score includes numbers like Genie in a Bottle, Just a Girl, Kiss Me, No Scrubs and Bittersweet Symphony. The songs don’t slip into the musical seamlessly and it does have the audience giggling at just how cheesy it is. However, the musical embraces that and exaggerates how ridiculous it is.
What really stands out about this show is the exceptional talent. They’ve pulled together a cast of actors that not only bring the drama, but their vocals are outstanding. With high-powered belting and mind-blowing riffs, the stellar cast bring so much to the score – making it incredibly theatrical. Sophie Isaccs, Evelyn Hoskins, Gemma Salter and Rebecca Gilhooey play the fierce females and Dominic Andersen, Scott Hunter and Dean John-Williams command the stage as the young lads in the show.
Jonathon O’Boyle’s direction is superb as he cleverly uses the space in the Spiegeltent to create a truly immersive performance. We are literally sat in the heart of the action as the lives of these youngsters unravel around us.
The musical itself doesn’t have a massive amount to it, but it’s worth the ticket price alone to hear the stellar cast belt out these huge hits of the 90s.
★★★★
Cruel Intentions is on at Assembly George Square Gardens at Edinburgh Fringe at 20:30.
