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Review of The Osmonds: A New Musical at The King's Theatre in Glasgow

Review of The Osmonds: A New Musical at The King's Theatre in Glasgow
Review of The Osmonds: A New Musical at The King's Theatre in Glasgow

Verdict: Three stars

The ultimate love letter to fans of the Osmonds has finally transpired in the form of a new musical.

Once the biggest boyband in the world, this jukebox musical reveals how they achieved such a status capturing their glory of selling 100 million records to their downfall of almost losing it all.

Narrated by Osmond brother Jay (Alex Lodge), the musical opened up at Glasgow's King's on Tuesday a week after its world premiere at the Leicester Curve Theatre.

The plot quickly delves into the five Utah brothers - Donny (Joseph Peacock), Jay, Merrill (Ryan Anderson), Alan (Jamie Chatterton) and Wayne (Luke Hogan) - humble beginnings when they were guided into a barbershop style of singing by their late father George (Charlie Allen).

READ MORE: Jay Osmond launches The Osmonds musical at Glasgow's King's Theatre

Glasgow Times:
Glasgow Times:

A young cast portrays the boys as children who obey their father's military-style rules to become the best entertainers they can be. This strict regime enabled them to take the spotlight on the Andy Williams Show which became the starting point of their showbiz career as The Osmonds.

Throughout the show, the audience is introduced to fan Wendy who through her letters to Jay capitulates how much the band meant to their many adoring fans, it is this character that really drives home the hysteria surrounding The Osmonds and it is the recognition of Wendy that shows the band's appreciation for the people who put them to the top.

Like all good jukebox musicals, the music is ultimately what carries the show with the biggest hits Love Me For A Reason, Puppy Love and Crazy Horses all proving to be real highlights.

This music is very much of a time and place resonating with the many audience members who were clearly fans of the band the first time around.

Glasgow Times:
Glasgow Times:

What makes the show unique, however, is Jay's narrative. When people think of The Osmonds, most will remember Donny and Marie (Georgia Lennon). But hearing their rise to fame through Jay's account certainly provided an education on the band.

Where this musical could perhaps fail is in its ability to attract a new audience. With the music of similar jukebox musicals - think Jersey Boys and Mamma Mia - enticing a new generation of fans, it remains to be seen whether The Osmonds' original hits have the power to do the same.

That said, the show offers nostalgia at its best. It's wholesome entertainment and captures the magic that first made the world take notice of The Osmonds the first time around.

The Osmonds: A New Musical runs at The King's Theatre until Saturday.