Based on the award-winning 80s movie, An Officer and a Gentleman The Musical is in Milton Keynes Theatre this week. If you love the 80’s and are a romantic at heart, this is the show for you.
Set in 1982, a young Zach signs up for the 12 week programme to become an officer in the Navy. He wants to fly jets. Actually they all do. But only two out of the programme will make it. Zach is troubled. His mum died when he was 12 and his dad is an alcoholic. So the only thing driving him is his passion. He is used to only relying on himself and has no plans to fall in love. Luke Baker plays Zack Mayo and is fabulous in the role, he has a fantastic vocal range hitting high and low notes with ease. What a fabulous performance.
The local factory is famous for young girls who fall for the officers – they would do anything to escape this town and humdrum exisitance, even by getting themselves pregnant. It’s the oldest trick in the book. Gunnery Sergeant Foley even warns them of this but these guys are young and need some R&R after the hard weeks of training. Foley is played by Jamal Crawford and gives chills with his commands. He is intimidating yet knows how to get the best out of the recruits. He took my breath away when he threw in a breakdance move at the end of one of the songs. Totally amazing.
Two of the young girls in the factory are Paula and Lynette who both dream of finding love. Paula is played by Georgia Lennon who has fantastic acting skills and a winning smile. Lynette played by Sinead Long who, for me, could have just as easily played Paula. What an amazing voice she has. Totally blows the socks of off Material Girl. Lynette falls for Sid and sees him as her escape ticket as he has wealthy parents. But Sid really does fall in love with Lynette. Paul French plays Sid and he is a phenomenal actor and really pulls our heart strings.
The songs are 80’s classics although some have a different arrangement to fit with the story such as Kids In America, but they are all the songs we love. Blaze Of Glory, I Want To Know What Love Is, Livin On a Prayer, When The Going Gets Tough, Material Girl and the very emotional Family Man. Of course, the show has kept the classic Up Where We Belong which you are expecting for the finale.
An Officer And A Gentleman is a timeless story of love, courage, and redemption that will make your heart soar and leave you breathless, longing for more. An Officer And A Gentleman is at Milton Keynes Theatre until 26 October. Don't miss your chance to experience this captivating romance brought to life on stage.
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