Reel to Real @ Pleasance Courtyard

Spectacular and hi-tech, Reel to Real lacks substance. The links between songs are tenuous in a story charting a brother and sister’s race across the globe to compete for their father’s fortunes. Using material from classic movie musicals and an impressive moving multimedia set, the musical is crammed with Broadway-cheese but exhibits little depth.

Blessed with an evidently generous budget, the costume changes are endless and no expense is spared on the video footage. It is therefore unfortunate that the storyline is bland and used merely as a vehicle to showcase the technology that the company has at its disposal. The song cues are often embarrassingly obvious, sometimes even resulting in an audible groan passing across the audience.

With old favourites such as “New York, New York”, “Puttin’ On The Ritz” and “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outta My Hair”, nostalgia fans will not be disappointed. Of particular note is Jeremy Benton’s “Singin’ In The Rain” in which he duets with the original video footage of Gene Kelly. It is cleverly executed and a fitting homage to one of the most influential screen stars.

Overall, the performers are energetic and professional but the material fails to fully reflect this. Frivolous and extravagant, Reel to Real reflects the modern day desire for superficiality.