This isn’t a sponsored post.
BrumHour was invited to see The Osmonds by Wolverhampton Grand.
What follows is probably a 480 word love letter.
For Brum Radio’s Interval Theatre, Ryan Anderson spoke about playing Merrill Osmond in The Osmonds UK Tour. Listen below From 21:48
By Julie Wallis
Review: The Osmonds at Wolverhampton Grand
Perfect!
The Osmonds musical is the autobiographical story of probably the most famous family on the planet in the 1970s. Written by Jay Osmond, with original songs by The Osmonds: The singing sensation that sold over one hundred million records worldwide. The family that appealed to teenagers the world over, the most wholesome family in showbiz, The Osmonds.
Last night at Wolverhampton Grand, I time travelled right back to the 1970s The Osmonds musical was so perfect I really felt like I was there as four little boys wowed the USA with their barbershop quartet on The Andy Williams Show.
If you were not around in the 70s it’s difficult to understand just how huge The Osmonds were at that time. Last night we were offered a glimpse into their life. The ups and the downs, the strict and regimented upbringing, exploitative Hollywood studios and of faith and family above all else. All interspersed with hit after hit after hit including Crazy Horses, Paper Roses, Puppy Love and Love Me For a Reason. We are narrated through the family’s journey by a young Jay Osmond (Alex Lodge).
The cast of this extravaganza all had perfect voices that did justice to The Osmonds and they were well balanced that not one brother stood out above the others. The performance starts with four very young children singing You Are My Sunshine in The Andy Williams show. The young Osmonds too were so confident and talented, they had the audience in the palm of their hands. That said, Georgia Lennon as Marie Osmond was outstanding, a great voice and definitely a sense of humour she did come across as half of the goofy duo I so loved.
With not much in the way of staging or sets of any kind, the one set piece was sufficient to be the Osmonds home, the tv studio, Maddison Square Garden and more. With some terrific lighting, thanks to lighting designer Ben Cracknell the atmosphere was electric. I loved the costumes too, flairs were big in the 70’s and last night had some big flairs. We are also introduced to Number one fan Wendy from Manchester (Katy Hards) who’s own life journey runs parallel to The Osmonds.
The show finished with the ultimate concert, dressed in the iconic white jumpsuits, thanks to Elvis Presley, Merrill (Ryan Anderson) Alan (Jamie Chatterton) Jay (Alex Lodge) Wayne (Danny Nattrass) and Donny (Joseph Peacock) gave the audience just what they wanted. Ending to a standing ovation. I’m sure Dad George Osmond (Charlie Allen) and mum Olive Osmond (Nicola Bryan) would be so proud to see how much love there still is for their sons.
Last night’s show was the most fun I’ve had so far this year, climaxed by getting to meet Jay Osmond. I couldn’t even manage a single coherent word but I did get to plant a fangirl kiss on his cheek.
The Osmonds is at Wolverhampton Grand until Saturday 19th March 2022. The UK Tour continues until 3rd December 2022. See the dates here: theosmondsmusical.co.uk/tour-dates
