While a smash hit in the U.K., Louis Roche's Girls Night: The Musical hasn't found the same success overseas.
Following a group of five women as they get together and reflect on the past, live the present, and look to the future at a karaoke bar, Girls Night is a funny, touching, but clich?(c) musical endeavor.
Making its American debut this month, this story about the celebration of a daughter's engagement will give audiences a desire to clap their hands and smile to the beat of infectious women anthems such as Whitney Houston's "I'm Every Woman," Gloria Gaynor's "I Will Survive," Sister Sledge's "We are Family," Cyndi Lauper's "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" and Shania Twain's "Man! I Feel Like a Woman!"
However, the story entails far more than this as some of the climaxes bring the show down to an extremely uncomfortable setting. Delving into strong situations involving infidelity, abortion and depression, the musical quickly turns away from the expected fun, light-hearted night out and into a far more serious context.
The story revolves around five women who have been friends since their teenage years: Carol is the party animal, Anita is up front with her emotions, Liza has issues coming out of every angle, Kate is boring and plain, and Sharon, the designated driver, is not the sweet innocent angel she tries to portray.
The friends attempt to settle their conflicts - none of which are ever really resolved - while sharing drinks and flirting with men.
The Narrator, a ghost of a friend that died when they were teens, acts as a guiding spirit. Still dressed in 1980's apparel, she haunts the five women, watching and commenting on their every move and making awkward attempts to linger on stage.
Girls Night is a decent attempt at Sex and the City meets Grease, but doesn't quite get the job done. This estrogen-filled performance leaves the audience hanging for periods in between the actual songs.
The soundtrack, a captivating Broadway revision of spirit-lifting pop songs, is enough to please the audience, but the plot and setting leave it looking like a lousy version of Mamma Mia!
Ultimately, Girls Night is a great excuse for a dance party - the equivalent of a fabulous night out at a popping karaoke bar with a group of friends, family and co-workers. But it's a long night with little substance.
Roche intends the play to have more depth than it actually does. The musical has potential and portrays real-life scenarios and friendships that women can relate to. As far as actual content, the musical is lacking.
While a "girl's night out" is a much-needed female institution, unless you have time to burn before the final curtain closing on Sunday, staying in for this one might be a good idea.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
