SuperYou

“hit with a lightning bolt of entertainment!”

Date Attended: November 15th

*****

I recently caught the concert-style performance of SuperYou at the Lyric Theatre, and let me tell you, it was like being hit with a lightning bolt of entertainment! Now, keep in mind, this was a sneak peek, a trial run, a sort of superhero beta test. So expect changes when it transforms to a fully staged show.

First off the book, music and lyrics by Lourdes Lane has a little something for everyone. The Boltz, our superhero squad, led by the fabulous Lucie Jones as Katie, form a musical Justice League with styles as diverse as a Marvel crossover event. Rock, soul, sass – they have it all. Let’s not forget the powerhouse that is Lucie Jones. If you know her name, you know that voice is practically a superpower in itself.

A special shoutout to Aaliyah Monk as Young Katie. Sure, pre-Hamilton, rap in musicals might’ve been a cringe-fest, but Monk managed to pull it off. Though, I’m hoping when it’s fully staged, it transforms into a ‘kid having a blast’ moment – maybe a backwards cap for that extra comic flair?

Now, the dream sequences blended contemporary dance and physical theatre fights. It felt a bit like a superhero choreography class, controlled but promising. I’m banking on some upgrades before this truly hits the stage.

The scene with Luke Brady as Jay, with Katie was a hilarious breather. Bad puns were flying around like capes in the wind – a delightful sprinkle of comedy in the superhero mix.

As for the target audience, it’s like a girl power anthem concert with a side of superhero sass. Flip through the program, and you’ll stumble upon the SuperYou FUNdation and their educational workshops. I hope that this will become the empowering first show of a new generation of musical lovers, with up-to-date references of social media such as tiktok.

As a theatre and education are my passions, anything merging the two gets my seal of approval. SuperYou isn’t just a musical; it’s a movement. Five stars for a show that could create a legion of musical-loving superheroes!

Photo Credit: Matt Marlin and Simona Sermont for Shooting Theatre