In a unique fusion of ancient British folklore and modern teenage angst, the supernatural musical Dark of the Moon transports audiences to small-town America. The story revolves around Barbara Allen, a spirited young woman played by Lauren Jones, who falls deeply in love with John the Witch Boy, portrayed by Glenn Adamson. John hails from a community of Witches and Conjur People, and his mysterious origins in the Smoky Mountains, coupled with rumors of diabolical powers, only intensify their forbidden romance.
A Tale of Forbidden Love and Immortal Stakes
Barbara is willing to defy her parents and neighbors in her Appalachian town to be with John, while he is prepared to renounce his immortality for a mortal life with her. The matriarchal Conjur Woman, played by Josie Benson, sets a daunting challenge: if the couple can remain faithful for one year, John will gain his mortality. This premise, reminiscent of the Twilight series, actually originated decades earlier in the original 1942 play by Howard Richardson and William Berney, later adapted into a musical.
Musical Highlights and Performances
The production thrives on its musical numbers, composed by Lindy Robbins, Dave Bassett, and Steve Robson. The cast delivers vocally pure performances, with songs that blend country, bluegrass, and glam-rock influences. Tracks like Ordinary Life and Wildflower showcase the human characters' twangy melodies, while the witches' songs, such as Play a Little Dirty, feature electric guitar-driven glam rock.
Critique and Direction
Despite its energetic performances, the production suffers from a schematic book by Jonathan Prince, which paints Barbara's community as wholesome and the witches as archly evil. The love story, directed by Georgie Rankcom, fails to captivate due to its hammy execution. The lyrics, while catchy, often veer into cheesiness, as exemplified by lines like “Yeah life’s a bitch and I’m a witch.” The show lacks profound insight, though it remains enjoyable in its absurdity.
Dark of the Moon is playing at the Charing Cross Theatre in London until August 8.
