Clueless The Musical is TOTALLY worth the hype as preppy 90s hit arrives in London
IT was only a matter of time until Clueless got the musical treatment after Heathers and Mean Girls charged into the West End.
And what a joyful, preppy, permanent-grin-on-your-face stage production it actually is.
Thankfully, it follows the 1995 film almost to the letter – which in itself was a very clever adaptation of Jane Austen’s Emma.
If you watched the film, you’ll know it’s based around “most popular student” at Beverley Hills High Cher Horowitz and her efforts to makeover then match make nerdy new girl in town Tai.
Dressed head to toe in bright yellow plaid – and aided by best friend “we’re both named after famous singers of the past, who now do infomercials” Dionne – she navigates her way through crushes on clearly gay newby Christian and developing feelings for her “not related at all” brother Josh.
All the while causing merry chaos for her nearest and dearest.
So prepare to be taken back in time to a world of pre-social media nods and nineties nostalgia.
Remember when pagers were a thing? or Twin Peakes, or Keanu Reeves?
Those who were glued to the screen the first time round will delight in familiar costumes and ALL the way harsh catchphrases. There’s no unnecessary updates – this is loud and proud to be back in the mid-nineties.
For those who were new to it – like my 12 year old daughter – it’s a guilt-free candyfloss of a musical – not a huge amount of substance – but super fun and sweet.
And it’s the HUGELY enthusiastic young stars belting out some really catchy tunes to breathlessly speedy, very clever set changes, that sweep you up and carry you along.
The fact that bonafide musician KT Tunstall has composed the catchy bangers, to whip smart lyrics by Glenn Slater, elevates this high above some of the recent stage offerings regenerating old pop songs.
We’re still singing along to the soundtrack weeks later – with songs like Human Barbies, Reasonable Doubt and Clueless particular favourites.
And lead Emma Flynn channels blonde teen queen Cher Horowitz so hard, it’s like watching a combination of Alicia Silverstone, Reese Witherspoon and Rachel McAdams in one – she’s a real star in the making.
A fab, fun, ‘totally bugging’ Betty of a production. As IF I wouldn’t give it 4/5 stars.
Clueless the Musical
Trafalgar Theatre, London
★★★★