It was no great surprise to see a healthy turn out from the cast of The Commitments at last nights press night for Somewhere Under The Rainbow – The Liza Minelli Story at the Landor Theatre, as the star of this one woman show, Sharon Sexton, is also currently performing in the west end musical.
For the first time in London, Sharon Sexton brings to life her portrayal of Liza Minelli on stage. Set in Lizas dressing room, this one act, 70 minutes show is a musical romp through the life of the daughter of Judy Garland.
The set is beautiful. An intimate dressing room with a cleverly used dressing table and mirror (which allows the audience to never lose sight of the action happening). A chaise longue and a rail of colourful clothes (with the subtly displayed ruby red slippers from Judy Garlands film The Wizard Of Oz). Sharon Sexton works the intimate stage, wandering around and looking the audience directly in the eye as she belts out a plethora of well known musical theatre songs, all cleverly woven into the story by writer and director Cillian O’Donnachadha. Her voice is incredible and she commands the stage, as Liza Minelli would. I was on the edge of my seat during her rendition of the Cabaret classic Mein Herr in which Sharon danced around, balanced on an unsteady chair. I feared for her life but she had every move perfectly planned. This girl really knows what she is doing, in every sense.
A flawless piece of theatre, beautiful in every way. Covering the highs and tragic lows of one of the worlds biggest stars in the world today.
Reviewed by West End Wilma
Somewhere Under The Rainbow is playing at the Landor Theatre until Saturday 17 May. Book fast as there is limited availability.