REVIEW OF AN OFFICER AND A GENTLEMAN BY LYNN CARROLL

July 17, 2024

Well this took me back a few decades to my time as a baby Wren in the Royal Navy. All that square bashing and torturous training! But of course nowhere near as bad as what Gunnery Sergeant Foley put these guys through. He was one bad disciplinarian, his rough handling and insults designed to keep his new recruits on their toes, but I think we all knew he had a soft heart. Didn’t we?

Luke Baker was perfect as Zack and one has to wonder at the stamina required to carry other cast members around, especially Paul French as Sid, who was taller and a little larger overall. A special mention must go to Mr French for his fine portrayal of a love struck guy ultimately let down and betrayed. I really felt for him.

I had seen the original film version of this stage musical, but to be honest the only part I could remember was Richard Gere sweeping Debra Winger off her feet in the final scene, one of those movie moments once seen is then hard to forget. This was amply shown to be true when the audience began clapping and getting very excited immediately before Zack strode on stage and headed toward his love interest. Another stand out moment that will remain in the memory whenever you think of this show.

I was convinced throughout that I had previously seen Georgia Lennon (who took the Debra Winger part) in another film/play/TV series but upon reading her bio in the programme found nothing to prove it.

The dance routines, often interspersed with military precision marching complete with rifles at shoulder were very exciting to watch. The music was familiar with many songs by well known artistes, though I am not sure how many of them featured in the film version, except of course, Up Where We Belong. In fact, my mind wandered and I could very much imagine an up to date film musical of this story. Military movies seem to go down well with the public and although musicals are not my favourite film genre I would certainly watch it.

The new recruits, including one small sassy lady, looked wonderful in their uniforms (whites as they are called), and come on ladies, who doesn’t like a man in uniform? The female recruit got through her training with support from good guy Zack, though come to think of it he had a few moments that could have ended his military career before it began.

So, what more can I say? Acting, singing, dancing, costumes were all wonderful and this was a night out to remember. In fact, I would watch again if the chance arose. And speaking of arose, that is exactly what the audience did, accompanied by thunderous applause, as the actors took the bows.