“Ghost: The Musical” is no thrill at the Lunt Fontaine Theatre on West 46th Street. The choreography by Ashley Wallen is stiff and boring; the special effects are just all right; the storyline, similar to the Paramount Pictures film, just seems to drag. The musical features book and lyrics by Bruce Joel Rubin and music and additional lyrics by Dave Stewart and Glen Ballard. So many times I found myself sitting and just waiting as time seemed to go by so slowly.
“Ghost” is the story of Sam, a banker, who loves Molly, a sculptor, and the two move in together. Sam’s assistant, Carl, arranges to steal codes from some of Sam’s biggest accounts, after which Sam is killed in a botched robbery and stays in limbo because of the abrupt way in which he died and because Molly is in danger. Sam tries to find a way to warn Molly and visits the business of psychic Oda Mae Brown and speaks to his girlfriend through the psychic.
The only entertaining moments were the ones that included the psychic. Oda Mae is skillfully and amusingly played by Da’Vine Joy Randolph. She starts off as a con artist but ends up a legitimate psychic. She even puts her life on the line to help Sam and Molly. Randolph truly plays this character with great heart, and her comedic timing is perfect.
Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying that the other lead actors don’t give memorable performances, I’m saying it’s the material that’s just not exciting. Richard Fleeshman (Sam), Caissie Levy (Molly) and Bryce Pinkham (Carl) all perform well and have powerful singing voices. You can feel the passion between Sam and Molly. You can feel the greed and jealousy of Carl.
If you’re interested in seeing “Ghost,” call (212) 239-6262 or visit www.ghostonbroadway.com for tickets.