By james art But for the most part, Becoming Nancy plays it safe and hits tried and true beats. It doesn’t work quite a lot earn some of its emotional payoffs and character decisions, with its villains in particular proving to be pure cookie-cutter fodder, but you’ll still undoubtedly be smiling and jumping as its crowd-pleasing curtain call unfolds.
This is in no small part thanks to Mitchell’s vibrant and joyous direction and choreography. There are lots of fun, signature decorations that Mitchell goes to town with – from a Donna Summer-a similar heyday in a Brighton gay club to a giddy fun venue for musical encouragement from David’s musical character avatars (here Nicole turns into a hysterically perfect Kate Bush).
“Peacock and Vella are a dear, likeable central duo…”
It is also a big, colorful spectacle, with David Rockwell and TJ GreenwayThe production of is interspersed with punk rock video and projection work Philip Rosenbergbright, strong lighting. Nancy pops off the stage very much in the spirit of its comic book and disco inspirations.
Equally sublime is the show’s great company, from an exciting, energetic ensemble and swing to an equally impressive central cast. Peacock and Vella are a winning, likeable central duo, even if they could probably use an extra scene or two to let their burgeoning romance marinate. Always the reliable one Rebecca Treherne brings a quiet determination and dignity to David Kat’s mother and offers some of the most roof-raising vocals of the evening with a searing performance of “About six inches from your heart‘. Although she is comfortably greeted by a brilliant Paige Paddywho makes a stellar supporting role as Frances and completely rips up both of her big tickets.