We take a look at what has been said about Ashley Jana and Will Nunziata’s musical which has made its stage debut, following a concept album.
Broadway World: “Jana’s score is among Figaro’s strongest aspects, performed by the ever-phenomenal London Musical Theatre Orchestra. Carrying an edge of The Greatest Showman and Moulin Rouge, they range from symphonic (if repetitive) ballads like “No More” and “I’m On Fire” to dance-heavy electropop. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said about the lyrics possessing clunky rhymes with a propensity to over explain at the expense of character growth.”
The Upcoming: “Overall, however, Figaro: A New Musical is a wonderful and breathtaking production complete with glitter and lights, and a story and soundtrack full of magic, intrigue and wonder.”
West End Best Friend: “Figaro is a dark, sensual, and mysterious musical with hauntingly alluring music and a compelling atmosphere. While the plot and character development could benefit from refinement, it’s easy to see the potential for growth as the show continues to evolve. The experience is a thrilling and captivating one, leaving audiences eager to see where Figaro goes next.”
Beyond the Curtain: “Much like getting a piece of coal for Christmas wrapped in solid gold, Figaro: An Original Musical is all style with no substance. It’s got a whopping all-star cast and is performed to the highest of standards, but that’s just not enough to pull the audience away from a hollow plot.”
London Theatre1: ” There’s a self-awareness in the show’s script that extends even to a convincing (if superfluous) explanation as to why the children speak with London accents in a show set in Italy. Eagle-Service is, at the time of writing, sharing the title role in a West End revival of Oliver!, while Goodman has just finished a run sharing the title role in Matilda. In other words, the producers couldn’t have secured more talented child actors for this musical if they tried. They were nothing short of phenomenal.”
Jonathan Baz Reviews: ” both Eagle-Service and Goodman are simply exquisite in their singing and in their acting through song. These kids are truly talented stars of the future.”
The Spy in the Stalls: “For a first performance it was tight, well-rehearsed, with good sound and a strong band led by musical director Caitlin Morgan.”
Fairy Powered Productions: “A coming-of-age story that offers pure escapism as the cast immerses you into the delicious songbook.”
The Reviews Hub: “Also impressive are Sophia Goodman and Cian Eagle-Service as the two children Figaro has kidnapped/rescued to work in his company. Both are experienced in West End roles, have oodles of stage presence and they work beautifully together. Their harmony singing is impeccable.”