From Here to Eternity at Charing Cross Theatre
From Here to Eternity offers an ambitious portrayal of the lives of US-American soldiers stationed in Hawaii during the two weeks leading up to the attack on Pearl Harbour in 1941. It’s the first reboot of a 2013 musical that is based on James Jones’s novel. While some aspects of the show are fantastic – such as the strong ensemble and some of the songs – overall, it lacks a tight focus that results in a muddled presentation.
The musical often feels like it doesn’t quite know what it’s trying to be. Although the lyrics by Tim Rice are powerful and the general dialogue by Donald Rice and Bill Oakes are suggestive of richer characters, it doesn’t quite go far enough to be impactful. Clichés abound, especially in the characters, and previously promising setups don’t always lead anywhere, resulting in the impression that it lacks enough time to live up to its potential.
In the second half, the show does get stronger, both in pacing and music. While the issues surrounding the characters continue, there is more of a plot in the end, and the finale, although not exactly subtle, does offer an enjoyable conclusion. Most of the book’s main plot points are present and they do generate enough enthusiasm when performed well. This is particularly the case when Stuart Brayson’s music works: it’s diverse enough to engage interest, and some of the numbers are standout hits; all of them are performed with great vigour by the talented ensemble.
It does need to be emphasised that the show is better musically than it is in the acting, largely as a result of the stock characters that don’t give the actors much to work with. But the performance of the musical numbers is spectacular, not least thanks to Cressida Carré’s choreography. Jonny Amies’s I Love the Army as his swan song while he’s being mistreated and ultimately killed by the officers is particularly gripping.
The production itself, by director Brett Smock, is a mixed blessing. Adam King’s lighting combined with Stewart J Charlesworth’s costumes always feel atmospheric and believable, but the set design – essentially an arrangement of several boxes that are shoved around a bit – feels a bit bland. As such, From Here to Eternity has its fair share of flaws, but it is nevertheless an entertaining musical that will guarantee an enjoyable evening.
Michael Higgs
Photo: Mark Senior
From Here to Eternity is at Charing Cross Theatre from 29th October until 17th December 2022. For further information or to book visit the theatre’s website here.
Watch rehearsal footage of the production here
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