A Face in the Crowd at the Young Vic

An ambitious reimagining of the 1957 film, A Face in the Crowd succeeds with an excellent cast and clever musical numbers that guarantee an entertaining evening for most audiences, even if some pacing issues in the second act undercut the momentum.

The story is a familiar one: Lonesome Rhodes (Ramin Karimloo) becomes a television star by claiming to be the voice of the everyday American, but soon succumbs to the intoxication of fame, becoming a grifter and using his influence to sway American politics towards the right, ultimately contemplating a presidential bid.

Although Sarah Rule and Elvis Costello, who wrote the book and music respectively, maintain that this adaptation doesn’t directly address the current presidential race and Donald Trump’s rise to power, the parallels are unmistakable. Though the similarities are there, A Face in the Crowd naturally focuses more on the media’s role – not just the rise of a populist, but the corrupting nature of mass media, the fragility of public adoration and its impact on the public.

These are all deep topics that need a lot of time to explore. While the setup in the first act is superb with stellar pacing, depiction of the stakes and some enjoyable songs, act two is rushed and loses focus. Indeed, the central relationship of Rhodes with his producer Marcia Jeffries (Anoushka Lucas), who discovers him initially, remains particularly underexplored at times, which misses some dramatic potential.

The acting is first-class: Lucas’s Marcia is likeable and complex, and delivers her songs with great sensitivity and vulnerability. Karimloo’s Rhodes, meanwhile, is charismatic and, in the beginning, appears genuinely sympathetic, making his eventual descent into corruption all the more tragic; he showcases his songs with vigour and endless control.

The production by director Kwame Kwei-Armah features a varied set design with retro costumes. The production is understated but fitting, allowing the performances to shine without distraction. All this earns A Face in the Crowd a recommendation – a potent mix of music, commentary and strong performances, despite some flaws.

Michael Higgs
Photos: Ellie Kurttz

A Face in the Crowd is at the Young Vic from 12^th September until 9^th November 2024. For further information or to book visit the theatre’s website here.

Watch the trailer for A Face in the Crowd at the Young Vic here: