The ’90s has been experiencing a resurgence of late. You can see it in chokers and claw clips on any given street.
But it’s not just fashion – theatre isn’t immune to a little throwback and Cruel Intentions: The ‘90s Musical at Her Majesty’s Theatre gives us a window back in time.
Based on the 1999 film starring Sarah Michelle Gellar, Ryan Phillippe and Reese Witherspoon, the musical version gives us an almost-identical script filled with all the classic moments from the film interspersed with ’90s pop hits, often timed to comic perfection.
As with the film, the musical tells the story of manipulative step-siblings, Sebastian and Kathryn from Manhattan’s Upper East Side.
They bulldoze their way through other people’s lives and feelings in their quest for revenge, with sex often their weapon of choice.
Kirby Burgess and Drew Weston, who play the meddling step-siblings, take the dark characters and brilliantly turn them into exaggerated musical theatre versions.
Drew Weston as Sebastian. Photo: Nicole Cleary
It’s comically raunchy but for those not acquainted with both the film and the soundtrack of the era, the humour could get a little lost, as would the character development. The storyline quickly becomes the side dish for the liberal sprinkling of music, but if you love singing along to a bit of *NSYNC and Britney Spears, that’s probably not too much of an issue.
And if that is you, it’s nearly impossible to sit still in your seat throughout. Also, prepare to get reacquainted with a few old favourites and immediately update your playlist.
Take a trip back to Saturday mornings waking up with Video Hits – there’s No Doubt, Christina Aguilera, Mandy Moore and a couple of throwbacks to the film’s original soundtrack with Placebo and The Verve.
The simple set is an adaptable workhorse, embodying a Manhattan home, a prestigious college and the great outdoors with barely anything more than clever lighting changes.
It’s interesting to view the show’s themes through a modern lens and ponder the changes 20-plus intervening years has afforded to issues such as women’s sexual liberation.
As much as some things may have changed, there’s no denying the gleeful nostalgia the ’90s is able to impart.
Cruel Intentions: The ’90s Musical is on at Her Majesty’s Theatre until September 24.
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