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Synopsis With a career spanning six decades and including nine smash hit singles (three which became Number One), Neil Sedaka has been inducted into the Songwriter's Hall of Fame, had a street named after him in his hometown of Brooklyn, and was given a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. From the innocent Fifties to the cynical Seventies and beyond, he has written and performed some of the world's most beloved pop songs including 'Oh, Carol', 'Breaking Up Is Hard To Do', 'Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen', 'Hey Little Devil', 'Stupid Cupid', 'Amarillo', 'Laughter in the Rain' and many more. Born in Brooklyn, the son of a taxi-driver, Sedaka started songwriting at Broadway's legendary Brill Building, penning his first hit, Oh Carol, for his then girlfriend, Carole King. He went on to become a teenage idol to rival Elvis but in 1964 his career collapsed as America embraced the Beatles and other bands of the so-called 'British Invasion'. For almost a decade, he struggled to support his wife, Leba, and their two children but found salvation in moving to Britain, where he signed to Elton John's Rocket Records label, and remarkably returned to the top of the US charts in 1974 with 'Laughter In The Rain' - remaining a national treasure there as well as in the UK ever since. Laughter in The Rain - a remarkable story of triumph against the odds.
You might think, on the face of it, that there’s not a great deal of meaty material to be had from the Neil Sedaka story. The writer and producers of Laughter in the Rain appear to have come to the same conclusion.
In fact, the redoubtable singer-songwriter has had his fair share of trials – from growing up with an extended family in two rooms in Brooklyn, via his mother’s extra-marital affair, to his run-in with the US government over a decade of unpaid tax – so it seems doubly odd that this Sedaka-lite narrative chooses to treat them all as a mild irritation on one man’s journey to the stars.
The fact that Sedaka himself is described as a “consultant” to this show probably explains a lot, together with the programme note that the writer, Philip Norman, is a “close friend”. Whatever the reason, it leaves a fundamental emotional hole where the drama should be.
Having said all that, and taking the lack of storytelling content into account, there’s a huge amount to enjoy in this romp through the back catalogue, and the audience at Milton Keynes was certainly prepared to go with every sequin-studded scene.
At its heart is an utterly compelling and winning performance by Wayne Smith as Sedaka himself, at turns charming and driven, and displaying the most lyrical tenor voice I’ve heard on a stage for a long time. Smith is a fine actor, too, and carries the whole show by sheer force of his talent and warmth.
There’s a multitude of support from a large cast, doubling up in a host of different roles along the way. Edward Handoll stands out as Sedaka’s songwriting partner Howie Grenfield and Kieran Brown puts in nice spots as Tony Christie and Elton John.
But the real winner is the six-piece on-stage band, led by Pierce Tee, which is never less than spot-on with its lush arrangements and fizzing energy, and provides much of the momentum when the show finally does catch light deep into the second act.
Primarily aimed at Sedaka fans – of whom there have always been plenty in the UK – this production, directed by Bill Kenwright and Keith Strachan, is glitzy, gorgeous and good fun. And if it’s not going to win any prizes for storytelling, maybe it makes up for it with its musical pedigree. At least, Milton Keynes didn’t seem too bothered…
Neil's life story had to keep moving swiftly along due to timescale of the show, and to fit in his many hit songs. Wonderful performances by all cast, especially Wayne who was strong in character and voice thru'out. Together with a terrific band, an excellent show, worthy of the West End!!Should imagine Neil was pleased with the production! - Elayne Fielding
28 Jun 10
I took 24 Brownies to the show. They met Wayne beforehand, who was such an encouraging, spirited young person. They all fell in love, instantly. They talked about the show and sang 'Laughter in the Rain' all w/e. It was a very special experience for them. Even though they were too young to know the songs, they were all up and dancing during the production. Thank you to the MK team for organising the event. Also Congratulations to all the very special performers. They had magnificent voices and were complimented by the music. - Lydia
14 Jun 10
Fantastic evening loved every minute of it. The audience were up dancing and singing along to all the hits - Pauline
A new £30million theatre is being built - work started in 1997 and it opened in 1999. The name was chosen as the result of an extensive local survey. Flexible seating capacity 950-1400. An [ATG] member.
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