Synopsis The clock ticks by as two couples prepare themselves for the monumental day ahead. When morning comes, twenty-somethings John and Kat will marry and embark upon a new life, while older couple Jack and Catherine will sign their divorce papers. As the night goes on, it becomes clear that all is not what it once seemed. Are we watching two couples, or just one couple on two pivotal nights in their life together?
Wythe’s score is enjoyable, with some hummable tunes and a very contemporary musical theatre feel, with strong influences of Stephen Sondheim and Jason Robert Brown – in fact, at times a little too strong, as there are several “where have I heard this before?” moments.
But some sense of familiarity can be a good thing – particularly in the commercial West End, where this show could well be headed. The overall feel of the music is fresh and upbeat, with enough variation in style to be interesting (tangos, ballads, comedy), though perhaps unchallenging.
The book, also by Wythe, is witty and poignant, with Act One full of light-heartedness and promise, and Act Two a bit of a tear-jerker. Wythe manages to stay just the right side of sentimentality, with all the characters wondering throughout the musical whether they are doing the right thing, and all coming to a satisfying conclusion.
All four cast members are West End stalwarts and the quality of their performances is very high – they have fantastic voices and ensure the audience really cares what becomes of their characters - under the directorship of Nick Winston, who manages to manoeuvre the quartet comfortably around the tiny stage in Philip Witcomb’s effective set, well lit by David Holmes.
With some tightening up of both the book and score, Tomorrow Morning could see itself added to the ever-growing list of new West End musicals popping up this year.
I really liked this show. The idea of inter-twining an imminent marriage and an imminent divorce is a good one and it works very well. The production values, for a fringe theatre, are outstanding (with a terrific set that really helps the show) and the performances really are first class. My only grumble would be that it is over-amplified for such a tiny space (particularly as it was far from full when I went). Definately one to see - and the bonus at the New End on these sweltering days is wonderfully efficient (too efficient Row D aisle!) aircon.! - 81.158.158.233)
30 Jul 06
Feel as though I saw a different show from many of the other posters. Laurence Mark Wythe has created a sub-William Finn little musical about the setting up and subsequent disintegration of a marriage; however with scant characterisation and a paucity of decent tunes it is very hard to care about the people involved and the 2 hours traffic of the stage passes very slowly. The humour is very laboured while the serious bits use every cliche imaginable. Nick Winston's clumsy, uninspired direction doesn't help, and one pities fine performers like Annette McLaughlin and Stephen Ashfield at being saddled with this lame material. - 195.82.110.189)
24 Jul 06
I went to see the matinee yesterday and I have to say I thought the show was brilliant, I thoroughly enjoyed it. The whole cast is excellent but I have to single out Stephen Ashfield, his voice is superb and his comedy bits were wonderful. - 195.93.21.9)
16 Jul 06
The show is amazing,all the cast are so incredible and the direction by Nick Winston is First Class,the new Michael Grandage!
What are you waiting for go buy a ticket while you can! - 193.82.129.66)
12 Jul 06
This amazing new show is one that entertains hugely and consistently throughout, moved me to tears and yet left me elated for hours.
Nick Winston’s direction kept me enthralled from the start. All four actors are hugely impressive, the characters are well developed and I truly cared about the eventual outcome.
With this small cast and smaller stage Tomorrow Morning still manages to be a big event. It deserves a huge audience and if British musical theatre wants to offer some diversity, to its current crop of Broadway imports, this is exactly the excellence it should invest in.
Great music, a superb cast, beautiful story and quite brilliant direction! Book it tomorrow morning, go and see it tomorrow night and enjoy musical theatre at its finest.
- 86.132.223.101)
11 Jul 06
A magical evening of sheer delight. I was spellbound from the beginning to the end. The cast of four were all superb. A great story supported with excellent songs. How the four managed to move effortlessly around the stage is a credit to Nick Winston's direction. His immense talent is clearly evident is wonderful production. Get a ticket - go see this great show, or you could wait until it hits the West End because undoubtedly that's where it's going. A real tour de force - 62.253.32.7)
11 Jul 06
One of the best new musicals for ages. The cast are outstanding and brought a poignancy and humour to what can be a sensitive subject. Look out for the Secret Tango - just sensational. Superbly written and directed I went from laughing out loud to fighting back the tears at the end. What more can you ask for from a night out?! The set is very clever and works extremely well in context and the intimacy with the stage at the New End really draws you in to the story. Memorable new songs from Laurence Mark Wythe had me humming all the way home on the train. - 212.162.212.217)
11 Jul 06
Saw Tomorrow Morning on its first night Thursday 6th July. A thoroughly enjoyable musical with an excellent cast. Alistair Robins, Stephen Ashfield, Annette McLaughlin & Emma Williams all gave brilliant performances.
A very cleverly written musical with humour & emotion. I laughed out loud at the humerous scenes, particularly Stephen Ashfield in his scene as the "Game Show Host" and the scene with "Darth Vader". I also shed a tear or two during the closing scenes.
I can thoroughly recommend this show - 86.133.222.21)
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