Recently I attended the Los Angeles premiere of We Will Rock You, which is playing at downtown’s Ahmanson Theatre (now through August 24th), and to be honest my expectations were quite low. The show had been running for over a decade in London’s West End theatre district, and some of the reviews I found were not exactly kind. Yet by the end of We Will Rock You (featuring the legendary music of Queen), the extravagant and over the top production had won me over, it ended up way more fun than I originally anticipated plus all the musical numbers were simply fantastic.
The campy plot is a bit hokey and silly yet I loved how Queen’s music was cleverly interweaved throughout the show, featuring over twenty classic songs (“Somebody To Love,” “Another One Bites the Dust,” “Under Pressure,” and many more), that had me singing along the entire time–while waving my glow sticks in the air. The charismatic leads, swoon worthy and just plain adorable Brian Justin Crum (Galileo) and Ruby Lewis (Scaramouche), both blew me away–these vocal powerhouses totally carried the show, aided by a very strong and capable supporting cast–everyone was excellent. Musical theater snobs might label this show a mere ‘tourist trap musical,’ but I dare anyone to see We Will Rock You and tell me they didn’t enjoy it–the performances and music alone are worth witnessing.
When I was in high school, I used to listen to Queen all the time (frontman Freddie Mercury who passed away in 1991 at age 45 was such a genius, may he rest in peace), so it was definitely refreshing to reconnect with the music–seeing Queen songs performed live was truly an unforgettable experience. Since seeing We Will Rock You, I’ve been on a huge Queen kick, they really are one of the best bands of all-time. If you’re Queen fan, do not miss this electrifying show, get your tickets here. I’ve seen many musicals in my time, without a doubt this was one of the most enjoyable ones!
PS The show is currently on a national tour, so it might be coming to a city near you, check the schedule as new dates are added at We Will Rock You‘s official website.
Boom Boom Clap! It’s the thunderous roar of revolution with the blockbuster hits of the legendary Queen driving its epic story. In the future, computer-generated music reigns, live rock is outlawed, and conformity is brutally enforced.
Until a pair of young renegades, Galileo and Scaramouche, dare to break free and search for a long-buried electric guitar. Before “Another One Bites the Dust,” you can be sure our heroes will find “Somebody to Love.”
We Will Rock You – in its first national U.S. tour – captures the majestic grandeur and rock and roll spirit of Queen in a lavish production that has been celebrated around the world.
