UK Theatre Network

Musical biopics can, like the music biz itself, be a bit hit or miss.  But with the production team from the highly acclaimed “Dreamboats and Petticoats” behind them, the cast of Laughter in the Rain are sure to be right on target!

The show tells the life story of Neil Sedaka (charismatically played by Wayne Smith) from his birth in Brooklyn in 1939 through his song writing partnership with Howard Greenfield, his move to England as his fan base waned in the USA and his successful comeback culminating in the number 1 US hit “Laughter in the Rain” in 1975.  With no set, the story was told through narration by central characters and short dramatic scenes between musical numbers played out in chronological order.  Of course, the music was always going to take centre stage in this show and the audience were not disappointed by the variety and quality of the selections from the Neil Sedaka back catalogue.  Throughout his life, Sedaka has been a prolific writer and performer with 14 singles in the 3 years to 1962 alone – including 9 US top 10 hits and one number 1 in the coveted Billboard chart.  Songs from this period included “Oh, Carol”, “Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen” and “Breaking Up is Hard to Do”.

The narrative holds little in the way of drama but tells the story of Sedaka’s career ups and downs well.  Interest comes in the form of the partnerships that were so important throughout his life.  His mother was a strong influence as she managed his affairs through his most successful era and introduced him to his writing partner, Howie Greenfield (played by Edward Handoll supplying those trademark close harmonies throughout).  This, too, was a strong partnership as the friends taught each other the formula to produce hit after hit.  The two men hooked up with a third partner in the form of producer Don Kirshner.  But his strongest lifelong partner has been his wife, Leba; who he married in 1962 – surely breaking some records for music business marriage longevity!?  Despite the simple presentation, the cast conveyed a sense of history-in-the-making as the significance of Sedaka’s contribution to music unfolded.

All in all, a highly entertaining show.

Performances:

Laughter in the Rain
Mon 10th – Sat 15th May
Mon – Sat eves 7.30pm
Wed & Sat mats 2.30pm

Tickets: £11 - £29
Box Office 08448 717 648 (Bkg fee)
www.ambassadortickets.com/glasgow (bkg fee)