Thank You Jordan Luke Gage (and Thatcher)

On Thursday Thatcher asked me to go see a show with him at Southwark Playhouse. He told me to choose between a play about the end of the world or a new musical about two gay men in the 1750’s. I chose the gay one, obviously, and that night we walked (damned tube strike) to the Playhouse to see Redcliffe. The theater was much smaller than either of us expected: a black box with no more than 200 seats and a tiny thrust stage in the center. The show started beautifully: the ensemble humming  and swaying like the sea in Bristol where the show is set. The first act left me excited, though a bit skeptical. I thought the leading actor was incredible, his voice was just beautiful and he had a raw passion that was so fun to watch. However, I didn’t love some of the music. The sound was that of a typical modern musical and the lyrics were incredibly on the nose at times. But after doing some light research at intermission, Thatcher and I learned that the leading actor, Jordan Luke Gage, is also the writer, composer and producer of this show and this is the first week it’s open. This information made me see the musical in a whole new light and I was able to have a much deeper appreciation for this work. Act two had a beautiful start with one of my favorite songs in the show, but it was a bit slow until the end. The finale was perfect: the staging, music, and performances were incredible and I was absolutely sobbing until I left the theater. Although this musical definitely needs some polishing and workshopping, it has such a beautiful story and a wonderfully talented creator. I can totally see this show going to the West End in the coming years and I urge anyone who has the chance to see Redcliffe to GO SEE IT!!!!!