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An iconic love story: from the screen to the stage… Ghost the Musical

Ghost the Musical

An iconic love story: from the screen to the stage…

Musical coming to Orange County

I always say we have to take advantage of the opportunities. San Diego is just a drive away from major cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco as well as happening places like Orange County. One that gets many shows that do not make it to the finest city.

This piece is dedicated to one of those cases: Directed by Tony Award®-winner Matthew Warchus (Matilda the Musical, God of Carnage, The Norman Conquests, Boeing-Boeing) and adapted from the 1990 Academy Award®-winning film… comes GHOST – THE MUSICAL. The plot is basically the same as the famous film but, set in modern day New York. 2014, with cell phones and present day technology. (No puffy hair).

Walking back to their apartment one night after a romantic dinner, Sam and Molly are mugged, leaving Sam dead on a dark street. Sam is trapped as a ghost between this world and the next and unable to leave Molly, who he learns is in grave danger. With the help of a phony storefront psychic, Sam tries to communicate with Molly in the hopes of saving and protecting her. The tour opened in September of 2013 and has traveled to more than 31 cities. Steven Grant Douglas plays Sam Wheat, and Vanguard Arts and Culture had a chance to interview the actor while enjoying a show break in his hometown Minnesota. “I was auditioning in New York city multiple times, like fifty times last year. I had not quite moved there yet, I was finding opportunities in Minnesota. My phone rang and they asked me to audition for Ghost, but I couldn’t because they wanted me to be in New York in like two days. So I did a video audition for both Sam and Carl. The hero and the villain” shared Grant Douglas about his journey. An email confirmed an in person casting in New York. While on the flight, Steven saw the 90’s movie for the first time and booked three call backs in his audition. “It was really fast for how it all was supposed to happen… I was supposed to move to New York and become a waiter, not really have a job in theatre for a year before something happened so I feel really fortunate”.

The musical features book and lyrics by Bruce Joel Rubin (Ghost, Jacob’s ladder, The Time Traveler’s Wife) who has adapted his Academy Award-winning original screenplay for the stage. “Peoples favorite moments in the movie are going to be relived on the stage in a new way” explained Steven “There are also things that we are going to pull off right in front of your eyes and there is going to be a –HOW did THAT happen?- reaction”. Being that this production has special effects never before seen in an on-stage musical, created by famous stage and film illusionist Paul Kieve (Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Matilda the Musical). Sam, as a ghost, walks through a solid door. Inanimate objects take on a life of their own. Spirits ascend to the heavens, subway passengers are thrown in the air during a high speed train ride and people disappear and reappear right before your eyes. “There are endless possibilities to how it is all happening. We had a chance to spend time in the Magic Castle and had professional magicians say –we don’t even understand how this is happening- and that is a phenomenal achievement”. Added the young talent who after his Orange County engagement, ends the run in Las Vegas and will go to New York to set up ‘camp’ and explore professional possibilities. “I am excited to finally call it my home and experience it for all that it is worth”.

 [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LCEaftIKJ8w]

Unchained Melody

The answer is yes. The score also includes the iconic song “Unchained Melody,” written by Hy Zaret and Alex North (courtesy of Unchained Melody Publishing LLC) and famously performed in the film by The Righteous Brothers. Original music and lyrics for the musical are by Grammy® Award-winners, Dave Stewart (half of the multi-Grammy Award-winning Eurythmics) and Glen Ballard (Michael Jackson’s “Man in the Mirror,” Alanis Morsette’s Jagged Little Pill) who saw the show in LA. “They do a really good job on bringing their pop rock, exciting ballads and soulful pieces for Oda Mae (played by Karla Stewart). It elevates the musical to a whole new level. The music helps you as an audience member to experience things that you maybe do not even realize you will experience and, to be a part of that is great” explained Steven. “Ghost is the most unique theatrical experience that you can encounter right now anywhere in the country. It has music, illusions and a story that will blow your mind. It is a phenomenal story that transcends all levels, including death”. He concluded.

Ghost the Musical opens at Segerstrom Center for the Arts on July 29th and will run until August 10th.

It is recommended for ages 13+. Please be advised that there is mild violence, mature themes and dialogue that is true to the story. Tickets start at 25 dollars. More information Online – SCFTA.org and by phone at (714) 556-2787

Vanguard Culture

Vanguard Culture is an online media entity designed for culturally savvy, socially conscious individuals. We provide original interviews and reviews of the people, places, and events that make up San Diego’s thriving arts and culture community, as well as curated snapshots of the week’s best, most inspiring and unique cultural and culinary events. We believe in making a difference in the world, supporting San Diego’s vibrant visual and performing arts community and bringing awareness to important social and community causes.

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