Ghost the Musical can certainly lay claim to eliciting a reaction from its audience.
After all, there was barely a dry eye in the place when the production opened at The Lowry in Salford.
The plot closely follows the film of the same name that stormed the box office and raked in Oscars upon its release in 1991.
As many people know, the movie featured the expertly cast Demi Moore and Patrick Swayze playing torn-apart lovers Molly and Sam.
During this outing though, Kelly Hampson and former Hollyoaks star Andy Moss tackle the lead roles.
Of course, it was always going to be difficult for the pair to fill the shoes of the dynamic duo that was Moore and Swayze.
But the two step into the roles with passion and determination – not to mention a chemistry that is mandatory for such a heart-wrenching plot.
COMEDY: There’s a few laughs thrown in for good measure
Moss – famed for playing Rhys Ashworth on the Channel 4 soap – showcases a side to his talents that previously went untapped during his tenure on television.
The actor’s energy is apparent from the moment the curtain opens as he attempts to take the audience on a rollercoaster ride of emotion.
This bouncing from high to low is just one of the many ways that the production manages to stay true to the original film.
In just a few short scenes, those in attendance are treated to high tempo musical numbers, that iconic pottery scene, and the untimely death of Sam.
There seems little room for humour from that point onwards – that is until Jacqui DuBois joins the action playing psychic medium Oda Mae Brown.
Just like Whoopi Goldberg did when she was in the same role, DuBois quickly proves herself to be the star of the show.
In fact, the song Are You a Believer instantly becomes the standout sequence with her at the helm.
DuBois delivers her lines with an impeccable comedic timing – one that keeps spirits high for the most part.
SORROW: The poignant ending will have people in tears
This is more than needed in a production where numerous people can be spotted wiping the tears away from their eyes in the final few minutes.
In an impressive feat for the cast and crew, the last scene is unnervingly powerful and thoroughly deserving of the round of applause that follows.
Aside from the drama, Ghost the Musical brings more than enough to the table to satisfy theatre-goers.
Woven into the plot are a number of stunning songs, the most memorable of which are Unchained Melody and With You.
The scenery is also advantageous, as is the use of a blue light to bathe the stage from start to finish.
Overall, the production provides so much for people to sink their teeth into that you don’t need to be a fan of the movie to enjoy it.
*Ghost the Musical is playing at The Lowry in Salford until Saturday, April 29. You can buy tickets HERE.
