⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I may be in a minority here, but I didn't know who Chris Kirkpatrick was before seeing this show. To be honest, I didn't even know that he was a real person. When I read the title of this new musical I thought that the writer had made up a funny word. 'Chriskirkpatrickmas' - lol.
The sole reason I booked this show was down to the highly intriguing subtitle: 'A boyband Christmas musical'. A what?
A boyband. Christmas. Musical.
Ok... sold!!
If like me, you are unfamiliar with the founding member of boyband supergroup NSYNC, Chris Kirkpatrick, then you needn't worry; all is explained during the show. And ironically, that is kind of the point... It's Justin Timberlake who everyone knows from NSYNC; it was Justin who was groomed for solo stardom.
What happened to the rest of them? And would they change things if they could?
"It’s Christmas Eve 2009, seven years into the world-famous boy band’s indefinite hiatus, and NSYNC’s Chris Kirkpatrick has until midnight to make a wish that could change his life forever. A Christmas Carol meets It’s A Wonderful Life meets NSYNC in this laugh-out-loud original musical."
This new musical won't just appeal to fans of NSYNC, but to anyone who has ever been a fan of a boy band group. It's a parody, yes, but it's also a loving tribute to every 'boy band' there has ever been. There are so many recognisable elements: The catchy tunes, the synchronised dance moves, the dodgy outfits and questionable haircuts!
The show features 12 original songs and I am not exaggerating when I say every single one of them was awesome. My personal favourite was "This is a boy band song"; the choreography on that number had me beaming from ear to ear! But really, the whole show is a joy.
The production values are excellent: The sound and the lighting; all impeccable. The cast are equally as magnificent; all gifted actors, with superb voices and very well rehearsed. I was astonished by the quality. It's one of the most polished productions I've ever seen at Edinburgh Fringe.
With a cast of characters you may just find familiar, a tight book, a sensational soundtrack, and more than a few laugh-out loud moments, Chriskirkpatrickmas is pure festive fun and escapism for any time of the year.
Bye Bye Bye a ticket.
(sorry!)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Notes
Ages 12+, contains some strong language
When and Where?
Wednesday 2nd – Monday 28th August 2023 (not 9th, 16th, 23rd)
15:10
Running Time: 1 hour
Location: Pleasance Courtyard (Pleasance Two), 60 Pleasance, Edinburgh, EH8 9TJ
Tickets are available from www.pleasance.co.uk
Weekday: £13.50 (£12) Weekend: £15 (£13.50)
About Chriskirkpatrickmas: A Boy Band Christmas Musical
Created by Valen Shore, a songwriter/artist whose work has been featured on Riverdale, Lucifer, and Pretty Little Liars, and award-winning writer, actor and filmmaker Alison Zatta, this punchy piece includes music direction by Taylor J Williams (Hamilton; Moulin Rouge!) and sound design by Josh Millican (SIX The Musical; The Band’s Visit).
Valen Shore and Alison Zatta comment: "We both grew up during the boy band era and for over a decade have been working in the entertainment industry, with all the ups and downs that entails. Chriskirkpatrickmas isn’t just a story about *NSYNC, it’s also a story about identity and what might happen on the other side of a dream come true.
Credits
Valen Shore Music / Lyrics / Book / Director / Producer / Performer
Alison Zatta Lyrics / Book / Director / Producer / Performer
Taylor J Williams Music Director / Arrangements
Josh Millican Sound Designer
Lili Fuller Choreographer
Riley Rose Critchlow Assistant Director / Performer
Hannah Cairo Stage Manager
Chriskirkpatrickmas CAST (Edinburgh Fringe 2023)
Riley Rose Critchlow Lance / Brody / Others
Elizabeth Ho Joey / Joseph / Others
Emily Lambert Lou / God / Others
Mia-Carina Mollicone J.C. / Barista Mary / Others
Valen Shore Chris
Nicole Wyland Justin / Others
Alison Zatta Marky Mark
REVIEW - Chriskirkpatrickmas: A Boy Band Christmas Musical at Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2023. Valen Shore, Alison Zatta.
🎟️ Disclosure: I am an Edinburgh Festival Fringe accredited media reviewer and as such I receive complimentary press tickets in exchange for my honest reviews. My reviews and star ratings are always my honest opinions.
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