Bronco Billy The Musical review | Saddle up for a rootin’ tootin’ good time

The show is directed by Hunter Bird, who also directed the LA premiere in 2019, and features a book by Dennis Hackin, who wrote the original screenplay, and music and lyrics by Chip Rosenbloom and John Torres, with additional lyrics by Michele Brourman. The show is a delightful mix of genres, from country and bluegrass to disco and pop, and has a catchy and upbeat score that will make you want to dance in your seat.The cast is led by the charming and charismatic Tarinn Callender as Bronco Billy, who has a voice as smooth as silk and a smile as bright as the sun. He is matched by the talented and lovely Emily Benjamin as Antoinette Lilly, who brings a lot of humour and soul to her role as the heiress-turned-cowgirl. The chemistry between them is palpable and sweet, and they make a great pair of unlikely lovers.

The show also features a scene-stealing performance by Victoria Hamilton-Barritt as Constance Lilly, the wicked stepmother who schemes to get her hands on Antoinette’s inheritance. Hamilton-Barritt is a master of comedy, and she delivers every line and song with perfect timing and flair. She also gets to show off her impressive vocals and dance moves in a hilarious disco number that is one of the highlights of the show. The ensemble of Bronco Billy’s troupe and Constance’s sidekicks are equally fantastic, and they bring a lot of energy and fun to the stage. They work well as a team, and they create a sense of family and friendship that is at the core of the show. They also get to showcase their skills in various acts of illusion, lassoing, knife-throwing, and sharp-shooting, which add to the Wild West feel of the show.

The set is transformed into a colourful and lively circus tent by scenic designer Amy Jane Cook. The set features a revolving bus that serves as a backdrop for many scenes, and a dressing room that reveals the backstage life of the performers. The costumes by Sarah Mercade are also vibrant and campy, and they suit the characters and the mood of the show. The show is not without its flaws, however. Some of the staging by Bird is a bit cluttered and distracting, and some of the props seem unnecessary and out of place. The score by Rosenbloom and Torres is also not very memorable or original, and some of the songs feel underwritten and repetitive. The show also lacks some of the drama and depth of the original film, and it glosses over some of the darker aspects of the characters’ backgrounds and motivations.

However, these flaws are minor compared to the overall enjoyment and entertainment that the show provides. Bronco Billy – The Musical is a fun and feel-good show that celebrates the power of dreams, love, and family. It is a show that will make you laugh, cry, and cheer, and it is a show that you will not want to miss.