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Having premiered at the National Theatre in London in 2013, The Light Princess Musical stands out for its whimsical storytelling, enchanting score, and imaginative staging.
The Light Princess – View from My Seat (The Joyous Living)
What is The Light Princess Musical About?
The story centers around Althea, a princess who loses her gravity and cannot touch the ground, and Digby, a prince burdened with an unshakable sense of duty. The two are from rival kingdoms and face various trials as they navigate love, loss, and the quest to find balance in their lives, both literally and metaphorically.
Rosalie Craig as The Light Princess
Rosalie Craig (whose previous credits include Finding Neverland and Company) was well-deserving of her London Evening Standard Theatre award for Best Musical Performance (2013). She is on the stage 95% of the time and is constantly giving 200% of herself in her performance with fabulous vocals and an adorable performance giving cause for the audience to invest in her character’s happiness and sorrow.
Unfortunately this show is shuttering on 2 February 2014 so you only have a handful of dates available to still see the show. Hopefully there are plans to take The Light Princess to the States. I have seen enough Broadway shows to know when something is magical and worthy of a hearty recommendation and this show deserves five stars for its visual design alone.
True… there are some problems with the musical score by Tori Amos which is a shame considering her obvious talent as a songwriter but the problem is that there are just not enough memorable numbers. Two standouts (Althea and Better Than Good) are thankfully recorded [and now the entire cast recording is available on Amazon].
Thankfully the show’s visual mastery and talented cast more than makes up for the show’s few short comings. The production’s visual elements are a feast for the eyes. Directed by Marianne Elliott, the musical uses innovative staging techniques to create the illusion of Althea’s weightlessness. Together, the set design, costumes, and lighting work in harmony to create a magical world that feels both otherworldly and relatable.
Rae Smith‘s design is perfectly whimsical as only a fairy tale should be.
Matthew Robin‘s animations made me immediately think of a Disney cartoon and helped transport me into the proper mindset.
Paul Rubin‘s aerial effects were extraordinary — there are no words to describe how wonderfully the acrobats (Owain Gwynn, Tommy Luther, Emma Norin and Nuno Silva) and Mr. Rubin’s aerial effectsand of course Rosalie Craig’s performance (willingly to put her life in their hands) took my breath away with its creativity, originality and genius ability to give true meaning to the show’s title character – The Light Princess.
“The Light Princess” is a captivating musical that combines Tori Amos’s musical genius with a timeless fairy tale. Its enchanting story, memorable music, and stunning visuals make it a standout production that leaves a lasting impression. Whether you’re a fan of Tori Amos, fairy tales, or simply love a good musical, “The Light Princess” is a magical experience that should not be missed.
