Susan Boyle musical ‘I Dreamed a Dream’ debuts in Britain

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Susan Boyle can add a new category to her showbiz resume. The Scot, who became an international celebrity in 2009 when she belted show tunes on the reality TV show ‘Britain’s Got Talent,’ is the subject of a new stage musical, aptly titled ‘I Dreamed a Dream.’ The show had its world premiere this week in Newcastle, England.

The title of the musical is a nod to the song from ‘Les Miserables’ that made Boyle famous when she first appeared on ‘Britain’s Got Talent.’ Her ascent from an unknown amateur singer to a TV and Internet sensation forms the arc of the stage musical, which stars actress Elaine C. Smith in the role of Boyle.

The cast of characters also include Boyle’s parents, Pat and Bridie, as well as a childhood friend and her manager. The musical deals with Boyle’s rise to fame and how she coped with constant media attention.

Reviews of the show have been generally positive. Dominic Cavendish of the Telegraph wrote that the show is ‘a delight that deserves to go far, and fast, as [Boyle] has done.’ He noted that Boyle makes a cameo appearance at the end of the show, singing ‘Who I Was Born to Be.’ A critic for the Scotsman wrote that the show ‘is not the greatest musical I’ve ever seen, [but] it certainly has a rare intensity, and terrific theatrical energy.’ As Boyle, Smith gives a ‘tremendously effective and moving star performance.’

Boyle made it to the finals of ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ but ultimately lost to the dance group ‘Diversity.’ She has released three albums, most recently ‘Someone to Watch Over Me’ in November.

The musical, directed by Ed Curtis and written by Smith and Alan McHugh, is scheduled to tour Great Britain and Ireland, with stops in Dublin, Liverpool, Manchester, Cardiff and more.

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-- David Ng