Curel Intentions - Northern Arts Review
at the Grand Opera House York
Cruel Intentions - Northern Arts
“Cool” is an elusive thing. It can’t be forced, and it certainly can’t be self-aware. This is the exact challenge in adapting a film like Cruel Intentions into a jukebox musical. How do you maintain its sharp, biting edge while bedazzling it with ‘90s hits and dance numbers? Unfortunately, I’m not entirely sure Cruel Intentions: The ‘90s Musical ever offers a solution. While the production delivers some nostalgic highs, its identity crisis keeps it from reaching the effortlessly cool feel of its source material.
As a late Gen-X’er, I was the prime demographic for the Cruel Intentions movie when it opened in 1999, and I absolutely devoured the film’s sexy self-assurance. It knew exactly what it was—a seductive, decadent, razor-sharp exploration of privilege and teenage cruelty. I was disappointed to find that the musical, on the other hand, wobbles. In one moment, it wants us to embrace its exaggerated, almost Carry On-esque humour; in the next, it expects the audience to feel the emotional one-two punch of Sebastian’s redemption and demise. The result is a production that is entertaining but never quite convincing.
Cruel Intentions: The ‘90s Musical is a stage adaptation of the 1999 film, itself a modern retelling of Les Liaisons Dangereuses. Featuring a soundtrack packed with hits from the era, including Genie in a Bottle, No Scrubs, Torn, and Bittersweet Symphony, the show follows manipulative stepsiblings Sebastian and Kathryn as they scheme their way through their privileged lives, weaponising their seductive charms. The musical, which originally debuted in the U.S. before making its way to the UK for a run at The Other Palace, has now embarked on a national tour with a nearly all-new cast.
To see my full review, please visit Northern Arts Review
See you in the shadows my loves,
Sean x
