When I first heard about Cruel Intentions: The ’90’s Musical I was not sure what to think. A wicked, rich, teen drama that has since become a cult classic, I vividly remember how it was one of the most talked about movies for 1999 among my teenage classmates and me.
The musical which is based on the film involves step-siblings Sebastian Valmont and Kathryn Merteuil making a bet on an innocent girl and finding glee in destroying other unsuspecting people’s reputations all while falling in a web temptations, secrets, lies, and unexpected love. I wondered how it would translate as a musical. I imagined something perhaps campy? Little did I know what I was in for.
Twenty years after the film release from which the musical is based, Cruel Intentions: The 90’s Musical is everything your inner teenage self needs. I was delightfully surprised. Featuring songs from the Goo Goo Dolls, No Doubt, Christina Aguilera, R.E.M., Ace of Base, TLC, ‘NSYNC, The Verve, and Counting Crows among others, it is a fun, throwback to all your favorite hits from the 90’s.
It is not just for the music that you should put this on your must watch list. The performances from Jeffrey Kringer (Sebastian Valmont), Taylor Pearlstein (Kathryn Merteuil), Betsey Stewart (Annette Hargrove), Brooke Singer (Cecile Caldwell) and Richard Crandle (Ronald Clifford), were on point. Filled with the dark drama the teen film originally evoked, along with heart and comedy, it is everything you want from a show as an adult and theater-goer. Anyone who is not familiar with the movie or story will still enjoy it. Of course, a plus is being able to go home and pop in and watch the original flick too.
The Cruel Intentions: The 90’s Musical was created by Jordan Ross(“The Royals”), Lindsey Rosin and Roger Kumble (“Cruel Intentions”) with original direction by Lindsey Rosin, and tour director Kenneth Ferrone(“RENT Live!”) .
Performances run from Tuesdays to Sundays through April 14, 2019 at the Broadway Playhouse at the Water Tower Place located at 175 E. Chestnut. As it is on national tour, if you miss the Chicago performances, check it out in another city near you. Visit thecruel musical website
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