Gentlemen Prefer Blondes is the show that made Carol Channing a star, and London has been due a revival for quite some time. Lorelei Lee is a retired Follies girl with a secret, and a penchant for money, champagne and diamonds. The plot follows her journey to Paris, the pursuit of a tiara, and various courtiers along the way.
Jule Styne’s score is full of bold and brilliant numbers, enhanced by the additional arrangements of Musical Director Henry Brennan. His command of the score is masterful, and he and the percussionist are perfectly in sync, the sound perfectly balanced.
Abigayle Honeywill pays homage to Marilyn Monroe, and there are elements of Megan Hilty with a dash of Ellen Greene, but she is never an imitation. Her vocals pack a real lunch when required, and there is real beauty in the sad, reflective encore of Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend, another of Brennan’s contributions, which comes immediately after the glitz and glamour of the full song.
