Clever Songs and Jabs at Musicals Shine, But the Show Feels Thin and Predictable
Theatre
Transferring from the Edinburgh Fringe to Wilton’s Music Hall, I Wish My Life Were Like a Musical brings a witty and well-polished satire of musical theatre, but in London’s larger stage, it feels a little shallow. Packed with 16 songs in just 70 minutes, the show takes aim at the clichés and tropes of big West End musicals, yet its humour sometimes lands flat despite the performers’ spirited efforts.
Written by Alexander S Bermange, the show follows a generic performer’s journey from auditioning to understudying, and eventually reaching stardom, echoing the familiar beats of a musical’s arc. Alongside the performer’s rise, we witness the audience’s journey from boredom to ecstasy and back. Bermange’s score is undeniably clever, riffing on various musical genres and drawing inspiration from iconic long-running shows. His lyrics are sharp, with moments of biting satire, such as the title song that comments on the trials of living a life that mirrors a musical.
However, despite the fast-paced fun and the sharp wit, I Wish My Life Were Like a Musical feels somewhat scattered and lacks depth. The tone alternates awkwardly between mocking and mawkish, leaving the audience unsure whether they should laugh at or sympathise with the exaggerated, over-the-top characters who constantly strive to entertain “the overpaying audience.” The show’s playful poke at egotistical musical theatre performers, who endure humiliation and hardship for the chance to hit it big, doesn’t seem as biting as it could have been.
The four-strong cast—Jennifer Caldwell, Sev Keoshgerian, Rhidian Marc, and Julie Yammanee—bring energy and strong voices to their roles, making the satire enjoyable. Caldwell’s performance of the title track, complete with a grammatically precise subjunctive, stands out as a highlight, as does her portrayal of a diva in a Norma Desmond turban. Keoshgerian, unfortunately, gets the shorter end of the stick, with numbers that feel repetitive and less impactful. Meanwhile, Yammanee revels in playing the incompetent star who can’t quite sync up with the music, while Marc delivers a funny yet deliberate misplaying of the piano.
Despite Bermange’s musical prowess—deliberately missing notes with skill—the dancing is underwhelming and doesn’t add much to the satire. There’s an overall sense that the show is somewhat predictable, resorting to the same tired jabs at the world of musical theatre rather than pushing boundaries. While I Wish My Life Were Like a Musical provides a light-hearted, sometimes hilarious glimpse into the world of stage performers, it feels ultimately too cosy and safe. Musicals are an easy target for satire, and while Bermange does a good job, the show fails to take risks that would elevate it beyond the obvious.
I Wish My Life Were Like a Musical offers fun but doesn’t offer enough substance to leave a lasting impact. Fans of musical theatre will appreciate the jokes and cleverness, but anyone expecting a truly sharp, groundbreaking parody will be left wanting more.
