The Theatre Royal in Bath welcomed a packed house on Wednesday night for the opening of "Cruel Intentions: the ‘90’s Musical," a production based on the cult 1990s teen film of the same name. The musical attracted a predominantly young audience, many of whom were seen enthusiastically singing and clapping along to a selection of well-known 90s hits.
Drawing from the original 1999 film starring Sarah Michelle Gellar and Reese Witherspoon, the musical offers a nostalgic trip for millennials. The storyline itself takes inspiration from Pierre Choderlos de Laclos's classic 18th-century novel Les Liaisons Dangereuses, transposed into a contemporary setting involving privileged teenagers at an exclusive New York high school.
The production features an energetic and talented cast, with standout performances including Nic Myers as Kathryn Merteuil and Will Callan as her stepbrother Sebastian Valmont. Abbie Budden portrays Annette Hargrove, the headmaster’s daughter targeted in the central seduction plot, while Lucy Carter takes on the role of the whimsical Cecile Caldwell.
The show is brought to life with live music, vibrant choreography, and dramatic lighting and set design that evoke the classic New York environment integral to the story. The musical unapologetically explores mature themes such as sex, drug use, and teenage manipulation, reflecting the decadence and moral ambiguity of its affluent characters. The witty and occasionally risqué dialogue contributes to its comedic elements, appealing to audiences who appreciate the high school musical genre.
Musical numbers include hits from artists like Christina Aguilera, Britney Spears, Placebo, Garbage, and The Verve, which resonate strongly with the audience. Although the plot itself is described as somewhat thin—a typical feature of teenage melodramas—the production compensates with strong vocal performances and engaging stage presence.
The show will run at the Theatre Royal in Bath until Saturday, 26 April, offering further opportunities for fans of the film and 90s music enthusiasts to experience this lively adaptation.
Source: Noah Wire Services