Review: Do I Hear A Waltz? at the Park Theatre

Do I Hear A Waltz? 

Park Theatre

Reviewed on Thursday 6th March 2014

Do I Hear A Waltz is a disastrous musical about a disastrous holiday romance. On paper you might think a musical with music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by Arthur Laurents would be delightful, but sadly it seems this romantic comedy is rarely performed for a reason.

American secretary Leona goes on holiday to Venice where she is 'swept off her feet' by a shopkeeper but then everything goes downhill when trust issues and further complications arise. One of the main problems with Do I Hear A Waltz? is that the relationship between Leona and Renato is dull and unexciting. At no point was I able to get behind either character as Leona is overly pushy while Renato seems to be hiding something.

The cast do their best and there are some lovely moments, humorous lines and gently fitting choreography. I always look forward to spending an evening at the Park Theatre, one of London's nicest new theatres.

Do I Hear A Waltz? is not an awful musical, it is just hugely underwhelming. The score features a handful of nice songs and during the second act I found myself tapping my foot on several occasions. After an hour and a half, when the interval (finally) came I realised that not an awful lot had happened. It has an incredibly long running time for a show which is lacking in storyline.

Reviewed by Andrew Tomlins (Editor)

Do I Hear A Waltz? runs at the Park Theatre until 30th March 2014.
Please visit www.parktheatre.co.uk for further information and tickets.

Photo Credit: Bill Knight

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