Review: Life Of The Party: A Celebration Of The Songs Of Andrew Lippa at the Menier Chocolate Factory

Life Of The Party: A Celebration Of The Songs Of Andrew Lippa

Menier Chocolate Factory

Reviewed on Friday 30th May 2014

The title of the Chocolate Factory's latest show The Life Of The Party comes from Andrew Lippa's most famous work The Wild Party. The American, though Leeds-born, musical theatre composer's work is showcased during the evening's celebration of his oeuvre.

The show has a stellar cast and some incredible performances. The biggest treat of the night, though, isn't Menier favourite Damian Humbly, MT royalty Caroline O'Connor or second sister of the Strallen dynasty, Summer - all of whom do a fantastic job, but Lippa himself. Who knew the composer could sing so ably and put himself across so well? From the offset the audience are left in no doubt that the star of this show is the composer and impressive catalogue of work.

Lippa's writing, at its best, bursts with rhythm, humour, colour and passion and much of that is present here: from the painful & conversational recitative of 'Love Somebody Now', via the recognisable family dynamics of 'Little League' from his first-produced show to the imploring encouragement of 'I Do What I Do' from his most current work in-development. Lippa has that rare gift of writing songs you can feel inside of you: their accompaniment pounds in your chest whilst their words spin around in your head - for three minutes you are submerged in the character's world.

Caroline O’Connor, Damian Humbley & Summer Strallen to star in Andrew Lippa celebration at the Menier Chocolate Factory

Andrew Lippa

It has been announced that the Menier Chocolate Factory will host a celebration of the works of Andrew Lippa. 

Life Of The Party: A Celebration Of The Songs Of Andrew Lippa opens on Friday 30th May (previews from 27th May) and runs until Saturday 14th June 2014.

Caroline O’Connor, Damian Humbley and Summer Strallen will star in the show, hosted by Andrew Lippa. 

He will showcase songs from some of his most successful musicals including; The Wild Party, The Addams Family and Big Fish. Audiences should also "expect some surprises" as Andrew and the cast "explore these stories and their characters, sharing their journeys in this funny, poignant and joyous musical celebration".