From the moment it starts, we are transported to the Big Apple, with a lively rendition of Bernstein’s classic number: New York, New York! It's a helluva town. Sights! Lights! Nights.
This sparkling musical is set in the 1950s post-war era, when young people are now free and eager to travel in search of creative success, fame and fortune. Country boy, Joe has just arrived in NYC from Ohio keen to see the iconic sights, and delighted to meet his old friend Bonnie, from back home, who had moved here to find work on stage. As he is already feeling lost, she takes him under her wing to show him around. The period look is neatly captured by vintage costumes - Joe in a smart double-breasted tweed suit, and Casey in cerise blouse and palazzo pants – and battered leather suitcases.
The narrative is a kind of ‘One Day’ scenario as they explore the city together, (NYC not Edinburgh!), with an American songbook of Bernstein lyrics relating their adventures, doubts, dreams and personal emotions such as the plaintive:
Why, oh why, oh why oh, Why did I ever leave Ohio?
Why did I wander, To find what lies yonder
When life was so cozy at home?
Bradley Lomond, with his boyish, cheeky grin, is so endearing as the wide eyed, naïve Joe, while Casey Sewell portrays Bonnie’s cool confidence as a budding actress. Together they are an ideal double act, playful, jokey and teasing each other, sipping bourbon to the wee sma’ hours. On the small stage, inventive dramatic scenes, using a dustbin lid as a steering wheel on a scenic tour.
With reference to famous New York movie, Bradley and Casey do have a striking resemblance to Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan in ‘When Harry met Sally’ – similar characters too - good friends meeting up after a few years.
But the music and the songs are at the heart of their story and my goodness me, they can belt out a beautiful ballad in stunning duets and solo numbers. Neat choreographic movement too, while their vocals are simply spot on in perfect harmony and pitch with pure tone and tempo of an operatic aria. On keyboards is the musical director, Joseph Tanner, who keeps the jazzy tunes and foot tapping rhythm all flowing along smoothly.
So many of Bernstein musicals follow the theme of love and romance which fits this story so well, although the lyrics are merely private thoughts in Joe and Bonnie’s mind.
I'm a little bit in love, never felt this way before. When he looks at me, everything’s hazy and all out of focus.
There's a place for us, A time and a place for us, Hold my hand and we're half way there, Hold my hand, And I'll take you there, Somehow, Someday, somewhere.
Are they just friends, or really falling for each other? The fantasy world of the Musical!.
One song from West Side Story (although sung so well with quiet emotion), doesn’t quite fit the narrative - ‘I’ve just met a girl called Maria’. Presumably, for copyright reasons you can’t change the name and Bonnie would not fit the musical phrasing.
In their Festival Fringe debut, Bradley Lomond and Casey Sewell showcase their vocal talent and theatrical exuberance as young musical stars. Like a cool, crisp Martini, which hits the spot as a pre-dinner aperitif, New York, New York (@5.25pm) is the perfect cocktail, blending classic Bernstein with a delicious Rom Com performed with polished pizzazz.
Showtimes:
1 – 9 August, 2025 @ 17.25
Ticket price: £13.
Age 12 +
https://tickets.thespaceuk.com/event/911:4108/