LONDON – This International Women’s Day, I had the opportunity to experience a live performance of Clueless: The Musical in the West End, and what a colorful spectacle it was!
The show partnered with The Girls Network, a charity that empowers girls from disadvantaged communities across the UK by connecting them with female mentors.
Based on the cult classic ‘90s film, Clueless unfolds as a modern retelling of Jane Austen’s Emma, transporting us to Beverly Hills in the company of Cher Horowitz — ‘a well-meaning yet often misguided teen matchmaker.’
From the moment the curtains rose, I was captivated, particularly by Cher’s dazzling wardrobe which featured her iconic yellow plaid mini skirt and chic platform heels.
Every actor brought a vibrant energy and authenticity to their roles, reminiscent of the characters from the film. I was especially struck during the after party, where I had the chance to chat with several cast members.
Many of them were in their twenties, having trained professionally and worked tirelessly to secure their place in theater. It was surreal to see them transition from the spirited performers I had just watched on stage to relatable, genuine individuals mingling among the audience.
The diversity of the cast added depth to the experience, with many ensemble members having backgrounds in American Broadway.
KT Tunstall, the Scottish singer-songwriter best known for her hit “Suddenly I See,” composed the show’s catchy tunes. She delivered an uplifting performance before the show which infused the crowd with an infectious energy and nostalgia.
The songs themselves were memorable and upbeat, my favorites being “New Girl” and the “Human Barbies,” – humorous, self-absorbed numbers that are quintessentially Clueless.
Emma Flynn shone as the lead, embodying Cher Horowitz with a delightful blend of ditziness and compassionate intent while trying to orchestrate the lives of her friends.
Chyna-Rose Frederick and Rabi Kondé brought the hilarious couple Dionne and Murray to life, showcasing their chemistry and comedic timing. I was particularly impressed by Kondé’s uncanny vocal resemblance to the original character, making the delivery of those subtly misogynistic jokes feel like a loving homage to the film.
I was surprised, and rather amused, when I met Romona Lewis-Malley, who plays the new girl Tai Frasier. To hear her Scottish accent was unexpected, especially since her character has a thick Bronx accent. But her convincing accent and portrayal made it easy for me to believe she truly was Tai.
Attention to costume detail was nothing short of impeccable. From the preppy ‘90s tennis attire to the vibrant feathery dresses, each character’s personality radiated through their outfits. The stage décor was equally brilliant, capturing the essence of Cher’s world, from her stylishly cluttered bedroom to a life-sized snowman adorning the party scene.
The choreography was lively and engaging, encouraging audience members to get up and dance along or shake their shoulders in their seats. Every actor exuded joy as they danced, making it clear that they were having as much fun as we were.
Keelan McAuley’s portrayal of Josh, Cher’s step-brother, had the audience cackling during his “reasonable doubt” performance – his legal examination of Cher’s boyfriend’s sexuality was hilariously delivered.
Meanwhile, Max Mirza played Elton, effortlessly charming the audience as he proclaimed himself “the best,” sporting an outfit reminiscent of Elvis Presley.
Ultimately, Clueless: The Musical breathed new life into a beloved ‘90s classic, successfully introducing a fresh fanbase to the characters and storyline I still adore.
The casting was superb, and the overall experience reminded me why I fell in love with this story in the first place. It was a vibrant celebration of friendship, fashion, and humor, making International Women’s Day all the more special.
Anjola Fashawe is a Senior Correspondent with Youth Journalism International.
