“In Dreams” is the new musical weaving Roy Orbison‘s classic songs into a narrative, is a bittersweet charmer.
The heart of the show lies in its music. Orbison’s melancholic ballads perfectly fit the central story of Kenna, a woman grappling with a potential health scare and yearning for connection. The cast delivers powerhouse vocals, and the music feels fresh despite its familiar source.
Handle With Care has always been one of my favourite songs and it’s scene did not disappoint. I hadn’t been sure if they would include songs from the Travelling Wilburys or adhere solely to Orbison’s solo repertoire. That they included them made me happy. Pretty Woman was also a fun number, somewhat as expected as it would be one of the best known of his songs across generations. The choice to make You Got It the essential ‘theme’ of the show and give it
The technical aspects worked. The set design evokes a warm, lived-in Mexican restaurant, and the lighting effectively complements the emotional tone of each scene. Transitions were simple but effective.
The script was a double-edged sword though. While there are moments of genuine humor and tenderness, the plot itself can feel predictable at times. The characters, though endearing, fall into familiar tropes, leaving room for more depth. I do love a show that can span a range of emotions, but this one felt almost performative in obtaining them. You can almost see the notes in the margins of the script upon readong. “Make people sad here” followed by “Now make a joke and break the tension”.
Despite these shortcomings, “In Dreams” ultimately succeeds on the strength of its emotional core. Lena Hall (Kenna) and Leon Craig (Tom) stood out to me in their performances. The show celebrates life’s preciousness and the importance of cherishing loved ones.
Recommendation: If you’re a fan of Roy Orbison’s music or looking for a feel-good show with a touch of melancholy, “In Dreams” is worth a watch. Just be prepared for a familiar narrative structure.
