Christmas dates are repetitive by definition: family, tiberis, gifts. Nostromo Live just premiered Groundhog dayhis first big musical in Catalan, and these days of excess are going wonderfully. Some time ago it was announced that he was leaving the direction of the assembly due to health reasons, and he has been replaced with a lot of skill and skill. Following productions in London, New York and Melbourne, this is the first time the musical has been released in a language other than English. And it’s in Barcelona and in Catalan. Take that, Madrid.
Those of us who are old enough remember the movie vividly, which is how it was translated here Groundhoy Day (Harold Ramis, 1993): Romantic comedy starring Bill Murray and Andie MacDowell about a meteorologist condemned to live the same day over and over again. The film’s popularity has even rubbed off on the language: when we say something looks like Groundhog Day, it’s because it’s tremendously repetitive. The musical premiered in London in 2016 and features music and lyrics by Tim Minchin and libretto by Danny Rubin. Alert to the data: Stephen Sondheim himself had declared his intention to adapt the film, an idea he ended up dismissing as it was impossible to “surpass a perfect work”.
Enric Cambray happily directs a very compact cast of fourteen actors who don’t stop hanging out for two and a half hours. The white houses designed by Enric Planas are very resolute, and the costumes by Marc Udina recreate a 1993 with the air of a fairy tale, but at the same time very realistic. Roc Bernadí in the role of the protagonist Phil Connors stands as the pillar of the show: on his shoulders (a great raincoat with shoulder pads) rests the whole assembly, an energetic and dedicated cast in which they all shine. Diana Roig is Rita Hanson, a television producer who makes us forget Andie MacDowell, and in smaller roles stand out Claudia Bravo as Nancy (her song in the second act is beautiful) or Júlia Bonjoch and Oriol Burés in different characters. David Pintó has translated and adapted the lyrics with grace: Phil’s sharp tongue is merciless, and a musical for an adult audience that does not sugarcoat the protagonist’s masculinity or masculinity is appreciated. Manu Guix directs a band of six very well-used musicians, and the choreographies of Miryam Benedited move the inhabitants of this lost village with rhythm and frenzy.
That a musical called Groundhog day has a somewhat repetitive first act that is difficult to get started is almost a paradox, but we are facing a show that ends convincingly thanks to the absolute delivery of the performers. Between déjà vu and the postmodern reformulation ofThe exterminating angel (Luis Buñuel, 1962), Groundhog Day puts a mirror in front of our eyes and asks us if we really like the life we live. Let everyone think about their answer.
Groundhog day. Music and Lyrics: Tim Minchin. Book: Danny Rubin. Stage direction: Enric Cambray. Musical direction: Manu Guix. Coliseum Theatre, Barcelona. Until February 2.
