Zusak’s 2005 novel encompassing Liesel Meminger’s childhood in Nazi Germany and exploits in book thievery is re-imagined for the stage in musical form by Jodi Picoult and Timothy Allen McDonald.
From Zusak’s lyrically descriptive writing, it makes sense that the emotive text would naturally translate into musical form. With entrancing music and lyrics by Elyssa Samsel and Kate Anderson, the songs flow between the dialogue to create a story that flies by. In a similar spirit to Come From Away, The Book Thief handles a sensitive subject with grace, creating sombre moments without being overly morbid, and like Come From Away focuses on the kindness of humanity.
Skilfully directed by Lotte Wakeham, this spellbinding production will linger in your thoughts, especially given the all too recent political paralells.
Narrated by Death, played by Obioma Ugoala; a friendly face in a shirt and tie, greeting the fallen with a dark sense of humour. His performance demands attention as he steers the story, wearing several different hats and at other times merely sorrowfully observing human folly, ready to pick up the pieces. He starts by introducing us to the eponymous book thief, Liesel as she makes her way to Himmel Street in the town of Molching to meet her foster parents, Hans and Rosa Hubermann.
Hans is played by Jack Lord, a gentle accordianist in contrast to Mina Anwar’s tough love Rosa. Despite their differences their love for eachother is never in doubt, and watching them expand their family is heartwarming. Liesel is a complex character dealing with endess grief, but Eirini Louskou (alternating with Tilly-Raye Bayer and Mollie Casserley) shows Liesel’s growth and strength, as she develops into someone secure and courageous from a skittish child.
Daniel Krikler is brilliant as Jewish refugee Max Vandenberg, combining his sense of devastation with relentless hope in humanity. Planting the seed of kindness in Liesel in one breath and fighting the Fuher in the next, quick on his feet in the boxing scenes to the jazzy tempo of The Challenger.
It’s almost a shame that Rudy’s story is so much less than the book with Oliver Gordan’s sparky performance bringing joy to the audience as he skips around the stage and begs Liesel for a kiss.
Design studio Good Teeth’s set appears bleak at first, sparsely industrial but is soon submerged in projections of Himmel Street and the colours of death, thanks to Dick Straker’s projections and Nic Farman’s lighting.
While not quite as emotionally devastating as the book without 500 pages of character development, there’s admittedly only so much you can cram into 2.5 hours and the overall effect is a poignant story that’s well worth witnessing. The Book Thief is at Leicester Curve until 14 October. Purchase tickets here https://www.curveonline.co.uk/whats-on/shows/the-book-thief/ ****
Katie Reviews 