Tim Rice (director)
(studio)
165 min (length)
03 July 2014 (released)
15 June 2014
From Here to Eternity, based on James Jone’s novel, is a musical about love and the bliss of ignorance. The soldiers stationed in Pearl Harbor were carefree, thinking war was happening thousands of miles away from them…until that Sunday morning of December 1941.
The musical takes place in Hawaii, in 1941. It focuses on two different live stories: the one between conflicted Private Prewitt (Robert Lonsdale) and Lorene (Siubhan Harrison), who is a cheeky escort girl; and the one between Sergeant Warden (Darius Campbell) and his commanding officer’s wife, Karen (Rebecca Thornhill).
Both stories will start in Hawaii, one will end tragically after the attack and the other one will be turned towards future.
From Here to Eternity has been a major success in the West End, due to an intriguing and gripping story, set in History but also to a fantastic cast that lifts the story to another level. The major hymn is “The boys of 41”: it is especially touching when performed as the last song. Another catchy song that will linger in your mind is “Love Me Forever Today”.
The songs are well written and truly match each situation. There is a great balance between singing and talking, which is not always true in musicals. You can’t help but feel empathy for the character and their terrible destiny. The attack was really well shown with some slow motion and special lights effects.
The filming of the musical keeps all the magic of a live performance intact. Some clapping and cheering from the audience has been conserved and it is easy to forget you are sitting in a movie theatre rather than a regular theatre.
If you feel like spending an affordable night at the theatre and enjoy a one of a kind musical, From Here to Eternity is just what you need! Don’t miss this opportunity and treat yourself to a wonderful night in Hawaii…