I Wish You Well is the much-anticipated musical about Gwyneth Paltrow’s skiing accident trial. No, not the one with a Trixie Mattel cameo, the one with Diana Vickers as Gwyneth Paltrow.
At times needing a change of pace, I Wish You Well hurtles its way through the trial, the whole trial, and nothing but the trial. The four man cast is truly so talented, although on performance number 14 of the festival, both Kristen and Gwyenth sounded a bit hoarse.
The musical numbers are fantastic, the book by Roger Dipper and Rick Pearson is so fun; having the instruments live on stage was a nice touch as well. While Diana Vickers is obviously very talented, I found her Gwyneth to be a touch too energetic for the famously blasé Goop founder. Her supporting cast was excellent, Terry’s lawyer Kristen and Judge Jude in particular were both extremely engaging and talented.
The liberties taken with the truth, and there are many, are a fun addition for the most part. The relationship tension between Kristen and Gwyneth is a great subplot, but changing the names of main characters (and Goop) – presumably to avoid legal action by any of the involved parties– felt like unnecessary changes.
I Wish You Well is a joyously fun traditional musical, complete with quick changes and dual-purpose sets. Although at times the show feels overworked, it gains points back due to its mega-talented cast.
I Wish You Well is on at 17:45 in Udderbelly George Square, until the 26 August.
Buy tickets here.
Image by Mark Senior via Underbelly Press Office