Search - David Campbell; Original Australian Cast :: Only Heaven Knows

Gentle Romantic Musical featuring rising star David Campbell

Robert Lopez | California | 11/08/2001

(3 out of 5 stars)

"3 1/2 Stars...Only Heaven Knows was first presented in Stables Theatre, Sydney, May 3, 1988. The revised production (of which this cd coincides with) opened Stables Theatre, Sydney, February 3, 1995 with rising star David Campbell as the young lead, Tim. Campbell was nominated for 'Mo' award for "Best Musical Theatre performer of 1995" for his portrayal of the young and vibrant Tim. This musical takes place in the early 40's, during WWII and then ends up early 50's. The music reflects that era, though most of it sounds a little more like 50's doo-wop or ballads. With a simple piano as the score, Alex Harding breathes life into this short but simplistic musical. David Campbell caught my attention as being the best to portray Chris of Miss Saigon in the segment in HEY MR PRODUCER. He really outshined Broadway Diva Lea Solonga when they sang "The Last Night of The World." Ever since then I have been interested in hearing other recordings of Mr Campbell's work so I purchased one of his solo albums, and this album, his first musical on record. He portrays Tim in this recording. A young man on the brink of something. So he goes off to find himself, only to find he is gay. While working in the local Deli who soon falls in love with Cliff played by Anthony Cogin. In the show there is a friend Alan played by Jason Langely, Guinea a songstress played by Jacqy Phillips, and The Ghost of Lea Sonia played by Garry Scale.This intimate five person cast is reminescent of William Finn's FALSETTOS. Even the music echoes that of "Holding To The Ground" and other songs. But these short but sweet songs have a life of their own. Particularly the title song, "Only Heaven Knows" sung with a powerful intensity by David Campbell. Other notible songs include; "This Is It" - Campbell, "Nighttime" - Company, "Aint It A Shame?" Phillips, "Where Is The Love?" sung with excellent Tenor quality by Langley, and "Stealin" - Scale.Campbell sings 6 songs on the CD. And as a bonus, the composer Alex Harding does his own renditions of some songs which proves to be interesting.All in all this is a weeker production as opposed to Finn's FALSETTOS, but if you like Campbell, or FALSETTOS I say give this simplistic musical a try."