Benjamin Button enters the world not as an ordinary newborn, but as an old man, complete with a hunch, a walking stick, and an array of poignant observations more befitting a sage than an infant. “You’re only as old as you feel,” he asserts to his bewildered parents, who are left in shock at the appearance of their long-desired child, who seems to embody the essence of a 70-year-old. “Do you mind if I smoke?” he cheekily inquires, setting the tone for a narrative that transcends the boundaries of age.
“The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,” a mesmerizing folk-rock musical adaptation of the renowned short story by F. Scott Fitzgerald, is set to captivate audiences starting Wednesday at the Ambassadors Theater in London. While many may recognize the broad strokes of the narrative from David Fincher’s acclaimed 2008 film featuring a reverse-aging Brad Pitt, this theatrical rendition presents a distinctly different incarnation of Button.
This stage version introduces us to a Benjamin Button born in 1918 in a bustling harbor village nestled in the picturesque region of Cornwall, located at the southwestern tip of England. Unlike the cinematic portrayal, this Button is a somewhat reclusive character, yearning to break free from his confines in pursuit of love and adventure.
The production boasts a 13-person cast of exceptionally talented actor-musicians, who are onstage for nearly the entire performance, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of both a whimsical fable and a rousing Mumford & Sons concert. The interplay between the characters and the live music enhances the enchanting quality of the tale.
As the story unfolds, time progresses through swift jumps, yet for the creative minds behind this enchanting retelling, Jethro Compton and Darren Clark, the journey has been a labor of love spanning several years. Initially launched as an ambitious project dubbed “Untitled Cornish Musical” nearly eight years ago, this marks their first foray into the prestigious West End.
Jethro Compton and Darren Clark, the visionary creators behind this imaginative musical, have poured their hearts into crafting a unique theatrical experience that resonates with audiences of all ages.
Join us on this extraordinary adventure as we explore the timeless themes of identity, love, and the passage of time through the eyes of Benjamin Button.
