West End Hit musical Everybody is Talking about Jaime opened last week at the Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles. Inspired by the true story of Jamie Campbell, the musical follows Jamie’s fabulous dream of becoming a drag queen and wearing heels and a dress to prom. Jamie deals with school bullies, no father figure, and ruthless teacher comments. Along the way, he meets Hugo played by Roy Haylock (also known as Bianca Del Rio, winner of “RuPaul’s Drag Race) who sets his journey on the right path to be a sensation. Also, we meet Jamie’s best friend Hiba and his struggling mother who motivates him to stop waiting on permission to be himself.

Everybody is Talking about Jaime is an everlasting moment! It’s good you will not want it to end! With catchy songs by Dan Gillespie Sells, the ensemble sells each number with dazzling choreography by Kate Prince. Her clever choreography is iconic and feels like a big music video with honorable mentions of iconic pop culture and dance moves made by famous artists. You might see a little vogue here and there! It’s fabulous! Although the story is predictable, Tom MacRae book and lyrics are very well written, with humor that will connect to all. Although it’s lengthy in dialogue, all the dialogue of the book has an importance that overcomes the problem.

Layton William as the titular role of Jamie is A-class, although we never see Jamie in full drag. Williams is not a strong singer, but what makes him special is his dance abilities which he makes look easy on stage. William does well on captivating the watcher as soon he says his first line. The audience will straight away fall in love with him.

Melissa Jacques is a powerhouse. Both her ballads blow out the roof of the Ahmanson. You are simply waiting for that moment for her to begin singing again. She frankly is the best vocalist in the show! MORE JACQUES PLEASE! Roy Haylock does well as Hugo, but audiences might have a hard time differentiating if he is playing his famous drag persona Bianca or Loco Chanelle in the moments he is in drag. Loco Chanelle is pulchritudinous though. Although, different makeup, could have given a different illusion. I kept telling myself while watching Haylock “This is Bianca, not Loco Chanelle” Haylock as Hugo dominates the stage in all scenes. He is funny. He is quintessential is all possible ways.

Everybody’s Talking About Jamie is a homage to anyone who is ready to let go and proudly be their true self. The show will speak to anyone who has ever felt a moment of darkness. The music will make you believe that under dark clouds, there is a rainbow that will uplift you to be that special person you were meant to be! The musical is a bop, fun, enjoyable, real, and a big bag of skittles!

Everybody’s Talking About Jamie plays until FEBRUARY 20, 2022 at the Ahmanson Theatre.

Use code “NEW22” for $22 Orchestra tickets to see “Everybody’s Talking About Jamie” at the Ahmanson Theatre.