Cruel Intentions: The '90s Musical is a 2015 American jukebox musical based on the 1999 filmCruel Intentions, with a score made up of hit songs from the 1990s. The musical's book is by Roger Kumble, Lindsey Rosin and Jordan Ross; Kumble was the writer and director of the original film. The film Cruel Intentions is itself a modern-day telling of the 1782 French novel Les Liaisons dangereuses by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos. Four of the score's songs - "Every You Every Me", "Lovefool", "Bitter Sweet Symphony" and Aimee Mann's "You Could Make a Killing" - were also featured in the film. After two runs in Los Angeles and a pop-up engagement in New York, the show made its Off-Broadway debut at Greenwich Village nightclub Le Poisson Rouge in November 2017. Originally scheduled for a ten-week engagement, the show was extended three times, through April 2018.
Synopsis
Set to pop and rock hits of the 1990s and songs from the film's soundtrack, the plot of Cruel Intentions concerns the manipulations of Sebastian Valmont and Kathryn Merteuil. The diabolical step-siblings place a bet on whether or not Sebastian can deflower their incoming headmaster's daughter, Annette Hargrove. As the two set out to destroy the innocent girl – and anyone who gets in their way – they find themselves entangled in a web of secrets, temptation and love. The show was the first theater production ever staged at the club Le Poisson Rouge, which offered bar and table service.
The musical was directed by Lindsey Rosin and choreographed by Jennifer Weber, with music supervision and arrangements by Zach Spound. The original Off-Broadway cast starred Lauren Zakrin as Kathryn, Constantine Rousouli as Sebastian, Carrie St. Louis as Annette, Jessie Shelton as Cecile, Alex Boniello as Blaine, Brian Muller as Greg, Matthew Griffin as Ronald, and Patricia Richardson as Mrs. Bunny Caldwell. The show was produced by Eva Price and Sucker Love Productions.
Critical reception
The New York Times called the musical “Funny and nostalgia-fueled! In this Cruel Intentions, high school schemers sing the best of the ‘90s... the choice lines and the inspired soundtrack hits are all there in this enjoyable show.” Vanity Fair’s Richard Lawson commented, “I can't believe how much I recommend the Cruel Intentions musical. It's perfect nostalgia — sweet, silly, sincere… and genuinely joyous.” Entertainment Weekly raved that the musical “infuses the story of the original film with a soundtrack of guilty pleasure pop hits, making it the ultimate night out for those looking for a ’90s throwback.” Page Six’sElizabeth Wagmeister said, “Run, don't walk! This show is so much fun, and the talent is unbelievably exceptional.” InStyle Magazine described the show as “Brilliant and Magical. It’s 110 minutes of pure ‘90s bliss. Top-notch performances by a supremely talented cast with stage chemistry that’s off the charts... This is one production that you do not want to miss.”
