Inside American Pie Review: musical docu-concert is too formulaic to engage
- Jack Davey
- 37 minutes ago
- 3 min read
03 March 2026 I 19:45 I Curve Theatre (Studio), Leicester
⭐⭐ I PR - Invite
Probing the mysteries and intentions behind Don McLean's celebrated song, Inside American Pie transfers from Prince Edward Island to Leicester's Curve Theatre in this acclaimed production. Five live musicians honour 'the day that music died' through American Pie's lyrical mourning of those lost in the 1959 plane crash, including Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and The Big Bopper.
But why were The Rolling Stones blamed for murder? And who is the real Miss American Pie? Across a 90 minute run-time, this unique Harmony House docu-concert promotes the identity of fifties & sixties music, as well as the many cultural riddles embedded into McLean's song, which topped the US charts for four weeks.
The title of American Pie, as acknowledged in the show, refers to the saying "as American as apple pie", a metaphor for the idyllic post-war culture of America. Co-created by Mike Ross and Sarah Wilson, Ross opens the evening as our musical director-narrator, singing the first verse of the title song before stopping at the chorus. The audience is then prompted to sing along which feels very hesitant, perhaps a difference in audience behaviour crossing the Atlantic.
Every couple of lines, Ross stops to dissect McLean's lyrics from beginning to end of an originally 8-minute track. The tone of the script is reminiscent of a dissertation, as Ross provides his own opinions and counterarguments on the song's cryptic meaning. It's not to say that the information presented isn't interesting, although a formulaic structure with interjections of music can cause a disconnect that feels over-rehearsed and academic.
Besides the chorus, American Pie is an unfamiliar song to me, where its cultural impact feels minimised in comparison to the likes of Janis Joplin and The Rolling Stones, who feature through the show. I enjoy the era musically, however noughties-born viewers like myself may benefit from some pre-show knowledge of McLean's song to indulge fully.
The five performers are nothing short of outstanding in a 'studio session' sort of performance, including Mike Ross, Alicia Toner, Brielle Ansems, Greg Gale and Kirk White. All as multi-instrumentalists, I don't think I've seen quite so many instruments in one room before! From pianos and acoustic guitars, to the more obscure wooden fish guiro and many you may not have seen before. Hailing from Prince Edward Island, audiences are in the presence of musical masters.
As an ensemble, they provide a really unique spin on iconic numbers, some of which more exhilarating than the originals. Ansems' Imagine is an exquisite take on John Lennon's hit, endowing a delicate vocal timbre that excels in an intimate venue. Simon Rossiter's onstage lighting compliments this scene, gently pulsating like stars as a magical suspension from sixties rock'n'roll.
Initially covered by a velvet red curtain, we see the back wall of Lorenzo Savoini's stage design covered by a deconstructed American flag, with red and blue vertical stripes and white stars between. The patriotic symbol holds a suitable nostalgia and pride within the boundaries of the show, despite the country's current social climate causing the flag to hold more negative connotations than positive.
Less theatrical than the Curve Theatre's yearly offerings, the live documentary concept has the potential to disengage its viewers. Regardless, judging by tonight's immensely well-received reception, I prove to be in the minority as audiences rush to their feet within an instant. From Canada's Hunter River, a community of around 400 residents, their journey to Leicester is incredibly admirable. Commemorating the people lost and cultural shift following the 1959 plane crash, Inside American Pie continues to play until 14th March:
Tickets & Information: https://www.curveonline.co.uk/whats-on/shows/inside-american-pie/
