Attempting visual effects in a theater is hard.. and doing so live, without the option of “fixing it in post,” makes for some very creative techniques. ‘Ghost: The Musical,’ now playing at the Hollywood Pantages, follows the 1990 film almost exactly, with the book and lyrics written by the original screenwriter, Bruce Joel Rubin, and music by Dave Stewart and Glen Ballard. The show musters up plenty of creative and undoubtedly impressive special effects to stay true to the essence of the iconic film, but unfortunately, those who are not fans of the 90s thriller-romance may find themselves annoyed by the excessive use of lasers, fog, and magic tricks.

While some films lend themselves easily to the musical genre due to their inherent themes of show business, theater, and music, with ‘Singing in the Rain,’ or more recently, ‘Bullets Over Broadway,’ coming to mind, ‘Ghost’ is essentially the antithesis of what one would expect to see in a musical. The original film, released in the summer of 1990, centers on young artist Molly Jenson and the ghost of her murdered lover Sam Wheat as Sam attempts to protect Molly from harm with the help of psychic Oda Mae Brown. ‘Ghost’ was a huge commercial success with its stars Demi Moore, Patrick Swayze, and Whoopi Goldberg, and Goldberg would go on to win the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress as Oda Mae Brown. The film mixes New York City life, white-collar embezzlement, and passionate romance to create a classic 90s film that is a favorite among many. The question is: will ‘Ghost: The Musical’ hold up in the same way the film did almost 25 years ago?

Because ‘Ghost: The Musical’ (directed by Matthew Warchus) is so incredibly similar to the original film, it is virtually impossible not to compare the two. Katie Postotnik plays a much weaker and younger Molly than Demi Moore does, but Postotnik garners strength in the second act due in part to her powerful, belted solos. Steven Grant Douglas is also a much gentler Sam Wheat than Patrick Swayze, also due because of him young age, but this unfortunately takes away from some of the mature passion and intensity needed between Molly and Sam, replacing it with a story of Romeo-and-Juliet type romance.

The standout out performance comes undoubtedly from Oda Mae Brown (Carla R. Stewart) and her sassy sidekicks Clara (Evette Marie White) and Louise (Lydia Warr). Stewart steals the show in the same way Goldberg dominated the film, with her intoxicating charm, infectious humor, and fabulous voice, it is hard not to love Oda Mae. White and Warr are equally exciting to watch, even though their roles in the story are much more subtle, and the audience sagely awaits the comedic relief they offer throughout the show.

While the score leaves little impression, and the book could use some tightening, the scenic and lighting design in ‘Ghost: The Musical’ is absolutely phenomenal. Jon Driscoll (Video & Projection Design), Hugh Vanstone (Lighting Design), and Paul Kieve (Illusions) all deserve a standing ovation for their ability to apply visual and editing techniques used in film to the Patanges stage. With the exception of the overused hologram-silhouette effect that would project in the background while actors and dancers moved, the show was very aesthetically pleasing, and enough to distract from the few moments that seemed to lull.

The only true disappointment in ‘Ghost: The Musical’ is the ensemble and their painfully banal choreography (Ashley Wallen). While it is a convention of the musical genre to include a singing and dancing chorus, the ensemble in ‘Ghost’ seems entirely unnecessary and serves to do nothing more than eat away time. Their cliche and redundant dance moves are only made worse by the projected silhouette effect in the background. The seasoned theatergoer will likely role his eyes at the disappointing collection of mover-dancers during their big numbers.

‘Ghost: The Musical’ is not exactly the pinnacle of creativity or artistic merit when it comes to musicals, but it is certainly a lot of fun for any fan of the 1990 film. The songs are not particularly memorable and book is not captivating, but the show gives its audience a chance to relive ‘Ghost’ through a different lens. Fans of the film are guaranteed to have a good time, but don’t expect a steamy theatrical pottery scene, ‘Ghost: The Musical’ does not come close to capturing the passion felt in the original film.

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'Ghost: The Musical' is playing at the Hollywood Pantages (6233 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles) through July 13. More information can be found at HollywoodPantages.com/Ghost