Ghost is the sort of film that is still referenced in popular culture today.

A classic American romance, starring Hollywood heavyweights and a soundtrack full of smash hits, it’s no surprise the Paramount picture was the highest grossing film of 1990.

So, when a box-office favourite is adapted for the stage, it’s always intriguing to see how faithful it will be to the story. The show was directed by Bob Tomson, and the screenplay and lyrics were written by Ghost's creator Bruce Joel Rubin. As far as authentic retellings go, Ghost: The Musical, at the Sands Centre, is as close it gets. A live orchestra performed the brilliant music written by Dave Stewart and Glen Ballard.

The opening scene began with Sam Wheat and Molly Jensen, the famous characters originally played by Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore. In their new loft apartment in Brooklyn, the protagonists were joined by Carl Bruner, Sam’s colleague and confidant. The set consisted of distinctive New York apartments and a recognisable skyline. Good acting (which sometimes verged on the sickly-sweet) and smooth harmonies helped the public feel really invested in the intense love shared between Sam (Niall Sheehy) and Molly (Samantha Noel).

I was curious to see how the show would portray that fateful moment where Sam transforms into a ghost after his death. The transition was seamless, almost like a clever magic trick. As the protagonist stood up, a stunt double appeared in the exact position in which Sam lay dead. A cold spotlight then followed Sam for the remainder of the show representing his deathly state.

The star of the show was Jacqui Dubois who played Oda Mae Brown, the fraudulent psychic reader who Sam connects with. Her boundless energy, which came into play half way through the first act, was a welcome change in tone following the death of Sam. With her sidekicks Louise and Clara, played by Jochebel Ohene MacCarthy and Sadie-Jean Shirley, Dubois had the audience in fits of laughter with the gospel-inspired song Are You a Believer?

My favourite moment of the musical was when Molly sang With You. She was mesmerising: her soprano vocals were faultless and the raw emotion she portrayed was truly moving.

The iconic Unchained Melody moment where Sam’s ghost joins Molly at her pottery wheel is touching and sweet and left the audience spellbound.

The second act, which had a faster pace than the first, leads to the demise of Carl, played by Sergio Pasquariello. Carl interrupts a romantic moment between Sam and Molly and after a struggle, is killed.

With Carl dead, Molly is safe at last and she is now able to see and hear Sam. Heaven opens up to Sam, and aware it is his time to go, he says goodbye to Oda Mae and Molly. He finally tells her he loves her and sings the powerful I Can’t Take It Anymore. The sorrow in his voice was moving and the beautiful sound coming from the live orchestra was overwhelming. By the time the final curtain fell, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.

Tonight is the last performance.