Showing posts sorted by relevance for query musical theatre. Sort by date Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query musical theatre. Sort by date Show all posts
Friday 5 November 2021
Mrs Doubtfire Musical to Receive UK Premiere
Producers Kevin McCollum and Jamie Wilson are thrilled to today announce the UK premiere of Mrs. Doubtfire, the new comedy musical based on the iconic movie.
Mrs. Doubtfire will begin performances at the Manchester Opera House on Friday 2 September 2022, with a strictly limited season through until Saturday 1 October.
Tickets for the Manchester season of Mrs. Doubtfire go on priority sale on Monday 8 November and on general sale on Thursday 11 November at www.mrsdoubtfiremusical.co.uk
Out-of-work actor Daniel will do anything for his kids. After losing custody in a messy divorce, he creates the alter ego of Scottish nanny Euphegenia Doubtfire in a desperate attempt to stay in their lives. As his new character takes on a life of its own, Mrs. Doubtfire teaches Daniel more than he bargained for about how to be a father.
A hilarious and heartfelt story about holding onto your loved ones against all odds, Mrs. Doubtfire is the musical comedy we need right now.
Kevin McCollum and Jamie Wilson said: “We are thrilled to announce that Mrs Doubtfire will make its UK premiere next year. Manchester is one of the great cities of theatre, and we can’t wait to bring Mrs Doubtfire to the Opera House. We hope audiences will take this hilarious and touching show to their hearts, and promise a great evening for everyone!”
Sarah Bleasdale, General Manager, Palace and Opera House Theatres, said:
“We’re incredibly excited to have another production launching in the UK from Manchester, and this time – direct from Broadway. We continue to proudly showcase the very best in new musical theatre under our Manchester gets it first banner and know that our audiences have a real treat on the way with the iconic Mrs Doubtfire. A big moment for our theatres and the city, and a production we cannot wait to open our doors to”.
Mrs. Doubtfire has been created by a transatlantic team of award-winning artists, with a book by Karey Kirkpatrick and John O’Farrell, original music and lyrics by Wayne and Karey Kirkpatrick, (the Tony Award-nominated team behind Something Rotten!, along with O’Farrell), direction by 4-time Tony winner Jerry Zaks (Hello, Dolly!), scenic design by David Korins (Hamilton), choreography by Lorin Latarro (Waitress), and music supervision by Ethan Popp (Tina: The Tina Turner Musical).
Mrs. Doubtfire is performing at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre on Broadway, having started at with a spectacular run at Seattle’s 5th Avenue Theatre in 2019. Extended by popular demand, the Seattle engagement shattered the record for the bestselling new musical in the history of The 5th Avenue Theatre, selling over $4.7M worth of tickets and playing to more than 75,000 people in just 42 performances.
Mrs. Doubtfire is produced by Kevin McCollum and Jamie Wilson and is presented by special arrangement with Buena Vista Theatrical.
Saturday 15 October 2016
Miss Saigon: 25th Anniversary Performance (film) | Review
Movie musicals often get a bad rap and with some previously released ones its not surprising, so I was cautious about how the spectacle that is Miss Saigon would translate to film. Before watching the movie I thought that a production as big as this could only really be experienced live in the flesh... I was wrong. This is a momentous and immersive triumph like no movie musical I've seen before.
Universals HD recording brings every moment of Miss Saigon to life; we hear the background conversations and see all the facial expressions which could easily be missed live at the Prince Edward Theatre. Every breath, song and moment of choreography is perfectly framed with a mix of close-ups and wide angles making the whole production visually stunning. Every magical feature of Bruno Poet's lighting design and Totie Driver and Matt Kingley's fantastic set design is highlighted and glorified.
The whole thing isn't just watching a musical filmed live from a theatre, its a cinematic experience where one feels truly immersed in the production and can relate and attach to the characters even more. I truly have no faults with this film and for the majority of it being filmed in front of a live audience on one night, its really mind boggling how perfect the team have managed to make it!
Of course a review of Miss Saigon would not be complete without mentioning the insane talents of the cast. Although I saw this cast twice live at the theatre, I was even more in awe of their talents watching this recording. The extreme close ups show every emotion that crosses their faces and you can truly see how much they commit making their characters as realistic and provocative as possible.
Eva Noblezada's voice as Kim is just on another level; it actually depresses me how young and talented she is and I can only dream of being so flawless one day. Every note that comes out of her mouth is golden and its worth going to see the film purely to hear I'd Give My Life For You which sent chills down my spine! Jon Jon Briones gets the comedy and depth of the hilarious but calculating engineer down to a tee and I will never be over his performance of The American Dream. Alistair Brammer is the perfect lead, his voice soaring with ease and complementing Eva's dulcet tones entirely. If I could mention every cast member I would but I'm afraid that would take forever so I'll just say that every performance is remarkable and each individual truly shines in this recording.
Whether you've seen the production before or not, you must go and see this film. If you saw the show at the Prince Edward you'll get to see it in an entirely new light and if you haven't seen it before you'll be introduced to one of the most fantastic works of musical theatre in complete and utter style. Its definitely a must-see for musical theatre fans but I am almost certain that anyone will enjoy it. This is a production which is truly, completely and utterly unforgettable and altogether an impeccable cinematic experience. ★★★★★
Miss Saigon will be at cinemas on Sunday 16th October 2016 and will then be released on DVD.
Thursday 1 February 2024
Bronco Billy the Musical at the Charing Cross Theatre REVIEW | A Delightful Musical Romp
Bronco Billy the Musical
Charing Cross Theatre
Bronco Billy the musical, is a rollicking ride through the Wild West, that brings a unique blend of sincerity and high camp to the Charing Cross Theatre. It's a show so full of heart, you can't help but be charmed by it, as it provides a theatrical escape that is genuinely marvellous.
As the title suggests, the musical tells the tale of Bronco Billy, a performing Cowboy as he leads his troupe around America, aiming to make enough money to keep them afloat. Along the way he meets Antoinette, an heiress who's on the run from her money grabbing stepmother and a host of other characters wishing for her demise. It's as random and wacky as it sounds but truly it's a tale of heart, friendship and dreaming, all wrapped up to create a rootin' tootin' good show that thrives through it's melodramatic highs.
The cast are full of absolute joys. Star on rise, Emily Benjamin shines as the chocolate heiress on the run, Antoinette, injecting the role with gumption, charm and vulnerability, plus sweltering vocals to match. Her delightful partnership with Tarrin Callender as Bronco Billy, provides some of the show's standout moments. Callendar's effortless charisma and soaring baritone vocals fill the Charing Cross Theatre, making it evident why the troupe is so drawn to him, and showcasing a performance that is beautifully vulnerable and volatile.
The leading duo are complemented by a supporting cast of well-defined characters, each with small arcs and interests that really bring them to life. Between them, the group also showcase a variety of killer circus tricks, from juggling, to supremely impressive rope-wielding and magical wild-west wizardry. A big part of the show is the aspect of found family and the entire cast do a really fantastic job of portraying this loving unit, and together bring some sweet, sincere moments to an otherwise wild show.
Heaps of praise must go to Victoria Hamilton-Barritt portraying the gold digger, murderess stepmother, Constance, as she delivers a performance that is nothing short of perfection. Her comedic timing rivals the best in the business, and her astounding physicality, faultless facial expressions, and hilarious vocal inflections create a dynasty-esque portrayal that keeps the audience in stitches. Barritt's magnetic stage presence draws in the crowd, and she expertly milks every moment for maximum laughs and somehow still leaves us yeehawing for more.
Amy Jane Cook's set design and Sarah Mercade's costumes are commendable, wonderfully capturing the essence of the Wild West with authenticity and providing some surprising moments whilst utilising all of the limited space available. Alexzandra Sarmiento's choreography is undeniably fun and while there's potential for more in a larger space, it fits the Wild West vibe exceptionally well and is two-step away from perfection, though I'd trade my hat for an encore tap dance number.
The upbeat score by Chip Rosenbloom, John Torres and Michelle Brourman is continually engaging, with a number of quirky ear-worms and vocal gems. It may not be a musical masterpiece, but it's intelligent and inventive enough to fit perfectly with the style of the show and deliver exactly what it needs to.
Bronco Billy is a delightful musical extravaganza that successfully balances sincere moments with high camp theatrics. It isn't groundbreaking, but with charismatic leads, touching found family dynamics, and a hugely fun Wild West atmosphere, it is a silly stampede of a show that guarantees you'll leave with a prairie sized grin and joy to share. Who knew that what London theatre needed was a disco cowboy musical?!
★★★★
Reviewed on Wednesday 30th January 2024 by Olivia
Photo Credit: The Other Richard
{AD PR Invite- tickets gifted in exchange for honest review}
Tuesday 11 June 2019
Vicki Manser on Bringing Herstory to Life in Six the Musical | Interview
Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss' musical Six is taking the West End, and the world by storm. Telling the stories of the six wives of Henry VIII through the form of an epic, high energy, hugely entertaining pop concert, it is a hit with fans of all ages. This is in part due to the fantastic writing but also thanks to the sublime cast who bring the queens to life every night.
Vicki Manser joined the show in January as an amazing alternate who gets a chance to don the crown of each queen and strut her stuff at the Arts Theatre. Vicki told us about the show, who she'd like to play her in her own pop concert musical and what she'd say to Henry VIII if she got the chance...
Can you describe the show in Six words?
Seventy-Five minutes of pure genius!
You recently finished starring in Bat Out of Hell which is a rock musical, how does that compare vocally to performing in a pop musical?
In terms of vocal technique Rock and Pop sit quite closely together and share a lot of the same placements so in some ways very similar actually! But I definitely get to use more speech quality and character driven singing in Six for example in Boleyn’s song and Cleves’ song and I just love that the whole show is a gig/concert type vibe. I get to pretend to be a pop star for an hour and 15 minutes and that is SO FUN! Your vocals are also much more exposed in Six with there only being Six of you onstage as opposed to 20 plus so there is no where to hide…. Not that I tried to in Bat… I couldn’t even if I wanted to with that pink mullet haha!
If you could go back to Henry VIII’s time which queens life would you like to live?
NONE OF THEM!!!! Haha! As much as I love learning about the Tudor history and telling the Queens stories; I don’t fancy having to live any of their lives! But I guess if I absolutely HAD to, then being given your own palace in Richmond wouldn’t be too shabby. So Cleves it is!
Which wife do you think had the worse life?
Well, none of them had it fantastic, but Howard has gotta be up there with the worst. Her story of abuse started so young before Henry was even on the scene! She had to be married to him when she was just 16 and he was 49 and THEN she was beheaded…. I know, I know!
If you could say anything to Henry VIII what would you say?
‘Off with his head!’ HA PAYBACK!… no, I'm kidding… two wrongs don’t make a right guys…!
If your life was going to be made into a pop musical, who would you want to play you?
I think my little sister, Kimberley Manser, is the perfect candidate for this! She knows me inside out and backwards so would play me and all my quirks down to a T! She's great at impressions and she always answers my phone to my boyfriend and he thinks it's me EVERY time! She’s also the most SENSATIONAL pop singer (not even being biased lol) so she’d make me sound really good!
You’re Artistic Director of Sharpe Academy, tell us a bit about that
I am indeed!!! So Sharpe Academy is a Musical Theatre school that's been running all across North West London for 11 years and this year we are opening a brand new college offering a 3 year Diploma in Professional Musical Theatre which I am so excited for! I trained with Sharpe before my professional training and then went on to be their company choreographer and now I'm Artistic Director for the college! I have always loved choreographing and teaching and I can't wait to share my knowledge with aspiring performers and help them to reach their goals! So if you have finished your GCSE's OR A levels and are looking for a vocational course and professional training to get you industry ready, come and check us out!
We have a FANTASTIC team of people with tonnes of experience to offer in dance, singing, acting and acrobatics and are very fortunate to have our INCREDIBLE patrons supporting us; Carrie Hope Fletcher, Matt Lucas and Giovanni Spanó. We also hold a Guinness World Record for the fastest theatrical production so that's pretty cool! Come join the Fam!
What’s your top piece of advice for aspiring performers?
The industry is HARD... there is no point in sugar coating it ... but if you're determined, you work hard, believe in yourself and NEVER give up .. then one day you will get there ... no matter how long it takes!
Six is currently running at the Arts Theatre and will be embarking on a UK Tour from October 2019
Interview by Olivia Mitchell
photo credit: Danny Kaan
Thursday 16 November 2023
SuperYou! the Musical in Concert at the Lyric Theatre Review: Potential to be Otherworldly
SuperYou! the Musical in Concert
Lyric Theatre
Having made its UK debut performance at MusicalCon in October 2022, where it was an audience hit, SuperYou went on to do two days of workshop performances in London last year and last night had its West End premiere concert performance. With music, lyrics and book by Lourds Lane, the show tells the story of Katie White, a comic book author whose superheroines aid her in navigating through grief, discovering self-love, and embracing the strength of her own voice.
After being lucky enough to catch one of the workshop performances, I was incredibly excited to follow the development of this show and see how it grows and evolves over its various iterations. Whilst this concert version didn't quite live up to the expectations I'd built up in my head, it did have a number of stand out moments and showcased the potential of this beautifully heartfelt musical, and hopefully paved the way for future outings.
What I love about this show is how much passion and care has clearly gone into telling the tale of embracing your differences and being true to yourself. The energy is next level throughout and the performances are so earnest you can't help be charmed by it all.
Musically there's an array of styles, from rock songs to country ballads, all of which are performed with vigour and power, just as you'd expect in a show about superheroes. Leading the gang, SuperLu-cie Jones once again soars, delivering larynx lifting vocals with ease, sincerity and heart. Her shining voice matched with greatly witty and endearing characterisations once again cement her as a star of musical theatre. As her brother and fellow comic enthusiast, Matty, Jonty Peach gives a wonderful performance, I only wish we got more chance to see and hear him. His chemistry with young Katie (gloriously played by Aaliyah Monk) is really lovely and the pair create a convincing back story to root the show.
Completing the hero squad are Joni Ayton-Kent as Seven, Sharon Ballard as Blast, Lourds Lane as Rise and Jenny O'Leary as Ima-Mazing, who all give strong, well characterised performances. The roles themselves are quite stereotyped and not hugely well-rounded but they're performed well and bring some killer vocals. Luke Brady as Jay is really engaging and gets to really soar vocally in act two.
Choreography is a big part of this show, with Maddy Brennan (Mom) and Will Bozier (MiRoar) communicating almost solely through JoAnn M. Hunter's choreographed dance/movement, to great effect. The concert setting doesn't quite allow the movement to soar as it would in a full production but it's certainly a great way to tell the story and is quite striking at times. I do feel that it sometimes covers for a lack of character development, especially with the Mom who is pretty one dimensional but there's a lot of promise and a number of ways for the movement to elevate the storytelling.
There were also a few balancing issues, with the vocals sometimes being overpowered by music, so crucial lyrics were lost. Also, the setup of music stands across the stage meant the audience were physically disconnected from the action. Moments when it really shone were when these were stepped in front of, such as the closing of act one. Of course, this is a show put on with a week of rehearsal so a lot of issues can be forgiven but it would be great to see and hear the musical in it's full, fine-tuned glory.
Whilst the musical owes a lot to social media, having achieved huge popularity on tiktok during lockdown, something about the social media portrayal in the show doesn't quite work. Compared to the workshop showing, this version regularly mentions virality and tiktok, and whilst this does push the story along, it also feels somewhat cringey and awkward. It does provide opportunity for a discussion on the impact of social media but that doesn't feel necessary in a show like this which already has so many other messages to put across, so instead it just comes across as an underdeveloped layer. Perhaps it's an attempt to appeal to younger audiences but the show has so much to offer in terms of heart, and performances, it really doesn't need anything else to be appealing to a wide range of theatre patrons.
In transitioning the show to be more "mainstream" and 2023 relevant, it has lost a lot of the charm and sincerity which was so abundant before. The changed plot also means the character development is diminished. Previously, Katie had a clear journey from an unconfident girl, brought down by various traumas, to eventually finding herself and making her own choices; however this time, her journey feels less well rounded and the actual big moment of discovery sort of comes from nowhere.
Despite its flaws, SuperYou is a genuinely good show that deserves a future life. The potential is overflowing and I hope it gets a chance to develop further. SuperYou is a life affirming show with some wonderful messages, performances, energy and music and with some tweaks to supercharge it, the show could be a really glorious addition to the theatre scene.
★★★
Reviewed on Wednesday 15th November by Olivia
Photo Credit: Matt Marlin and Simona Sermont for Shooting Theatre
{AD PR Invite- tickets gifted in exchange for honest review}
Wednesday 8 March 2017
In Conversation With... Billy Cullum | Rent | Interview
Billy Cullum, has already had an impressive and extensive career starring in shows such as Spring Awakening and Jesus Christ Superstar. He's currently taking on the role of Mark Cohen, the introverted film maker in the 20th Anniversary tour of Rent and wowing audiences across the country with his incredible performance. I saw Rent for the fifth time last night and was as moved as I was the first time. It's truly a brilliant production.
Not only is Billy a wonderful performer but also a wonderful person and he was nice enough to answer these questions about all things Rent, performing and life in general!
Not only is Billy a wonderful performer but also a wonderful person and he was nice enough to answer these questions about all things Rent, performing and life in general!
For those that don't know, can you explain a little about your career and highlights so far?
I trained at the Arts Educational School of Musical Theatre and graduated in 2010. My first job was a small scale musical of Alice in Wonderland that toured all around Italy. It was hard work but getting paid to travel all around such a beautiful city made all the early mornings and get-ins worthwhile. I then went on to play Jesus in Godspell at the Union Theatre followed by one of my dream roles as Moritz in the UK Tour of Spring Awakening. I then performed in Hair, Merrily We Roll Along before my West End debut in the RSC’s Matilda at the Cambridge Theatre. Roald Dahl was becoming a running theme as I then joined the cast of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane. Being an Oompa Loompa was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do! After this I joined the cast of Jesus Christ Superstar at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre. It was an incredible piece to be a part of. I understudied and played the role of Jesus. Now I am lucky enough to be in one of my favourite musicals and playing one of my dream roles as Mark Cohen in Rent.
Was being a performer what you always yearned for or did you have another career path in mind when you were younger?
Performing is the only thing I’ve ever really focused on from the age of 3. It wasn’t until I was about 16 though that I thought it could become a career. I’m a songwriter and a recording artist which is something I love to do as well. I’m just about to release the first single ‘Lost in You’ from my debut album which is released 03.03.17.
Rent is one of the most iconic musicals ever, do you feel a lot of pressure taking on such an important role?
When I got offered the job I was ecstatic. I was so excited. Then it hit me that this musical has such a strong following. It means so much to people. It really has a place in people’s hearts so the pressure slowly started to dawn on me. I then had to go into the rehearsal room on the first day and let all that pressure go and focus on my portrayal of Mark. I like to think I’ve made him my own and I have enjoyed exploring him. He’s very complex and intricate which I don’t think many people realise.
The cast must be so close with this production, have there been any standout funny moments on or offstage between you all?
There have been MANY funny moments. My favourite though has to be when Layton Williams who plays Angel got his coat stuck in his wig as he was about to go full throttle into 'Today For You'. Somehow, he managed to sort out the issue whilst incorporating it into the song with humour and sass "My Wig! Help me out with my Wig!" It was pure genius!
Has the show changed at all going from tour to the St James and then back on tour?
It naturally changes to fill different spaces. The St James was such an intimate setting which I loved. It was very intense. Performing in bigger venues such as Edinburgh Festival Theatre lets other moments thrive more. The show always has the same heart but it definitely feels adapts beautifully to each venue.
How are you enjoying touring life? What do you miss most being away from home?
I’m really enjoying it. I love seeing different places I wouldn't necessarily chose to go to. The thing I miss most about being away is my loved ones and my dogs.
Can you sum up the show in 5 words?
Live and Love without fear.
If you could go back to any era, when would it be and why?
I’d wanna go back to the caveman era. I wanna know how I would survive!
If you had a magic wand, which show would you do next?
Oooh. I think it would have to be Next to Normal.
What's the best piece of advice you're ever received and what advice would you give to aspiring performers?
"Just Be You" is the best advice I’ve ever had. It really works. That’s the advice I’d give to any aspiring performers. Don’t try and fit a mould because someone told you to or because that’s how you get work. I like to think I’ve been employed because of my talent and character and I’ve done that by simply being me. To add to this I would also say never give up. Focus on your own path, it’s so dangerous to compare yourself to others. If you really want it don’t give up. Your time will come.
Thank you so much Billy for doing this interview; go see him in Rent and make sure you purchase all his new music!
Rent is playing at the New Victoria theatre, Woking until March 11th. Visit http://www.atgtickets.com/shows/rent-the-musical/new-victoria-theatre/ for tickets
Reasons You Should Go See Rent: http://www.rewritethisstory.com/2017/02/reasons-you-should-go-and-see-rent.html
Interview by Olivia Mitchell, Editor
Wednesday 22 July 2020
Grease UK Tour starring Peter Andre to return in 2021
The producers of the first new production in 25 years of Jim Jacobs & Warren Casey’s iconic musical Grease, are delighted that the show will tour the UK and Ireland in 2021. The musical was due to tour in 2020 but had to be postponed due to COVID-19.
Following his success starring in the UK and Ireland tour in 2019, Peter Andre will star in the 2021 tour at certain venues and performances (Plymouth, Cardiff, Bristol, Milton Keynes, Dublin, Liverpool, Bromley, Southampton, Nottingham, Manchester, Dartford, Canterbury and Birmingham). As well as reprising the role of Teen Angel, Andre will also play Vince Fontaine.
The 2021 tour will begin at Theatre Royal Plymouth, running from 22 – 30 January, and will then play Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff from 1 – 6 February, Bristol Hippodrome from 8 – 13 February, Edinburgh Festival Theatre from 16 – 20 February, Norwich Theatre Royal from 22 – 27 February, Milton Keynes Theatre from 1 – 6 March, Bord Gais Energy Theatre, Dublin from 16 – 27 March, The Alhambra Theatre, Bradford from 29 March – 3 April, Liverpool Empire from 5 – 10 April, Sheffield Lyceum from 12 – 17 April, Churchill Theatre, Bromley from 19 – 24 April, Stoke Regent Theatre from 3 – 8 May, Mayflower Theatre, Southampton from 11 – 15 May, Grand Opera House, Belfast from 18 – 22 May, Theatre Royal Nottingham from 24 – 29 May, Royal & Derngate Northampton from 31 May – 5 June, Palace Theatre Manchester from 7 – 19 June, The Orchard Theatre Dartford from 21 – 26 June, The Marlowe Canterbury from 28 June – 3 July, The Sands Centre, Carlisle from 6-10 July and The Alexandra, Birmingham from 12 – 17 July.
Andre said "I was so thrilled to have been returning to Grease this year as I had the most wonderful time last year working with our incredible cast and creative team. Sadly, this year's tour had to be postponed due to COVID-19 but I'm overjoyed that we can return in 2021. Grease is joyous and will truly allow you to escape to a different time, with show-stopping dance routines and some of the most iconic songs of all time. It's a show about solidarity and it celebrates friendship. As the song goes, We Go Together!"
Grease is directed by Nikolai Foster and choreographed by Arlene Phillips, with designs by Colin Richmond, orchestrations and musical supervision by Sarah Travis, lighting design by Ben Cracknell, sound design by Tom Marshall and 2021 tour casting by Kay Magson CDG, with original tour casting by David Grindrod CDG.
This new production of GREASE is produced by Colin Ingram, InTheatre Productions, Donovan Mannato, Playing Field, Hunter Arnold, Araca and Curve.
photo credit: Manuel Harlan
Saturday 13 August 2016
Children of Eden, Union Theatre | Review
Children of Eden
Union Theatre
Reviewed on Friday 12th August 2016 by Olivia Mitchell
★★★★★
★★★★★
Inspired by the Book of Genesis, Children of Eden tells the timeless and beautiful story of bringing a child into the world and becoming a parent. It features stunning music and lyrics by acclaimed composer Stephen Schwartz, who is perhaps most well known for Wicked which continues to play all over the world, and a book by the fantastic John Caird who along with Trevor Nunn, adapted and directed Les Miserables.
Monday 12 December 2022
Rebecca to get its English Language Premiere
Following 12 hugely successful foreign language productions, critically acclaimed musical Rebecca by Michael Kunze and Sylvester Levay is to get its English language premiere in a new production at London’s Charing Cross Theatre in an English translation by Christopher Hampton
The hugely successful musical production by the Austrian musical producer VBW (Vereinigte Bühnen Wien) based on Daphne Du Maurier’s 1938 novel ‘Rebecca’ that has captivated more than 2 million people worldwide in 12 countries and 10 languages is to get its English language premiere in a new production at London’s Charing Cross Theatre.
Rebecca, by Michael Kunze and Sylvester Levay, two of the most successful German-language musical theatre composers, had its world premiere at the VBW-theatre Raimund Theater in Vienna, Austria, in September 2006, where it went on to play to sold-out houses in three seasons, and where it is currently enjoying a successful revival.
Rebecca will run at Charing Cross Theatre from 4 September - 18 November, 2023.
Press night is Monday 18 September, 2023 at 7.30pm.
Rebecca, with an orchestra of 18, will be directed by Alejandro Bonatto (director of the critically acclaimed production of Donizetti’s ‘Rita’ and the upcoming production of Francis Poulanc and Jean Cocteau’s ‘The Human Voice’ at Charing Cross Theatre later this month).
It has a new English translation by Christopher Hampton (two-time Tony Award winner Best Score & Best Book for ‘Sunset Boulevard’ and Oscar winner for Best Adapted Screenplay ‘Dangerous Liaisons’ & ‘The Father’) and Michael Kunze.
Cast to be announced.
Thursday 5 November 2020
Hiba Elchikhe Brings Together West End Performers For A New Musical Theatre Series
In collaboration with Nimax and The Theatre Café, West End performer Hiba Elchikhe is thrilled to announce a brand-new musical theatre based web series: Out Of The Darkness, Into The Spotlight.
Bringing a little bit of glitter to the grey, this three-episode series hopes to not only entertain, but shine a light on the performers who are keeping the West End alive, even during lockdown.
Hiba, who is currently starring in the West End hit Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, and who has created the series says “In a time of such uncertainty I am so excited to be able to bring together a spectacular group of freelance artists, that are representative of the UK.”
Featuring a line up of stellar creatives, each episode shines a “spotlight” on something different: Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, Musical Theatre and Christmas. The first episode is set to premiere on November 18th, with the next two going live on November 25th and December 9th. Each episode will feature a different line-up of star performers, running at approximately 45 minutes and including a mixture of songs. Performers include: Danny Becker (Prince of Egypt, Aladdin), Courtney Bowman (Six, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie), Danielle Steers (Six, Bat Out of Hell), Hiba Elchikhe (Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, Brooklyn), Carrie Hope Fletcher (Les Misérables, Heathers), Sejal Keshwala (Everybody’s Talking About Jamie), Tim Mahendran (& Juliet, Spring Awakening), Grace Mouat (& Juliet, Six), Trevor Dion Nicholas (Hamilton, Aladdin), Liam Tamne (Prince of Egypt) and Noah Thomas (Everybody’s Talking About Jamie).
As well as Maisey Bawden, Paul Bradshaw, Rhiane Drummond, James Gillan, Shanay Holmes, Rob Houchen, Melissa Jacques, Emma Kingston, Carl Man, Frances McCann, Scott Paige, Sharun Phull, Amy Trigg and Andrew Patrick Walker, with more to be announced.
Tickets are available from: https://www.thetheatrecafe.co.uk/2020/11/news-out-of-the-darkness-into-the-spotlight/
#IntoTheSpotlightConcert
Sunday 3 September 2017
In Conversation With... Stacey McClean and Stevi Ritchie | Sword and the Dope | Interview
Sword and the Dope is a musical retelling of the story of King Arthur, written by a dyslexic who can not read or write music but wrote the show as a bet/joke with a friend. It has now gone out for over 150 shows at three different venues prior to this run. Sword and the Dope stars Stacey McClean and Stevi Ritchie who sat down with Rewrite This Story to talk all about the show.
Can you both give a brief overview of your career and what your highlights have been?
Stacey: I was once a member of pop band S Club Juniors. Highlights from my time in the band were probably performing a Wembley and for the Queen at Buckingham Palace. Also getting down to the final 24 and performing for Kylie in Dubai when I went to the judges houses for X Factor.
Stevi: I started performing at the age of 15 at my high school in Grease the musical and played Kenickie. I've always loved performing but got many knock backs. But 2014 I entered the X Factor and since then life has changed.
You’re both musicians, how has the transition to concert performances to musical theatre been?
Stacey: In ways it is very different. Put me on stage with a mic and a band and I can do it with my eyes closed, but theatre is a little more challenging for me. It's a lot more intense, there is a lot of preparation involved and a lot more a stake.
Stevi: For me it's been amazing and I've always loved musical theatre I trained at LSMT. Playing a prince in this show is great and taking me out of my comfort zone but I love it.
Can you explain what The Sword and the Dope is about?
Stacey: Sword and the Dope is a comedy musical with a politics edge. Think Monty Python, Black Adder and politics in a way you have never seen!
Stevi: A sideways telling of King Arthur with a modern day political twist. One review said British humour at it's best with great musical numbers, for me that sums it up well.
What drew you to the production? Are your characters anything like you?
Stacey: I play Sir Lancelot, a Knight who is a huge fan of the Green Party, so nothing like me really as I'm not into politics in the slightest. My character reminds me of Hermione from Harry Potter, slightly irritating, bit of a know it all who no one wants to listen to. The script was what sold it for me initially, I laughed my head off when I first read it.
Stevi: I loved the script and especially the songs they are amazing. The character is similar to me it's cheesy and he loves singing.
The Sword and the Dope is a retelling of the story of King Arthur, if you could retell any story which would you choose?
Stacey: Amy Winehouse, now that would be a fantastic role!
Stevi: I would retell the story of maybe Bruce Lee or Elvis Presley or Freddy Mercury.
Can you sum up the show in five words?
Stacey: Funny, ridiculous, offensive, rude and camp!
Stevi: Witty, camp,cheesy,Funny,eccentric.
Is there a play or musical you’ve seen recently that you loved?
Stacey: I have been to see Our Ladies of Perpetual Succour at the Duke twice now I loved it so much.
Do you have any dream roles?
Stacey: Dream role would probably be Sophie in Mamma Mia, the lead vocal in Thriller and anything Disney!
Stevi: Yes, Thenadier in Les Mis or Kenickie in Grease.
Whats a fun fact people might not know about you?
Stacey: I was one belt away from a Black Belt in Taekwondo when I was 7 but I gave it up because I wanted to sing!
Stevi: Think everyone knows everything about me due to the press and being in the public eye.
What’s your best piece of advice for an aspiring performer?
Stacey: You have to have a thick skin in the industry otherwise you won't survive. The amount of times you get knocked back is not necessarily a reflection of how good you are, and that's something you have to be prepared for. I'm a firm believer that you get out what you put in.
Stevi: Just keep going and be you.
Thank you Stacey and Stevi for this interview. The Sword and The Dope is on at Waterloo East Theatre from Tuesday 5th September until Sunday 1st October.
Interview by Olivia Mitchell, Editor
*this is a sponsored post*
Interview by Olivia Mitchell, Editor
*this is a sponsored post*
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