It's about time I had a phantom-post! It being my favourite musical of all time, and all that.
Well, I first fell in love with it (as I have undoubtedly blogged before, but oh well) in April 2010 when I went with my school on a Music GCSE trip to London to see it. I had, of course, heard of the story before, but although already being a musicals geek, I hadn't seen it because I was a little unsure of exactly how operatic it would be. Of course, I love Opera now, and that isn't a problem! But in reality, I would only call Carlotta's parts leaning towards the operatic more than musical, and it's not a problem!
I have seen two Christine's before, Robyn North in April 2010, and Gina Beck in August 2010, both brilliant actors and singers. I could ramble on for pages about them, but this particular blog is for Sofia Escobar, whom I was lucky enough to see a few weeks ago.
Her Majesty's Theatre, Haymarket is my absolute favourite place in London, maybe even the world (not wanting to sound over-dramatic or anything...). It's just beautiful - a tall, imposing and intricate structure on the outside, and beautifully decorated inside.
Gina Beck having been the last Christine I saw, I was apprehensive as to how I would like Sofia Escobar. However, it's like she was made for the role! Her voice is strong and rich with a strong operatic vibrato, but also soft and sweet, perfect for those 'frightened Christine' moments.
As always, it took only until the famous Think Of Me cadenza and I was won over! The show went off without a hitch, which always surprises me, especially with such a technically-difficult show such as Phantom.
One slight disappointment was that John Owen-Jones (current Phantom) was off on holiday, as I really wanted to see him, but his understudy Scott Davies was excellent! So no problems there. The way he acted obsessed and slightly out of his mind was great for the character of the Phantom, and there was just the right mixture of hate and self-pity to make you love him :)
High points were definitely every time the beautiful Sofia Escobar was on stage ;) But especially the rooftop scene with Raoul and All I Ask Of You, Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again, and Point Of No Return, which, since I last saw it, has improved even more! The stuggle between Christine and the Phantom when she realises it is him is hair-raising, and the end still makes me cry!
I am definitely booking tickets to see her again in action, this time, hopefully with the (apparantly) phenomenal JOJ.
Favourite musical ever!
Saturday 9 July 2011
Wednesday 13 April 2011
The Kissing Dance
Yep - this is definitely a theatre blog. Whatever. It's not my fault that the most important events in my life are the shows I go to see! Well, it is actually. But I am unashamedly a theatre geek, so I don't care.
Well this time - as I may or may not have mentioned in my previous post - it was The Kissing Dance, a (relatively) new musical by Howard Goodall, lyrics by Charles Hart (lyricist for Phantom of the Opera and Love Never Dies amongst others!). Relatively new, because it was first performed by the National Youth Music Theatre in 1998, a production in which coincidently, starred Gina Beck in the role of Kate Hardcastle, which she is currently reprising at the Jermyn Street Theater in the professional debut of the musical.
Although excited (anyone who knows me/follows me on twitter/has read my blog will know that Gina is my all-time favourite actress/singer!) I was also quite apprehensive as I walked into the theatre. Seating only 70 people and the stage a mere 8x4 metres, it seemed a world away from the magnificent and spacious West End venues, though situated only round the corner from Her Majesty's Theatre, home to Phantom of the Opera. However, this only lends to it's quirky charm.
Although my favourite musicals are, and will continue to be Phantom, Love Never Dies and Les Miserables, it was refreshing to see a musical comedy. The Kissing Dance is hilarious - I don't remember a scene in which I didn't laugh, and I was particularly impressed with the ease at which humour and romance were entwined to deliver a beautifully sweet and witty musical.
Warning - Spoilers!
The plot revolves around the country house of Nonesuch, where Mr and Mrs Hardcastle are frantically preparing for the arrival of a suitor for their daughter Kate. The girlish glee of Kate and her cousin Constance is infectious as they sing about their beau's - for Constance is romantically linked with Kate's suitor's friend, and hopes for a proposal from him - "my dear cousin, we shall be ... friends in law!" However, while Kate's suitor, Marlow, is said to be handsome and brave, he also possesses a terrible shyness around women of his own class - a trait which Kate fears will prevent them from getting to know each other. To add a little conflict, Constance has been left a substantial dowry of jewels from her late parents - a dowry which Mrs Hardcastle intends for her half-witted son to have! She believes them to be all but betrothed, when really Constance has her heart set on her beloved George Hastings, and Kate's brother Tony is in love with the local barmaid! And everything is further twisted when, upon inquiring the whereabouts of Nonesuch at the local pub, Marlow and Hastings are led to believe that their destination is some way off - Tony's idea of a practical joke. They believe the Hardcastle's home to be an inn at which they intend to rest before continuing on their journey. And cue a hilarious mix-up in which Marlow manages to greatly offend his future father-in-law, a man who he believes to be landlord of the inn. George and Constance bump into each other, but upon learning the truth, Hastings decides not to tell Marlow that they really are at Nonesuch, for his nerves could not handle such a revelation! Instead, he leads his friend to believe that some lucky twist of fate has caused Kate and Constance to be staying at that very inn. Lets just say that the meeting between Kate and Marlow is little short of excruciatingly painful, and forces Kate to resort to desperate measures to win her man! If that is not enough, Tony agrees to steal Constance's jewels from Mrs Hardcastle so Constance and George can run away together, and he is free to marry his barmaid. And after five minutes of knowing Tony's character, you'll realise that this is not the best idea ...
If you enjoy mad plot-twists, witty humour and romance, this is the perfect show to see! Gina Beck is beautiful, funny and charming as the pretty Kate Hardcastle, but even I have to admit that it was Beverley Klein, who plays Mrs Hardcastle, who stole the show. With her perfect comic timing and complete over-dramatic-ness , she brought a whole new level to comedy. Her outrageous costume itself is a reason to visit! Among others who stood out (though I would like to mention them all!) was Gemma Sutton, who plays Constance. I really loved the scene where she had to pretend to have a 'midnight tryst' with Tony to keep up the pretense that they were in love! Ian Virgo (who played Tony in the NYMT 1998 production) and Dylan Turner made a wonderful duo as Marlow and Hastings. Dylan, I would like to say, is really quite handsome (as well as having a good voice ... I think ... :P) and Ian played up his character's opposites - excruciatingly nervous in the presence of Kate, yet devilishly flirtatious to common 'maids'. Jack Shalloo is hilarious as the half-witted Tony, yet lovably so, and he manages to single-handedly wreck the lovers plans, then bring them back together!
I could mention everyone, but just one more goes to Lila Clements for combining acting, dancing, singing and playing the flute! All of which I love :)
The set and costumes were perfect for the tiny space, and the original music a refreshing change from the well-known (and still well-loved!) popular west-end shows. The Kissing Dance runs only until April 23rd, so get your tickets now!
<3
Sunday 6 March 2011
Love Never Dies OLC Final Performance!
Straight after I saw the show two months ago for the first time, I booked tickets to see it again. Thats the impression it made! And what better night was there to go, than on the 5th of March, which was the final performance for the Original London Cast? (or most of them anyway)
I had been in full excitement mode since about two weeks before, and last night certainly lived up to all my expectations, and more! The Adelphi theatre was absolutely packed, not a spare seat in the house. The cast members (whom I avidly follow on twitter) had been tweeting about their final performance all day, and it was obviously an emotional night for them all. The excitement was tangible when the overture began, and by the end of the first half, I was already in tears! Ramin Karimloo in Till I Hear You Sing was phenomenal as always, and Sierra Boggess, whom I hadn't seen before as Christine was faultless.
The audience was the best I have ever been a part of, cheering and screaming after each song. The applause after Beneath A Moonless Sky must have lasted two minutes at least. I'm at a loss how to justly describe it, except for the entire show was spectacular, thrilling and charged with an emotion that I'm sure every audience member felt along with the cast. It was definitely the best experience of my life.
Act two was even more emotional than the first. The best moment in the show was when Sierra got a standing ovation after Love Never Dies. It was the best performance of an aria EVER, and leads me to conclude that she has the most beautiful soprano voice in the world . . . That applause and standing ovation was very fitting and well deserved for her last show. Another highlight was Devil Take the Hindmost with Ramin Karimloo and Joseph Millson. Highly comedic moments, their banter and Ramin's very camp and patronizing little wave at the end made the whole audience giggle.
Summer Strallen as Meg (who I can't not mention) was brilliant! It was my first time seeing her too, she was beautiful and note perfect. Bathing Beauty was highly entertaining, and I was less shocked at the topless part this time, knowing it was coming! She will next be performing as Dale Tremont opposite Tom Chambers in the musical version of Tophat!, touring the UK this year. I may just have to go see it ...
Unfortunately, I will most likely not be able to see Sierra Boggess in her next venture - creating a role in new musical Masterclass on Broadway. It is a sad loss for London's West End, but lets hope she will at some point return!
After the show, I am not ashamed to say that the moment the curtain went down, I ran to the stage door . . .
There must have been two hundred people crowding to get a glimpse of and meet the stars of the show! The atmosphere outside was even better than in the theatre. I was surrounded by die-hard Love Never Dies fans - like in a dream! After about ten minutes Summer Strallen stuck her head out of her dressing room window - cue screaming and whooping from the die-hard crowd below! After that, they all got in on the act. A huge highlight was when Ramin sat on his windowsill and play a Sheytoons song for us :) Absolutely awesome.
I feel slightly sorry for the cast and crew - anyone attempting to leave the stage door and go home had to negotiate a huge mob of fans. There just wasn't enough space . . . One poor man had to carry his bike over his head. I thoughrally enjoyed every minute and did not mind being squished from every direction.
I am still buzzing about the fact that I met Niamh Perry (Fleck), Liz Robertson (Madame Giry), Jessica Kirton (understudy Meg), Sierra Boggess and Ramin Karimloo! Everyone was so nice, especially Ramin and Sierra. Anyone who hasn't yet seen Love Never Dies, Ramin is still starring as The Phantom until September this year. Book tickets!!!
Liz Robertson, I believe, is also staying as well as Adam Pearce (Squelch), and here is a list of the new cast:
Christine - Celia Graham (previous understudy Christine and a fantastic performer! If we can't have Sierra, Celia is definitely a good choice. Previously Christine in Phantom of the Opera and Maria in West Side Story)
Meg Giry - Haley Flaherty (has starred in Grease, Chicago, Mamma Mia and most recently Janet Weiss in a UK tour of The Rocky Horror Show)
Raoul - David Thaxton (Enjolras in Les Miserables and most recently Passion at the Donmar Warehouse)
Fleck - Tracey Penn
Gangle - Charles Brunton
Phew! Here we go again. Lets hope they are all a success! I am looking forward to seeing them, although they will never outshine the original cast in our hearts . . .
I had been in full excitement mode since about two weeks before, and last night certainly lived up to all my expectations, and more! The Adelphi theatre was absolutely packed, not a spare seat in the house. The cast members (whom I avidly follow on twitter) had been tweeting about their final performance all day, and it was obviously an emotional night for them all. The excitement was tangible when the overture began, and by the end of the first half, I was already in tears! Ramin Karimloo in Till I Hear You Sing was phenomenal as always, and Sierra Boggess, whom I hadn't seen before as Christine was faultless.
The audience was the best I have ever been a part of, cheering and screaming after each song. The applause after Beneath A Moonless Sky must have lasted two minutes at least. I'm at a loss how to justly describe it, except for the entire show was spectacular, thrilling and charged with an emotion that I'm sure every audience member felt along with the cast. It was definitely the best experience of my life.
Act two was even more emotional than the first. The best moment in the show was when Sierra got a standing ovation after Love Never Dies. It was the best performance of an aria EVER, and leads me to conclude that she has the most beautiful soprano voice in the world . . . That applause and standing ovation was very fitting and well deserved for her last show. Another highlight was Devil Take the Hindmost with Ramin Karimloo and Joseph Millson. Highly comedic moments, their banter and Ramin's very camp and patronizing little wave at the end made the whole audience giggle.
Summer Strallen as Meg (who I can't not mention) was brilliant! It was my first time seeing her too, she was beautiful and note perfect. Bathing Beauty was highly entertaining, and I was less shocked at the topless part this time, knowing it was coming! She will next be performing as Dale Tremont opposite Tom Chambers in the musical version of Tophat!, touring the UK this year. I may just have to go see it ...
Unfortunately, I will most likely not be able to see Sierra Boggess in her next venture - creating a role in new musical Masterclass on Broadway. It is a sad loss for London's West End, but lets hope she will at some point return!
After the show, I am not ashamed to say that the moment the curtain went down, I ran to the stage door . . .
There must have been two hundred people crowding to get a glimpse of and meet the stars of the show! The atmosphere outside was even better than in the theatre. I was surrounded by die-hard Love Never Dies fans - like in a dream! After about ten minutes Summer Strallen stuck her head out of her dressing room window - cue screaming and whooping from the die-hard crowd below! After that, they all got in on the act. A huge highlight was when Ramin sat on his windowsill and play a Sheytoons song for us :) Absolutely awesome.
I feel slightly sorry for the cast and crew - anyone attempting to leave the stage door and go home had to negotiate a huge mob of fans. There just wasn't enough space . . . One poor man had to carry his bike over his head. I thoughrally enjoyed every minute and did not mind being squished from every direction.
I am still buzzing about the fact that I met Niamh Perry (Fleck), Liz Robertson (Madame Giry), Jessica Kirton (understudy Meg), Sierra Boggess and Ramin Karimloo! Everyone was so nice, especially Ramin and Sierra. Anyone who hasn't yet seen Love Never Dies, Ramin is still starring as The Phantom until September this year. Book tickets!!!
Liz Robertson, I believe, is also staying as well as Adam Pearce (Squelch), and here is a list of the new cast:
Christine - Celia Graham (previous understudy Christine and a fantastic performer! If we can't have Sierra, Celia is definitely a good choice. Previously Christine in Phantom of the Opera and Maria in West Side Story)
Meg Giry - Haley Flaherty (has starred in Grease, Chicago, Mamma Mia and most recently Janet Weiss in a UK tour of The Rocky Horror Show)
Raoul - David Thaxton (Enjolras in Les Miserables and most recently Passion at the Donmar Warehouse)
Fleck - Tracey Penn
Gangle - Charles Brunton
Phew! Here we go again. Lets hope they are all a success! I am looking forward to seeing them, although they will never outshine the original cast in our hearts . . .
Tuesday 15 February 2011
Direct from the West End
Okay, this was supposed to be a space for me to philosophically reflect upon my life and the world around me, but who wants to read that?! So it's become much more of a theater blog. Which is fine with me!
So, last Sunday, I went with my mum and sister to see the last of 3 new shows, Direct from the West End. We had booked the tickets months ago, ever since I heard that Gina Beck (who I saw in Phantom of the Opera last year) would be performing. And it certainly did not disappoint!
I saw the show in Windsor's charming little Theater Royal, and was lucky enough the be in the front stalls! Those two hours of the best of musical theater went far, far too quickly for my liking. The wonderful cast (listed below) opened with A New World, from the musical Songs for a New World. Despite not being familiar with the song, it was a wonderful opening to the show. They continued from strength to strength, singing songs from the best loved of all musicals, including Phantom of the Opera (my personal favorite!), Love Never Dies, Wicked, We Will Rock You, Les Miserables, Jesus Christ Superstar, Hairspray, West Side Story, Mamma Mia, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat and Cats. Not to mention several lesser-known, but just as great musicals.
The amazing west end cast included:
Samantha Barks - Who absolutely smashed (in my opinion) The Wizard and I. If she is not cast in Wicked in the next few years, then I will be shocked and that show will have missed out on a great opportunity! One of the youngest west end stars out there, and currently performing in Les Miserables at Queens Theater, I predict that she has a bright and sparkly future ahead of her.
Anthony Hansen - A name I admit I was not familiar with, but will definitely be remembering! He had such a cute twinkle in his eyes when singing I Love You Baby, and such a charismatic presence! He has recently joined the cast of Wicked, and I for one am certainly looking forward to booking tickets!
Scott Garnham - Definately has a talent for comedy! He had the audience in the palm of his hand, cracking cheesy theater-related jokes throughout the night. But it was his soaring vocals in songs Til I Hear You Sing and Maria which sent goosebumps down my arms. A co-producer, and founder of Musical Ovation LTD with Martin Neely, he is to thank for bringing this show to us.
Rachel Bingham - Another name I hadn't heard of before, but her voice astounded me. A perfect rendition of both As Long As He Needs Me and The Winner Takes It All, she is another reason why you should buy a ticket to see Les Miserables in the West End!
Jessie May - Currently performing as Sophie Sheridan in Mamma Mia, Jessie was definitely one of my favourite performers of the night, the sheer exuberance she emitted was infectious, and her vocals absolutely stunning. She performed both the love duet All I ask Of You and the rockier Somebody To Love to equal high standards, displaying her ability to slip into such different roles. I'm seeing her in Mamma Mia in a few weeks, so expect another review!
Killian Donnelly - Currently Enjolras in Les Miserables, he was yet another super talented and charismatic member of the cast. Like Jessie, he showed his capability for different roles as Raoul to Jessie's Christine in All I Ask Of You and strutted his stuff in Superstar from Jesus Christ Superstar. Backed up by the whole cast and including some questionable dance moves, this song was one of the most fun!
Jeff Nicholson - As the foreman and u/s Javert in Les Miserables, he is not displaying his full talents. After his joining the lovely Gina Beck in Phantom of the Opera and taking a chilling solo in Music of the Night, I am considering starting a petition to get him to wear the mask! However, his highlight was definitely Song of the King from Joseph, backed up by the whole cast and again including some questionable, but highly entertaining dance moves! Inspired by Elvis ... I shall say no more.
Gina Beck - Last, but definitely not least! My personal favourite musical theater performer, after seeing her as Christine Daae in Phantom last year, she was who I came to see. A beautiful performance in the title song of that musical, I think everyone who was there would agree. She was especially amazing in her solo Memory, and lent her beautiful soprano voice to Cosette (whom she previously played at Queens Theater) in One Day More and to Maria in Tonight. She is going to be starring in The Kissing Dance from March-April in an off west-end venue, so get your tickets!
The entire performance was uplifting, exciting and all together enjoyable. The idea of taking a cast of extremely talented west end performers with a repertoire of well-loved songs to venues outside London is genius. I for one hope that the success of these shows will inspire many more!
Highlights I have not yet mentioned include Fugue for Tinhorns from Guys and Dolls performed by comedic trio Scott, Killian and Jeff. I didn't know the song before, but they did it wonderfully! Jessie May's Welcome to the Sixties was awesome, her vocals faultless and her acting of the song very energetic.
One of the things I think that made the show such a success was the sheer amount of fun the performers themselves seemed to be having, and the great way in which they interacted with each other. While extremely successful in their solos, the ensemble performances stood out as the best. If another show comes up, I will be the first to get tickets, and advise everyone else to do the same! Even if you are not particularly a fan of musical theater, this is a perfect show to attend simply to have a good fun time. And who knows, this fabulous cast may just be able to convert you!
xxxxx
Wednesday 12 January 2011
Love Never Dies Original Cast ...
... are Amazing! Teehee.
And I'd just like to mention that I have booked tickets to see the very last performance they will ever do together, on March 5th at 7.30pm. I'm so excited! I'm sure it will be just as amazing as last time, although sad that they are leaving :(
Anyway, here's the cast list, and pictures, just 'cause I feel like it ... And CERTAIN people wish to see if the hype I have made about certain other people is correct ...
Meg Giry - Summer Strallen
And F.Y.I. they deserve to win a lot of awards. So if you are reading this, I'm sure they would be very grateful if you headed on over to the Whats On Stage website and voted for them in their respective categories. Such talent cannot go unrecognised! (I sound like an advertisment ... Or their PR, haha) Voting closes on February 20th I think, so hurry! (Like anyone's reading this, LOL)
Anyway, here's the cast list, and pictures, just 'cause I feel like it ... And CERTAIN people wish to see if the hype I have made about certain other people is correct ...
The Phantom - Ramin Karimloo
Christine Daae - Sierra Boggess
Meg Giry - Summer Strallen
Fleck - Niamh Perry
And that's as far as I dare go. Phew, adding pictures is stressful! This has taken me ages. Just a few now of the actual production, 'cause it's so amazing, then I'm done.
And Ramin and Sierra, 'cause they're so good together :)
I'm sure I made that a lot more complicated than it needed to be ...
Saturday 8 January 2011
Love Never Dies at the Adelphi Theatre
Warning - contains spoilers.
Okay, I know it's been a few weeks, but I decided that my next post would be a review of Andrew Lloyd Webber's (relatively) new musical, Love Never Dies (which I have just seen today) , the sequel to the famous Phantom of the Opera.
I first saw Phantom of the Opera last April on a music trip with my school. I remember not knowing much about it, except that it was the story of a mysterious masked man obsessed with a beautiful young soprano. Since I am a huge fan of romantic stories, I was quite interested. I wasn't however, looking forward to the 'Opera' part of it. Little did I know that Andrew Lloyd Webber had done a fantastic job of combining dramatic Operatic aria's, traditional musical chorus numbers and an enthralling storyline with the slightest hint of rock to it. In short, it was the best thing I had ever seen, and I have been just a little bit (or a lot) obsessed with it ever since.
When I heard about the sequel not too long after, I was sceptical. Phantom is a brilliant original, and everyone knows that musical sequels don't have a history of doing well. I researched the storyline, and was even less impressed. Christine dies? Shocking. A terrible end to the 'greatest love story ever told'. Then I listened to some of the songs. One especially stood out - the Phantom's spine-tingling Till I Hear You Sing.
I confess, the main motivation for my seeing the musical was the man (and his voice) behind that beautiful song, Mr Ramin Karimloo (@raminkarimloo on twitter, of course i'm following him). Not only does he have that elusive power to send shivers all through you when he opens his mouth, but he also happens to be very attractive. Which goes well with a tuxedo and a white mask, let me tell you! Anyway, he did not disappoint. With the new changes Andrew Lloyd Webber made, Till I Hear You Sing is now the opening song. And what an opening it gives! There you are, sitting in your seat, waiting for the thing to start, and this 'Christine' doll appears on stage, shortly followed by the Phantom, who immediately delivers his heart-breaking song. I was literally on the edge on my seat.
The big musical numbers are as follows:
Act 1.
Till I Hear You Sing - The Phantom
Heaven By The Sea - Ensemble
Only For Him/Only For You - Meg Giry
What A Dreadful Town! - Raoul, Christine and Gustave
Look With Your Heart - Christine and Gustave
Beneath A Moonless Sky - The Phantom and Christine
Once Upon Another Time - The Phantom and Christine
Dear Old Friend - Christine, Raoul, Meg Giry and Madame Giry
Beautiful - The Phantom and Gustave
The Beauty Underneath - The Phantom and Gustave
Act 2.
Why Does She Love Me? - Raoul
Devil Take the Hindmost - The Phantom and Raoul
Bathing Beauty - Meg Giry and Ensemble
Devil Take the Hindmost (reprise) - The Phantom, Raoul, Madame Giry
Love Never Dies - Christine
Ah, Christine - The Phantom
Please Miss Giry, I Want To Go Back! - Gustave, Meg, the Phantom, Christine, Madame Giry
For me, the best songs were Till I hear you sing, Beneath a moonless sky, The beauty underneath and Love Never Dies.
I didn't see the principal Christine, Sierra Boggess (@sierra_boggess on twitter) perform, I saw Celia Graham (who doesn't have twitter) instead, who was amazing! She had a great voice, really soft but strong at the same time. Perfect for Christine.
I can't write this blog without mentioning Gustave who (except for the Phantom) stole the show! He was so cute, and so professional! He got one of the biggest cheers at the end.
Anyway, the plot revolves around the idea that 10 years after Phantom was set, the Phantom is in America, and running a 'freak show' at Coney Island, New York. His life is cold and empty without Christine, so sends an anonymous request for her to perform, offering a huge amount of money. Christine and Raoul accept, being in serious debt due to Raoul's drinking and gambolling addictions. They arrive, and the Phantom visits Christine in her hotel room, much to her surprise. During Beneath A Moonless Sky, we learn that the night before her wedding, Christine had sought out the Phantom to say a final goodbye. One thing led to another and ... they spent the night together. The Phantom woke and left before Christine knew, ashamed of his disfiguerments. Christine married Raoul. Later in Act 1, the Phantom discovers Gustave's exceptional musical talents, and the fact that he is very much similar to himself. He confronts Christine, who breaks down and admits that she kept the secret. Gustave is the Phantom's son. To make up for the pain she caused, Christine swears to sing once more for the Phantom. Madame Giry is furious when the Phantom declares that everything he owns will go to Gustave. She and Meg feel cheated, after all they helped him do. End of Act 1.
Act 2 begins with Raoul drowning his sorrows in the bar, and lamenting on his relationship with Christine, Why Does She Love Me? It is very moving, but a somewhat chilling look into his soul. In Devil Take the Hindmost the Phantom makes a bet with Raoul. If Christine sings for him, Raoul has to leave, alone. If she doesn't, they leave together with all their debts paid off. Raoul questions his right to Gustave. Meg performs her revealing Bathing Beauty, at the end of which she practially strips off and parades around naked, wrapped only in a towel. She is devastated to learn that the Phantom wasn't watching. Christine is in her dressing room, preparing for the performance. Raoul comes in and tries to persuade her not to sing. She is in the process of leaving after him when the Phantom enters. His persuasion is much stronger (and thrilling!) than Raouls, presenting her with a beautiful necklace with huge diamonds, and the promise of everlasting love filled with the joys of music. (I would choose him in a heartbeat!) Christine has a dilemma. The staging for the aria Love Never Dies is done brilliantly, with Christine on the 'stage' and the Phantom and Raoul on either side in the 'wings'. Her mind is still unmade, but looks at the Phantom and goes on to sing. Raoul leaves in the middle of the performance. Afterwards, she receives a goodbye letter from him. Gustave is found to be missing. They find him on the pier with a very disturbed Meg, catching her attempting to drown him. The Phantom grabs Gustave, but then Meg pulls out a gun, which she points at her own head. Christine shields Gustave while the Phantom talks (or rather, sings) Meg out of it. She then points the gun at him instead. He makes the mistake of mentioning Christine. "We can't all be like Christine" Meg, enraged, gestures the gun at Christine, accidentally firing. She and Madame Giry escape, while the Phantom holds the dying Christine. Gustave runs off when Christine tells him that Raoul is not his father. The Phantom and Christine share a heart-breaking melodic goodbye, including a last kiss! The Phantom holds Christine and Gustave comes back in with Raoul. Raoul moves to say goodbye to his dead wife, while Gustave tentatively hugs the Phantom, his real father. Ahhh. Truly emotional.
I recommend this musical to everyone, especially those who enjoy dramatic, moving stories. The Phantom's character appeals to everyone, as the shunned young genius who dares to love a beautiful girl. Although she dies, in the end he has finally won her.
The bet bits were every time Ramin ( The Phantom) was on stage. He has an amazing presence. It's worth every penny! The acrobatics are brilliant, and the costumes amazing. I hope that it goes on for a very long time. If I had to find a flaw, it would the that the character's of Meg and Raoul and very different (and much more vindictive) than in the original. But in the context of the story (and with the new changes) it does kind of make sense.
The cast I saw were as follows:
The Phantom - Ramin Karimloo
Christine Daae - Celia Graham
Raoul, vicomte de Chagney - Joseph Millson
Meg Giry - Jessica Kirton
Madame Giry - Liz Robertson
Fleck - Niamh Perry
Squelch - Adam Pearce
Gangle - Jami Reid-Quarrel
Okay, I know it's been a few weeks, but I decided that my next post would be a review of Andrew Lloyd Webber's (relatively) new musical, Love Never Dies (which I have just seen today) , the sequel to the famous Phantom of the Opera.
I first saw Phantom of the Opera last April on a music trip with my school. I remember not knowing much about it, except that it was the story of a mysterious masked man obsessed with a beautiful young soprano. Since I am a huge fan of romantic stories, I was quite interested. I wasn't however, looking forward to the 'Opera' part of it. Little did I know that Andrew Lloyd Webber had done a fantastic job of combining dramatic Operatic aria's, traditional musical chorus numbers and an enthralling storyline with the slightest hint of rock to it. In short, it was the best thing I had ever seen, and I have been just a little bit (or a lot) obsessed with it ever since.
When I heard about the sequel not too long after, I was sceptical. Phantom is a brilliant original, and everyone knows that musical sequels don't have a history of doing well. I researched the storyline, and was even less impressed. Christine dies? Shocking. A terrible end to the 'greatest love story ever told'. Then I listened to some of the songs. One especially stood out - the Phantom's spine-tingling Till I Hear You Sing.
I confess, the main motivation for my seeing the musical was the man (and his voice) behind that beautiful song, Mr Ramin Karimloo (@raminkarimloo on twitter, of course i'm following him). Not only does he have that elusive power to send shivers all through you when he opens his mouth, but he also happens to be very attractive. Which goes well with a tuxedo and a white mask, let me tell you! Anyway, he did not disappoint. With the new changes Andrew Lloyd Webber made, Till I Hear You Sing is now the opening song. And what an opening it gives! There you are, sitting in your seat, waiting for the thing to start, and this 'Christine' doll appears on stage, shortly followed by the Phantom, who immediately delivers his heart-breaking song. I was literally on the edge on my seat.
The big musical numbers are as follows:
Act 1.
Till I Hear You Sing - The Phantom
Heaven By The Sea - Ensemble
Only For Him/Only For You - Meg Giry
What A Dreadful Town! - Raoul, Christine and Gustave
Look With Your Heart - Christine and Gustave
Beneath A Moonless Sky - The Phantom and Christine
Once Upon Another Time - The Phantom and Christine
Dear Old Friend - Christine, Raoul, Meg Giry and Madame Giry
Beautiful - The Phantom and Gustave
The Beauty Underneath - The Phantom and Gustave
Act 2.
Why Does She Love Me? - Raoul
Devil Take the Hindmost - The Phantom and Raoul
Bathing Beauty - Meg Giry and Ensemble
Devil Take the Hindmost (reprise) - The Phantom, Raoul, Madame Giry
Love Never Dies - Christine
Ah, Christine - The Phantom
Please Miss Giry, I Want To Go Back! - Gustave, Meg, the Phantom, Christine, Madame Giry
For me, the best songs were Till I hear you sing, Beneath a moonless sky, The beauty underneath and Love Never Dies.
I didn't see the principal Christine, Sierra Boggess (@sierra_boggess on twitter) perform, I saw Celia Graham (who doesn't have twitter) instead, who was amazing! She had a great voice, really soft but strong at the same time. Perfect for Christine.
I can't write this blog without mentioning Gustave who (except for the Phantom) stole the show! He was so cute, and so professional! He got one of the biggest cheers at the end.
Anyway, the plot revolves around the idea that 10 years after Phantom was set, the Phantom is in America, and running a 'freak show' at Coney Island, New York. His life is cold and empty without Christine, so sends an anonymous request for her to perform, offering a huge amount of money. Christine and Raoul accept, being in serious debt due to Raoul's drinking and gambolling addictions. They arrive, and the Phantom visits Christine in her hotel room, much to her surprise. During Beneath A Moonless Sky, we learn that the night before her wedding, Christine had sought out the Phantom to say a final goodbye. One thing led to another and ... they spent the night together. The Phantom woke and left before Christine knew, ashamed of his disfiguerments. Christine married Raoul. Later in Act 1, the Phantom discovers Gustave's exceptional musical talents, and the fact that he is very much similar to himself. He confronts Christine, who breaks down and admits that she kept the secret. Gustave is the Phantom's son. To make up for the pain she caused, Christine swears to sing once more for the Phantom. Madame Giry is furious when the Phantom declares that everything he owns will go to Gustave. She and Meg feel cheated, after all they helped him do. End of Act 1.
Act 2 begins with Raoul drowning his sorrows in the bar, and lamenting on his relationship with Christine, Why Does She Love Me? It is very moving, but a somewhat chilling look into his soul. In Devil Take the Hindmost the Phantom makes a bet with Raoul. If Christine sings for him, Raoul has to leave, alone. If she doesn't, they leave together with all their debts paid off. Raoul questions his right to Gustave. Meg performs her revealing Bathing Beauty, at the end of which she practially strips off and parades around naked, wrapped only in a towel. She is devastated to learn that the Phantom wasn't watching. Christine is in her dressing room, preparing for the performance. Raoul comes in and tries to persuade her not to sing. She is in the process of leaving after him when the Phantom enters. His persuasion is much stronger (and thrilling!) than Raouls, presenting her with a beautiful necklace with huge diamonds, and the promise of everlasting love filled with the joys of music. (I would choose him in a heartbeat!) Christine has a dilemma. The staging for the aria Love Never Dies is done brilliantly, with Christine on the 'stage' and the Phantom and Raoul on either side in the 'wings'. Her mind is still unmade, but looks at the Phantom and goes on to sing. Raoul leaves in the middle of the performance. Afterwards, she receives a goodbye letter from him. Gustave is found to be missing. They find him on the pier with a very disturbed Meg, catching her attempting to drown him. The Phantom grabs Gustave, but then Meg pulls out a gun, which she points at her own head. Christine shields Gustave while the Phantom talks (or rather, sings) Meg out of it. She then points the gun at him instead. He makes the mistake of mentioning Christine. "We can't all be like Christine" Meg, enraged, gestures the gun at Christine, accidentally firing. She and Madame Giry escape, while the Phantom holds the dying Christine. Gustave runs off when Christine tells him that Raoul is not his father. The Phantom and Christine share a heart-breaking melodic goodbye, including a last kiss! The Phantom holds Christine and Gustave comes back in with Raoul. Raoul moves to say goodbye to his dead wife, while Gustave tentatively hugs the Phantom, his real father. Ahhh. Truly emotional.
I recommend this musical to everyone, especially those who enjoy dramatic, moving stories. The Phantom's character appeals to everyone, as the shunned young genius who dares to love a beautiful girl. Although she dies, in the end he has finally won her.
The bet bits were every time Ramin ( The Phantom) was on stage. He has an amazing presence. It's worth every penny! The acrobatics are brilliant, and the costumes amazing. I hope that it goes on for a very long time. If I had to find a flaw, it would the that the character's of Meg and Raoul and very different (and much more vindictive) than in the original. But in the context of the story (and with the new changes) it does kind of make sense.
The cast I saw were as follows:
The Phantom - Ramin Karimloo
Christine Daae - Celia Graham
Raoul, vicomte de Chagney - Joseph Millson
Meg Giry - Jessica Kirton
Madame Giry - Liz Robertson
Fleck - Niamh Perry
Squelch - Adam Pearce
Gangle - Jami Reid-Quarrel
Monday 20 December 2010
Birthdays ...
Greetings, fellow bloggers.
I'm very new to the world of blogging, so excuse me for this first post!
Since I very recently (5 days ago) celebrated my 17th birthday, I thought I would reflect upon birthdays, and what they really mean to us. Usually, I get ridiculously excited about my impending birthday, much to the irritation of my friends, but this year I found the entire experience different. Perhaps it was simply due to my being in sixth form now, since I have so much more work (and stress) to deal with, but I wasn't looking forward to it as much as I should. Of course I don't feel any different to how I did when I was 16 (we never do ...) but you know, we always hope for a slightly significant change. But I've realised that now, my last adolescent birthday has come and gone, and next year I am looking to the big 1-8. Wow. Not really sure if i'm ready for that one. I have set myself a very definitive list of goals to achieve before, since in the few weeks to my 17th, I found myself philosophically reflecting upon my year as a 16 year old, and my achievements (or rather, the lack of). I accept that I was rather absorbed with my GCSE's for much of that year, but I still find my conquests somewhat lacking. So this year, here are the goals I hope to achieve:
1. At least 3 A's in my AS Levels
2. To draft the novel I have been planning (it is my dream to become an author)
3. Write more poetry (I have a special book for this, how cool am I? ;)
4. Get a new job (I hate my current one)
5. To pass my Grade 4 Flute Exam
6. To see Phantom of the Opera at least twice more (a frivolous aim, yes, but we have to indulge in pleasures sometimes!)
7. To somehow raise money for a charitable organisation (must remember that many are less fortunate than I)
It's going to be a busy year. Unfortunately, I am the queen of procrastination. The book I mentioned planning has been in that stage of development for a while now, a couple of years i'd say. This list is rather optimistic, but I am confident that I can at least attempt most of them. And now, as I seem to have gone off on a bit of a tangent, back to birthdays...
We (in more economically developed countries) expect so much when that special day comes round. It's hard to realise that, when you are in the midst of tearing wrapping paper off each item you carefully requested on your 'list', people in some parts of the world don't even know when their birthday rolls around. Some probably wouldn't even care, worrying more about getting food to eat, clean water to drink and keeping their families safe. So many don't have a family to celebrate with. For a vast number of people around the world, birthdays are not the happy, carefree occasions we have come to see them as. I was very consciously aware this year, especially with our current state of recession and at christmas time, of the money that my family and friends were spending on me. How nice would it be, if I selflessly asked them all to donate in my name to charities? I didn't. I did tell my mum that I didn't want her to spend much on me, but I could have done a lot more. As humans, it's in our nature to want things, especially when we feel like we deserve them. However, I didn't particularly feel like I had done much to deserve presents. Not that I've been 'bad', or anything, I'm a very nice girl (I think, haha) but I think that next year, I will do the charity thing. I think there is much to be gained as a worldwide community if, at these time of celebration, we give a little more thought to others, and not just ourselves.
Well, that's it for my first blog, lets see about the next one, eh? :)
I'm very new to the world of blogging, so excuse me for this first post!
Since I very recently (5 days ago) celebrated my 17th birthday, I thought I would reflect upon birthdays, and what they really mean to us. Usually, I get ridiculously excited about my impending birthday, much to the irritation of my friends, but this year I found the entire experience different. Perhaps it was simply due to my being in sixth form now, since I have so much more work (and stress) to deal with, but I wasn't looking forward to it as much as I should. Of course I don't feel any different to how I did when I was 16 (we never do ...) but you know, we always hope for a slightly significant change. But I've realised that now, my last adolescent birthday has come and gone, and next year I am looking to the big 1-8. Wow. Not really sure if i'm ready for that one. I have set myself a very definitive list of goals to achieve before, since in the few weeks to my 17th, I found myself philosophically reflecting upon my year as a 16 year old, and my achievements (or rather, the lack of). I accept that I was rather absorbed with my GCSE's for much of that year, but I still find my conquests somewhat lacking. So this year, here are the goals I hope to achieve:
1. At least 3 A's in my AS Levels
2. To draft the novel I have been planning (it is my dream to become an author)
3. Write more poetry (I have a special book for this, how cool am I? ;)
4. Get a new job (I hate my current one)
5. To pass my Grade 4 Flute Exam
6. To see Phantom of the Opera at least twice more (a frivolous aim, yes, but we have to indulge in pleasures sometimes!)
7. To somehow raise money for a charitable organisation (must remember that many are less fortunate than I)
It's going to be a busy year. Unfortunately, I am the queen of procrastination. The book I mentioned planning has been in that stage of development for a while now, a couple of years i'd say. This list is rather optimistic, but I am confident that I can at least attempt most of them. And now, as I seem to have gone off on a bit of a tangent, back to birthdays...
We (in more economically developed countries) expect so much when that special day comes round. It's hard to realise that, when you are in the midst of tearing wrapping paper off each item you carefully requested on your 'list', people in some parts of the world don't even know when their birthday rolls around. Some probably wouldn't even care, worrying more about getting food to eat, clean water to drink and keeping their families safe. So many don't have a family to celebrate with. For a vast number of people around the world, birthdays are not the happy, carefree occasions we have come to see them as. I was very consciously aware this year, especially with our current state of recession and at christmas time, of the money that my family and friends were spending on me. How nice would it be, if I selflessly asked them all to donate in my name to charities? I didn't. I did tell my mum that I didn't want her to spend much on me, but I could have done a lot more. As humans, it's in our nature to want things, especially when we feel like we deserve them. However, I didn't particularly feel like I had done much to deserve presents. Not that I've been 'bad', or anything, I'm a very nice girl (I think, haha) but I think that next year, I will do the charity thing. I think there is much to be gained as a worldwide community if, at these time of celebration, we give a little more thought to others, and not just ourselves.
Well, that's it for my first blog, lets see about the next one, eh? :)
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