Film and Theatre Lover!
That’s right today (31st July 2021) was my first West End shows since 2019 and I certainly managed to pick a truly incredible double whammy!
Come From Away a new musical that was just so lovely, heartbreaking and heartwarming all at one.
Anything Goes a Coke Porter musical and therefore a classic was on another level, what an amazing production.
Full reviews to follow just felt I needed to share this!
I have always loved and adored musicals but I am fully aware that the genre seems to be the most difficult to please people who aren’t the biggest fans of them. After rewatching Chicago and the up and coming release of In the Heights it has me thinking about musicals going from stage to screen. Then if you have actually seen them on stage before the film adaptation or if you see the film first and then the stage musical. For obvious reasons a lot of changes have to be made when taking a show from the stage and putting it on screen, this is the main reason I feel Wicked has been left in production for around 12 years now. It’s one of my favourite stage musicals that I have currently seen nine times, but I really cannot picture how it will transfer to film without losing its magic and quite frankly being rather ridiculous on screen?
In the Heights is a show that I have been very lucky to see on stage twice, the first time on Broadway the night before it won the Tony Award for Best New Musical in 2008 and then in the West End in 2016. Both times I appreciated the unique nature of the music and quite frankly I think it is better than Hamilton. Both obviously coming from the genius mind of Lin-Manuel Miranda, seeing him perform on Broadway was certainly very special. I have been looking forward to seeing the film adaption of In the Heights since it was announced and that is now only a few weeks away. The reviews that have been released so far have been extremely positive and this increases my excitement to see the film. As we always seem to go through phases with musicals and one often leads to more being released.
I am really hoping that people who are not the biggest fans of musicals will give In the Heights a watch though as it really is not like any other musical you have seen before, we have come a very long way from the traditional musical numbers and acting. The rap/hiphop style is something so unique and different that it is a true joy to witness, I feel I have now moved more into begging people to see it, even though I haven’t myself yet either. I just hope audiences will be open minded and see something that dares to be different.
Continue reading “Musicals: From Stage to Screen”If you are in need of something to make you feel very happy but also possibly cry then here we have a a truly amazing collaboration featuring an incredible 23 West End actresses who have been in Wicked as Elphaba or Glinda.
In support of the MAD Trust which works with the theatre community to fight against AIDS and HIV.
Should you choose to donate, the theatre community would be truly grateful: Text “SUPPORT” to 70111 to donate £5 (UK ONLY) or Donate any amount at https://bit.ly/3bwP1qM or http://www.madtrust.org.uk
Continue reading “Musical Moments – For Good (West End Wicked Witches)”
Another amazing bit of news about Imelda Staunton and both Came around the same time. She is returning to the West End to play Dolly in Hello, Dolly! I am sure she will be as outstanding as ever and make me want to head down to London for a lovely trip. I have seen her in the last three productions she has starred in Gypsy (twice), Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf and Follies. I have also been lucky enough to see Hello, Dolly on Broadway with Bette Midler so I hope they use that version of the show as it was visually stunning!
Jenna Russell has also been announced in the cast with the rest to be named later.
A 30 week run starting on 11th August 2020.
Big theatre breaking news this morning that Timothée Chalamet will make his West End debut alongside Eileen Atkins at the Old Vic next year, in a production of Amy Herzog’s Pulitzer Prize-nominated play 4000 Miles.
Dates: April 6th – May 23rd 2020
Continue reading “Theatre: Timothée Chalamet and Eileen Atkins to star in 4000 Miles at the Old Vic”
My email has been filled with so many about Whoopi Goldberg starring in Sister Act the musical for only 39 days in July and August 2020.
29th July-30th August 2020
Eventim Apollo Theatre
Continue reading “Theatre: Whoopi’s Back . . . In Sister Act!”
I personally love this announcement about Back of the Future musical which is going to be having a world premiere in Manchester in February 2020 before then transferring across to the West End.
Cast
Bill Pullman – Joe Keller
Sally Field – Kate Keller
Colin Morgan – Chris Keller
Jenna Coleman – Ann Deever
Oliver Johnstone – George Deever
Performance Date: Tuesday 14th May 2019
Theatre: The Old Vic
Continue reading “National Theatre Live: All My Sons (2019) Review”
Cast
Kelsey Grammer – Miguel de Cervantes/Don Quixote
Danielle de Niese – Aldonza/Dulcinea
Nicholas Lyndhurst – Innkeeper/Governor
Peter Polycarpou – Sancho Panza
Venue: London Coliseum
Date: Saturday 27th April 2019 (7:30pm)
On Saturday I was lucky enough to see Kelsey Grammer in Man of La Mancha and head to the stage door to meet him afterwards. But it almost didn’t happen at all when the matinee was cancelled, luckily though I was in London for the Marathon on the Sunday so I could then attend the Saturday night when I had the chance (review to follow) so this happened and Kelsey was absolutely lovely!
Let's Go To The Movies 