Australia's production of "Titanic"

[LizzieCurry]

Posted: 10/29/06 at 8:00pm

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,20665552-5001562,00.html

[DRSisLove]

Posted: 10/29/06 at 9:07pm

Thanks! I love Titanic.
Any pictures?

[LizzieCurry]

Posted: 10/29/06 at 9:13pm

Sort of.

http://www.titanicthemusical.com.au/home.html

Here's the website of Ana Marina (Caroline Neville): http://anamarina.com

[Albin]

Posted: 10/30/06 at 12:26am

The show pics at the Australian site are from the original Broadway production.

[CATSNYrevival]

Posted: 10/30/06 at 2:07am

hmm... it would be wonderful if this production were able to put forth a more complete recording of the score...

[alterego]

Posted: 10/30/06 at 5:43am

I wouldn't be at all surprised if a cast recording emerged from this production. The producer/director John Deidrich some years ago was respondsible for the Australian production of NINE ( also by Yeston), they recorded a double album recognized as superior to the original Broadway cast album. So, yes I wouldn't be at all surprised if an Australian Cast CD is on the cards.

[Urban]

Posted: 10/30/06 at 6:06am

I am suprised I didn't know about this. Then again I am not in Sydney. Then again I am so not up to date with stuff here in Melbourne either.

I'd love to see a Sydney Cast Recording. I definately agree some Sydney casts over the years have produced real superior cast recording. Heck a live copy I have of the Sydney Theatre Company doing "Into the Woods" about 12 years ago is brilliant.

I have both the Broadway and German cast recordings of this show and I love them both. I know it isn't the best show, but it really does hold a special place in me.

[rosscoe(au)]

Posted: 10/30/06 at 6:19am

It has opened to some great reviews...

http://www.smh.com.au/news/arts-reviews/titanic/2006/10/18/1160850983130.html


The operatic sweep, appealing melodies and strident voices in this berthing of Titanic - A New Musical make it a robust, sentimental and often thrilling affair.

Peter Stone's deft, wry-humoured story and Maury Yeston's lively score, offering folk ballads, hymns, rag, counter-melodies and exultant tunes, recall the crusading spirit of Les Miserables. It also has connections with the musical Ragtime, which similarly turned to the early 20th century - a time of technological change, inequality, migration and enterprise - to fuel its new-world discoveries and dreams of a new life in America.

Titanic opens with the grand ship's designer, Thomas Andrews (Hayden Tee), boasting of his monumental achievement and ends with his collapse into delusion amid the ship's descent, in which hundreds of lives were lost in 1912.

Director John Diedrich's fluent, clear and passionate production has high musical values and an exemplary cast.

Dale Ferguson's streamlined, elegant set design and Phil Lethlean's lighting are resourceful and effective, while Darren Noyce's costumes are magnificent. The officers, crew and passengers swiftly form a "floating city" divided into class and united by adventure.

Essentially an ensemble piece, the musical gives several performers a chance to shine, albeit too briefly for some. Tee is afforded big opening and closing numbers, his secure, bright ringing voice making him a natural for the musical stage. As the stoker Barrett, Alexander Lewis delivers one of the production's most brilliantly sung and sterling portrayals, while Katrina Retallick as the dauntless Alice Beane and Belinda Wollaston, one of three wishful Kates in third class, contribute fun-loving, feisty turns.

Nick Tate doesn't have the strongest singing voice on deck as the nostalgic captain but he firmly conveys a sense of proud yet doomed authority. Brendan Higgins is excellent as the ship's sneering, impatient owner, as is David Goddard as the steward Etches and Cameron Mannix as the bandsman Hartley.

One of the sweetest, most sparkling scenes is when Barrett proposes to his distant love via the shy radioman Harold Bride, a part relished by Matthew Willis. They beautifully interpret the yearning and fulfilment of The Proposal and The Night Was Alive.

Diedrich and co-director and choreographer Jo-Anne Robinson evoke intimacy through deceptively modest means. The lack of gimmickry and excessive melodrama anchors the familiar quest story. Musical director Vanessa Scammell ensures the tempo of the Broadway-style score is brisk and the tone bright. After a jaunty beginning, the second half is surprisingly restrained as dramatic silences creep into the musical ebb and flow. Joan Carden and Robert Gard sing up a sweet storm as the rich Ida and Isidor Strauss, who find salvation in love, not worldly possessions.

Titanic's epilogue is simple and moving but it is the show's overall vocal riches that make it memorable and deserving of success

[rabymon10]

Posted: 10/30/06 at 7:37am

one production pic here:

http://www.aussietheatre.net/revtitanic.htm

and a few photos from the opening night party, including cast members:

http://www.aussietheatre.net/titanicphoto.htm

JAI

[Urban]

Posted: 10/31/06 at 2:28am

So it is going to be in Sydney when I am in Brisbane.

AND it is going to by in Brisbane when I am in Sydney.

That figures. Bugger.

Any talk of Melbourne? Even catching something on Magna's airline doesn't really appeal just for the sake of a single show.

[rosscoe(au)]

Posted: 10/31/06 at 6:09am

Melbourne season will be Feb/March next year, most likely at the Comedy.

[alterego]

Posted: 10/31/06 at 7:00am

Wasn't that when Sideshow Alley was to have played the Comedy?

[rosscoe(au)]

Posted: 10/31/06 at 7:07am

I have heard "Sideshow Alley" will not be ready till late next year ( Sept/Oct), which leaves the Comedy free for Titanic.

Miss Saigon at Her Maj, Phantom at the Princess and if the story is true..."Wicked" ( with funding and help from the Victorian State Goverment and Major Events Victoria ) in at the Regent Dec 2007..

[rosscoe(au)]

Posted: 10/31/06 at 6:18pm

I heard this morning that "Wicked" will be Jan 2008 at the Regent, opening around at same time as "Billy E"

[Urban]

Posted: 11/2/06 at 7:53am

OOooooooOOOOOOOOoooohh.

I hope 'Miss Saigon' isn't as stillborn as last time.