Back from LONDON ! My reviews ! (long) — Page 2

I didn't see Mary Poppins, but I add a positive vote for Woman in White. ---Agree that it "is a sophisticated, exciting, original musical" and I think that the following comment says a lot about the show: "seeing it on the same day with Les Mis, wasn't a very good idea, because I was already a little tired when I went in and it is a show that requires full attention."

I did connect with the characters and liked the music a lot.

Michael Crawford and his understudy were both very good, and I have read that Michael Ball was also excellent.

Who can they get for the Fosco role in the US production? "Fosco" seems to need a "name" who can both sing and act, but for all the attention it has gotten, the role is not actually a lead.

It is fascinating how different people react so differently to theatrical experiences. Whereas "Jo" found "The Woman In White" "absorbing and dramatic" and thought it had a "great" score - I found the book laboured and terribly boring in places and the score (although it has 4 great songs) was painfully repetitive (but, in my opinion, the same is the case with PHANTOM). The two things that DID impress me with TWIW were the innovative scenic design (which was almost the star of the show) and Maria Friedman - who was nothing short of stunning. (Her rendition of "All For Laura" was the absolute highlight of the show.)

These comments, of course, are just my opinion - and when it gets to Broadway I am sure there will be many differing opinions of the show - which is how it should be!

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