Back from LONDON ! My reviews ! (long)

[Greekmusicalfan]

Posted: 5/11/05 at 7:54pm

Hi all ! I really did miss the board, but I had a great time in beautiful London, seeing as many shows as I could ! I do have to say that, after having been to New York, London doesn't impress me as much as it used to, but still it is a great city with many shows for every taste ! So, here are my reviews on what I saw, in the order that I saw them, for all my friends on the board !

MARY POPPINS
I went with a little apprehension, since I was not very crazy about the film on the first place BUT... this is a GREAT show !!! It really won me over with the spectacle and the emotion of it ! The cast was great, although I can't understand all the raves about Laura Michelle Kelly ! She was very good, but not the phenomenal performer I had read everywhere ! But it was a wonderful evening, a great production and it got a very well deserved standing ovation from the ecstatic fully packed audience ! Easily one of the two most favourite shows of my trip !

LES MISERABLES
I went to tkts, to see if I could get a good seat and I got a fourth row center seat !! I wanted to see Les Mis for a third time, firstly because it is one of my favorites and secondly, because if the rumors about it closing next year after the 20th year celebration are true, it will be a long time before I may get a chance to see it again ! I was so overwhelmed once again ! I know many may disagree, but for me Les Mis is one of the best pieces of musical theatre ever written and it was so wonderful to see it again live ! Its move to a smaller venue, made the show more intimate and it works even better. The cast was in top form and the magic of Les Mis touched me once again, as it did the whole audience, judging from the thunderous standing ovation in the end !

THE WOMAN IN WHITE
Ok, how can I say this...well, I didn't hate it and I didn't love it ! The use of projections is nice at the beginning, but it gets tiring after a while and the lack of actual sets except the absolutely necessary makes it look a bit poor. The music was fine, the cast was good, the story is interesting, but something was missing. Maybe it is much better going in without having heard the cast recording, so you are surprised by the twists and the "secrets" of the story. It was full, but it didn't get a standing ovation and I don't think it is a show that will go very well with American audiences ! And Maria Friedman is another good performer, that I don't really understand all the raves about !

WE WILL ROCK YOU
First of all, I have to say that this was one of the greatest audiences I have ever experienced ! The energy of the crowd was unbelievable, maybe because it was mostly teenagers ! But for a show with a silly story, nice visuals and great loud rock music, the audience can make or break the show ! I had a great night out ! I love Queen's music, the show was spectacular, the exchange of energy between the wonderful cast and the audience was phenomenal, what else do I need ! Pure fun and nothing else ! You really don't need me to say about the standing ovation, right ? It was more of a jumping ovation actually :)

CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG
Ok, most of you know the show now. Spectacular, magical, fun, fun, fun ! A great night out, end of story. Shame that the theater had lots of empty seats and that is bad, considering that it was a Friday evening ! But it was great entertainment that send me in the street with a big smile ! Yes, standing ovation on this one, too. Who said British audiences are reserved, uh ?

BILLY ELLIOT
Ok, remember that i said Mary Poppins was the one of my two most favorites ? This is the other one ! It was FANTASTIC !!! A show that doesn't rely on spectacle but on story and emotion. I was so moved by it ! The boy playing Billy (George McGuire) was phenomenal, as was the whole cast ! I don't think that you can judge it only from the cast recording when it comes out, because the music is not that special. It is a show that has to be seen in order to be fully appreciated. Although I didn't get some jokes, because they were talking with a thick northern British accent, which is where the story is set, I LOVED Billy Elliot ! It got a 70% standing ovation. It really is a magical show, I felt tears in my eyes twice and it's been quite long since that happened to me !

That was it. Nice to be back here ! Feel free to ask anything you want !

Take care

[Chloe]

Posted: 5/11/05 at 9:47pm

Thanks for your reviews! There's a chance I may be in London soon, and will try to make it to Billy.

[Glebb]

Posted: 5/11/05 at 9:57pm

Thanks for your review GMF!
I'm chomping at the bit to see Mary Poppins.
I love the American production of Chitty and could actually see Esparza, Dilly and the two children in Mary Poppins here. They are such gifted performers.
Lucky you to have been able to see those shows!

Updated On: 5/11/05 at 09:57 PM

[Greekmusicalfan]

Posted: 5/12/05 at 6:00am

I am sure Mary Poppins will be a smash hit when it transfers to Broadway ! Billy's story on the other hand is too British, but I believe such a good show will also find an audience if it transfers ! On the other hand, I am afraid that The Woman in White is not gonna make a big impact on the Great White Way !

[Practically Perfect]

Posted: 5/12/05 at 6:05am

I agree, I don't think that The Woman in White will be a huge success on it's broadway transfer. I enjoyed it, but it suffered from opening around the same time as Mary Poppins (an amazing show), and the London production of The Producers (I didn't understand all the fuss, but Nathan Lane was excellent. It was very good, but nothing compared to Mary Poppins.) I look forward to seeing Billy Elliot in a few weeks time. It got amazing reviews this morning from most newspapers.

Mary P x

[Greekmusicalfan]

Posted: 5/12/05 at 6:11am

Really? Did Billy get good reviews ? That is so great to hear, thank you, you made my day :) You will love Billy, it is such a wonderful, emotional experience !

[jo]

Posted: 5/12/05 at 6:24am

Sorry to disagree, but I'm afraid I have a different appreciation of the two shows THE WOMAN IN WHITE and MARY POPPINS.

I was disappointed in MARY POPPINS because it was all about spectacle ( no doubt, it will be a crowd pleaser but more of the CHITTY variety). I think the hype made it out to be the greatest new show at the West End but it's basically the same songs and more spectacles compared to the movie. Also, I thought Julie Andrews was lightyears away from Laura Michelle Kelly in terms of charm and beauty of voice!

On the other hand, I found THE WOMAN IN WHITE absorbing, dramatic, and blessed with a beautiful musical score. The characters were interesting and were well- performed ( I guess you saw the Fosco role interpreted by Anthony Andrews while I was lucky to see Michael Ball ) and the songs beautifully sung. I thought it was truer to the tradition of musical theatre with a seamless integration of book, music and lyrics.

I guess both will be welcome transfers to Broadway in the future.



Updated On: 5/12/05 at 06:24 AM

[Greekmusicalfan]

Posted: 5/12/05 at 7:08am

Jo, you don't have to be sorry, it is perfectly fine to disagree ! Poppins is for sure spectacular, but what I liked more, was, that it was also emotional. It made me really care about the characters, especially the father and this was a pleasant surprise for me. Woman in White sure has a beautiful score and it was very well sung, though I have to say that the woman in white's screaming got on my nerves a few times. I just wasn't very impressed. And 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. Also knowing the story from the cast recording took away a lot ! :) I am glad you enjoyed it, run to see Billy ! :)

[Practically Perfect]

Posted: 5/12/05 at 7:12am

I agree GreekMusicalFan. The journey on which the family goes is very touching, and there's something that everyone can connect with. The Woman in White has got a great score, but I didn't really connect with the characters, and I certainly didn't think very much of the performances, particularly Maria Friedman. Michael Crawford and Michael Ball were, however, both excellent.

Mary P x
Updated On: 5/12/05 at 07:12 AM

[jo]

Posted: 5/12/05 at 7:14am

I'm afraid I can't run along to Billy Eliot -- as I am off tomorrow to NYC for a few weeks of theatre-going, visiting family, friends, and old haunts, and going to the TONYs for the first time

Well, nothing compares to Les Miserables for me - I have seen it 9 times over the years and from way back. I even chased it to Paris when the Mackintosh version was staged in French.

What have you heard about the 20th snniversary celebrations?



Updated On: 5/12/05 at 07:14 AM

[Greekmusicalfan]

Posted: 5/12/05 at 9:25am

Have a GREAT time in New York and especially at the Tonys !!! I am sure Billy will be there when you get back, looks like it will have a long run ! Couldn't agree more about Les Mis, simply breathtaking ! I haven't heard anything about the 20th year celebrations, I think it is around January if I am not mistaken , so it's quite early yet! The rumor that I heard and i certainly hope it is not true, is that it may close a little after that

[poodleboy]

Posted: 5/12/05 at 9:50am

Thanks for the reviews, sounds like you had a great trip. I will be in London next week. I am seeing "Mary Poppins", "Billy Eliot", "On the Town", and "Guys and Dolls". I was on the fence about Billy, so I am glad to hear you really enyoyed it.
Thanks again.
Updated On: 5/12/05 at 09:50 AM

[Michael Bennett]

Posted: 5/12/05 at 9:52am

Second me as one that felt THE WOMAN IN WHITE was far superior to MARY POPPINS, a Disney spectacle that while better then BEAUTY AND THE BEASTS complete mediocrity never approached anything near the inspired artistry or creativity of THE LION KING.

THE WOMAN IN WHITE is a sophisticated, exciting, original musical. If it had opened this year it would have swept the Tonys. I don't think it will be a success on the level of PHANTOM or CATS, but I expect it will have a quite healthy advance sale on Broadway.




Updated On: 5/12/05 at 09:52 AM

[CDuffy5062]

Posted: 5/12/05 at 11:14am

Third vote for Woman In White. Thoroughly enjoyed it in London, projection set and all.

Any news on when the U.S. cast is going to be finalized?

I'm still hoping that an American audience will be treated to Michael Ball's Count Fosco; particularly as Mr. Crawford is apparently no longer a possibility.

[RYANWOODS]

Posted: 5/12/05 at 11:36am

you should have seen Acorn Antiques - the crowd for it are wild and its fantastic

[Lori]

Posted: 5/12/05 at 11:45am

And a fourth. I really enjoyed Mary Poppins. Gavin Lee is great as Bert and Laura Michelle Kelly has a lovely voice and stage presence. But it is mostly about the spectacle. Woman In White however, drew me in on a different level. There are some beautiful songs in the score ("All For Laura", "Unspoken" and "Evermore Without You"), Michael Ball's Count Fosco was a tour de force performance, and I loved the projection set.

Even with MB gone I'd recommend seeing it for the performances by Maria and Jill Paice (also Oliver Darley as Glyde). And I've got a soft spot for Martin Crewes...lovely voice and a really nice guy.

Really hope to see at least Maria, Michael and Jill in the Broadway production!

[ruthiefan_felix]

Posted: 5/12/05 at 12:10pm

I am glad to hear you enjoyed your trip Greekmusicalfan!!!! I have seen MP & WIW and not the others. Might be seeing LM soon after the new cast arrives and defo Billy!!!! You should have gone to London like a month later, then you would have catched Guys & Dolls too!!!!
I know why you say LMK is overrated in a sense, I think its because the role ... you can't do much with it. And I personally agree with you about the raves about Maria Friedman.... nvr understand why she gets SO much raves !!!!

[DAME]

Posted: 5/12/05 at 12:14pm

Well i thought "Woman In White" was a absolute bore. A waist of my time and money. Sorry. Just my opinion. I loved Mary Poppins. Loved it. And my suggestion to anyone that wants to see it on broadway is to buy tickets the day they go on sale.

[Greekmusicalfan]

Posted: 5/12/05 at 2:17pm

Well, for me I wouldn't call it a waste of time and money. As I said, I didn't hate it and I didn't love it and I guess that puts me in the minority, since most opinions are either very positive or very negative !
I am sooo glad though that Billy won raves from the critics !!!!! Very well deserved !

[pattifan2]

Posted: 5/12/05 at 2:44pm

GMF - Glad you had a great stay. I, too, really enjoyed 'Mary Poppins'. Having said that, i didn't think it had the WOW, it being a Cameron/Disney production. I thought Laura Michelle Kelly and Gavin Lee had great chemistry. My favourite moments had to be those 'quieter' ones...."'Til the chain breaks' and the kite outstide the study door. And I did like David Hague and Linzi Hateley as the Banks parents. Glad you enjoyed.

[Michael Bennett]

Posted: 5/12/05 at 3:06pm

"A waist" of time and money DAME would have been the ordeal they cast went through over Crawford's dislike of wearing a figure inflating fat-suit.

[kec]

Posted: 5/12/05 at 4:58pm

Add me to the list of those who enjoyed both Woman in White and Mary Poppins. The latter drew me because of my deep affection for the film. I felt somewhat nostalgic at times watching the action on the stage, and loved the way the familiar songs were used so differently.

Like Lori, Woman in White drew me in on a different level. Mary Poppins was, in essence, a link to my childhood. Woman in White was a link to my more recent past -- my fondness for period romantic mysteries. I had not read the book on which the musical is loosely based, so the story was new to me and it drew me in. The performances all round were excellent. I saw two different Walters -- Martin Crewes the first time, then Eion Cannon the next two times. Both had wonderful voices. I missed Maria the first time but saw her the next time I saw the show, and thought she was fantastic. She and Michael Ball have great chemistry, very clearly felt in the audience. I second Carol's wish that American audiences get the chance to see Michael Ball's Count Fosco -- he really was outstanding.

Glad you had a good time Greek! Did you do anything non-theatre related during your visit?

[melissa errico fan]

Posted: 5/12/05 at 5:03pm

I saw THE WOMAN IN WHITE and MARY POPPINS when I was in London in December.

THE WOMAN IN WHITE is amazing on every level. I am no fan of Andrew Lloyd Webber, but this one really blew me away. Maria Friedman brought her gorgeous voice to the role of Marian and-as usual with her-owned the stage and captivated the audience. Michael Crawford was still in the show when I saw it, and he was great. Hilarious, larger-than-life performance. Can't wait for it to hit the States so I can see it again.

MARY POPPINS is cute, and Laura Michelle Kelly is wonderful, but it's a fluff show. Not my favorite.

That said, very good reviews, GMF.

[RentBoy86]

Posted: 5/12/05 at 5:34pm

when's the billy elliot ocr come out?

[Greekmusicalfan]

Posted: 5/12/05 at 8:08pm

kec, I did some things not theater related, but i could never discuss them on a public board LOL ! But seriously, I did some sightseeing, but not much, since I've been many times in London, some shopping and a lot of relaxing. And of course i was once again impressed by how beautiful English guys are !
RentBoy, from what they told me at Dress Circle, the Cast recording is expected to be recorded around June/July !