London questions: Sondheim & Showboat

[ChrisLovesShows]

Posted: 2/27/06 at 8:02am

I had no idea there was a production of Sunday In The Park With George showing in London. Has anyone seen it? Please post if you have.

Also, has anyone heard recent news about the planned Showboat production planned for London this year?

Updated On: 2/27/06 at 08:02 AM

[kec]

Posted: 2/27/06 at 9:19am

Can't help you with the Sondheim, but Showboat is going to be presented in a limited run at the Royal Albert Hall for just over two weeks in June -- June 10-25. It is being presented in the round. John Owen Jones (currently in the London production of Les Miseraables as Valjean) and Rebecca Thornhill are heading the cast. I did read somewhere that Maureen Lipman is to be in it as well, but I haven't found an official source for that information. Information on tickets can be found at the link below.

I'm very much looking forward to seeing JOJ as Ravenal!

Royal Albert Hall-Showboat Updated On: 2/27/06 at 09:19 AM

[popcultureboy]

Posted: 2/27/06 at 9:54am

I saw Sunday In The Park With George. It's currently off West End at the Menier Chocolate Factory, an absolutely gorgeous space. I saw it in December, courtesy of a dear friend, and I enjoyed it very much. It's a wonderfully intimate production and it's been beautifully cast.

[Effie]

Posted: 2/27/06 at 4:49pm

Ditto what Popcultureboy said. I was lucky enough to see it last December as well. The big difference between this production and the original in terms of the staging is that they use projections instead of cardboard cutouts.

The buzz in London is that the two acts feel more unified. I think this stems from the fact that Daniel Evans didn't get all gimmicky and attempt to play the Georges as two distinctly different men from two distinctly different eras. You felt like you were watching one artist from start to finish. Also, he played George as more sensitive than tortured. It made for a more emotionally involving evening.

[ChrisLovesShows]

Posted: 2/27/06 at 5:29pm

Thanks, everyone! Is SITPWG also a limited run?

[bob8rich]

Posted: 2/27/06 at 7:39pm

Thanks, everyone! Is SITPWG also a limited run?

Yes - and no. The original Menier Chocolate Factory production is a limited run, which ends in a couple weeks - and is totally sold out! But it will transfer to the West End in May, playing at the Wyndham Theatre, with most of the Menier cast, including the fantastic Daniel Evans, but with Jenna Russell (recently Sarah opposite Jane Krakowski's Adelaide in Guys and Dolls) replacing Anna Jane Casey as Dot/Marie.

I loced the Menier production and have just booked a ticket for the West End production!