Michael Ball Leaves London Chitty to Launch U.K. Tour - playbill.com — Page 2

KEC,

I had forgotten that Discount Music came out with an NTSC version - is that still available or was that a limited edition?

jo

Thanks for info but I found it pretty cheep on Half.Com. It's already ordered. I'm still looking for a version of "Sunset Blvd" that I heard a long time ago. I have one but it's not the same. How many versions did he do? I think it may have been done as a single.

D

Anyway, who cares Michael Ball is leaving. Replacing him is the excellent Gary Wilmot.. go see him.

Ah, Jake, if I lived in London, I would be interested to see Mr. Wilmont's interpretation of the part. I've heard a lot of great things about him. Sadly, though, I don't live in London, so it must wait until I next visit that fair city.

Jake
I too would be interested in seeing Mr. Wilmot. I understand he is a terrific performer. Everyone thinks he will do a bang up job as the next Mr. Potts. What we are saying is that we would like to see MB reprise his role on Broadway. That's it. We also admit that Mr. Ball had some naysayers before he took the role. But apparently to the audiences and the producers he has more than proven himself. He is a wonderful singer and a consumate entertainer, and we would like to see more of him over here. I wish Mr. Wilmot all the best in his new endeavor and I am sure he will be a success

I haven't seen the posters for Gary Wilmont, as the announcement about his arrival came after my last trip to London. But I did see the posters for Michael's departure, and I didn't think they were too bad at all. But then, my opinion might be just slightly biased

Saw a photo of the poster of Michael Ball. I thought it was kind of cute. Kind of goofy very appealing to a child or family. Kind of like Caractacus Potts. Haven't seen the new one. I am sure it has a certain appeal too. There have been posters though that haven't appealed to me though, that otheres loved. Can't please everyone. And they do research what might be appealing.

Cool poster. I like it but it seems odd to say in big letters--"Last Chance to see Michael Ball as Caractacus Potts until July 19" and then have "Now booking until March 2004". It might confuse some people. It should have said something like "Michael Ball until July 19, 2003. So and so will take over the role after that--Now booking thru March 2004". Or maybe it's just me.

D

I think the poster looks like a friendly invite. He looks like Potts should. Oh well. Can't make everyone look happy. I mean it is a comedy.

D,

Michael did record and release a single of Sunset Boulevard, around the time that the show opened in London. Interesting to note that it was he, not Kevin Anderson ( who originated the role of Joe Gillis on stage) who was asked by Andrew Lloyd Webber to release the calling card- song for the show. Btw, when Andrew Lloyd Webber first premiered the concept score in his estate in Sydmonton ( he does this for all his new works), it was Michael whom he asked to sing the songs of Joe Gillis first. Perhaps, he had Michael in mind initially for the role but opted for an American actor for the London premiere if he had Broadway eventually in mind for the show.

jo

Michael has done a grand job in CCBB.There were those he said he wouldn't have the ability or stamina for the role when he was cast but he has certainly proved them all wrong.The Hushabye Reprise that was added recently at last gives him chance to use his voice as I don't think the score has been to much of a strain for either Michael(or after hearing her at Harrogate,Emma Williams).

I noticed the poster for Gary Wilmot in yesterdays Mail on Sunday
I kind of like the one of Michael it is very inkeeping with the character.I'm not a fan of Gary Wilmot's but I'm planning a trip down to see the show again after the 19th.It will be interesting
to see how he approaches the role and what,if anything is left in or taken out.I have to say my real reason for going is to see Wayne Sleep as the childcatcher.


D~ fleeting visit,hi.You must get TTIP if you can,it has grown on many fans since it's release in 2000,me I loved it from the off especially 'Never Coming Back'.Still my favourite album to date,although the more I hear about the new one,the more I like the sound of it to.

I don't remember where I heard it, but rumor has it that Donny Osmond is being considered for the role of Caractacus Potts when Chitty comes to Broadway. I wrote a letter to the producers and told them that if they weren't bringing Michael Ball over with the show, that they shouldn't bother bringing the show at all.

Corey

Now we have a lineup of people mentioned to play Potts. Donny Osmond, Ricky Martin, Kenneth Branagh, and Michael Ball. Who shall we mention next??? I guess the rumors fly when a show is as highly anticipated.