Michael Ball to be in Kismet in London...

next summer -- playing Hajj/The Poet.

Michael Ball to Star in English Opera's Kismet Summer 07

Updated On: 8/3/06 at 10:11 AM

I'd see anything with Michael Ball in it. Ha! I hope I can squeeze this in my Europe plans for next summer!

~Roz

"So wrong for the part. "

I'm curious -- why do you think he's wrong for the part?

Hes' the wrong vocal type(the role is a bass-baritone) and still reads as a boy-man as opposed to a grounded man.

After listening to Alfred Drake, the original Hajj, I can see what you are talking about. I guess Michael Ball would be a high end baritone. But also upon listening, I find that I think the interpretation Mr Drake brought to the music, is something that could easily be matched by Mr. Ball. Plus Mr Ball's voice does seem to have ample range.

*SWOON*
Love me some Michael Ball.

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YAY!!!! I just saw this, I am so excited. I am actually going to London next summer!!!

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I, for one, am very much looking forward to seeing him in this show. I have only a vague knowledge of the story -- I think I've seen at least parts of the film -- and am familiar with some of the songs. I've ordered the most recent concert recording (with Samuel Ramey as Hajj) to familarize myself with the music even more.

It's great to see Michael expanding his horizons this way -- first with NYCOpera and now the English National Opera. I hope it continues.