NICHOLAS NICKLEBY

[Unknown User]

Posted: 8/23/03 at 11:50pm

One of the greatest theatrical experiences for me was the RSC's production of LIFE AND TIMES OF NICHOLAS NICKLEBY. 8 hours of sheer joy, engrossing, thrilling, magical, stirring, everything theatre should be--characters and language, heartbreak and song.

Any of you have comments on NICHOLAS? I'd enjoy discussing.

If you didn't see it in the theatre, have you seen in on video?

Yours for a Dickens of a Broadway!

[kec]

Posted: 8/23/03 at 11:54pm

I was working at Equity at the time that came out, but unfortunately I never got to see it. Is the 8 hour version still available on video? I see there is a new film version.

[Unknown User]

Posted: 8/24/03 at 12:07am

The recent film is great for the sets and costumes and it is visually beautiful. It is no where near the story with major sub-plots and colorful characters totally excised.

Tower Video on B'way at 66th Street has the RSC production for rent, both VHS and DVD. If you can see the DVD. The VHS which I've owned for years has some slight edits that are restored on DVD. In our house we watch NICHOLAS annually during the Christmas season. It is a treat all the way around with characters you'll grow to love. Trevor Nunn did a spectacular job directing this piece. (He can't direct musicals though bad as he wants too, MY FAIR LADY in London was atrocious.) NICHOLAS is the highlight of his work for me. The performances by the RSC actors will astound with their precision and sheer magic. One grows to love them all.



BB

[kec]

Posted: 8/24/03 at 12:16am

Thanks again... I'm in NJ right now, soon moving off across the pond, so renting it from Tower won't be an option. I think I have the original production on tape from several years ago when it was on PBS -- I'll have to check my collection when I get settled in the new place.

[MusicMan]

Posted: 8/24/03 at 12:31am

The scene of the muffins boys' rebellion I will rememeber always. One of my greatest experiences in the theater. (I saw all 8 hours in one day and had dinner in between parts at the now defunct Cafe Ziegfeld, which is currently the restaurant Sofia's.)

[Unknown User]

Posted: 8/24/03 at 9:10am

The Muffin Boys Rebellion scene is indeed wonderful. There are so many however that thinking of one reminds me of another then another and yet then another...

For sheer magic of theatre the scene of Nicholas boarding the coach at the Saracen's Head about to head to Yorkshire--no special effects but it was as real as if a carriage clopped on stage.

I also saw it in one day, but I could ony afford to take my dinner break at McDonald's. Those $100 tickets were a major investment for me. I never once regretted it, and there were no names ("stars") in the cast. An ensemble of the finest English actors exhibiting their talent in unison with a generousity of spirit to the audience and their fellow actors.

In 2001 I had the good fortune to see a production of NICHOLAS in London done by the NYT (National Youth Theatre). Again I did both parts in one day. Even, slightly shortened, it was wonderful. Performed in the Victorian interior of the Lyric Hammersmith. The entire cast were young people and they were loving every moment of it.

NICHOLAS is one show that should defintely be revived.

[Gothampc]

Posted: 8/24/03 at 12:53pm

I've seen the video production of it. This is a wonderful example of what an ensemble can do.