RIEDEL: Elton pleasantly surprised by Lestat — Page 3

IMO, Elton did too risky of material. Ann Rice? That's going to be a challenge as it is. Elton just got cocky I think because Aida did so well. But, let's face it, Aida isn't that great. It's just that people enjoy a good love story, especially a tragic one.

I have nothing against more poppish musicals for the most part, but Lestat is just... bland is a good way to put it. The only thing it has going for it is its cast.

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Is it me, or was (was? I imagine it may change) the underscoring much more interesting than the music backing the songs?


ETA: I wonder if TOO KILL YOUR KIND will stay in....Although, it comes back later with the whole "Oh, yeah, I DID meet Marius. And he said you're a crime. CRIME! BAMBAMBAM!

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Updated On: 2/3/06 at 04:40 PM

Just a wanted to share a little something that I heard the other night.
On Tuesday, I was at Elton's show in Las Vegas. At every show he introduces his band a gives a little story about each member. Well for Guy Babylon (also the musical director for LeStat), he said "who won a grammy for his work on Aida and will soon be doing the same with LeStat". I wanted to shout "yeah right!!!!".
Anyway, I found it entertaining!

Agreed. It's so easy to be negative and a critic these days, to be an optimist and constructive is what takes work.

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My response was in general, not directed to you specifically, pitrepower.

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Can Elton not afford a suite in New York to be closer to this show till it runs? He already mentioned he will be in Atlanta and pop in and out. He doesn't sound bery dedicated, Still.
I also got a giggle that he had Riedel's number and that they call each other, LOL! Was Riedel at Elton's wedding?

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Does Elton ever give anyone besides me gas?

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Elton stays away from the day-to-day work on his shows for good reason. As he's said in the past, he is not a theater person and would rather not get in the way of those who are. He is also extraordinarily impatient AND something of a control freak, so much so that very early on in his recording career, he took himself out of those aspects of the process that others could do better. For instance, members of his band provided the back-up vocals in those days, and they joke that the first time Elton sat in on one of their recording sessions was such a disaster that he never did it again.

Everyone has been comparing Lestat with Aida, but the score for the smash hit Billy Elliot was created in the same way as Elton's other shows, as far as I know. He may have had slightly more involvement since he was in England a lot of the time it was being worked on, but it looks like he intends to make up for any lack of attention to Lestat now.

Updated On: 2/4/06 at 10:11 PM

I didn't like "Aida" either. I can't think of one song from that score that I can remember. As for Elton, check out this "Letter to the Editor" regarding his visit to "Lestat" in SF.

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http://www.ebar.com/openforum/opforum.php?sec=letters




"...And then we saw him. Sir Elton John himself right there on the sidewalk outside of the theater.

He had viewed the performance and was just leaving the theater, his limo parked on the curb and waiting. Surrounded by at least 10 people begging for autographs, John looked like he just wanted to hurry and get a good night's sleep after a long evening. As I stood and watched, awestruck, someone handed me a sheet of paper so I could go get an autograph myself. I just said, "No, thanks, I don't want it." Instead, I felt this strange sensation come over me and I knew that I had to do something, but I didn't know what. Elton John had tired of the crowd by now and was edging his way toward the limo. I clenched my jaw. Things were moving so quickly, I feared that the moment would pass unfulfilled. When John finally turned his back on the crowd and the chauffer opened the door to the limo, my heart sank. Still, I edged closer and closer toward him and someone who I thought was his guard asked me what I was doing (I later found out that it was actually his husband). I said to the man, "I need to tell him something." To my amazement, the man stood back and then there I was, face to face with Elton John. The moment was so surreal I was dizzy. I have never been a hardcore fan of John, per say, though I appreciate his art. I am not one to be star-struck. I saw him as a real person, just like everyone else. The moment was spiritual, something was moving me beyond my control. Without knowing what was going to come out of my mouth, I looked him straight in the eyes and said, "Thank you for standing up for marriage." At that moment, he melted right there in front of me. With the most bright and sincere smile, he reached out his hand and patted me on the cheek, fatherly, then simply said, "You're welcome." I watched him step into the limo, then head away. It was one of the strangest and somehow meaningful moments of my life, to let him know that he had moved me and to know that I moved him, too...".

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Well, it's an interesting experience, theatre-related, and Lestat-related. Guess what? This thread is about theatre and Lestat and Elton, and so is that letter to the editor. Ta-DA!

Would it be unrealistic for me to guess his views just don't agree with yours?

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