Show Boat at the Royal Albert Hall

[kec]

Show Boat at the Royal Albert Hall#0

Posted: 6/24/06 at 2:57am

I was in London last weekend, and saw this on Saturday the 17th. I was very much looking forward to it -- John Owen Jones (Ravenal) is one of my favorite British stage performers, and I was looking forward to seeing him in this role. I also love the music from the show.

It was wonderful. It was done in the round -- the entire floor of the auditorium was covered with the set. The actors made their entrances and exits from beneath the set and also from the outside the theatre via the stairs leading to the seats.

Absolutely wonderful performances all round. The cast had quite a few Americans among them -- besides Elena Shaddow as Nola, Mark Coles, an opera singer from Philadelphia played Joe. His "Ole Man River" gave me goosebumps. What a voice!!! Angela Renée Simpson, another American, played Queenie; again, a beautiful voice.

Elena Shaddow was excellent as Nola. Beautiful voice and just the right amount of naivete when we first meet her.

John Owen Jones was outstanding as Ravanal. His voice was made to sing those songs -- Make Believe, Where's the Mate for Me, Why Do I Love You? -- all were superb. I have to say, after seeing him as the Phantom and Valjean, it was really nice to see him in a role where his character actually gets the girl (even if he does give her up for a while).

Other standouts -- Rebecca Thornhill as Julie, Jenny Galloway as Parthy, David Burt as Capt. Andy and Stev Elias as Frank. The entire cast was excellent. I was sorry I could only see the one performance.

It's a week later and the music is STILL in my head!
Updated On: 6/27/06 at 02:57 AM

[ruthiefan_felix]

re: Show Boat at the Royal Albert Hall#1

Posted: 6/24/06 at 3:34am

urgh! I wish it'd run longer so I can catch it!!!!!!!

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[kec]

re: Show Boat at the Royal Albert Hall#2

Posted: 6/24/06 at 3:56am

I agree. I would have loved to have stayed an extra few days to catch another performance, but it just wasn't possible. Shame they aren't doing a cast recording either.

[ChrisLovesShows]

re: Show Boat at the Royal Albert Hall#3

Posted: 6/27/06 at 2:45pm

I'm so crushed that I missed it. Thanks for the review, kec.

"Do you know ChrisLovesShows?" "Yes. Why, yes he does!"

[kec]

re: Show Boat at the Royal Albert Hall#4

Posted: 6/27/06 at 2:52pm

You're most welcome Chris