#1
Posted: 3/11/09 at 8:27am
Much has been said on here, in the press, etc since the confirmation of the show last October as the London Palladiums next big musical.
Many think that it is the wrong choice theatre for this show and I agree- the Palladium seems to be regarded by all as more of a home for slightly more high brow musicals.
The fact it is yet another movie to stage show is another factor that make people back a way just a little.
The show had mixed reviews in its original US run almost 2 years ago which makes it again all a little more incredible that it was chosen to open on such a grand scale, in a city like London and at the huge London Palladium.
Then we get Whoopi! Just her name attached to it seems to make people think it will sell- why? her name is above the title amongst the list of producers not as a star draw name!
Then they announce the cast. As Delores we get an American actress that is totally unknown in the UK except amongst hardened theatre fans (even I, at this moment, know nothing of her past!). A very clever bit of casting was to get a great British favorite for the Mother Superior, we get the divine Sheila Hancock. Ian Lavender is a good enough name thru years of 'Dads Army' repeats and his brief run in 'Eastenders'. That's it!
I have never really taken to the idea of this as a stage musical but will see it with an open mind as I did rather enjoy the original movie.
All this doesn't really sound like a great build up to its opening here.
THEN
I suddenly remember it has a score by one of the worlds greatest musical theate composers, Alan Menken who is joined by Glen Slater. Mr Menkens list of musical hits and mega hits is impressive enough to make a lot of people see the show and thats the main reason why I will be going.
It just seems that one of its biggest possible selling points, the fact it comes from the writer of 'Little Shop Of Horrors', 'Beauty And The Beast', 'The Little Mermaid', 'Aladdin' and so many more is being largely ignored.
Just my thoughts as to why I wasn't excited to see 'Sister Act' - I just have to keep reminding myself when I see that awful art work that I will hear Sheila Hancock sing Alan Menken, thats enough for me.
I, of course, wish it well, but I think 'Priscilla' will be heels ahead when they both open in the West End in the next 6 weeks!
Many think that it is the wrong choice theatre for this show and I agree- the Palladium seems to be regarded by all as more of a home for slightly more high brow musicals.
The fact it is yet another movie to stage show is another factor that make people back a way just a little.
The show had mixed reviews in its original US run almost 2 years ago which makes it again all a little more incredible that it was chosen to open on such a grand scale, in a city like London and at the huge London Palladium.
Then we get Whoopi! Just her name attached to it seems to make people think it will sell- why? her name is above the title amongst the list of producers not as a star draw name!
Then they announce the cast. As Delores we get an American actress that is totally unknown in the UK except amongst hardened theatre fans (even I, at this moment, know nothing of her past!). A very clever bit of casting was to get a great British favorite for the Mother Superior, we get the divine Sheila Hancock. Ian Lavender is a good enough name thru years of 'Dads Army' repeats and his brief run in 'Eastenders'. That's it!
I have never really taken to the idea of this as a stage musical but will see it with an open mind as I did rather enjoy the original movie.
All this doesn't really sound like a great build up to its opening here.
THEN
I suddenly remember it has a score by one of the worlds greatest musical theate composers, Alan Menken who is joined by Glen Slater. Mr Menkens list of musical hits and mega hits is impressive enough to make a lot of people see the show and thats the main reason why I will be going.
It just seems that one of its biggest possible selling points, the fact it comes from the writer of 'Little Shop Of Horrors', 'Beauty And The Beast', 'The Little Mermaid', 'Aladdin' and so many more is being largely ignored.
Just my thoughts as to why I wasn't excited to see 'Sister Act' - I just have to keep reminding myself when I see that awful art work that I will hear Sheila Hancock sing Alan Menken, thats enough for me.
I, of course, wish it well, but I think 'Priscilla' will be heels ahead when they both open in the West End in the next 6 weeks!
Updated On: 4/6/09 at 08:27 AM
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