Tale of Two Cities: In Concert to be filmed for PBS- Page 3

[Cree]

Posted: 5/27/09 at 4:39am

I am thrilled about this information. I was lucky enough to see A Tale.. once in Sept. and to also attend the final performance of the show. I am an old person and this was by far the BEST musical I have ever seen. The story was clear, the costumes and scenery were spectacular and the music was fantastic. I have never heard so many beautiful male voices on one stage and James Barbour has a voice that would make the angels smile. The female leads held their own with these men.

This musical was so much more interesting than Les Mis; I guess because Dicken's story of A Tale of Two Cities was just so complex and "romantic". I had hoped this show would run for years and I think most people who actually saw the show, loved it.

I have the concept CD downloaded on my computer and it is wonderful, BUT it does not have James, Brandi, Aaron and Greg singing the songs. I had hoped a cast CD would be made some time in the future. If this concert CD is the best I can get, I hope most of the Broadway cast will be in the concert.

Thanks Jill-Super Job!!!

[songanddanceman2]

Posted: 5/27/09 at 7:50am

I for the life of me cant understand why they did not open this musical in the UK 1st?

[nomdeplume]

Posted: 5/27/09 at 2:55pm

"What I like to think is that this is, somehow, is our way of getting back at the way PBS films these British and European nobodies and nothings...and sells them to the gullible American public..."

Um, well no.

A Tale of Two Cities is from the novel by Charles Dickens who was British so it makes perfect sense that they would appreciate this musical.

[philly03]

Posted: 5/27/09 at 7:23pm

^^Also, if I remember correctly, a few of the producers are from England / Ireland.

[phantom39]

Posted: 5/27/09 at 11:01pm

Amazing news! I hope it'll be as close to the Broadway production as possible...

[Dre2387]

Posted: 5/28/09 at 2:41am

Jill, I love you for those wonderful posts you wrote. If you can keep us updated on how everything is going, that would be incredible!!!! thank you!!

[Justin_Hall]

Posted: 5/28/09 at 8:37am

I've heard mixed things about this musical, but anytime a show is preserved on dvd I think it's a good thing. Even a concert.

[Soliantu]

Posted: 5/30/09 at 12:15pm

I'm so happy about this!! I prayy that James Barbour, Brandi Burkhardt, and Aaron Lazar AT LEAST will return. PLEASE bring back as much of the Broadway Cast as possible. They were all amazing! I'll be really dissappointed if there's no James Barbour especially.. and I think most fans would be.

[philly03]

Posted: 5/30/09 at 3:50pm

Considering it's this summer, I'm going to guess Brandi's role will be done by someone over in the UK (she only joined Mamma Mia! back in January!). In which case, it seems like tey'd try to split it evenly (isnt that what Carrie tried to do or whatever?); One US Star (perhaps Barbour) and one UK star (no Brandi), since most of the other roles are just considered Featured or less.

It's amazing how many fans either Lazar got additionally from doing this .. or how loyal his fans are. His part wasn't even that big in this! Not that I wouldn't be up for him doing the concert...just it's one of the much smaller featured roles!

[ContessaDeLuna]

Posted: 6/6/09 at 12:00pm

YAY! I seriously almost fell out of my chair when I read this news. I've wanted a proper recording for this show since I saw it (and fell in love with it) last September. Now we get a concert, too! I'm SO excited! I *so* hope James Barbour is cast and able to perform as Carton!

I just wish I lived over in the UK so I could attend in person...

[heatha1017]

Posted: 6/6/09 at 2:10pm

I saw A Tale of Two Cities in October for me and my sister's 17th birthday (Jill if you are reading this, I am one of the triplet's you met!) and it was the most moving performance I have ever seen. During my stay, I also saw, Young Frankenstein, Legally Blonde, Mary Poppins, and Spring Awakening, but to me, they were nothing compared to Tale (I am probably going to get yelled at for saying this, but it's my opinion). With many shows today hiring well-known stars with so-so voices to appeal to the public, Tale did none of this and was cast perfectly, although many of the cast unknown to theatre-goers, all with amazing voices. I for one am delighted to be able to once again hear the songs that brought me to tears and made me laugh, and while many of you are criticizing the show, just stop, because you do not even have to be part of these posts. Just let us fans be able to discuss criticism.

[heatha1017]

Posted: 6/6/09 at 2:10pm

****without criticism

[Tevye_the_Dairyman]

Posted: 6/6/09 at 5:32pm

I know that this is worthless and pointless because its an anonymous message board, and also a sort of threadjack, but I had no idea that my screenname had posted anything on this thread til I just opened it up. Both of my roomates usually get on the boards under my account to post stuff when they're bored, but they've never posted anything so obviously untrue, cruel and irresponsible before. I just wanted to apologize, especially since what was written down was so bogus and a blatant provoking attack that was just meant to get some reaction back. I just don't want my name to be attached to such idiocy. Again, I'm sorry. They're not coming near my computer ever again.

[Pgenre]

Posted: 6/6/09 at 6:18pm

JillS's comments are fascinating and a great reminder of why this board can be pretty cool sometimes (like when MarcShaiman or MichaelJohn or JRB have posted in the past).

I can't believe the Times wouldn't publish a letter from Dickens' relative who is also a writer in response to thier overly dismissive and quite biased review... seems very suspicious and agenda-like, per usual these days it seems. They've killed far too many of my favorite shows in the last few years. Brantley and Isherwood have been there too long it seems and no one is writing better articles at the Times than Frank Rich as far as I'm concerned. I wish we had him back in the Theatre section, though, cause we could definently use him to shepard good works into a better future.

I recently gave JEKYLL & HYDE, a show I despised on stage and DVD/Pay-per-view, a second chance by seeing its concert version and it pretty much converted me to a fan... so I hope the concert of TOTC is compelling enough to make me reconsider what I at first found to be an undistinguished score... and frankly, I would prefer more modern influences in the score, particularly if they were "painstakingly" removed or avoided altogether in the orchestration. Electric guitars work well enough in Phantom or Les Miz (or other great scores like CHESS).

I think Lazar is a phenomenal performer with a bright future ahead of him and I hope to see him in the concert... I also enjoyed Toro in THE FIX at the Signature but found her slightly underused and unbelievable in the show on Broadway. Hopefully the concert will enhance the performative aspects of the piece over the epic sweep of it all which seemed to plague the production according to many of the critics.

Either way, more theatre on PBS is a good thing and I wish them all the best and I hope some exciting casting is announced here soon!

A Good Nightmare Comes So Rarely,
P genre

P.S. No one is gonna believe you Tevye. I don't.

[Robert Taylor]

Posted: 6/6/09 at 7:11pm

Really, Tevye? Really?

[madscientist]

Posted: 6/6/09 at 9:03pm

"It's amazing how many fans either Lazar got additionally from doing this .. or how loyal his fans are. His part wasn't even that big in this! Not that I wouldn't be up for him doing the concert...just it's one of the much smaller featured roles! "

I do agree he was one of the much smaller featured roles, and I hope to see him in the concert. I had heard of Lazar, and heard nothing but good things about him, but Tale of Two Cities was the first thing I saw him in, and now I'm definitely a fan and want to see him in more things.

[Pgenre]

Posted: 6/6/09 at 9:12pm

He's in the TV broadcast as Fabrizio (the lead) in the excellent Live From Lincoln Center LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA.

David Burnham will still remain my favorite Fabrizio (and I saw all 3)... he had an innocence about him that appeared to match Clara's., particularly the way she was played by Kelli O'Hara. His solo album is very entertaining and highly recommended as well. All 3 Fabrizios were truly remarkable and seem to be going on to great things.

P

[philly03]

Posted: 6/7/09 at 2:05am

"I recently gave JEKYLL & HYDE, a show I despised on stage and DVD/Pay-per-view, a second chance by seeing its concert version and it pretty much converted me to a fan... and frankly, I would prefer more modern influences in the score, particularly if they were "painstakingly" removed or avoided altogether in the orchestration. Electric guitars work well enough in Phantom or Les Miz (or other great scores like CHESS). "

Really PGenre?? Jekyll & HYDE - Ressurection turned you into a fan? Haha you must be one of the few!

While I agree that I often like the additional especially of electric guitars and other modern-sounding arrangements (F.W.'s DRACULA, the musical anyone? - or even Jekyll & HYDE - Ressurection!), I liked Tale the way it was -- I almost felt that it sounded very appriopriate for the time of the piece, even though that clearly hurt it (Reviews/comparrisons to Les Mis...!).

Good luck Jill btw with the concert. Can't wait to see/hear it!

[sybil7]

Posted: 6/12/09 at 7:46am

Anyone know the cast list yet? -
Updated On: 6/12/09 at 07:46 AM

[CyCoSpAz2]

Posted: 6/12/09 at 8:36am

haven't seen any announcements... but the wait is killing me!

[Soliantu]

Posted: 7/7/09 at 5:11pm

to those who are saying things like "why would they record this and not patti lupone in gypsy..."

This show is much more deserving of this recording, and here's why. Until now this show had not been preserved at ALL. It was a brand new musical which had never been done on Broadway before. Unfortunately during the bad economic times the show had to close. Due to its early closing, there was no Original Broadway Cast Recording made. So until now, it was unknown if this score would be preserved AT ALL. And all shows should be preserved in my opinion, for those who liked it and for those who did not get a chance to see it. If not for this new CD/DVD release, there would be no way for the score to be heard. Patti Lupone's Gypsy DID have an Original Broadway Cast Recording made, so at least it has that to preserve the production.. furthermore there are several other recordings of Gypsy out there (bette midler, bernadette peters, tyne daily, angela landsbury, ethel merman), and a MOVIE, and a tv movie from PBS with Bette Midler.. that score itself has been preserved in many different ways, where it is easily accessible to everyone, this Concert and CD will be the first opportunity anyone has to own this music, with the exception of the early concept recording, which is missing a very significant amount of the score.

I think many will agree with me

[Cree2]

Posted: 7/7/09 at 5:47pm

I SOOOO agree with you, Soliantu. A Tale of 2 Cities was one of the best musicals I have ever seen and I too wish I lived in London and could attend the actual concert. It will be fantastic to have a DVD of the concert and also the CD of the beautiful music.

I do know that James(Sidney Carton), Brandi(Lucy), Natalie and Kevin(Mrs. and Mr. Defarge) went to London to do concert and CD. I think the other actors may have been from England.

This is just another reason to love the Christmas season. I can hardly wait! Thanks Jill!!

[philly03]

Posted: 7/8/09 at 1:10am

If you go to the other thread that I think has the title " JAMES BARBOUR in TALE " you will be able to read all the stuff people have gathered. Here's the link:

https://forum.broadwayworld.com/readmessage.cfm?boardid=1&boardname=bway&thread=999218

But I will post the cast as we found out thus far:

At Natalie Toro's concert tongiht (the 7th) she said they brought over NINE Americans...

Sydney Carton: James Barbour (Reading - Broadway - Sydney)
Lucie Mannette: Brandi Burkhardt (Broadway - Lucie)
Madame DeFarge: Natalie Toro (Concept - Broadway - Mme DeFarge)
Ernest DeFarge: Kevin Earley (Broadway - DeFarge)
Charles Darnay: Simon Thomas (UK)
Dr. Alexandre Mannette: J. Mark McVey (Concept - Ernest DeFarge)
John Barsad: Ed Dixon
Stryer: Nigel Richards (UK)

Narrator: Michael York

So far unknown (since no official announcement has been made!):
?? - Pross
?? - Cruncher
?? - Gabelle
?? - Marquis
?? - Seamstress

Very possible that four of those roles make up the remaining NINE -- I would assume Katherine McGrath (I believe that's right...), Les Minski and Craig Bennett (who may not have - he's in South Pacific right now) are involved since they have been for a long time!

[Soliantu]

Posted: 7/8/09 at 10:56am

Thank you both! I was unsure if Kevin Earley was involved, and I'm very glad to know now that he was, I thought he was great in the show on Broadway. I'm so glad they got a lot of the Broadway cast to return.. I was worried we may have a "bare the album" result.. where the two leads were complete newcomers.. lol. I wish that Gregg Edelmmann and Aaron Lazar were involved.. but it's okay.. I'm thrilled they got as many as they have to come back, and that this is happening at all! :)

[Eris0303]

Posted: 7/9/09 at 11:39pm

Kelley Dorney is the Seamstress and I really doubt Kevin Greene made the trip. Craig Bennett is in the cast of South Pacific.
Rosemary Leach is Pross

Updated On: 7/9/09 at 11:39 PM