#1
Posted: 9/11/05 at 2:27am
What do you guys think about "The Beautiful Game" by Alw & lyrics by Ben Elton (is this "elton john" or no?). Thanks for your input in advance.
The Beautiful Game (Good/Bad?)
#2
Posted: 9/11/05 at 9:49am
It wasn't/isn't the best ALW show I've seen but not the worst either. The score was ok, but nothing 'oh-my-god-this-is-amazing' kind, some good tunes like the beautiful "God's Own Country", "To Have And To Hold", "All The Love I Have" and the catchy title song. The story was quite interesting, but nothing brilliant. The choreography was very good. The weakest part of the show was the ending - I found it a bit too 'blah' and boring.
But I've definitely seen worse shows than this one.
But I've definitely seen worse shows than this one.
#3
Posted: 9/11/05 at 2:29pm
would you recommend getting the recording? I'm thinking about it. I always wondered why this one didn't cross the pond. I mean, I'd imagine if By Jeeves could make it to Broadway, this could too. Perhaps its a little too "irish" for Broadway? With all the heavy accents and all.
#4
Posted: 9/11/05 at 2:45pm
I'm pretty sure The Beautiful Game refers to cricket, which isnt played here. That would be my guess as to why it hasnt "crossed the pond." Weber always comes up with one or two solid melodies, and Ive heard somethings from it. I would get it, myself personally. Ive also heard some nice things from By Jeeves as well!
" I wish that the stage were as narrow as a tightrope wire, so that no incompetent would dare step upon it." -- Goethe (he wants you to go to my Myspace page www.myspace.com/jasonklemm
#5
Posted: 9/11/05 at 2:53pm
THE BEAUTIFUL GAME is about a football (=soccer) team in Ireland and tells about the team members' fates under the violences between the catholics and protestants in 1970's.
The score is quite nice, I'd say the cd is worth of buying.
The score is quite nice, I'd say the cd is worth of buying.
#6
Posted: 9/11/05 at 2:59pm
BTW Sant, thanks for straightening me out ( not literally, of course). I was confused, because I know years back Weber was doing a musical about cricket. Logically, I put 2 and 2 together and came up with 5 however. I cant remember the clip I saw of the cricket one, except that it had the music of I think a song from Sunset Boulevard, but with entirely different lyrics..it was odd to hear it out of context! Weber has been known to recylce as much we do with tin cans!
" I wish that the stage were as narrow as a tightrope wire, so that no incompetent would dare step upon it." -- Goethe (he wants you to go to my Myspace page www.myspace.com/jasonklemm
#7
Posted: 9/11/05 at 3:14pm
philly,
ALW did do some small, kind of 1-performance-only mini-musical about cricket which, as far as I know, had its only performance in some private gala or something for invited guests only.
ALW did do some small, kind of 1-performance-only mini-musical about cricket which, as far as I know, had its only performance in some private gala or something for invited guests only.
#8
Posted: 9/11/05 at 3:19pm
yes, my memory is jogged, it actually was performed to invitation only. It was in either a barn or church that is on Weber's own grounds.
" I wish that the stage were as narrow as a tightrope wire, so that no incompetent would dare step upon it." -- Goethe (he wants you to go to my Myspace page www.myspace.com/jasonklemm
#9
Posted: 9/11/05 at 3:35pm
My husband and I saw The Beautiful Game in London, and, oddly enough, we thought it was one of ALW's better shows...because it is a very "small" show. No spectacle. No chandeliers. No elaborate sets or costumes. It was "simple," and, we thought, quite touching.
When we returned to the States, I had to special-order it from Amazon UK (I believe), and it was kind of expensive, but I was really happy that I did. Phillyactor, I highly encourage you to but it.
Oh, and Ben Elton is NOT Elton John. I have not done a search or anything on Ben Elton, but when I was in London and considering which plays to see, the ticket agent told me that Ben Elton was a well-known comedian, so it was quite a switch for him to be collaborating with ALW to write lyrics for a serious show.
I don't think it ever came to the USA because the topic wouldn't appeal to enough Americans...and, of course, there's no chandelier.
"Be on your guard! Jerks on the loose!"
http://www.roches.com/television/ss83kod.html
**********
"If any relationship involves a flow chart, get out of it...FAST!"
~ Best12Bars
When we returned to the States, I had to special-order it from Amazon UK (I believe), and it was kind of expensive, but I was really happy that I did. Phillyactor, I highly encourage you to but it.
Oh, and Ben Elton is NOT Elton John. I have not done a search or anything on Ben Elton, but when I was in London and considering which plays to see, the ticket agent told me that Ben Elton was a well-known comedian, so it was quite a switch for him to be collaborating with ALW to write lyrics for a serious show.
I don't think it ever came to the USA because the topic wouldn't appeal to enough Americans...and, of course, there's no chandelier.
http://www.roches.com/television/ss83kod.html
**********
"If any relationship involves a flow chart, get out of it...FAST!"
~ Best12Bars
Updated On: 9/12/05 at 03:35 PM
#10
Posted: 9/11/05 at 5:16pm
The Beautiful Game was a very good show I thought. Much stronger than Woman in White, but very European. And certainly NO spectacle. And beautifully directed. The interval finale still sends shivers down my spine thinking about it. And the female lead Josie Walker was spectacular.
Mind you, the cd is not as brilliant as the show I think. It's somewhat cold.
Mind you, the cd is not as brilliant as the show I think. It's somewhat cold.
#11
Posted: 9/11/05 at 11:35pm
I agree with miss pennywise and jacco in that the show was very good. I wish it had come to the US but no luck! I am amazed that so many people seem to think it would have no appeal here because its about soccer. When in all actuality it isn't about soccer AT ALL!!!!!
Soccer is the device used to tell a heartfelt story about a group of freinds and the war that still exists in Ireland between the Catholics and the Protestants. Its much like CHESS I would say!
And that of course to me makes this show far better than anything else ALW has EVER written!
Get the London Cast Recording it's worth having! But give it some time to grow on you!
Soccer is the device used to tell a heartfelt story about a group of freinds and the war that still exists in Ireland between the Catholics and the Protestants. Its much like CHESS I would say!
And that of course to me makes this show far better than anything else ALW has EVER written!
Get the London Cast Recording it's worth having! But give it some time to grow on you!
"It's like children's theatre for 40-year old gay people!" - XANADU THE MUSICAL
Updated On: 9/12/05 at 11:35 PM
#12
Posted: 9/12/05 at 1:27am
uh-oh Barenaked_lady...you said the dreaded term: "soundtrack"
Anyways, Yeah, I think I'll buy it. I'm really interested in the show. Its only like $18 bucks off Amazon.com and you can buy it used for around $14. I wish shows like this would come to the US. I think people underestimate US audiences sometimes. If we can sit through a musical about Evita or a musical about a bunch of adults rollerblading, I think The Beautiful Game could survive here. Its such a small show, I don't think its much of a risk for the producers. But, considering the show closed, what, in 2003, 2002? I dont think there's much hope for it coming here.
Anyways, Yeah, I think I'll buy it. I'm really interested in the show. Its only like $18 bucks off Amazon.com and you can buy it used for around $14. I wish shows like this would come to the US. I think people underestimate US audiences sometimes. If we can sit through a musical about Evita or a musical about a bunch of adults rollerblading, I think The Beautiful Game could survive here. Its such a small show, I don't think its much of a risk for the producers. But, considering the show closed, what, in 2003, 2002? I dont think there's much hope for it coming here.
#13
Posted: 9/12/05 at 7:04am
The show itself packs quite an emotional punch, but the CD definatly less so. Though it's a contradiction, this isn't a musical that is all about the score, so the music tends to be less of a feature than usual. This, combined with some odd production decisions (tinny and bland percussion), means that the CD isn't one I play often.
As for why it hasn't gone to America - the subject matter isn't exactly 'easy'. While not as subversive as Assassins, it does encourage the audience to question the line between 'terrorist' and 'freedom fighter' and the sombre tone probably wouldn't play well in the current climate.
'Cricket' was written by ALW and Tim Rice in the 1980s for the Queen Mothers birthday. It has never had a commerical staging.
Ben Elton is a British comedian famous for his brand of political stand-up. He has also written numerous plays, books, television shows and films such as Blackadder, Thin Blue Line, Maybe Baby, Popcorn and We Will Rock You.
As for why it hasn't gone to America - the subject matter isn't exactly 'easy'. While not as subversive as Assassins, it does encourage the audience to question the line between 'terrorist' and 'freedom fighter' and the sombre tone probably wouldn't play well in the current climate.
'Cricket' was written by ALW and Tim Rice in the 1980s for the Queen Mothers birthday. It has never had a commerical staging.
Ben Elton is a British comedian famous for his brand of political stand-up. He has also written numerous plays, books, television shows and films such as Blackadder, Thin Blue Line, Maybe Baby, Popcorn and We Will Rock You.
Updated On: 9/12/05 at 07:04 AM
#14
Posted: 9/12/05 at 7:09am
i absolutely hated the show
i thought it was quite boring and pointless, desperately repetitive.
the music is often harsh and brash in many numbers, which is further accentuated by the brutish soccer-accent that permeates the entire recording. it's an on going joke between me and my friends how little i listen to the recording. i would have listened to it once since i bought it...no more
i thought it was complete disaster
i thought it was quite boring and pointless, desperately repetitive.
the music is often harsh and brash in many numbers, which is further accentuated by the brutish soccer-accent that permeates the entire recording. it's an on going joke between me and my friends how little i listen to the recording. i would have listened to it once since i bought it...no more
i thought it was complete disaster
"...But Kungurtseva reels off multiple fouettes and the tape is stopped so she can take a bow. The Jester, an abomination introduced to Swan Lake in Soviet times, extorts applause from the audience. The cuts don't help the storytelling, the production is bare bones and they go for the '50s-style happy ending.
The audience cheers like mad at the end. It's the Russian ballet, after all..."
#15
Posted: 9/12/05 at 10:27am
HA HA RentBoy86!!
I can't believe I did that! That's the first time in over 150 posts! Well I guess everyone makes mistakes. I've edited it!
I can't believe I did that! That's the first time in over 150 posts! Well I guess everyone makes mistakes. I've edited it!
"It's like children's theatre for 40-year old gay people!" - XANADU THE MUSICAL
#16
Posted: 9/12/05 at 10:52am
I LOVE this musical. I accidently heard some it from a friend, and immediately bought the cd from the London production, and then bought the german cast recording.
I have never seen the musical, but just the music alone I found wonderful. And the whole Irish Catholic-Protestant storyline was wonderful.
I would suggest this to anyone. And frankly until I got the cd, I didn't even know it was ALW.........
Since it's about soccer (not that big in the US yet) and the whole Irish Catholic-Protestant problem that is the reason it never came to the US.
I mean anyone who knows anything about soccer would know this play deals with soccer just from the music......and you've seen some here bringing up cricket, which is totally different.........hence making my point. No insult to those who thought cricket........but when the word "football" is mentioned in Europe, it means soccer.....
BUY THE CD.....you will not regret it!
I have never seen the musical, but just the music alone I found wonderful. And the whole Irish Catholic-Protestant storyline was wonderful.
I would suggest this to anyone. And frankly until I got the cd, I didn't even know it was ALW.........
Since it's about soccer (not that big in the US yet) and the whole Irish Catholic-Protestant problem that is the reason it never came to the US.
I mean anyone who knows anything about soccer would know this play deals with soccer just from the music......and you've seen some here bringing up cricket, which is totally different.........hence making my point. No insult to those who thought cricket........but when the word "football" is mentioned in Europe, it means soccer.....
BUY THE CD.....you will not regret it!
It is ridiculous to set a detective story in New York City. New York City is itself a detective story...
AGATHA CHRISTIE, Life magazine, May 14, 1956
Updated On: 9/12/05 at 10:52 AM
#17
Posted: 9/12/05 at 10:58am
I enjoy (probably for the wrong reasons) that weird "losing my virginity" song.
#18
Posted: 9/12/05 at 11:01am
Whether or not the music is any good is irrelevant when Ben Elton has written the most crass, simplistic and just plain awful book to go with it. He is undoubtedly the worst thing to happen to UK theatre in a long time, something proved by the execrable We Will Rock You and Tonight's The Night.
Nothing precious, plain to see, don't make a fuss over me. Not loud, not soft, but somewhere inbetween. Say sorry, just let it be the word you mean.
#19
Posted: 9/12/05 at 11:11am
BobbyBubby, you're refering to 'The First Time' and that song is hysterical! I love it too!
Also, I don't see why this show is any different than CHESS or CABARET!
Chess is used as a device for the Cold war and we all know what Cabaret is about! You go in thinking they are going to be fun and then get hit with another angle! No average theatre goer goes into Cabaret and says this is that show about the Nazis! They shouldn't know before the show gets there!
This is why I think that it is still a relevant piece of theatre in this day and age and that American audiences would enjoy it! If not on Broadway then at least a small tour!
Also, I don't see why this show is any different than CHESS or CABARET!
Chess is used as a device for the Cold war and we all know what Cabaret is about! You go in thinking they are going to be fun and then get hit with another angle! No average theatre goer goes into Cabaret and says this is that show about the Nazis! They shouldn't know before the show gets there!
This is why I think that it is still a relevant piece of theatre in this day and age and that American audiences would enjoy it! If not on Broadway then at least a small tour!
"It's like children's theatre for 40-year old gay people!" - XANADU THE MUSICAL
#20
Posted: 9/12/05 at 11:19am
bare, I agree.......I would love a tour here, especially as many American cities are now building specific "soccer-only" stadiums........
maybe someday
maybe someday
It is ridiculous to set a detective story in New York City. New York City is itself a detective story...
AGATHA CHRISTIE, Life magazine, May 14, 1956
#21
Posted: 9/12/05 at 11:40am
There are some great songs, "Gods own Country" was mentioned, a good show, whos CD is worth getting. The set was very cool. It was the back wall of the theatre, and the procenium was mangled and almost burned out, like it had been bombed in n. Ireland. The use of simple things to make it seem very grand was fantastic, they even blew out a wall during each performance. There was great staging, including when one character is reminicing about pictures, and off upstage there were the actors bringing life to the pictures, some really neat stuff in it. A good show.
#22
Posted: 9/12/05 at 12:17pm
oh Mossi, go ahead....rub it in, I want to see this SO much!
There are few shows that as I hear the music I am "taken away" to another place.......this was one.
There are few shows that as I hear the music I am "taken away" to another place.......this was one.
It is ridiculous to set a detective story in New York City. New York City is itself a detective story...
AGATHA CHRISTIE, Life magazine, May 14, 1956
#23
Posted: 9/12/05 at 12:43pm
I saw this musical twice while I was in London. Some people loved it, some people hated it. I actually loved it. The songs were just so beautiful. It never ceased to make me cry.
"What a mystery this world. One day you love them and the next day you want to kill them a thousand times over." The Masked Bandit in THE FALL
#24
Posted: 9/12/05 at 2:18pm
Yeah, I think this show could surive, maybe off Broadway? Though I doubt a Webber show would ever open off-Broadway. Maybe give it an out of town try out in Chicago or something. Anyways, I have been inspired ....[goes to order CD]....
#25
Posted: 9/12/05 at 2:51pm
The song "Our Kind of Love" is also a very beautiful number from the show. I bought the sheet music to that song a while back after hearing it on (don't laugh) Donny Osmond's Broadway CD.
I think the reason it didn't play in America is for a lot of the same reason that people were saying about Billy Elliot. That is wasn't a story Americans would enjoy. I remember when the show first opened that there was some worry that it wouldn't do well in London because the show was about the Irish--of course then there were the Irish who didn't think Lloyd Webber should be writing about them since he was British! And as far as the comparison to Chess (which is a show I love), when the original production closed, some of the speculation was that America was tired of hearing about the Cold War. Maybe the creators felt that Americans woudln't care about a show that dealt with soccer and problems in North Ireland.
There was some talk about Lloyd Webber turning this show into a movie. It was discussed around the time that the Joseph and recent JCS were filmed and the Phantom movie was announced.
I think the reason it didn't play in America is for a lot of the same reason that people were saying about Billy Elliot. That is wasn't a story Americans would enjoy. I remember when the show first opened that there was some worry that it wouldn't do well in London because the show was about the Irish--of course then there were the Irish who didn't think Lloyd Webber should be writing about them since he was British! And as far as the comparison to Chess (which is a show I love), when the original production closed, some of the speculation was that America was tired of hearing about the Cold War. Maybe the creators felt that Americans woudln't care about a show that dealt with soccer and problems in North Ireland.
There was some talk about Lloyd Webber turning this show into a movie. It was discussed around the time that the Joseph and recent JCS were filmed and the Phantom movie was announced.
"You pile up enough tomorrows, and you'll find you are left with nothing but a lot of empty yesterdays. I don't know about you, but I'd like to make today worth remembering." --Harold Hill from The Music Man
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