Viva Laughlin! starring Hugh Jackman preview

[DefyingEDCT]

Posted: 5/25/07 at 2:23pm

Here are the first previews of the Hugh Jackman produced drama Viva Laughlin!
"Musical murder mystery about a man who opens a casino in Laughlin, NV. Seriously, it’s a musical."
http://tv.yahoo.com/viva-laughlin/show/40607/videos

Thoughts?
Im a bit skeptical.
Updated On: 5/25/07 at 02:23 PM

[kec]

Posted: 5/25/07 at 2:31pm

Hugh isn't going to be a regular member of the cast. His role is only "recurring"

It's hard to tell from a preview video, but I'm intrigued.

Posted: 5/25/07 at 6:43pm

I liked, but didn't love the UK show it's based on, so we'll see

[jo]

Posted: 5/25/07 at 9:44pm

Check out the clips from the official CBS site - there's a video link down the page (Viva Laughlin is scheduled for Sunday 8:00 pm).

http://www.cbs.com/primetime/upfront_2007/

The lead star, Lloyd Owen, is a Welsh/Brit RADA graduate with a strong theatre background, in addition to TV and movies work.

Hugh is only playing a cameo role ( but recurring!). His main involvement is as Executive Producer.

If this musical mystery drama succeeds with the mainstream, hopefully it can play a role in stirring more interest in movie and stage musicals.


Updated On: 5/25/07 at 09:44 PM

[LionessInWinter]

Posted: 5/26/07 at 12:42am

That bit of video didn't overly enthuse me. I'm a huge fan of the original. I own the DVD and watch it periodically.
I'll definitely check out the US version anyway.

[jpbran]

Posted: 5/26/07 at 12:11pm

I haven't seen the British series either... Is it the same kinda set-up, where they SING ALONG with the song instead of actually SINGING it?

Any original songs?

Hmmm....

[jo]

Posted: 5/26/07 at 7:06pm

I think they are supposed to sing along with recorded versions of very known pop hits. That's the audience appeal - recognizing some of the hits, while the characters have fun singing along. However, I've noticed that Hugh and Melanie ( CBS clips) seem to be singing along rather loudly ( not just lip-synching) as you can recognize their voices distinctly in the clips.

Posted: 5/26/07 at 7:09pm

Yeah it's a musical more in the Potter sense (was that his name? lol the guy responsible for the original British series of Pennies from Heaven, Singing Detective, Lipstick on your Collar etc)

It loses points from me for stealing Eric Winters away from his role on Brothers and Sisters Updated On: 5/26/07 at 07:09 PM

[LionessInWinter]

Posted: 5/26/07 at 9:53pm

Yeah, in the original, they don't lip-synch, but sing along generally a bit less obtrusively than in the Viva Laughlin clips.

[SayitSomehow]

Posted: 5/27/07 at 1:35am

Watched a pilot for this last night and it was rather horrendous

[LuPonatic]

Posted: 5/27/07 at 2:15am

It's nice that they will be singing and all, but what in the world is the plot to this show?

[jo]

Posted: 5/27/07 at 2:48am

>>>Watched a pilot for this last night and it was rather horrendous<<<

Do you mind sharing why you think the pilot episode you saw was horrendous --

*Was it the storyline?
*The casting and/or performances?
*Or the concept itself of music being part of how the story is told?

Thanks.