Who is Michael Ball, why should I care...? — Page 2

But to simply answer the question

Who is Michael Ball, why should I care...?

The answer is, if you know theatre you know Michael Ball. Not only is he the definitive Marius as stated several hundred times by directors and musical directors but he originated Aspects of Love and the Infamous ALW love anthem "Love Changes Everything" He is now a famous concert performer much like Sarah Brightman. His career was very infulential, he was ahead of his time. Michael Ball was the top Musical thetare young male of his time, that's who Michael Ball is, and that's why you should care.

well ok, kec, reinstated then, his Musical Thetare career was influential

Les Miz
Phantom of the Opera
Aspects of Love
Passion

Hi Javi,

Thanks for the tip. By coincidence and after reading again what I wrote on this thread, I was surfing Amazon.com the other day and discovered that they had actually released the DVD version of the Broadway PASSION. So, I have placed an order for the item ( I do have the video version from a long time ago, but a DVD is to keep .).

I did go looking for the DVD on the supposed day of release ( June 10) at COLONY Records and VIRGIN Megastore on Times Square and both stores indicated at that time that there was no information on it being released in this medium.

I didn't use to appreciate Stephen Sondheim as much before ( although I like some of his songs well enough - my favourite is "I Remember (Sky)" from Evening Primrose) it wasn't only after repeated seeing of PASSION in London that I really began to appreciate the distinct and elegant style of Sondheim. I had purchased a copy of the Broadway CD before seeing the show at the West End, but it was only in the context of a stage production that I had fallen in love with the musical score

I guess I owe Michael Ball this musical discovery ...Btw, it's not my bias showing -- but I do prefer the London cast album ( with Michael and Maria Friedman) over the Broadway recording.


jo

I guess that answers the question, "Who is Michael Ball." Now I wonder if the original poster went out and got a cd, a video, or a dvd to listen to the "man" himself. Which brings me to another point. Why isn't he over here some? The man has an incredible voice, with a huge cache of songs that he does better than anyone else. His concerts would be a big success with the right promotion.

Someone please explain to me who you are and why we have to justify anything to you in the first place?

Given the fact that Broadway Bulldog has said he will "try to give Michael a listen," I would say that he is being open-minded. Just because he doesn't like ALW and Schonberg and Boubil doesn't mean he has a problem -- his tastes are simply different than yours and mine.

So, Phantom05, why don't you tell us what it is you like about Michael?

Goodness.

After reading your replies to my initial question I sought to educate myself on Michael Ball. I listened to numerous cuts from his CDs. I now have an idea of the gentleman and from whence he sprung. Nothing that I've been exposed to so far has caused me to respond positively however that could change in time if there is more exposure. In short, I wasn't wowed over. As of now, my questions were answered and I thank most of you for your guidance.

For those of you who continue to be on the attack: relax. We are all entitled to our opinions. No one is right and no one is wrong. What is the purpose of a message board like this if not to share opinions on relevant subject matters and to educate each other as appropriate?

Yours for a better Broadway!

Bulldog, I think it is great that you took the time to do the research. So many people do not. They just go on and on without the knowledge. I personally love all his cds but I think I know what is missing. Most of us that love his work have seen him either in a show, a concert, or a concert video. I have never seen a "live" performance. But from what I understand he knocks the sockx off of everyone. I have only seen concert videos. I thought they were smashing. Also the videos of the Les Mis tenth Anniversary, and ALW 50th Birthday, and Alone Together. So I hope you continue with your research. And if you get a chance see a video performance which might help in your research. I love having great discussions. Your a good person Bulldog.

Glad to see someone who was willing to give his music a try. I would also like to know what you listened to, Bulldog.

I haven't seen him live--yet. Hope to if/when Chitty comes to Broadway.

D

Last night was his final west end performance in CCBB. There was a mob scene at the stage door before the matinee and after the evening's performance. The curtain call was phenomenal and highly emotional. I guess a testament to the popularity of the man as a performer and to his "company leadership" skills as former cast members also came to bid adieu.

I listened to a number of song bytes from Mr. Ball's home page. They come from various recordings. To my ear there is nothing distinctive about his singing and none of the dozen plus cuts I heard grabbed me. The CCBB cuts I found to be second rate at best. Perhaps he is a performer best realized in person. Two turn-offs that I care to state. First, the pictures of him on stage at the Donmar in his concert depict him unflatteringly. (I can do without the "I'm Judy in my "Born In A Trunk" sitting on the stage pose.) Secondly, he seems to record too many songs written for the female performer. There is something disconcerting about that to me. On the whole my opinion is that he is just another big voice who has run the LES MIZ cycle and has benefited by his dimples. My opinion is subject to change, which can always happen. Obviously thousands of musical fans are wholly enamoured. Perhaps he needs a role of substance to make his own. Nothing so far is causing me to buy one of his CD's.

The line for slapping me starts to my left. lol.

Yours for a better Broadway!

Bulldog
I personally like it when a male or female performer takes the other's songs. It gives it a whole new direction. i.e. Linda Eder doing Man of La Mancha. I can't comment on the picture you are refering to because I don't have an opinion about it. Wait that is not true. It is supposed to be that way because the whole concept was less than flattering. This about a man kind of down and out revisiting his life. None of us look fantastic at that point. Did you not see the video??? Or DVD??? You can't judge a book by it's cover. Oh well. As far as distinctive voice. I keep trying to listen to various musical theater performers and try to distinquish one from the other. By voice only. So many sound less than full on second, third, and more visits. Mr B always sounds complete with all that is necessary to convey the story the song is telling. Of course that is an opinion. I hope we keep this conversation going because the thousands that saw CCBB recently and have visited his concerts can't be all wrong. I do so love our little chats