Woman in White help...

[442namffug]

Posted: 9/7/05 at 7:28pm

Hello Broadwayworld World! I am becoming exceedingly interested in The Woman in White. I've looked online and I've read a few brief summaries but am still having trouble understanding the big picture. I went to the website but it doesnt have much Broadway information; it seems to be a wesbite primarily for the West End Production.

Could someone explain the story to me, the characters, the basic overview? PM it to me if you don't want to post it here or if it contains any spoilers (I'm fine with that, but others might not be)....thanks in advance!
Updated On: 9/7/05 at 07:28 PM

[cathywellerstein]

Posted: 9/7/05 at 7:31pm

A compelling tale of love, betrayal and greed, The Woman in White is a stunning new musical. Walter Hartright’s life is changed forever after a chance encounter with a mysterious woman, dressed in white, desperate to reveal her chilling secret. When he takes up his position as drawing master to the beautiful Laura Fairlie and her half sister, Marion, he sees in Laura's face an eerie reflection of the forlorn creature he previously met.

Walter and Laura's feelings for each other are thwarted by her engagement to the sinister Sir Percival Glyde. What is the connection between Laura, Sir Percival and the woman in white? Is Sir Percival's friend Count Fosco, with his unusual taste for white mice and poison, really as charming and well-meaning as he seems. Can true love prevail?




That help any? it's from their official london website.

[442namffug]

Posted: 9/7/05 at 7:36pm

Well, I had read that already...thank you though.

I was hoping for a little more. Has anyone seen it? I also saw on the website some production photos but the back drops look very, very unrealistic and not extremely proffesional . Are they supposed to mirror the paintings or drawings that Walter makes?

Also, will this show be successful here? Will Americans and New Yorkers "get it"?

[cathywellerstein]

Posted: 9/7/05 at 7:38pm

i'm pretty sure there aren't backdrops...rather, they're projections. correct me if i'm wrong. but that's what i read.

[442namffug]

Posted: 9/7/05 at 7:40pm

Hmmm..that could explain a lot...thank you!

Anyone know for sure?? Anyone have any other info??

[blaxx]

Posted: 9/7/05 at 7:42pm

Yes you are right...the whole set is made of an impressive design of projections that move and rotate as the characters do, and give the set impressive changes of perspective, mood and place.

I would certainly say that these projections steal the show, but I saw it with Maria Friedman and Micheal Ball, who are truly amazing in it...
Aand, as for if american audiences will "get it" (whatever that means) it is impossible to predict if the show will have a succesful Broadway run, but it certainly has a very accesible score and story, that gives a very entertaining evening at the theatre...

[boytobroadway]

Posted: 9/7/05 at 7:42pm

ummmm...if you get the recording of it you will know the whole story. You just have to sit down read the words as they are sung all the way through, and you know the story. I did that on a car trip, it was fun, and my imagination gave me a great image. Just get the recording, and you will know the whole plot and everything, I LOVE IT!!!

hope you enjoy,
B2B

[cathywellerstein]

Posted: 9/7/05 at 7:45pm

i agree with B2B. that's the way i did it. i listened to the entire cast recording while reading the libretto and i understood the whole thing. it's really great.

[442namffug]

Posted: 9/7/05 at 7:45pm

Hmm..is it really worth buying? I am NOT a fan of Andrew Lloyd Webber's other works, so does that mean I won't like this? If all of the songs are fairly similar to one another (Like Light in the piazza which i didn't like) would I not like it?

Thanks for the help!

[cathywellerstein]

Posted: 9/7/05 at 7:56pm

if you don't like andrew lloyd webber or shows of this kind...then why are you bothering in the first place? i'd say that the cd is worth buying. i think it's beautiful and amazing, and if you want to know more about a show, there's no better way than buying it's cd. but if you don't think it's worth it to buy the cd...then what's the point...

[blaxx]

Posted: 9/7/05 at 7:56pm

Well, I don't think if anyone here can guarantee that you'll like it...

But, I think that you should see it, as the projections, Maria Friedman and Michael Ball are worth the ticket price.

And the CD is very well done, though I admit I only bought it after watching the show.

[WickedGeek28]

Posted: 9/7/05 at 8:01pm

It's a great show. Great music, great book, and amzingly chilling story!

[Prisoner 24601]

Posted: 9/8/05 at 9:33am

From that little plot outline from the website, this show sounds very melodramatic and it seems like it has been "done" before in other works. Perhaps I'm wrong. I'll have to see it.

[EddieVarley]

Posted: 9/8/05 at 9:38am

I was blown away after seeing it in London a number of months back, it's quite the emotional tale, lot's of twists, I'd stay away from spoilers. It is a mystery and rewards if you go in not knowing a great deal about the final outcome.

[sharon1]

Posted: 9/8/05 at 10:40am

The biggest "reward" would probably be Maria Friedman and Michael Ball.

[Gingersnap]

Posted: 9/8/05 at 10:45am

Prisoner 24601 - I think the reason it might seem "done before" is because the original novel by Wilkie Collins novel is a classic in its genre and is said to have influenced a lot of other stories since it was published in 1860.

The musical gives me an excuse to re-read it before it opens here. It's been ages since I have...I admit I bought it because I liked the cover art by Edward Gorey.

[EddieVarley]

Posted: 9/8/05 at 10:50am

Actually I think in addition to the stars you mentioned sharon1, the score rewards plenty too.

[jacco]

Posted: 9/8/05 at 11:41am

If you don't really care for Lloyd Webber I would stay away from this one. It's extremely repetitive and indeed very sentimental.
The strange thing is that this show fooled me the first time I saw it. Friedman and Ball were truly great. But the direction of this piece is a mess, which showed on a second visit. It's a bare stage with ridiculous projections which make you seasick. If the actors don't drag you in, it's tough to keep your eyes open. But I came out of the theatre very pleased the first time I saw it, so perhaps you will like it too. But a cd if you don't like Lloyd webber? NO WAY!

[sharon1]

Posted: 9/8/05 at 11:57am

EV
Yes I love the score and play it over and over again. I love the way it is done on the Phantasia cd also.

[cathywellerstein]

Posted: 9/8/05 at 12:02pm

yay another ALW Phantasia CD lover!! isn't it great. those orchestrations...wow. they're so amazingly beautiful.

[sharon1]

Posted: 9/8/05 at 12:33pm

I love it to bits. I can't wait to see this show in December. Friedman and Ball. A match made in heaven.

[EganFan2]

Posted: 9/8/05 at 2:23pm

It's supposed to be sentimental. It's a Victorian melodrama.

[kec]

Posted: 9/8/05 at 10:56pm

Be aware -- if you decide to buy the recording, the voice you will hear singing Fosco will be Michael CRAWFORD, not Michael BALL.

I enjoyed the show very much, and am looking forward to seeing it on Broadway.

[jo]

Posted: 9/9/05 at 12:41am

You will be rewarded not only by the story of this romantic thriller, the musical score, the innovative backdrops, but also by what promises to be an excellent singing and acting cast ( led by Michael and Maria).

I saw it in London twice and will be going to NYC to see it on Broadway a few more times
Updated On: 9/9/05 at 12:41 AM