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the passion8words
The passion8words is presented by Jeff Thomson.
on air - fun 8 word theatre reviews.
online - full reviews written by Jeff.
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PHANTOM OF THE OPERA
HER MAJESTY'S THEATRE
Music, stunning costumes, excitement and stalking – just what a young operatic soprano needs but it all seems so plausible in this tale of subterranean mis-deeds. Millions of people can’t be wrong as they throng to Her Majesty’s Theatre for The Phantom of the Opera – it is pure spectacle. The musical score (by now known by anyone conscious in the Western World) is dramatic with orchestrations that can only be considered as lush! Over the years the production has attracted many leading players. Andrew Lloyd-Webber has ensured standards are maintained and when I last saw it – it appeared to me as fresh as ever. The audience stood and roared approval.
THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE
ARCHIVE REVIEW
The Carl Rosa Company is touring Gilbert and Sullivan’s ‘The Pirates of Penzance’ – I could add the caveat ‘the much loved Pirates’ but frankly it is offered so extensively that ‘the over-played Pirates’ is not inappropriate. This particular production will delight traditionalists and I joined a capacity audience in Brighton that was clearly appreciative. My reaction was sadly more restrained.
Several (or more) seasons ago I happened upon a new interpretation of this ‘much loved’ piece that was freed from copyright restraints – a production that rollicked away in high camp fashion – not that the dialogue-cum-libretto-cum-score needs much encouragement! It was a triumph and Sue Pollard as the beached spinster, Ruth offered me an astonishingly refreshed view of Gilbert and Sullivan. Her high campery re-invented the genre!
This production is ‘worthy’ and ‘competent’ and absolutely ‘reliable.’ I longed for the ridiculous and abandoned; how can one take a boat load of pirating Muscle Mary’s that seriously? And did I detect a couple of cast members who were stretching the director’s rules – keen to Come Out of the boundaries? Sue Pollard would have helped.
To be fair this Carl Rosa production received a standing ovation from many in the audience. I just could not join them.
THE PRODUCERS
TOURING
I saw the West End production of this great show and one of the leads (Cory English) together with many of the London cast have joined this touring production that co-stars Joe Pasquale. In Drury Lane the atmosphere was electric. In Woking less so. Why?
It is difficult to pinpoint – there was certainly laughter - but I thought the cast looked tired and a bit overwhelmed. Yes, the evening held together BUT less by magic more by scaffolding.
The plot, by now, is well known; two irascible Producers scheme to make money with a nefarious plan staging a Broadway flop! ‘Springtime for Hitler’ however, proves a magnificent success and from that much of the fun erupts. There are terrific staged moments – the zimmer dance by OAPs is wonderful - but I left the theatre with a clear lack-lustre impression.
Somehow the spontaneity of the production had dissolved to the level of contrived and routine.
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