#Bernadette Bangura

[oughttobeclowns]

Review: My Fair Lady, London Coliseum

Review: My Fair Lady, London Coliseum Not sure this will leave many begging for more

Strong work from leads Harry Hadden-Paton and Amara Okereke can’t quite make this production of My Fair Lady work in the London Coliseum “I’ll never know what made it so exciting” For a musical considered such a classic, you don’t get many productions of Lerner and Loewe’s My Fair Lady to the pound. The National’s revival with Martine McCutcheon dates back more than 20 years now (before my…

[annabelle--cane]

uhhh happy good friday, have a jesus christ superstar audio I took when I saw it last year: 

Jesus Christ Superstar (Barbican Theater, London)

August 16, 2019 (Evening)

Cast: Robert Tripolino (Jesus), Ricardo Alfonso (Judas), Sallay Garnett (Mary), Matt Cardle (Pilate), Samuel Buttery (Herod), Cavin Cornwall (Caiaphas), Nathan Amzi (Annas), Matthew Harvey (Peter), Tim Newman (Simon), Daniel Bailey, Bernadette Bangura, Robert Bannon, Cyrus Brandon, Melanie Bright, Georgia Carling, Dale Evans, Rosie Fletcher, Luke Hall, Simon Hardwick, Josh Hawkins, Dayle Hodge, Stevie Hutchinson, Cleopatra Joseph, Rachel Moran, Billy Nevers, Tinovimbanashe Sibanda, Elliotte Williams-N’Dure

[femaleinafrica]

It saddens me to inform you that, we have lost one of our Female In Sierra Leone United State Chapter, Maryland Branch sister, Mrs Bernadette Kamara Bangura. May her soul rest in peace 🕯️ https://www.instagram.com/p/B7BvEU8JjHw/?igshid=1n0u7hs1xnmfe

[londontheatre]

SUNSET BOULEVARD. Danny Mac ‘Joe Gillis’ and Ria Jones ‘Norma Desmond’. Photo Manuel Harlan

As the Emcee in Cabaret puts it, “Even the orchestra is beautiful!” This Leicester Curve production, of Sunset Boulevard, about to go on a UK and Ireland tour, doesn’t quite replicate the opulent set of the original London production of the early Nineties. No matter: there are some marvellous performances in this company, not least from Ria Jones in the lead role of silent movie star Norma Desmond. Jones, of course, has already proved an acute ability to portray the reclusive diva with delusions of grandeur whilst understudying for Glenn Close in the 2016 English National Opera production. And, as I say, the orchestra, under the baton of Adrian Kirk, is excellent, sounding as though it is at least twice its size. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s score for Sunset Boulevard is up there with The Phantom of the Opera.

This comeback for Jones – sorry, sorry, “return” – is well deserved. Her Norma really does possess the ability to say practically anything she wants with her eyes, as it were. Her singing voice is in fine form – particularly stunning is her rendering of ‘Just As If We Never Said Goodbye’. For instance, the irony and subliminal warning to others in the lyric “We taught the world new ways to dream / Everyone needs new ways to dream” was quite palpable.

The staging isn’t perfect, and there’s arguably a little too much unnecessary pushing and pulling of staircases and other bits of set, into positions that honestly don’t, at least from my vantage point, make much difference. That said, it was clear where each scene was set. The visual effects are superb, and don’t just provide something to look at while the orchestra plays the Entr’acte – they enhance the production throughout very effectively.

Joe Gillis (Danny Mac), doubles up as narrator, and his direct addresses to the audience ensure they aren’t entirely ignored for two and a half hours. Mac performs with confidence and gusto, and a song-and-dance number with Jones, ‘The Perfect Year’, provides an opportunity to see, once more, the dancing skills for which Mac received acclaim for on a certain BBC Television series. As ever, Gillis opens both acts with some bitterness towards Hollywood, with varying degrees of justification.

Now, the production photos don’t lie, and the audience couldn’t help but respond to the sight of Danny Mac wearing not very much as he launches into the title musical number. I’m not sure, however, whether the increasing desperation of the character came across as well as it could have.

[See image gallery at http://ift.tt/1FpwFUw]

  Elsewhere, Adam Pearce is impressive as Max von Meyerling, an imposing and authoritative figure with a rich and deep vocal that just as deftly hits the high notes. Molly Lynch as Betty Schaefer punches above her weight playing a character that is in some respects comparatively unexciting but is also youthful creativity personified.

This may be a British cast but the accents are all convincingly American. For those familiar with the storyline, there’s something gloriously paradoxical about a finale that results in Ria Jones’ Norma Desmond getting a standing ovation and sustained applause. I certainly felt “the magic in the making” in this magnificent and captivating production.

Review by Chris Omaweng

One of the all-time great musicals, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Tony Award®-winning (Best Musical, Best Original Score and Best Book of a Musical) masterpiece SUNSET BOULEVARD is a compelling story of romance and obsession, based on Billy Wilder’s legendary film, with Don Black and Christopher Hampton’s wonderful book and lyrics. This much-loved score includes the title number Sunset Boulevard, With One Look, As If We Never Said Goodbye, The Greatest Star Of All and The Perfect Year and will be performed by a full orchestra.

In her mansion on Sunset Boulevard, faded, silent-screen goddess, Norma Desmond, lives in a fantasy world. Impoverished screenwriter, Joe Gillis, on the run from debt collectors, stumbles into her reclusive world. Persuaded to work on Norma’s ‘masterpiece’, a film script that she believes will put her back in front of the cameras, he is seduced by her and her luxurious lifestyle. Joe becomes entrapped in a claustrophobic world until his love for another woman leads him to try and break free with dramatic consequences.

CAST RIA JONES – Norma Desmond DANNY MAC – Joe Gillis BERNADETTE BANGURA – Jean & Beautician MATTHEW BARROW – Onstage Swing DOUGIE CARTER – Artie Green BENJAMIN CHAMBERS – Jonesy JOANNA GOODWIN – Onstage Swing KRISTOFFER HELLSTRÖM – Sheldrake SIMON LOUGHTON – Manfred MOLLY LYNCH – Betty Schaefer JAMES MEUNIER – Myron GEMMA NAYLOR – Marilyn FIONA O’CARROLL – Joanna & Katherine JOANNA O’HARE – Mary & Beautician JESSICA PAUL – Dawn & Analyst ADAM PEARCE – Max Von Meyerling SAM PEGGS – Sammy CARL SANDERSON – Cecil B De Mille TOM VINCENT – Cliff BARNEY WILKINSON – Hog Eye & Morino

MUSIC BY ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER BOOK & LYRICS BY DON BLACK & CHRISTOPHER HAMPTON BASED ON THE BILLY WILDER FILM

DIRECTOR NIKOLAI FOSTER DESIGNER COLIN RICHMOND CHOREOGRAPHER LEE PROUD MUSICAL DIRECTOR ADRIAN KIRK LIGHTING DESIGNER BEN CRACKNELL SOUND DESIGNER TOM MARSHALL VIDEO DESIGNER DOUGLAS O’CONNELL CASTING DIRECTOR DAVID GRINDROD REHEARSAL AND PRODUCTION PHOTOGRAPHY MANUEL HARLAN

SUNSET BOULEVARD UK AND IRELAND TOUR 2017/18

  http://ift.tt/2fuyoBd LondonTheatre1.com

[annabelle--cane]

“Heaven on Their Minds”

Barbican Theater, London

August 16, 2019 (Evening)

Cast: Robert Tripolino (Jesus), Ricardo Alfonso (Judas), Sallay Garnett (Mary), Matt Cardle (Pilate), Samuel Buttery (Herod), Cavin Cornwall (Caiaphas), Nathan Amzi (Annas), Matthew Harvey (Peter), Tim Newman (Simon), Daniel Bailey, Bernadette Bangura, Robert Bannon, Cyrus Brandon, Melanie Bright, Georgia Carling, Dale Evans, Rosie Fletcher, Luke Hall, Simon Hardwick, Josh Hawkins, Dayle Hodge, Stevie Hutchinson, Cleopatra Joseph, Rachel Moran, Billy Nevers, Tinovimbanashe Sibanda, Elliotte Williams-N’Dure

[londontheatre]

Michael Harrison, David Ian and Curve are delighted to announce further touring dates for the forthcoming UK and Ireland tour of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s award-winning musical SUNSET BOULEVARD starring Ria Jones as ‘Norma Desmond’ and Danny Mac as ‘Joe Gillis’. Directed by Nikolai Foster, the tour will open at Curve on Saturday 16 September 2017 (press night Thursday 28 September). Full tour schedule below. SUNSET BOULEVARD also features Adam Pearce as ‘Max Von Mayerling’, Molly Lynch as ‘Betty Schaefer’, Dougie Carter as ‘Artie Green’ and Carl Sanderson as ‘Cecil B DeMille’. The rest of the company includes Bernadette Bangura, Matthew Barrow, Benjamin Chambers, Joanna Goodwin, Kristoffer Hellström, Iain Mattley, James Meunier, Gemma Naylor, Fiona O’Carroll, Joanna O’Hare, Jessica Paul, Sam Peggs, Tom Vincent and Barney Wilkinson

Last year, Ria Jones played the role of ‘Norma Desmond’ at the London Coliseum when Glenn Close was indisposed, receiving rave reviews and standing ovations for her performance. Ria has recently starred as ‘Dorothy Brock’ in “42nd Street” at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris. Her West End credits include ‘Fantine’ in “Les Misérables”, ‘Grizabella’ in “Cats” and ‘Florence’ in “Chess”. Her touring credits include ‘Alex’ in “The Witches of Eastwick”, ‘Mrs Overall’ in “Acorn Antiques – The Musical”, ‘Reno Sweeney’ in “Anything Goes” and ‘The Narrator’ in “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”.

Danny Mac captured the nation’s hearts and received overwhelming support during his incredible time on BBC1’s “Strictly Come Dancing” making it all the way to the final. He most recently starred as ‘Gabey’ in “On The Town” at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre. His other musical theatre credits include “Wicked” and “Legally Blonde”.

Adam Pearce’s many West End credits include “Les Misérables” at the Queen’s Theatre, as well as the original casts of “Love Never Dies” at the Adelphi, “The Light Princess at the National Theatre and “Urinetown” at the St James Theatre. Adam has also appeared in “Evita”, “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” and “Sweeney Todd”, all at the Adelphi.

[See image gallery at http://ift.tt/1FpwFUw]

  Molly Lynch most recently appeared in English National Opera’s “Carousel” at the Coliseum, where she has also appeared in “Sweeney Todd”. Her other credits include “Fiddler on the Roof” at Grange Park Opera.

Dougie Carter recently played ‘Jean-Michel’ in the national tour of “La Cage Aux Folles”. His West End theatre credits include “Les Misérables” at the Queen’s Theatre and “Alice” at St James Theatre.

Carl Sanderson’s many West End credits include “Cats”, “The Phantom of the Opera”, “Acorn Antiques – The Musical” and “Starlight Express”. His other theatre credits include the national tours of “My Fair Lady” and “Hairspray” as well as “Guys and Dolls”, “The Music Man” and “The Pajama Game” all at Chichester Festival Theatre.

One of the all-time great musicals, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Tony Award®-winning (Best Musical, Best Original Score and Best Book of a Musical) masterpiece SUNSET BOULEVARD is a compelling story of romance and obsession, based on Billy Wilder’s legendary film, with Don Black and Christopher Hampton’s wonderful book and lyrics. This much-loved score includes the title number Sunset Boulevard, With One Look, As If We Never Said Goodbye, The Greatest Star Of All and The Perfect Year and will be performed by a full orchestra.

In her mansion on Sunset Boulevard, faded, silent-screen goddess, Norma Desmond, lives in a fantasy world. Impoverished screenwriter, Joe Gillis, on the run from debt collectors, stumbles into her reclusive world. Persuaded to work on Norma’s ‘masterpiece’, a film script that she believes will put her back in front of the cameras, he is seduced by her and her luxurious life-style. Joe becomes entrapped in a claustrophobic world until his love for another woman leads him to try and break free with dramatic consequences.

Full Casting Announced

SUNSET BOULEVARD UK AND IRELAND TOUR 2017/18 2017 SATURDAY 16 SEPTEMBER – SATURDAY 30 SEPTEMBER CURVE, LEICESTER  http://ift.tt/165GdBd

TUESDAY 3 OCTOBER – SATURDAY 7 OCTOBER EDINBURGH PLAYHOUSE  http://ift.tt/2j83diG

MONDAY 9 OCTOBER – SATURDAY 14 OCTOBER NEWCASTLE THEATRE ROYAL  http://ift.tt/U2q2OB

MONDAY 16 OCTOBER – SATURDAY 21 OCTOBER SWANSEA GRAND THEATRE  http://ift.tt/1oZ5gQ7

MONDAY 23 OCTOBER – SATURDAY 4 NOVEMBER MANCHESTER PALACE  http://ift.tt/2j8iwaX

MONDAY 6 NOVEMBER – SATURDAY 11 NOVEMBER HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE, ABERDEEN http://ift.tt/2fG1612

MONDAY 13 NOVEMBER – SATURDAY 18 NOVEMBER BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME  http://ift.tt/14iJTzX

MONDAY 20 NOVEMBER – SATURDAY 25 NOVEMBER BORD GAIS ENERGY THEATRE, DUBLIN  http://ift.tt/RbxcU5

TUESDAY 28 NOVEMBER – SATURDAY 2 DECEMBER MILTON KEYNES THEATRE  http://ift.tt/1Txe0cK

2018

TUESDAY 9 JANUARY – SATURDAY 13 JANUARY 2018 BRISTOL HIPPODROME http://ift.tt/1ePFxcZ DANNY MAC WILL NOT BE PERFORMING AT THIS VENUE

TUESDAY 16 JANUARY – SATURDAY 20 JANUARY MAYFLOWER THEATRE, SOUTHAMPTON www.mayflower.org.uk DANNY MAC WILL NOT BE PERFORMING AT THIS VENUE

MONDAY 22 JANUARY – SATURDAY 27 JANUARY NEW VICTORIA THEATRE, WOKING http://ift.tt/2g28GT0 DANNY MAC WILL NOT BE PERFORMING AT THIS VENUE

MONDAY 29 JANUARY – SATURDAY 3 FEBRUARY THE CLIFFS PAVILLION, SOUTHEND http://ift.tt/1MwTxRZ

MONDAY 5 FEBRUARY – SATURDAY 10 FEBRUARY THE ALHAMBRA THEATRE, BRADFORD http://ift.tt/1ejuZCR

MONDAY 19 FEBRUARY – SATURDAY 24 FEBRUARY LIVERPOOL EMPIRE http://ift.tt/2h1DCoa

MONDAY 26 FEBRUARY – SATURDAY 3 MARCH WALES MILLENNIUM CENTRE, CARDIFF www.wmc.org.uk DANNY MAC WILL NOT BE PERFORMING ON MONDAY 26 FEBRUARY

MONDAY 5 MARCH – SATURDAY 10 MARCH IPSWICH REGENT THEATRE http://ift.tt/2vY9VtP

MONDAY 12 MARCH – SATURDAY 17 MARCH THEATRE ROYAL, PLYMOUTH www.theatreroyal.com

MONDAY 9 APRIL – SATURDAY 14 APRIL NEW WIMBLEDON THEATRE http://ift.tt/2fbh98X

MONDAY 16 APRIL – SATURDAY 21 APRIL THE MARLOWE THEATRE, CANTERBURY http://ift.tt/1dw0U00

MONDAY 23 APRIL – SATURDAY 28 APRIL SHEFFIELD LYCEUM http://ift.tt/Z3Lm6I

http://ift.tt/2tIXrcX LondonTheatre1.com

[londontheatre]

Michael Harrison, David Ian and Curve announce full casting for the forthcoming UK and Ireland tour of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s award-winning musical SUNSET BOULEVARD. Directed by Nikolai Foster, the tour will open at Curve on Saturday 16 September 2017 (press night Thursday 28 September). Tour schedule below with more dates to be announced soon. sunsetboulevardthemusical.com

Joining the previously announced Ria Jones as ‘Norma Desmond’ and Danny Mac as ‘Joe Gillis’ will be Adam Pearce as ‘Max Von Mayerling’, Molly Lynch as ‘Betty Schaefer’, Dougie Carter as ‘Artie Green’ and Carl Sanderson as ‘Cecil B DeMille’.

The rest of the company includes Bernadette Bangura, Matthew Barrow, Benjamin Chambers, Joanna Goodwin, Kristoffer Hellström, Iain Mattley, James Meunier, Gemma Naylor, Fiona O’Carroll, Joanna O’Hare, Jessica Paul, Sam Peggs, Tom Vincent and Barney Wilkinson

Last year, Ria Jones played the role of ‘Norma Desmond’ at the London Coliseum when Glenn Close was indisposed, receiving rave reviews and standing ovations for her performance. Ria has recently starred as ‘Dorothy Brock’ in “42nd Street” at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris. Her West End credits include ‘Fantine’ in “Les Misérables”, ‘Grizabella’ in “Cats” and ‘Florence’ in “Chess”. Her touring credits include ‘Alex’ in “The Witches of Eastwick”, ‘Mrs Overall’ in “Acorn Antiques – The Musical”, ‘Reno Sweeney’ in “Anything Goes” and ‘The Narrator’ in “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”.

Danny Mac captured the nation’s hearts and received overwhelming support during his incredible time on BBC1’s “Strictly Come Dancing” making it all the way to the final. He most recently starred as ‘Gabey’ in “On The Town” at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre. His other musical theatre credits include “Wicked” and “Legally Blonde”.

Adam Pearce’s many West End credits include “Les Misérables” at the Queen’s Theatre, as well as the original casts of “Love Never Dies” at the Adelphi, “The Light Princess at the National Theatre and “Urinetown” at the St James Theatre. Adam has also appeared in “Evita”, “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” and “Sweeney Todd”, all at the Adelphi.

Molly Lynch most recently appeared in English National Opera’s “Carousel” at the Coliseum, where she has also appeared in “Sweeney Todd”. Her other credits include “Fiddler on the Roof” at Grange Park Opera.

Dougie Carter recently played ‘Jean-Michel’ in the national tour of “La Cage Aux Folles”. His West End theatre credits include “Les Misérables” at the Queen’s Theatre and “Alice” at St James Theatre.

Carl Sanderson’s many West End credits include “Cats”, “The Phantom of the Opera”, “Acorn Antiques – The Musical” and “Starlight Express”. His other theatre credits include the national tours of “My Fair Lady” and “Hairspray” as well as “Guys and Dolls”, “The Music Man” and “The Pajama Game” all at Chichester Festival Theatre. One of the all-time great musicals, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Tony Award®-winning (Best Musical, Best Original Score and Best Book of a Musical) masterpiece SUNSET BOULEVARD is a compelling story of romance and obsession, based on Billy Wilder’s legendary film, with Don Black and Christopher Hampton’s wonderful book and lyrics. This much-loved score includes the title number Sunset Boulevard, With One Look, As If We Never Said Goodbye, The Greatest Star Of All and The Perfect Year and will be performed by a full orchestra.

In her mansion on Sunset Boulevard, faded, silent-screen goddess, Norma Desmond, lives in a fantasy world. Impoverished screen writer, Joe Gillis, on the run from debt collectors, stumbles into her reclusive world. Persuaded to work on Norma’s ‘masterpiece’, a film script that she believes will put her back in front of the cameras, he is seduced by her and her luxurious life-style. Joe becomes entrapped in a claustrophobic world until his love for another woman leads him to try and break free with dramatic consequences.

SUNSET BOULEVARD UK AND IRELAND TOUR 2017/18 2017 SATURDAY 16 SEPTEMBER – SATURDAY 30 SEPTEMBER CURVE, LEICESTER http://ift.tt/165GdBd

TUESDAY 3 OCTOBER – SATURDAY 7 OCTOBER EDINBURGH PLAYHOUSE http://ift.tt/2j83diG

MONDAY 9 OCTOBER – SATURDAY 14 OCTOBER NEWCASTLE THEATRE ROYAL http://ift.tt/U2q2OB

MONDAY 16 OCTOBER – SATURDAY 21 OCTOBER SWANSEA GRAND THEATRE http://ift.tt/1oZ5gQ7

MONDAY 23 OCTOBER – SATURDAY 4 NOVEMBER MANCHESTER PALACE http://ift.tt/2j8iwaX

MONDAY 6 NOVEMBER – SATURDAY 11 NOVEMBER HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE, ABERDEEN http://ift.tt/2fG1612

MONDAY 13 NOVEMBER – SATURDAY 18 NOVEMBER BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME http://ift.tt/14iJTzX

MONDAY 20 NOVEMBER – SATURDAY 25 NOVEMBER BORD GAIS ENERGY THEATRE, DUBLIN http://ift.tt/RbxcU5

TUESDAY 28 NOVEMBER – SATURDAY 2 DECEMBER MILTON KEYNES THEATRE http://ift.tt/1Txe0cK

http://ift.tt/2tIXrcX LondonTheatre1.com

[londontheatre]

THE COLOR PURPLE Cavin Cornwall (Mister) Marisha Wallace (Celie) Photo Scott Rylander

Does The Color Purple have something of a cult following? By the time I caught wind of the Menier Chocolate Factory production in 2013, I couldn’t go as the rest of the run had sold out. This concert form, presented as a one-off charity gala performance, could probably have sold out the 2,286 seat London Palladium, let alone the 950 seat Cadogan Hall, such was the demand (and disappointment) for tickets. Judging by this performance, laying aside the usual technical hitches that have a tendency to creep into ‘one night only’ events, it’s easy to see why.

The variation in musical numbers is considerable, ranging from the high-octane opening number, simply called ‘Opening’ in this show’s programme (though the 2015 Broadway Cast Recording has it down more aptly as ‘Opening/Mysterious Ways’), a gospel number steeped in black evangelical church tradition, to ballads like ‘What About Love?’ and ‘Too Beautiful For Words’. Both the band, directed by James Taylor, and the cast, led by Marisha Wallace as Celie, glided through the different styles seemingly effortlessly.

The penultimate number, ‘I’m Here’, had the majority of the audience on their feet, making another one almost inevitable at curtain call. Sometimes, these standing ovations seem overblown – here, on both occasions, it was well deserved. This was a performance that, pardon the expression, took me to church.

Not that I raised my hands in the air and hollered, “Hallelujah!” – I left that to the ensemble, which palpably moved and sounded like a gospel choir. If they had been in robes, they would have looked like one too.

This is a gritty and often gloomy tale, thanks to a whole host of things that occur to Celie, most notably various forms of abusive behaviour including crimes against the person. (It is not, being set in the early twentieth century, about the transatlantic slave trade.) As a result, the more hopeful moments are all the more memorable. Rachel John’s Shug Avery, a sassy jazz singer, is well developed as a character, an unlikely source of meaningful love and self-confidence for Celie. The title of one of her musical numbers, ‘Hell No!’ speaks for itself. She also provides some comic relief, and rather like jazz in its proper form, doesn’t play by the rules. Meanwhile, a trio of ‘church ladies’ (Bernadette Bangura, Rochelle Jackman and Krishana Parker) acted as a sort of Greek chorus. Elsewhere, a difference between American and British English had me chuckling – for some reason it took a while before I realised a repeated reference to ‘pants’ was actually referring to trousers.

Anyway, also worthy of mention is Wendy Mae Brown’s Sofia, an independently minded lady. Brown brought a mixture of hilarity and sincerity to the stage, in much the same way as I recall from seeing her performance as Oda Mae in a touring production of Ghost the Musical. Tyrone Huntley’s Harpo was suitably fresh, eager and vibrant; Huntley’s sheer stage presence was an utter delight.

THE COLOR PURPLE The Company Photo Scott Rylander

The acoustics, not being entirely perfect, meant some of the more rapidly delivered punchlines and putdowns were difficult to decipher. It was still possible to follow what was happening, despite few props and an almost complete lack of set.

Wallace’s acting was simply extraordinary: if a picture paints a thousand words, her facial expressions said even more than her words did. She clearly didn’t expect the audience to react as we did after the ’11 o’clock number’; palpably moved, it took an extra moment before the concert could proceed. And judging by the exit poll reactions of others, there’s demand for a full-scale revival (pardon the evangelical pun) of this powerfully moving story. The Color Purple in Concert was no shrinking violet. This was a bold and beautiful production.

Review by Chris Omaweng

The Color Purple tells the inspiring and unforgettable story of a woman who, through love, finds the strength to triumph over adversity and discover her unique voice in the world.

The Color Purple is being staged to raised funds for The British Theatre Academy, a unique performing arts programme that has inspired and nurtured the talent of thousands of young performers over the past 30 years. The concert will feature a chorus of over 40 current BTA participants.

The cast featured: Wendy Mae Brown (as Sofia) West End roles include Oda Mae Brown in the original cast of Ghost the Musical; Hattie in Kiss Me Kate; Serena in Porgy and Bess; Joanne in Rent.

Cavin Cornwall (Mister) Currently appearing in Disney’s Aladdin at the Prince Edward. He was Caiaphas in the recent Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre production of Jesus Christ Superstar. Other West End roles include Curtis Shanks in Sister Act; Crown in Porgy & Bess; Billy Flynn in Chicago.

Tyrone Huntley (Harpo) Currently appearing as C.C. White in Dreamgirls at the Savoy. He won the Emerging Talent Award at the Evening Standard Awards and was nominated Best Actor in a Musical at this year’s Olivier Award for his Judas in Jesus Christ Superstar at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre. He also appeared in the original London casts of Memphis and The Book of Mormon.

Rachel John (Shug) Recently returned from Toronto where she played the role of Nicki Marron in The Bodyguard, also in the West End. Other West End roles include Felicia in Memphis; The Lion King; Sister Act; three years as Meat in We Will Rock You. It has recently been announced that Rachel will play Angelica in the UK première of Hamilton.

Hugh Maynard (Pa) West End roles include John in the most recent revival of Miss Saigon (nominated Best Featured Actor in a New Production of a Musical in Broadway World Awards and Best Supporting Actor in a Musical in the WhatsOnStage Awards); Simba in The Lion King; Clopin in Notre Dame de Paris; Marvin Gaye in Dancing in the Streets; Sister Act. He recently became the first black performer in the UK to play the iconic role of Sweeney Todd.

Seyi Omooba (Nettie) Currently appearing in Headlong’s Junkyard at Bristol Old Vic. She received rave reviews as Sarah’s Friend in Ragtime at Charing Cross Theatre.

Marisha Wallace (Celie) The American star of Dreamgirls, she is currently the alternate Effie at the Savoy. Her Broadway shows include the original casts of Something Rotten! and Disney’s Aladdin.

Creative team: Musical Director James Taylor Choreographer Mykal Rand Producer Matthew Chandler Producer and Casting Director Danielle Tarento

http://ift.tt/2q2FZil LondonTheatre1.com

[londontheatre]

There aren’t many musicals that have taken over two thousand years to write and can boast the creative talents of Aristophanes, Stephen Sondheim, Burt Shevelove and Nathan Lane, but The Frogs which is having a run at the Jermyn Street Theatre is just such a show.

The time is the present, the place is Ancient Greece and Dionysos (Michael Matus) is in despair about the state of the world. Being the God of Theatre he thinks the best idea is for him and his slave Xanthias (George Rae) to head to Hades and bring George Bernard Shaw (Martin Dickenson) back to the earth to write a play that will speak to the people of the earth and help society with their problems. Whilst reluctant – he really doesn’t like travelling ��� Xanthias goes with his master, well he is a slave so his options are limited. On the way, the two travellers pop in to get some advice from Dionysos’ half brother, Herakles (Chris McGuigan) on how to get to Hades. Herakles advises his half brother to pretend to be him so he can talk his way into Hades – as the rather effete Dionysos would not do well in the macho world of hell. Dionysos and Xanthias head to the River Styx where they meet the ferryman, Charon (Jonathan Wadley). As they travel, Dionysos tells his companions about his dead wife Ariadne (Bernadette Bangura) and her crown of stars. When the travellers make it to Hades, they meet some of its inhabitants, including a cult of Dionysion worshippers, Charisma,the Keeper of Keys to the palace, Aekos, Virilla The Amazon (Li-Tong Hsu), George Bernard Shaw and his great literary rival, William Shakespeare (Nigel Pilkington), and then finally, the Ruler of the Underworld, Pluto Emma Ralston) who sheds new light on life in Hell for Xanthias and Dionysos. With only twenty-four hours available to him, can Dionysos fulfill his plan and save the world from itself by the use of a new play?

The Frogs is a bit of an odd musical in many respects. Originally written by Aristophanes, it has been, as the programme says, “freely adapted” by Burt Shevelove and “even more freely adapted” by Nathan Lane and is a bit of a mish-mash of ideas. The music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim are themselves unusual and at times, it feels as the great Mr S was testing out some tunes in this production before expanding them and using them in other shows. For all this though the show itself is actually quite endearing and interesting to watch. The idea that a single play could change the world may sound a bit naive but, let’s face it if you are the God of theatre and wine, then your choices are rather limited. The story is surprisingly relevant for the current political climate and the script contained some nice little drop-ins of current phrases which fitted perfectly with the overall tone and theme of The Frogs. There were elements of the story I really enjoyed, such as Pluto’s mind-blowing description of life – or I suppose death – in Hades which I have to say makes it a far more attractive final destination than the Bible ever did. I also enjoyed the verbal duel between Shaw and Shakespeare. However, there were other elements, such as the appearance of The Frogs in the title which really didn’t work for me or actually seem to have any real relevance to the story as a whole – in fact I never really understood why frogs were perceived so negatively throughout the narrative. If I’m honest, I would have cut the second act down a bit and maybe expanded the duel as, at times it felt like there were elements being introduced and dismissed without really being needed.

Designer Gregor Donnelly has created a rather minimalist set – a sort of mini climbing frame around the edges of the stage area – along with the costumes – everyone in black with just some hints of colour to highlight particular characters – all combined to give the audience the chance to exercise their imaginations. Given the lack of scenery and costume then full credit to the actors for managing to make their various roles pretty clear to those of us watching. Michael Matus and George Rae made a strong double act throughout but especially in the opening number and the scenes where they were alternately pretending to be Herakles. The rest of the cast were really good and it was shame that the writing only gave us a taste of what some of the characters were like.

Overall, I did enjoy The Frogs. I have listened to the original cast recording again today and whilst it’s not Sondheim at his inimitable best, I cannot fault the music. The story flows well on the whole and this revival is really charming. It works very well in the intimate space of the Jermyn Street Theatre where the cat and audience can easily share the experience of the story. Not my favourite show of the year, but well worth a trip.

Review by Terry Eastham

The latest 2004 Broadway version of the rarely performed Stephen Sondheim musical THE FROGS is a hilarious send up of Greek comedy and satire with a book revised and expanded by Nathan Lane and includes seven new Sondheim songs.

House on the Hill Productions in Association with Jermyn Street Theatre presents

The UK Premiere of THE FROGS A comedy written in 405 by ARISTOPHANES Freely adapted for today by BURT SHEVELOVE And even more freely adapted by NATHAN LANE

Music and lyrics by STEPHEN SONDHEIM Original orchestration by Jonathan Tunick

Director: Grace Wessels Musical Director: Tim Sutton Designer: Gregor Donnelly Movement: Tim McArthur featuring Michael Matus as Dionysos & George Rae as Xanthias with Bernadette Bangura Martin Dickinson Li-Tong Hsu Chris McGuigan Nigel Pilkington Emma Ralston Jonathan Wadey

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[londontheatre]

The Frogs Michael Matus and George Rae

Michael Matus and George Rae are to star in Stephen Sondheim’s The Frogs. They will play Dionysos and Xanthias in the UK premiere of the latest Broadway version of the rarely performed musical, a hilarious send-up of Greek comedy and satire, with a book revised and expanded by Nathan Lane.

The Frogs, loosely based on a comedy written in 405 BC by Aristophanes, freely adapted for today by Burt Shevelove, and even more freely adapted by Nathan Lane, with Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, produced by House on the Hill Productions in association with Jermyn Street Theatre and directed by Grace Wessels, will premiere at Jermyn Street Theatre from Tuesday 14th March – Saturday 8th April.

Press nights are Thursday 16th March & Friday 17th March at 7.30pm

Michael Matus has just played Mrs Bumbrake in the UK premiere of Peter and the Starcatcher. He has featured in seven shows for the Royal Shakespeare Company. His many West End and major roles include Monsieur Firmin in The Phantom of the Opera, Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown, Lend Me a Tenor, Yes Prime Minister, Imagine This, Martin Guerre and The Sound of Music at Regent’s Park.

George Rae was nominated for three Best Actor awards as Otto Kringelei in Grand Hotel at Southwark Theatre (Best Male Performance in the Off West End Theatre Awards, Best Featured Actor in a New Production of a Musical, Broadway World UK West End Awards and Best Actor in The West End Wilma Awards). Last month, he was named by Mark Shenton as one of The Best Leading Men in UK Musical Theatre in The Stage. His other roles include Patsy in Spamalot (Frankfurt), Benjamin in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Schlomo in Fame, Rick in A Slice of Saturday Night, Mr Two in Adding Machine, Timon in The Lion King and TJ in Sister Act.

The rest of the cast are: Bernadette Bangura (Ragtime, Charing Cross Theatre), Martin Dickinson (Promises Promises, Southwark Playhouse), Chris McGuigan (Through the Mill, London Theatre Workshop), Li-Tong Hsu (Here Lies Love, National Theatre), Nigel Pilkington (The Showstoppers), Emma Ralston (Little Red Riding Hood in Into the Woods), Jonathan Wadey (previously at Jermyn Street Theatre in House on the Hill’s UK premiere of Natural Affection).

The Frogs was originally performed in 1974 in Yale University’s gymnasium’s swimming pool, featuring members of the Yale swimming team. Meryl Streep and Sigourney Weaver were among its ensemble.This latest version, which opened on Broadway in 2004, includes seven additional Stephen Sondheim songs.

From the same writers behind A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum, The Frogs, playfully explores the great challenges of human existence: confronting our fears, understanding life and death, and challenging the distractions that can prevent us from achieving our goals. This boisterously hilarious yet poignant musical follows Dionysos, Greek god of wine and drama, and his slave Xanthias on a journey to Hades to collect renowned critic and playwright George Bernard Shaw so that he may enlighten the easily misled and coerced masses of Earth. Along this journey, Dionysos and Xanthias meet Herakles, Charon, Pluto, and of course, the chorus of frogs. Then, Shakespeare shows up and starts declaiming his greatest hits; and before long he engages in a battle of words with Mr. Shaw. Who will win the honor of becoming reincarnated: The Bard or Bernard? The Frogs stays true to its heritage, mixing Aristophanic pratfall satire with a Sondheim score that swings from witty to pretty to rambunctious, but it also mirrors the Greek original for the serious issue of the role of the arts in a world beset by war and folly.

Broadway star Nathan Lane decided to expand The Frogs in 2001. “After September 11 … I started to think, There’s something in this piece right now. … There’s something idealistic about the notion of someone believing that the arts can make a difference … I found it moving, in light of what is going on in the world.”

CREATIVE TEAM Director Grace Wessels Musical Director: Tim Sutton Designer: Gregor Donnelly Lighting Designer: Tim Mascall Movement: Tim McArthur

Jermyn Street Theatre 16b Jermyn Street, London SW1Y 6ST Tuesday March 14th – Saturday April 8th 2017 http://ift.tt/1hbpt2t

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