London Theater

[edjames]

I just returned from London/Paris where I spent my evenings enjoying the current selection of shows in the West End and the Ballet/Opera in Paris.

 

The two biggest shows in London right now are War Horse and Enron. Both were sold out and no one could get me a ticket. Given their success in the West End, chances are good that they will transition to Broadway next season. If not, well, I’ll be back in London in April.

 

I wish I could say there were some other bright and inventive comedies or musicals running in London, but it was not meant to be. Like Broadway, the recession has hit the West End and most shows feature new productions of classic shows.

 

First up was the revival of “La Cage Aux Folles”. Unlike its last outing in the West End this is a bona fide hit and audiences are flocking to the Playhouse Theater for a night of fun entertainment. Much to my surprise the lead in this production is young American-born British actor, John Barrowman. I had no idea who he was until I read his bio. He’s a former Dr. Who, cast member of Torchwood, and has substantial stage credits. He was absolutely charming and very funny in the role of Albin/ZaZa. I became an instant fan. I understand that British TV host and comedian, Graham Norton, played the role and I would have enjoyed seeing him. FYI, John is openly gay and married his partner in 2006 and has recently re-released and re-titled his autobiography “I Am What I Am.”

http://www.johnbarrowman.com/index.html

The show has some of the ugliest drag queens in the cast; however they are a talented group. Australian actor, Simon Burke, played the role of Georges.

 

Next, another revival, this time “Oliver!” Starring Iranian born, British raised, actor, Omid Djalili. It was a terrific night of theater. Lots of fun, a young energetic cast and wonderful score. Some may remember Omid from his co-starring role with Whoopi Goldberg in her short lived NBC TV series a few years ago. He has also been in many movies, such as The Mummy, Casanova, and Pirates of the Caribbean 2. It was a truly memorable evening of theater.

 

My third theatrical experience was the drama “The Shawshank Redemption.” A hot ticket and a close adaptation of the film. American actor Kevin Anderson faithfully takes over where Tim Robbins left off as Andy, the wrongfully accused murderer. Kevin comes from the Chicago Steppenwolf theater group and he, and actor Reg E. Cathy, who plays Red, are terrific in the starring roles. A more brutal depiction of life behind bars in the Maine prison, there is a prison rape scene. This production is a big London hit and I think it, too, will surely transition to Broadway.

 

Thursday night found me clapping and enjoying the crazy gay antics of those infamous three drag queens as they traipse across the Australian outback in “Priscilla: Queen of the Desert”. Almost better than the film, the musical as undergone some changes but if you enjoyed the movie, I think you’ll like the musical. Costume designer, and Oscar winner, Lizzy Gardiner, has out-done herself in creating some new, exciting and outrageous costumes for the stage production while some of the movie outfits, such as the flip-flop dress, are still in evidence. I saw several understudies in the lead roles the night I went and they seemed fine in the roles. Also of interest was the large turnout of attractive young gay men in the audience! I know that a production will open in Toronto this spring and I am sure the producers have set their sights on Broadway. It won’t garner great reviews but should be a big hit with tourists and fans of the movie.

 

Finally, I saw the stage version of the movie “Calendar Girls.” A warm and touching play about a group of women who raise money for cancer by posing topless for an unexpectedly successful calendar, it was a good show. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house at the end. Of course, it’s been running for a while in the West End and I saw one of the umpteenth casts, but was thrilled to see actress June Brown (Dot Cotton from the UK TV hit soap opera Eastenders) in the role of Jessie and studly young actor, also of Eastenders fame, Jack Ryder, in the role of photographer Lawrence.

 

All too soon I moved on, via the Eurostar Chunnel train to Paris where I got to see the Paris Ballet at the Palais Gardnier and La Boheme at the Paris Bastille Opera house. Two wonderful and exciting nights in Paris!

 

Now I am back in NYC and wondering what I will do in the upcoming weeks (LOL). Fortunately, tomorrow night I am seeing Bernadette Peters in concert and “Finian’s Rainbow” on Thursday night, so I have some events to keep me occupied until my next trip, now scheduled for late January, to see one of Bette Midler’s last performances in Vegas. She has just announced that she is not renewing her contract.

 

ED

[GoodFella69]

Priscilla: Queen of the Desert

 

Ed,

Sounds like you had an awesome trip! Thanks for your reviews on the West End shows. I'm pleased to read that “Priscilla: Queen of the Desert” was almost as enjoyable as the movie. Wonder if "Priscilla" will make it to Broadway anytime soon?

[Isis123]

I wouldn't put money on Priscilla making it to New York.

It is an expensive show to mount and run and whilst it has done reasonable business in London, I doubt it has made its backers much, if any, profit.

[Guest DuchessIvanaKizznhugg]

Toronto run delayed....

 

Thursday night found me clapping and enjoying the crazy gay antics of those infamous three drag queens as they traipse across the Australian outback in “Priscilla: Queen of the Desert”. .........

 

................I know that a production will open in Toronto this spring and I am sure the producers have set their sights on Broadway.

Wonderful post, edjames. You can tell you are passionate about theatre.

 

Unfortunately, it was announced that the Toronto opening of Priscilla has been delayed until next fall (Oct 2010), where it will enjoy a 12-week run prior to moving to Broadway for a March 6, 2011 opening.

 

Taking its place: Legally Blonde.

 

Gives me more time to work on my opening night costume!

[Guest LeoWalker]

First up was the revival of “La Cage Aux Folles”. Unlike its last outing in the West End this is a bona fide hit and audiences are flocking to the Playhouse Theater for a night of fun entertainment. Much to my surprise the lead in this production is young American-born British actor, John Barrowman. I had no idea who he was until I read his bio. He’s a former Dr. Who, cast member of Torchwood, and has substantial stage credits. He was absolutely charming and very funny in the role of Albin/ZaZa. I became an instant fan. I understand that British TV host and comedian, Graham Norton, played the role and I would have enjoyed seeing him. FYI, John is openly gay and married his partner in 2006 and has recently re-released and re-titled his autobiography “I Am What I Am.”

http://www.johnbarrowman.com/index.html

The show has some of the ugliest drag queens in the cast; however they are a talented group. Australian actor, Simon Burke, played the role of Georges.

 

I completely loved the show...aside from one thing, and am curious if it hit you the same. Don't remember the name, but the guy who played Jean-Michel seemed very uptight and almost argumentative in the role...it seemed out of place. Wasn't sure if that was his personality, mis-understanding/interpretation of the role, or he was just having a bad night.

[edjames]

John Michel was played by actor Gabriel Vick in the production I recently saw. He was OK.

 

The show is closing and transitioning to Broadway with the original London leads.

 

Unfortunately, London box office receipts are not officially published, so there is no way, other than the show being extended to effectively judge if something is a hit or not in London. In the case of Priscilla: Queen of the Desert, the production has been extended for an additional 5 month run, so that is a sure sign of a healthy show. I'm quite certain that after it's Toronto run it will head to the Big Apple.

 

ED