To go with the theme of many of the threads in the PPP-what was the last one you have seen?


For me it was a Crucible-just yesterday.




Cat

the last one for me was, "Phantom of the Opera". It was my 3rd time seeing it (but my first in Pittsburgh...the other two times were in Canada)....but it was the first time for my husband...he enjoyed it a lot.  This year for our anniversary....he's supposed to take me to see, "Cats". :)

The last (which was also the first and only) play I saw was The Phantom of the Opera in 1989 at the Pantages Theatre in Toronto.  I remember it well because I was very ill that day, but regardless I really wanted to go, so I toughed it out

The last (which was also the first and only) play I saw was The Phantom of the Opera in 1989 at the Pantages Theatre in Toronto.  I remember it well because I was very ill that day, but regardless I really wanted to go, so I toughed it out



wow...that's ironic....the 2nd time I was there I had the flu so bad...I was sick as a dog...but I wanted to go so bad...so I toughed it out as well. ;)

I am so jealous. I would LOVE to go see Phantom.




Cat

I am so jealous. I would LOVE to go see Phantom.




Cat



it's one of those musicals that draw you in the entire time...in an enchantiing kind of way. It must also be the kind of musical that you either love or hate....not to many people think it's just okay (from what I have heard from those that have seen it). I absolutely loved it...on the other hand, my mom hated it....meh, to each his own.

My mom took us (me and Ceekay) about two years ago; she was so inlove with it she got the movie and the CD and all kinds of stuff related to it. I don't know how C felt about it, but I really was dissapointed.  It was recorded and the set changes were slow and the whole thing seemed so cheap that I could n't take it.  And that's the Broadway show. Blech.
That was a confession- don't think I told C that yet.

it's one of those musicals that draw you in the entire time...in an enchantiing kind of way. It must also be the kind of musical that you either love or hate....not to many people think it's just okay (from what I have heard from those that have seen it). I absolutely loved it...on the other hand, my mom hated it....meh, to each his own.



I know just about every line from the score. I orginally had it on cassette and I think I wore out those tapes (two volume set) and then I got it on CD. I do have the movie which I know they "rewrote"  ::).  I really hate when they do that. But I would love to see it on stage. I'm sure I would love it.



Cat

My mom took us (me and Ceekay) about two years ago; she was so inlove with it she got the movie and the CD and all kinds of stuff related to it. I don't know how C felt about it, but I really was dissapointed.  It was recorded and the set changes were slow and the whole thing seemed so cheap that I could n't take it.  And that's the Broadway show. Blech.
That was a confession- don't think I told C that yet.


Bahaha.  No, you didn't tell me that.  But that's okay.  I liked it but I hated that the music was recorded.  As a former pit-orchestra musician (okay, not professional, but still...) I greatly prefer a live orchestra to anything else.  What a shame that we seem to be losing that.

I saw a musical called, "Crowns."  It told the stories of the lives of several generations of Black women -- spinning each story around the hats that wore to church.  The music was gospel style.  The show was fantastic.

I'm going to see the stage version of Amadeus on Friday.

Seen: "The Who's Quadrophenia".

Been in: "Finian's Rainbow", or "Sacramento's Best Of Broadway", in 1996.

Seen: "The Who's Quadrophenia".

Been in: "Finian's Rainbow", or "Sacramento's Best Of Broadway", in 1996.



What part in Finian's Rainbow?



Cat

I was cast as Finian McLonergan.

I was trying for Og, but I was cast as the lead for 3 reasons:

1. I was the cast member with the most seniority in the group- 3 years.
2. I had the most authentic Irish accent, and the best tenor voice.
3. I can't dance very well, because of my feet, and Finian's part wasn't a big dancing part.

(I was later informed that a close fourth reason was that none of the female cast members wanted me getting any part where there was a remote chance that they'd have to kiss me.)

I was cast as Finian McLonergan.

I was trying for Og, but I was cast as the lead for 3 reasons:

1. I was the cast member with the most seniority in the group- 3 years.
2. I had the most authentic Irish accent, and the best tenor voice.
3. I can't dance very well, because of my feet, and Finian's part wasn't a big dancing part.

(I was later informed that a close fourth reason was that none of the female cast members wanted me getting any part where there was a remote chance that they'd have to kiss me.)



In the movie, Finian had a big dancing part thanks to Fred Astaire.  ;)



Cat

In the movie, Finian had a big dancing part thanks to Fred Astaire.  ;)
Cat


In the movie, they also had Robert "The Music Man" Preston.

Thank Gaud I didn't have to dance much, but I DID get to act drunk, at one point.

In the movie, they also had Robert "The Music Man" Preston.

Thank Gaud I didn't have to dance much, but I DID get to act drunk, at one point.


Robert Preston wasn't in Finian's Rainbow-or are you saying that Robert Preston couldn't sing nor dance in the Music Man?




Cat

Robert Preston wasn't in Finian's Rainbow-or are you saying that Robert Preston couldn't sing nor dance in the Music Man?
Cat


He most certainly was in "Finian's Rainbow"- he played Woody.

And he couldn't dance very well in "Music Man", either.

His singing is passable...but I wouldn't tag him for Michael Crawford.

He most certainly was in "Finian's Rainbow"- he played Woody.

And he couldn't dance very well in "Music Man", either.

His singing is passable...but I wouldn't tag him for Michael Crawford.



That was Don Francks.  http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0062974/




Cat

Say Goodnight Gracie
My Way

The last musical I saw was Cats.  We all went along.  It would have helped if we'd known a bit of the story beforehand because it was hard to follow the story and tell the children what was going on at the same time.



My daughter was in her dance school show the other week called Movies, Musicals and More.  About 180 dancers in various age classes did a show dancing and singing to lots of well-known musical numbers.  The "and More" bit of the title included some children's television programmes for the younger classes.  My daughter danced and sang to Little People from Les Miserables, Who Will Buy from Oliver and Be My Guest from Beauty and the Beast.  I've seen a little of the show during the dress rehearsals but was too busy in the dressing room to see it all so i'm buying the DVD.

In the past couple of weeks I have been to a fabulous play twice and a musical once - so I thought I would paste my reviews of both from my blog rather than starting from scratch. Sorry if the local references dont make sense to all !!




WOW, WOW and WOW - so very much to catch up on !!
In the past few weeks I have been to a few amazing shows and really need to catch up on myself.

First up on Sep19 (Tues) Laurel and I went to opening night of the play The Woman in Black - a two man play starring John Waters and Brett Tucker. Thanks John & Zoe for the tickets - they were fab seats.

I dont honestly remember ever seeing a 2 man play before and I really have to admire actors who are capable of memorising and delivering so much dialogue. The play is about a haunting and clever sound & lighting effects - along with the two amazing actors creating the appropriate suspense levels - left the audience jumping and screaming in all the right moments. Its a play within a play and a really nicely written story with a killer twist that beats The Crying Game and 6th Sense for its unexpectedness.

I went again with Mum the following Friday (22nd) - sitting in the centre of the second row. I wasnt sure if the suspense would be ruined by already knowing the storyline - it wasnt ! I still leapt in fright in many parts but was also able to concentrate more on the dialogue and both actors sterling performances.

Thank you to the producers for bringing such an unusual play to Perth with such talented performers.

My only complaint - the usual one - Perth venues. The Burswood Showroom was far too big and cavernous for the production. It needed the intimacy and warmth of the Regal or His Maj.  I cannot fathom that the audience members sitting beyond row Z could have possibly appreciated the attention to detail and facial expressions of the actors (but then I think that of all audiences - being the girl that never sits further back than 10th row !).

So last night - what to say about last night.
Hugh Jackman and The Boy From Oz.
Really that says it all !  But no I should say more !
I saw the original Todd McKenney production in 2000 and have always felt Todd was purely perfect in the role of Peter Allen. So I had to separate this new production in my mind and not compare the two.
Having been a Hugh Jackman fan ever since he served me tortellini while still studying acting - I knew I had to see him in this massive new arena style production.
The show was utterly incredible. "Huge" is too small a word to describe it.
Hugh was cheeky, on the ball, full of fast ad libbed retorts, dancin mad, hilarious - all of it.
He ran through the audience at one stage and high fived mum while I managed to touch his sweaty waist (sighhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh). He grabbed a guy out of the crowd to teach him to swivel like a pro. That guy will be a legend in his house hold for some time ! I might add that by then Hugh was wearing a stunning sequinned Eagles jumper and demonstrating how he could have made the team - in tight gold trousers !

Colleen Hewitt got a extremely well deserved long long standing ovation (the longest I have ever witnessed for a support actor) after belting out Dont Cry Out Loud - so much so that she cried on stage. Hugh followed with Tenterfield Saddler and if there was a dry eye in the house after either I would be surprised.

We Will Rock You diva's Kate Maree Houlihan and Sarah Harlow were the back up vocalists - with little extra ensemble work throughout. They played a joke on Hugh at some point - supposedly something written on their chests that only he could see - must find out what it was !

I Still Call Australia Home was a big big highlight naturally. A huge girls school choir joined Hugh on stage, along with drizaboned extras who carried a MASSIVE Australian flag into the audience and over the tops of our heads - I touched the big star as it went over my head. I Go To Rio was the big fave of the night - the entire audience on their feet singing and dancing and ensemble carrying huge pinata style Oscars and musical notes and other cabaret symbols into the crowd before TONNES of sparkles fell from the roof all over us. They were still falling as Hugh closed the show with a gorgeous ballad Once Before I Go.

So many highlights that I cant even remember them all as I try to describe it all ! I am so glad I went. It was worth every exhorbitant cent. I know I would have whinged for a decade if I had missed out.

I still believe Todd McKenney was and always will be the best man for the Peter Allen job - but I also believe Hugh Jackman is quite possibly the most incredible talent this country has ever produced.

Mum and I walked home in the rain - I stopped to ask a policeman for a plastic bag to protect my expensive theatre program and to mums surprise he handed me an evidence bag !  What a nice policeman.

As we disrobed from our "going out clothes" remnents of sparkles fell from our clothes and bodies - and handbags !  Red foil hearts, silver and gold strips, multi colours diamonds galore. I found a group of sparkles inside my cleavage (you know how it is !!) and the red foil heart had left an imprint right between my boobs and wont wash off - so I am now calling it the Hugh Jackman Hickie !!!

Just got back for seeing Man of LaMancha at the local college. Overall they did a great preformance-but I was a bit disappointed in the band-they were very sluggish which slowed down the singers.




Cat

A couple weekends ago, I saw my nieces in their highschool play "The Secret Garden" . They were actually in the pit.. as part of the orchestra. My niece Sadie plays the cello, and my niece Claire plays the violin.

We just saw a high school presentation of, "Godspell"....they did an AMAZING job...I was WAY impressed! ;)

I've never seen Godspell. Is that an Andrew Lloyd Webber production?

I've never seen Godspell. Is that an Andrew Lloyd Webber production?



no, but here's some info on it for ya! :)


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Godspell

no, but here's some info on it for ya! :)


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Godspell


thanks a bunch ! :) I recognize the album cover. I remember seeing that billboard as a kid.

thanks a bunch ! :) I recognize the album cover. I remember seeing that billboard as a kid.


no problem! :) Yes, it was a very interesting/entertaining musical.

Today, I saw the Edward Scissorhands play at The Orpheum in San Francisco. It was ok, the scenery and music was nice, but that's all there was to it. I mean, yeah, they danced, but no dialogue or singing was included. In some cases, this would be ok, but why couldn't they just stop dancing!? Maaan, I wanted them to act normal every once and a while.

I am currently halfway through the run of Lerner & Loewe's musical Camelot, with The Savoyard Light Opera Company of Carlisle, Massachusetts. I'm playing Merlyn ... here's the cast list:

http://www.savoyardlightopera.org/Camelot_2006.html

I've been cast as Tito Merelli (a.k.a. " Il Stupendo "), the bombastic Italian opera star, in The Concord Players' February 2007 production of the hilarious farce, Lend Me A Tenor ... here's the cast list:

*** UPDATED CONCORD PLAYERS WEB PAGE ***

http://www.concordplayers.org/00productions/LendMeTenor/LendMeTenor.html

no problem! :) Yes, it was a very interesting/entertaining musical.


I love Godspell.  I saw it when I was really young, I think it was around 1976.  :o

Last play I saw was a couple of years ago at a local theater (The Barter Theater), A Christmas Carol.

I love Godspell.  I saw it when I was really young, I think it was around 1976.   :o

Last play I saw was a couple of years ago at a local theater (The Barter Theater), A Christmas Carol.



Prior to seeing the play, I had only heard songs from it....but I was worried that I might be bored seeing it...but I was so wrong, it was so much more than I expected it to be. :)

Got a funny story about Godspell. When my mother was very active in theatre, the place she worked at put on Godspell. During a matinee, a bunch of blue-haired old ladies were in the audience. My mother wasn't too sure of their reaction because it was a play geared toward the younger crowd (in those days, i.e. hippies  ;D ;D ).  When the play was over, my mother heard one lady say to another, "I did enjoy it but I didn't like how it ended." I guess the woman was not aware that it was a retelling of the Gospel according to St. Matthew.  :D ;D ;D




Cat

Got a funny story about Godspell. When my mother was very active in theatre, the place she worked at put on Godspell. During a matinee, a bunch of blue-haired old ladies were in the audience. My mother wasn't too sure of their reaction because it was a play geared toward the younger crowd (in those days, i.e. hippies  ;D ;D ).  When the play was over, my mother heard one lady say to another, "I did enjoy it but I didn't like how it ended." I guess the woman was not aware that it was a retelling of the Gospel according to St. Matthew.  :D ;D ;D




Cat



hahaha...that's cute! ;D :D

I never got around to answering this one fully.
I was a theatre major. Been in: grease, runaways, George M., cindarella , funny thing happened on the way to the forum, scapino!, west side story, macbeth, the wedding, chess (sing thru), working..

i'm sure there are more.

THEN i went on to be an audio engineer for most of my adult life, mostly on tour. shows i have seen more than 200 times:
once on this island, chorus line, 42nd st, into the woods, buddy holly story, rocky horror show (actually, only about 90 times), my fair lady, driving miss daisy

i have seen lots of shows and now i'm really really critical so it's not much fun for me.
but i still like to go with other people.

The Savoyard Light Opera Company's run of Lerner and Loewe's musical Camelot closed on Sunday, 11/19/2006.

Here are a few photos of me playing Merlyn the Magician:

http://mysite.verizon.net/vze42dj2/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/merlyn_1.jpghttp://mysite.verizon.net/vze42dj2/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/merlyn_2.jpg
http://mysite.verizon.net/vze42dj2/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/merlyn_3.jpghttp://mysite.verizon.net/vze42dj2/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/merlyn_4.jpg
http://mysite.verizon.net/vze42dj2/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/merlyn_5.jpg

The last musical I saw was Cats. I saw it in Cardiff with my felow Home and Leisure students

Last saw Ragtime...nice production, but totally unmemorable songs.  :(

Only have participated in my high school's 1988 production of Gypsy...I played cello in the pit orchestra, and also made catcalls to "Gypsy Rose Lee" during "Let Me Entertain You". ;D

I just saw the musical "Pippin" today at the Hershey Theatre.  It stared my idol Micky Dolenz as Charlemagne.  I loved it!!! :)