Showing posts sorted by relevance for query Eric Anderson. Sort by date Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query Eric Anderson. Sort by date Show all posts
Monday, 1 October 2018
Pretty Woman, Nedelander Theatre | Review
Pretty Woman
Nederlander Theatre
Reviewed on Wednesday 19th September 2018 by Olivia Mitchell
★★★★
The stage adaptation of the 1990 film, Pretty Woman, follows rich businessman Edward who hires Hollywood Boulevard sex worker, Vivian for his six days in Los Angeles and, well, things go from there...
The storyline is problematic in a number of ways, mainly because it centres on a man being able to buy and control a woman whilst she can escape all her issues by using sex. However, in the musical's book by Gary Marshall and JF Lawson, Vivian is self-reliant and assertive. In this show, it's Edward who has more of a journey, struggling to face the world and relationships that come with it.
The musical takes almost every element of the film and transfers them to stage with pep and heart. All the famous one liners are there and we are given an extra boost with the musical theatre-rock songs of Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance. The cast give a sleek performance as well as providing spades of chemistry throughout.
As the leading lady in her Broadway debut, Samantha Barks is both fierce and vulnerable, supplying humour and spot on vocals throughout, with I Can't Go Back being a real memorable moment of the show. As her partner in crime, Andy Karl is sympathetic as Edward and the pair have incredible chemistry. Also stealing scenes are Orfeh who belts as if her life depends on it as best friend Kit; Eric Anderson as Happy Man/Mr Thompson who acts as the ever present storyteller and Tommy Bracco who is completely hilarious as Giulio.
Mention must also go to Brian Calì and Allison Blackwell who give spine tingling performances during the La Traviata scene and truly transport us to a grand opera.
Set wise, it's fairly simple but the design does a great job of bringing the iconic Los Angeles settings to life and alongside the costumes, showcase a piece which feels very of it's time, but with somewhat of an updated slant. All the well-loved costumes can be seen and it's a very faithful, engaging adaptation.
Jerry Mitchell is following his winning screen to stage formula with this production and has provided a show which fans of the film will adore. The outstanding leads and tight ensemble make this a high-octane, fun for all show. It's not perfect but it's certainly a fun night out and perfect for lovers of the original film.
Tuesday, 5 November 2024
Cast Announced for Stiles + Drewe’s Best New Song Prize Concert 2024: A Star-Studded Celebration of New Musical Theatre Talent
Prepare for an unforgettable night of new musical theatre as Mercury Musical Developments and Stiles + Drewe, in partnership with Broadway Licensing Global, present the 2024 Best New Song Prize Concert. Hosted by Olivier Award-winning actor Jenna Russell, this one-night-only gala will take place at The Other Palace on Monday, December 2 at 7:30 pm, showcasing the incredible talent of both emerging and established musical theatre creators.
This unique concert features a glittering cast, including stage icons like Charlie McCullagh (42 Balloons, Jesus Christ Superstar), Desmonda Cathabel (Aladdin, Miss Saigon), Lauryn Redding (Standing at the Sky’s Edge), Natalie Paris (Pretty Woman, SIX), Obioma Ugoala (Frozen, Hamilton), Samuel Barnett (Rock Follies), and Tim Howar (Rock of Ages, The Phantom of the Opera). Also performing are Allyson Ava Brown (Hamilton, Les Misérables), Cassius Hackforth (Something Rotten), Dan Partridge (Grease), Jodie Jacobs (Hello Dolly!), and Liv Andrusier (Fiddler on the Roof).
Alongside performances from these incredible artists, the event will feature songs from recent British musical successes like Becoming Nancy, Cable Street, Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York), and 42 Balloons. The evening celebrates the vitality of new writing with a special showcase of 12 finalist songs, which include:
- 'The Temptation of Me' from Proud by Mark Anderson & Lee Freeman
- 'I’m Going to Stay With You' from The Tale of the Gifted Prince by Lezlie Wade & Dan Green
- 'It Starts Small' from Unfolding by Emma Vieceli
- 'Ideal Robot Assistant' from A.I. Will Solve All Your Problems by Leo Mercer
- 'Someday My Prince Will Come' from Queering the Canon by Cheeyang Ng & Eric Sorrels
- 'Viareggio' from Lifeboats by Gus Gowland
- 'Die Like Trees' from Girl Goes to the Underworld by Sam Norman & Bela Kawalec
- 'Hero' from Man Vs Snake the Epic Musical by Stuart Matthew Price & Daniel Fletcher
- 'Spread a Little Joy Around the Place' from Retail Therapy by Hilmi Jaidin
- 'Locked Away' from The Queen is Mad by Amy Clare Tasker & Tom McGrath
- 'Drek!' from Otto's Weidt's Brush and Broom Workshop for the Blind by Amir Shoenfeld & Caitlyn Burt
- 'Invisible' from Hatched! by Lydia Shaw & Edward Court
A distinguished panel of judges, including Chris Bush, George Stiles, Anthony Drewe, and Joanne Benjamin, will select the winning song, awarding £1,000 toward the winner’s development. An additional award recognising Voice, Vision & Potential will also be presented. Sponsored by Broadway Licensing Global, Dorico, Tarento Productions, and Kenny Wax Productions, the Best New Song Prize Concert celebrates the vibrant future of British musical theatre and its outstanding creative talent.
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