Posts with the label disney
Showing posts with label disney. Show all posts
Showing posts with label disney. Show all posts
Tuesday, 31 January 2023
Full cast announced for Winnie The Pooh The Musical
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The UK and Ireland premiere will begin performances at London’s Riverside Studios (Hammersmith) from 17 March, with an official opening on 26 March. The show will then tour the UK and Ireland until September 2023. Tickets for Riverside Studios and the UK & Ireland Tour are now on sale.
Sharing the role of Winnie the Pooh in London will be the previously announced Jake Bazel (who originated the role in New York) and Benjamin Durham (Young Frankenstein). Benjamin will play the title role on tour. The much-loved characters of Eeyore, Piglet, Rabbit, Owl, Kanga and Roo will be brought to life by an ensemble of performers, including Laura Bacon (Britain’s Got Talent, Star Wars), Harry Boyd (The Play That Goes Wrong, Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story), Alex Cardall (Evita, The Osmonds: A New Musical), Chloe Gentles (Mamma Mia!, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical), Lottie Grogan (Smurfs Save Spring: The Musical, The Lips for Puppets with Guys) and Robbie Noonan (Avenue Q UK Tour, Jack and the Beanstalk).
Deep in the Hundred Acre Wood, a new adventure is about to happen. A.A. Milne’s beloved characters, Winnie the Pooh, Christopher Robin and their best friends Piglet, Eeyore, Kanga, Roo, Rabbit and Owl (and Tigger too!), will all arrive on stage in a beautifully-crafted musical stage adaptation.
In a new story from the Hundred Acre Wood, this fresh stage adaptation is told with impressive life-size puppetry, exciting new stories and featuring characters that have played iconic roles in the lives of children for generations. Accompanying the modern narrative is an original score by Nate Edmondson, featuring some of the Grammy award-winning songs written by the Sherman Brothers for the original animated features, including Winnie the Pooh, The Blustery Day, The Wonderful Thing About Tiggers and Whoop-De-Dooper Bounce, plus A.A. Milne’s The More It Snows (featuring music by Carly Simon) and Sing Ho in a new arrangement.
Winnie the Pooh: The New Musical Adaptation is developed and presented by renowned family entertainment creator Jonathan Rockefeller (whose spectacular puppetry is omnipresent in the acclaimed productions of The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show, Paddington Gets in a Jam and Sesame Street the Musical).
Inspired by the beloved books by A. A. Milne and the classic Disney featurettes, the production was welcomed in New York in 2021, where it broke theatre box office records for the largest advance, with rave reviews where it was called “Enchanting!” (Time Out); “Winnie the Pooh: The New Musical Stage Adaptation is magical, sweet as honey, and full of humor. It's a wholesome, delightful, enchanting piece of theatre,” (BroadwayWorld); “A perfect reintroduction to live theater. It’s a captivating adventure with spectacular puppetry,” (Mommy Poppins); “Charming and whimsical stage show that Pooh surpasses every expectation I had for it,” (The Laughing Place); “Winnie the Pooh is delightfully first-rate,” (Theatre Pizzazz); “Irresistible. ‘Winnie the Pooh’ is sweeter than honey,” (DC Metro Arts); “An hour of bountiful joy,” (New York Theatre Guide); “Mesmerizing and lifestyle puppets and original Sherman Brothers tunes, the beautiful new Winnie the Pooh musical is must-see,” (Theatrely); “The wonderful thing about musicals is that musicals are wonderful things. The New ‘Winnie the Pooh’ Musical Is Sweeter than Honey,” (Toy Insider).
Website: winniethepoohshow.co.uk
Facebook: @WinnieThePoohShowUK
Twitter: @WinnieShowUK
Instagram: @WinnieThePoohShowUK
Friday, 17 July 2020
Frozen West End cast and company announced
The leading cast members and company of the West End premiere of Frozen have been revealed, as the show moves its premiere date to spring 2021.
Joining the previously announced Samantha Barks (Elsa) and Stephanie McKeon (Anna) are Obioma Ugoala (Kristoff), Craig Gallivan (Olaf), Oliver Ormson (Hans), Richard Frame (Weselton), and alternating the role of Sven, Mikayla Jade and Ashley Birchall; with Jeremy Batt, Cameron Burt, Lauren Chia, Laura Emmitt, Emily-Mae Walker (Bulda), Danielle Fiamanya (first cover Elsa), Hannah Fairclough, Matt Gillett, Joe Griffiths- Brown, Emily Lane, Justin-Lee Jones, Jason Leigh Winter, Jacob Maynard, Leisha Mollyneaux, Gabriel Mokake (King Agnarr), Sarah O'Connor (first cover Anna), Jemma Revell, Jacqui Sanchez (Queen Iduna), Jak Skelly (Oaken/Bishop), Jake Small, Isabel Snaas, Joshua St. Clair (Pabbie), Monica Swayne, and Anna Woodside. Further casting is to be confirmed.
Frozen, which has music and lyrics by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, and book by Jennifer Lee, opened on Broadway in March 2018 and was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Musical. It follows Elsa, who is gifted with ice-manipulating powers, and her relationship with her sister Anna as they try to run a nation.
The show is based on the highest-grossing animated film of all time, which was released in 2013 and won two Academy Awards, a Golden Globe and a BAFTA. The sequel – Frozen 2 – was released last autumn.
The production, which will be presented at a refurbished Theatre Royal Drury Lane will be directed by Michael Grandage with choreography by Rob Ashford, set and costume design by Christopher Oram, lighting design by Neil Austin, sound design by Peter Hylenski, video design by Finn Ross, puppet design by Michael Curry and musical supervision and arrangements by Stephen Oremus.
Michael Grandage said today: "We're thrilled to announce the company for Frozen – an incredibly talented group of people who will be creating the London premiere at the newly refurbished Theatre Royal Drury Lane next spring. As theatres start to open their doors again, we look forward to celebrating the spectacle of this beloved story with audiences everywhere."
Wednesday, 13 November 2019
Mary Poppins, Prince Edward Theatre | Review
Mary Poppins
Prince Edward Theatre
Reviewed on Tuesday 5th November 2019 by Olivia Mitchell
★★★
Since she landed umbrella in hand, the mystical nanny Mary Poppins has been a much loved character. From the hit Disney film to a number of revivals and performances around the world, there's something universally adored about the feel-good story of the Banks family, so it's no surprise that the musical is once again gracing the West End. It's a musical full of sparkle, magic and wow factors but at times feels as though it's on just for the sake of being on.
In this musical, co-created by Cameron Mackintosh, with additional songs by Stiles and Drewe and a book by Julian Fellowes, the moral aspect of the story is strongly highlighted, as are the darker sides of the original book. The story of Mr Banks' redemption and the importance of making the correct moral choices for those around you remains ever relevant but much of the secondary plot feels somewhat dated and not relevant for a modern audience. Of course this isn't the making of a show, and with something like Mary Poppins it's mostly about the nostalgia and feel-good-factor but for a show that runs almost three hours long, some tweaks to make it more engaging wouldn't have gone amiss.
However, this is a show about compassion and the cast do a joyous job of bringing the story to life with energy, wonder and colour. Thanks in part to Bob Crowley's sets and costumes which are structured, colourful and all around excellence. The house which opens like the pages of a pop-up book is magnificent each time it's seen; and the plain park which becomes a psychedelic garden of amusement is completely brilliant. Sparkly costumes and beautifully tailored coats adorn the stage and evoke the joy from both the book and film well.
Stiles and Drewe's songs are much darker and sharper than those we've grown up with, with 'Playing the Game' bringing toys to life as the stuff nightmares are made of. Elsewhere scenes are taken from book to stage effectively and interestingly. Overall the musical is a whole lot of sugar with a little bit of spice thrown in for good measure... just how Mary Poppins would like it I assume!
Richard Eyre has directed a show for adults and children which brims with surprise but at times lacks sufficient pace. However, the choreography by Matthew Bourne and Stephen Mear is sophisticated, sharp, witty and utterly first-rate. 'Step in Time' is a complete highlight as the stage comes to life with sweepers and leading man Charlie Stemp literally walks on the ceiling.
Stemp's entire performance is a masterclass in stage presence. His continually fresh characterisation completely draws the audience in as he moves and speaks with a natural grace and charms everyone who witnesses him. Additionally his rapport with Strallen's Mary is genuine and engaging. Zizi Strallen makes the famous nanny her own as she floats around the stage with a whimsical but grounded air and takes on the leading role excellently. Elsewhere Amy Griffiths is touching and vocally excellent as Mrs Banks and the entire ensemble give top notch performances.
Yes, this show is lacking at times but much of the time it's a feast for the eyes and ears and is sure to be enjoyed by many so why not take a trip to see magical Mary float in on her brolly right in front of your eyes.
Mary Poppins is currently booking at the Prince Edward Theatre until 31st May 2020, tickets are available at www.londonboxoffice.co.uk
photo credit: Johan Persson
Saturday, 4 May 2019
Disney's Aladdin, Prince Edward Theatre | Review
Aladdin
Prince Edward Theatre
Reviewed on Wednesday 21st May 2019 by Olivia Mitchell
★★★★
There's always room for a little injection of Disney magic and Aladdin which is booking at the Prince Edward Theatre until July 27th 2019, is just that. It's not a life-altering, thought-provoking piece of theatre but it's a whole lot of fun, mountains of sparkle and enough magic to enthral children and adults alike.
If you're unaware of the story, Aladdin follows a street urchin who is hustling his way through life. That is, until he meets the Princess of Agrabah and his life becomes a little more wild. As the prophesied 'Diamond in the Rough', Aladdin gets his hands on a lamp which contains a magical Genie, who will grant him three wishes. Aladdin ventures to find love and escape the dark characters who are on his tail in this mystical story.
Aladdin (played by Matthew Croke) is lovable and charming in all the ways you could desire. With a beautiful voice and fantastic stage presence he leads the show perfectly. Croke's rendition of 'Proud of Your Boy' is truly moving and a wonderful moment of calm among an all-singing, all-dancing musical. His Jasmine is played by Courtney Reed who is dazzling and brings a feminist, sassy quality to the character that transfers fantastically on stage. Reed's vocal performances are equally as enchanting and when the pair join for the iconic duet 'A Whole New World' they not only do the film version justice, but put their own mystical spin on it.
The rest of the cast are highly talented, as shown by the various dance numbers which are performed with enthusiasm and precision. Similarly to the film, it's the Genie (played by Trevor Dion Nicholas) who utterly steals the show. With incredible comedic flair and dramatic prowess, Nicholas earns rapturous applause in every scene. Act One closer 'Friend Like Me' is a glistening gem in this production.
A spin of colour, created by Bob Crowley's sets and Gregg Barnes' costumes, Aladdin is a feast for the eyes as well as the ears. The sides of the stage do feel a little underused as they are completely bare, but the black box effect strangely makes the stage look like a television which works for this show.
There are times when the show does feel a bit pantomime-esque, but there's no denying that it caters to the vast audience of tourists, theatre newbies, children, theatre regulars and adults very well. Aladdin pleasantly surprises and impresses.
The mix of comedy, romance, fantastic performances and magic, mean something is provided for everyone and you can't help but feel whisked up in the wonder of it all.
The mix of comedy, romance, fantastic performances and magic, mean something is provided for everyone and you can't help but feel whisked up in the wonder of it all.
Aladdin is currently booking at the Prince Edward Theatre until July 27th
For more information and tickets, visit: www.londonboxoffice.co.uk
Sunday, 3 March 2019
Disney's Broadway Hits, Royal Albert Hall | Review
Disney's Broadway Hits (Concert)
Royal Albert Hall
Reviewed on Saturday 2nd March 2019 by Olivia Mitchell
★★★★★
There's no denying that we all love a bit of magic in our lives and the Royal Albert Hall's latest Disney offering provided the perfect sprinkle of fairy dust on a grey Saturday afternoon. Helmed by the BBC Concert Orchestra, led by Keith Lockhart, alongside West End stars, Ava Brennan, Shaun Escoffery, Willemijn Verkaik and Anton Zetterholm, the audience were treated to an outstandingly well performed showcase of some of the most well loved Disney songs with some hidden gems added in.
With songs from musicals such as Beauty and the Beast, Mary Poppins, The Little Mermaid and Newsies, to name just a few, there was certainly something for everyone. The four performers brought versatility and vocal prowess to each song with standouts including A Change in Me, Shadowland, Elaborate Lives and Let it Go.
With years of Disney content to use, the team have done a wonderful job of creating a programme which provides some surprises as well a the songs we'd expect. Music from King David we welcomed with open arms and gave us a glimpse of what Disney delights could be bought out of the vaults for future revivals. We also go a glimpse into the upcoming West End productions of Mary Poppins and Frozen which are sure to delight audiences when they open.
Thanks to outstanding lighting design and the elaborate setting of the Royal Albert Hall, this concert provided a dose of brilliance that captivated the audience from start to finish. You couldn't ask for a sweeter theatrical event and I can only hope we get more Disney magic in the future.
Wednesday, 22 November 2017
The Little Mermaid (UK Tour), New Victoria Theatre | Review
The Little Mermaid
New Victoria Theatre
Reviewed on Tuesday 21st November 2017 by Melanie Mitchell
★★★★★
Being a ballet novice, having only seen 2 before, I was a little unsure what to expect from
this production. I have to say, that in my humble opinion, The Little Mermaid is a masterful
adaptation, especially as the idea to create a completely new ballet was only borne in
September 2016. David Nixon and his team have produced a stunning piece of work in only
13 months.
Most of us know the story of The Little Mermaid from the now famous Disney film and show,
however those of us, perhaps a bit older will remember the much darker and sinister tale by
Hans Christian Anderson. This is the tale on which the production is based.
After seeing the picture of a handsome young prince in a locket, Marilla a young mermaid
falls in love. On rescuing the prince from a shipwreck she longs to be with him and sacrifices
her beautiful voice in exchange for human life. Although she is able to walk, every step
causes her unimaginable pain, yet she is unable to cry. The principle dancer made this
feeling so palpable with her agonised movement and silent screams.
Disorientated the prince awakens and mistakes a passing girl for the owner of the beautiful
voice he had previously heard, the mermaid is now unable to tell him that it was her, shattering her dreams and aspirations. This production doesn’t have the happy ever after of
the Disney story and is true to the Hans Christian Anderson original with its moral core.
The staging and costumes are stunning, with the colours and fabrics perfectly reflecting the
magical dwellers of the sea and the hard solid land. Absolutely transporting the audience to
the ethereal reflective underwater world.
The dancers especially the principles and soloists are magnificent, moving with absolute
grace and ease. The strength of the male dancers is incredible with the females looking
absolutely weightless as if under the waves at times. I wondered how it would be possible to
give the impression of the graceful movements of the mermaids. This has certainly been
achieved and it is truly mesmerising.
The music, an original score composed by Sally Beamish is hauntingly beautiful throughout,
perfectly suiting and setting the tone and mood to every scene. It is played wonderfully by
the Northern Ballet Sinfonia, with John Pryce-Jones as its musical director.
This World Premiere production makes for a truly magical evening at the theatre. If you are
already a lover of the ballet, a newcomer as I am, or have never seen one, then I urge you to
see it if you can and be immersed into the mystical, magical underwater world.
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