This week is seems that most shows have seen a small decline in business after the Easter holidays. The influx of touriss though has, I'm sure, meant that the drops are a lot smaller than what usually occur after other holidays periods throughout the year. There are some exceptions though - Avenue Q sees a near 18% drop in business and Shrek the musical is off nearly 15%. Some plays have also seen a big drop with The 39 Steps (-23%), Impressionism (-16%) and Reasons to be Pretty (-18%) being the worst affected. August: Osage County will have to consider closing soon if it continues to sell at less than 40% capacity. Some plays did much better this week though than the last week. Most notably are Mary Stuart (+13.6), Joe Turners Come and Gone (+16%) and The Norman Conquests (+11.5)The bigger shows generally didn't see as much of a change - Wicked (-1%), West Side Story (-1%) and The Lion King (-3%).
http://www.broadwayworld.com/grosses.cfm
Next week I will try and compare the total audience members going to watch shows with last year and see if the Credit Crunch has had a direct affect on theatre visitor numbers.
Tuesday 28 April 2009
Wednesday 22 April 2009
Brian Conley takes over from Michael Ball in Hairspray!
BroadwayWorld is confirming the rumour that one of the biggest UK entertainers, Brian Conley is to take over the role of Edna Turnblad in the West Ends Production of Hairspray.
Mr Conley will take over the role on Monday 27th July 2009, following the departure of Michael Ball, who has been in the role since the production opened in the Shaftsbury Theatre in October 2007. Speaking about playing Edna, My Conley said "I've done a lot in my career, but wearing a dress and heels every night and being married to Nigel Planer weren't things I was expecting to be doing all at the same time, and in front of thousands of people! I'm absolutely delighted to be back in the West End and joining one of the most uplifting, happy and, not to mention, successful shows in town. Being part of something that brings a smile to people's faces, especially in these troubled times, is a real treat and I can't wait to get on stage at the Shaftesbury."
Brians last major stage role was in the revival of The Music Man in Chichester in 2008, where he played con man Harold Hill alongside Broadways current Mary Poppins, Scarlett Strallen.
The show will also be saying hello to newcomer Chloe Hart, who will be taking over the role of Tracy Turnblad.
Mr Conley will take over the role on Monday 27th July 2009, following the departure of Michael Ball, who has been in the role since the production opened in the Shaftsbury Theatre in October 2007. Speaking about playing Edna, My Conley said "I've done a lot in my career, but wearing a dress and heels every night and being married to Nigel Planer weren't things I was expecting to be doing all at the same time, and in front of thousands of people! I'm absolutely delighted to be back in the West End and joining one of the most uplifting, happy and, not to mention, successful shows in town. Being part of something that brings a smile to people's faces, especially in these troubled times, is a real treat and I can't wait to get on stage at the Shaftesbury."
Brians last major stage role was in the revival of The Music Man in Chichester in 2008, where he played con man Harold Hill alongside Broadways current Mary Poppins, Scarlett Strallen.
The show will also be saying hello to newcomer Chloe Hart, who will be taking over the role of Tracy Turnblad.
Tuesday 21 April 2009
Broadway Grosses - Week Ending 19/04/09
Most shows have generally held up very well this week. The majority of the shows aimed at children saw a drop in business by 5-10%, but since last week was the week preceeding Easter, this isn't too much cause for concern. The real question is whether they will be able to maintain this business next week, once all the children have gone back to school. This is the time where tourist numbers to New York rise though, so maybe audience numbers for most Broadway shows will be maintained. 9-5 is the one of the new shows in town, and was completely sold out during its first week of previews. Plays are also doing quite well at the minute, but last years big hit - August: Osage County is showing signs of fatigue, with less that 50% of its seats sold.
http://www.broadwayworld.com/grosses.cfm
http://www.broadwayworld.com/grosses.cfm
Wednesday 15 April 2009
Broadway Grosses - Week Ending 12/04/09
The week leading up to Easter seemed to have a positive effect on the amount of people going to watch a show. The majority of shows saw an increase in both the amount of people coming to theatre, and in the average ticket price. The biggest winners were by far family shows. Mary Poppins, Shrek and The Little Mermaid all went over $1m - the last time this happened for all three shows was the week after Christmas. The show with the biggest income was, as it has been for the past five years, Wicked!
http://www.broadwayworld.com/grosses.cfm
http://www.broadwayworld.com/grosses.cfm
Tuesday 7 April 2009
Chicago @ The Empire Theatre, Liverpool
It is a rare thing in the UK to have a touring production of a big musical running at the same time as the sit-down West End production, but Chicago is one such show which keeps the audience returning time-after-time.
Set in the city the show is named after, Chicago is a story of murder, passion, treachery and a hunger for fame. It originally opened on Broadway in the 1970’s and London’s current revival has just celebrated its 10th year. In 2002 it was made into a film starring Catherine Zeta Jones, Renee Zellweger and Richard Gere.
Jimmy Osmond, as Billy Flynn is a huge draw for the tour, and he doesn’t disappoint the legion of fans who have come out to see him. His voice is pitch perfect and very clear, but he seems too much of a nice guy to carry off the mean streak that the character demands. It wouldn’t have been too hard to imagine Osmond playing the “nice guy” character – Amos Hart, especially after you see him dance awkwardly around the stage.
Emma Barton as Roxie Hart is a true leading lady. Her voice is excellent and her mannerisms, particularly in “We Both Reached For The Gun” are excellent. Twinnie-Lee Moore as her counterpart Velma Kelly is not as strong. There are moments where she steals the limelight from Emma, but these moments are few and far between. She talked slightly too fast during some parts and other times her voice was inaudible (could be due to technical issues which were a problem on Monday night). Ms. Moores dancing skills however were excellent.
Wendy-Lee Purdy, as matronly Mamma Morton had a very powerful voice, but didn’t have the “attitude” that the role required. As a result, the character was over shadowed by the rest of the company. Adam Stafford however, as Roxie’s put-upon husband addressed the balance just right. His main solo number “Mr Cellophane” gained a good reaction from the audience. Stafford’s comic timing was also perfectly utilised and gained many a laugh.
The choreography, originally by Bob Fosse is sexy, suave and sophisticated, and dazzled everyone. The costumes added to the dark, smoky effect of being inside a jazz club, and the songs were fabulous. The ensemble were excellent - the dancing was particularly impressive.
Chicago is a musical were many of the songs are instantly recognisable and you can leave the theatre singing or humming to some of the tunes. The Cell Block Tango is one such tune. The 10 piece band who sit in a box on the stage, were outstanding. Sometimes, when watching other musicals, it is easy to forget that there is a full orchestra in the pit playing the music to the show, and so it was wonderful to seem them get the accolades they deserved.
As a show this production works very well. The production is on quite a small scale, which is perhaps one of the reasons why it has been running so long. If you are going to see the show to compare it to the film then you may be slightly disappointed – there is less colour and razzmatazz in the stage show. The songs and the choreography however, remain, and they are after all, what makes Chicago one of the most popular musicals.
7/10
Chicago is currently playing at the Empire theatre in Liverpool until Saturday 11th April, when it continues its UK tour
Set in the city the show is named after, Chicago is a story of murder, passion, treachery and a hunger for fame. It originally opened on Broadway in the 1970’s and London’s current revival has just celebrated its 10th year. In 2002 it was made into a film starring Catherine Zeta Jones, Renee Zellweger and Richard Gere.
Jimmy Osmond, as Billy Flynn is a huge draw for the tour, and he doesn’t disappoint the legion of fans who have come out to see him. His voice is pitch perfect and very clear, but he seems too much of a nice guy to carry off the mean streak that the character demands. It wouldn’t have been too hard to imagine Osmond playing the “nice guy” character – Amos Hart, especially after you see him dance awkwardly around the stage.
Emma Barton as Roxie Hart is a true leading lady. Her voice is excellent and her mannerisms, particularly in “We Both Reached For The Gun” are excellent. Twinnie-Lee Moore as her counterpart Velma Kelly is not as strong. There are moments where she steals the limelight from Emma, but these moments are few and far between. She talked slightly too fast during some parts and other times her voice was inaudible (could be due to technical issues which were a problem on Monday night). Ms. Moores dancing skills however were excellent.
Wendy-Lee Purdy, as matronly Mamma Morton had a very powerful voice, but didn’t have the “attitude” that the role required. As a result, the character was over shadowed by the rest of the company. Adam Stafford however, as Roxie’s put-upon husband addressed the balance just right. His main solo number “Mr Cellophane” gained a good reaction from the audience. Stafford’s comic timing was also perfectly utilised and gained many a laugh.
The choreography, originally by Bob Fosse is sexy, suave and sophisticated, and dazzled everyone. The costumes added to the dark, smoky effect of being inside a jazz club, and the songs were fabulous. The ensemble were excellent - the dancing was particularly impressive.
Chicago is a musical were many of the songs are instantly recognisable and you can leave the theatre singing or humming to some of the tunes. The Cell Block Tango is one such tune. The 10 piece band who sit in a box on the stage, were outstanding. Sometimes, when watching other musicals, it is easy to forget that there is a full orchestra in the pit playing the music to the show, and so it was wonderful to seem them get the accolades they deserved.
As a show this production works very well. The production is on quite a small scale, which is perhaps one of the reasons why it has been running so long. If you are going to see the show to compare it to the film then you may be slightly disappointed – there is less colour and razzmatazz in the stage show. The songs and the choreography however, remain, and they are after all, what makes Chicago one of the most popular musicals.
7/10
Chicago is currently playing at the Empire theatre in Liverpool until Saturday 11th April, when it continues its UK tour
Wednesday 1 April 2009
A Spellbinding Delight!
It is a rare and wonderful thing these days to know before the show begins that the 'celebrity' who is headlining the performance show can actually sing. And boy, can Marti Pellow sing!
Directed by Nikolai Foster, The Witches of Eastwick is a slick and fast paced production based on the John Updike novel and the 1987 film version of the same name. The story centres around the lives of three bored surburban woman who unbeknownst to themselves, are witches. Over a few martinis one day they make a wish for their dream man to appear. That is where Darryl Van Horne arrives, bringing with him a racy and sexual presence that the small, conservative town of Eastwick had never experienced before.
Marti Pellow was adequate as Van Horne. His singing was much better than his acting. At times it was hard to work out exactly what was being said, and he also seemed to slip in and out of his American accent. Another problem was that there were alot of fans of Pellow in the audience. Whilst this is to be expected due to his previous success, it was a constant reminder that it was Marti Pellow acting as Van Horne, rather than actually believing in the character.
The three female leads playing the witches were outstanding. Rebecca Thornhill in particular as Sukie Rougemont was phenominal. All three ladies had powerful voices that hit the right notes, and they were all utterly believeable as they transformed from bored singletons to seductive sultresses. Rachel Izen was also excellent in a supporting role as the matriarchal Felicia Gabriel who doesn't quite fall under Van Hornes charms.
Whilst the songs were very entertaining and very witty, they weren't, for the most part, songs which you would go away humming. Generally they were quite forgettable, but this doesn't mean that they were bad songs. On the contrary, many were very well written and suited the piece exceptionally well. Memorable songs from the show include the very much ensemble driven piece "Dirty Laundry" and "Words, Words, Words".
The set, by Peter McKintosh was very nicely utilised. The clapperboard houses which changed to suit each of the ladies who lived inside, was a nice touch, as was the town hall which when was turned around revealed Van Hornes devilish den. A Bill Kenwright scaled down production this definately was not!
This is one of the best touring productions out there at the minute. It may not be perfect, but the high energy performances from the cast and the witty one liners make you forgive the imperfections. This is not one for the kids, but definately one for the older women - especially if you want to see Marti Pellows sex-face!
Devilishly good - 8/10
The Witches of Eastwick runs at the Liverpool Empire until Saturday April 4th.
Directed by Nikolai Foster, The Witches of Eastwick is a slick and fast paced production based on the John Updike novel and the 1987 film version of the same name. The story centres around the lives of three bored surburban woman who unbeknownst to themselves, are witches. Over a few martinis one day they make a wish for their dream man to appear. That is where Darryl Van Horne arrives, bringing with him a racy and sexual presence that the small, conservative town of Eastwick had never experienced before.
Marti Pellow was adequate as Van Horne. His singing was much better than his acting. At times it was hard to work out exactly what was being said, and he also seemed to slip in and out of his American accent. Another problem was that there were alot of fans of Pellow in the audience. Whilst this is to be expected due to his previous success, it was a constant reminder that it was Marti Pellow acting as Van Horne, rather than actually believing in the character.
The three female leads playing the witches were outstanding. Rebecca Thornhill in particular as Sukie Rougemont was phenominal. All three ladies had powerful voices that hit the right notes, and they were all utterly believeable as they transformed from bored singletons to seductive sultresses. Rachel Izen was also excellent in a supporting role as the matriarchal Felicia Gabriel who doesn't quite fall under Van Hornes charms.
Whilst the songs were very entertaining and very witty, they weren't, for the most part, songs which you would go away humming. Generally they were quite forgettable, but this doesn't mean that they were bad songs. On the contrary, many were very well written and suited the piece exceptionally well. Memorable songs from the show include the very much ensemble driven piece "Dirty Laundry" and "Words, Words, Words".
The set, by Peter McKintosh was very nicely utilised. The clapperboard houses which changed to suit each of the ladies who lived inside, was a nice touch, as was the town hall which when was turned around revealed Van Hornes devilish den. A Bill Kenwright scaled down production this definately was not!
This is one of the best touring productions out there at the minute. It may not be perfect, but the high energy performances from the cast and the witty one liners make you forgive the imperfections. This is not one for the kids, but definately one for the older women - especially if you want to see Marti Pellows sex-face!
Devilishly good - 8/10
The Witches of Eastwick runs at the Liverpool Empire until Saturday April 4th.
Captain Jack to appear in La Cage?!
It is being rumoured that John Barrowman (performer, actor, singer, panellist) will be appearing in La Cage Aux Follies sometime this Autumn. Nothing has been confirmed yet, due to Barrowmans ever changing schedule, but it appears that he may sign a three month contract which will end just before the panto season which he loves. Watch this space.
Legally Blonde confirmed!
It has been confirmed this morning that Legally Blonde will indeed be coming to the West End at the end of this year. Sheridan Smith will star as Elle Woods and Duncan James will be appearing as Warner. The show will open on December 5th at the Savoy Theatre. General tickets are not yet on sale, however it is possible to book group tickets now!
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