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| Schoenfeld Theatre, home of Bridges |
I've been in NYC for four days now and I'm nearly half way through my busy theatre schedule! The best thing I've seen so far is The Bridges Of Madison County which is one of the best pieces of theatre I've ever seen. I had absolutely no idea what to expect, but quickly fell in love with Jason Robert Brown's stunning score, the beautiful staging and tremendous cast.
Aladdin was good, although I'm not sure whether it lives up to its hype - it's very predictable and takes few risks. However, the magic carpet was breathtaking and the Genie's big number 'Friend Like Me' was insanely brilliant, with both moments concluding with mid-show standing ovations. Pippin was spectacular and thought provoking while Newsies features some of the best choreography I've ever seen on stage.
I'm looking forward to seeing Wicked, Kinky Boots, Les Miserables, Cinderella and If/Then before I travel home on Friday (in time for Olivier madness on Sunday) and full reviews of each production will be published throughout West End Frame's Broadway week, beginning Monday 28th April.
In other news there are a few other shows I must mention! While my reviewing diary seems to get busier and busier I still find it hard to stay away from the theatre on rare nights off and I have seen some incredible performances recently!
Last month I finally caught David Hunter as Guy in Once at the Phoenix Theatre. David, who appeared on Superstar and understudies the role, gave a terrific performance, providing a slightly different take on the role. He sang the score effortlessly, knowing when to hold back and when to pour his heart out. It was also the new cast's second performance and it was great to see the show feeling so fresh. Click here to read Michaela Clement-Hayes's full 5* West End Frame review of the new cast which is now being led by Doctor Who's Arthur Darvill.
It's no secret that Wicked is my guilty pleasure (I'm beyond excited to be seeing the show on Broadway tonight!) and when super-standby Ashleigh Gray recently returned to the production for a limited engagement I was provided with the perfect excuse to once again battle through the hellish roadworks in Victoria to see Stephen Schwartz's masterpiece.
Elphaba is an interesting role which can be interpreted in many different ways. I loved Ashleigh's attitude - her Elphaba is sassy! She was born to play Elphaba and gave a fearless performance, the power in her voice is unreal but she also brings out Elphaba's vulnerability. It was wonderful to see a full standing ovation in a packed theatre on a Monday night! Click here to read my recent interview with Ashleigh.
Last week I caught the touring production of Blood Brothers again as it came to one of my local theatres, The Watford Colosseum (which I shamefully had never been to before!). Once again Maureen Nolan gave a heart wrenching performance, the entire cast are very strong.
Sean Jones shines as Mickey and the stand out performance came from Kristofer Harding who is the strongest Narrator I've ever had the pleasure of seeing, his vocals were unbelievably smooth. Blood Brothers remains a very important show, providing many with their first experience of live theatre. It was great to see so many school kids brought to their feet. Read my recent 5* review of the tour here.
Finally, this is a very sad week as Spamalot plays its final few performances, concluding its West End run at the Playhouse Theatre. When I first saw the show in 2012 I had no idea what to expect, but it has fast become one of my favourite shows. Sadly I can't make the last performance, but I recently saw Carley Stenson's last show as The Lady of the Lake opposite Joe Pasquale which was hysterical!
It seems a shame that Spamalot should close just before the Monty Python reunion, but let's hope it at least tours again soon! Read my interviews with current Spamalot cast members Daniel Boys and Chris Jenkins and previous cast members Carley Stenson, Bonnie Langford & Joe Pasquale, Anna-Jane Casey and Stephen Tompkinson.
Andrew Tomlins (Editor)
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