|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Articles
|
||
|
Articles |
Review of the Year 2007 - The London Stage (4)3. West End MusicalsDateline: 23rd December, 2007By the end of 2006, following a stream of high-profile musical openings, there was serious concern as to whether the straight play could survive in London. Whether it is a comment on the quality of musicals this year or whether 2006 was just an exception, there have been few sensations in this category. Further, the creep of musicals into mid-size theatres has also not been wholly successful, with mediocre musicals lasting no longer than mediocre plays but costing a great deal more. The pick of the bunch was Hairspray, which was always likely to be the case following its success status on Broadway. While the advance publicity pushed forward the names of Michael Ball and Mel Smith, both of whom did their thing well, the revelation was an actress who had never previously appeared on the professional stage. London may not previously have heard of Leanne Jones but it is certain that she will be back again and again through what must surely be a sparkling career. In budgetary terms, The Lord of the Rings made every other show look cheap. While the impression was fantastic, the feeble plotting made this lengthy blockbuster instantly forgettable. Fiddler on the Roof made a comeback starring the incomparable Henry Goodman as Tevye. While he was everything that one could hope for, the production was not one of the year's highlights. The critics have not been kind to several of this year's musicals, with the new version of Rent, Desperately Seeking Susan featuring the music of Blondie; and The Drowsy Chaperone all faring badly. This is probably rather unfair, especially on the last of these shows which contained considerable novelty, great humour and enjoyable music. This meant that the London transfer of the Menier's Little Shop of Horrors was, almost by default, one of the best evenings of the new musical year, even though it had a tiny budget compared with many of those already named. As a special treat, the newly-refurbished Royal Festival Hall gave as Bryn Terfel and a host of musical stars in a semi-operatic version of Stephen Sondheim's Sweeney Todd, which delighted the packed houses on the few nights that it was open. Philip Fisher
|
|
|
|