VERY excited for what must be my 8th time seeing this production when the cast-change happens.
A little sad as my friend Adam will no longer be appearing as Edna/Wilbur/MAF cover, which is a big shame, but I am a HUGE Sharon D. Clarke fan – *very very very excited!!*
I have just been reminded of little played/’rare’ Jonathan Larson song, ‘Love Heals’, written as an independent ’stand-alone’ song, and included as a bonus track on the soundtrack of the recent 2005 Chris Columbus movie-musical adaptation.
(Song performed by ‘Teen Troupe’ – there were no embeddable versions of the RENT version, rare as it is! If you CLICK HERE , you can hear the – awesome- soundtrack version)
I like it a lot, though feel that it is a little too ‘Disney’ to be included along with the soundtrack… they seem to have just gone ‘oh, a film about AIDS, let’s include this too’, despite it being totally the wrong vibe for the musical’s soundtrack.
I am not moaning too much, it’s always good to see Larson’s work distributed as widely as possible!
Following from my earlier post and all of the excitement that had been building up inside me, I finally got chance to see FAME 2009, and I have to say that I absolutely loved it!! 
My initial reaction (as posted on twitter) was:
LOVED IT! LOVED IT! LOVED IT! LOVED IT LOVED IT! LOVED IT! few minor flaws, LOVED IT! LOVED IT!
Yes, I do have a few criticisms (notably the lack of depth to the characters; and the fact that I was only able to connect with two of them (I remember no character names!); plus the film is only 100 minutes long – so they realistically had room to character develop, but (scandalously!) didn’t!), however I do think that these minor flaws can be overlooked when taking the movie in as a whole.
For those seeking the more true-to-life grit of trying to get by in New York as a drama student, the original movie will still be your best bet, and will certainly still hold up against this, though I think comparison against the original (on which this is fairy loosely based) does work against the remake, fueling the negative reviews. I also wouldn’t have objected too much if they’d pushed the PG rating boundary up to a 12 or even a 15 however, and not gone for the mass teen market.
All in all though, a very fun film, with some amazing dance routines – I had chills come the last number (Hold Your Dreams)!
For anyone interested in the soundtrack to the movie, here is a YouTube clip (that I have not created) that gives a flavour of the music used in the film.
Definitely well worth the wait and my building excitement over many months. For those who saw my original post, yes, I still found it a zillion times better than anyone has ever told the story before!
More MGM Musicals please!! 
In addition to the Michael Jackson ‘This Is It’ trailer, the VMA’s also premiered the new video for the Fame 2009 version of ‘Fame’.
I have previously posted on the 2009 movie here, but HAD to share the new version/video for the titular ‘Fame’ on my blog, as I absolutely love it!
Of course, it’s not the original (and amazing/iconic) Irene Cara track, and I like how they’ve moved away from it slightly in the new stylings on the song – it’s gutsy, punchy and has me chair dancing already!
VERY VERY EXCITED NOW!
Looking at the new website for ‘Love Never Dies’ (Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical sequel to Phantom), there is to be an announcement on October 8th 2009.
It is pretty much a cert that this announcement will be the ticket onsale for this show, with preview performances at the Adelphi set to start in January, for an opening night in March 2010.
Casting has already been confirmed for the leads; Sierra Boggess and Ramin Karimloo as Christine and the Phantom respectively.
There has been a teaser trailer for the production posted on the ‘Love Never Dies’ website. (trailer also shown below)
A lot of Phantom footage, and some dated footage, with nothing really from the production itself… slightly disappointing considering that the production must be at a late stage of development by now… you’d think they could get a few press shots together really!
Love Never Dies is set on Coney Island, New York in 1907 – ten years after the original story.
“In 1907 New York, the mysterious ‘Maestro’ who runs the theatre at Coney Island announces a one-off concert by legendary Parisian soprano Christine Daaé. Her arrival in New York with husband Raoul, Victome de Chagny and son Gustave, and their subsequent meeting with the ‘Maestro,’ bring The cataclysmic events of 10 years earlier at the Paris Opera crashing back into all their lives.”
Personally, I am not too sure about the credibility this production… a sequel sounds tacky, and I dislike the name of the show – it is a little too slapdash and ‘back of a beer-mat’ for me.
That said, as long as Lloyd Webber can recreate the same luxurious and indulgent style of score as he did for Phantom, this could, actually, turn out well.
Despite being a very big/long-term fan of Lloyd Webber, his recent work on the UK Eurovision entry (‘It’s My Time’) has really shaken my confidence in his present writing skills, as I abhorred that song… absolute tosh!
Only time will tell I guess… let’s see what October 8th brings!
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UPDATE: “Love Never Dies”: Launch (posted 8th October 2009)
Please click here for my review of the film.
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Did you know that I AM VERY EXCITED ABOUT FAME 2009!!!!!! ? 
I am going to go out on a limb here and say that, despite my adulation for musicals, I absolutely abhored ‘original’ Fame. Having seen the film and various musical theatre productions of it, it has never grabbed me, and I would never have chosen to sit down and watch any version of it if I’m honest.
Saying that, I fully do appreciate what Fame did for the genre back in the day and would still say that it was pretty ground-breaking stuff, it is just not to my taste is all.
And remake or no remake, nobody will ever beat Irene Cara’s title song for the original film and the NY street sequence, and I really do hope that the new film doesn’t try and immitate that scene. (I also wonder if there is anyone alive who can actually say ‘Fame’ and not sing it 80s style heh!)
Cue the Fame 2009 re-invention, and, perhaps surprisingly, my building excitement for the film!
NB – Please have a look at my later blog post for the new official video for the song ‘Fame’ – it’s pretty awesome and everything that I had hoped it would be!
They seem to have dragged the story and themes explored right up to date, and made a ‘grown-up’ High School Musical’-esque film – hurrah!
“A reinvention of the Oscar-winning hit film, Fame follows a group of actors, singers, dancers and artists over four years at the New York City High School of Performing Arts, a diverse, creative powerhouse where students from all walks of life are given a chance to live out their dreams and achieve real and lasting fame…the kind that only from talent, dedication and hard work.
“In an incredibly competitive atmosphere, plagued by self-doubt, each student’s passion will be put to the test. In addition to their artistic goals, they have to deal with everything that goes along with high school, a tumultuous time full of schoolwork, deep friendships, budding romance and self-discovery.
“As each student strives for his or her moment in the spotlight, they’ll discover who among them has the innate talent and necessary discipline to succeed. With the love and support of their friends and fellow artists, they’ll find out who amongst them will achieve fame.“
Fame 2009 is due to his cinema screens worldwide on 25th September 2009.
I am also pleased to report that the film also has some totty courtesy of Paul McGill and Asher Book: 
Asher Book
Asher Book
Paul McGill
Paul McGill
Marvellous news about the UK tour of Hairspray – I genuinely can’t think of anyone better than Michael Ball to lead this production! Despite having seen this about 7/8 times in the West End now, I will definitely try and see this at a regional theatre too!
Below is a rather good article published in The Stage which gives further details:
Published Monday 10 August 2009 at 15:14 by Alistair Smith (The Stage).
Michael Ball will lead the cast of the new touring version of West End musical Hairspray, the show’s producers have announced.
A new production of the show – in addition to the London stage version at the Shaftesbury Theatre – will tour the UK from April 7, 2010, when it will open at the Millennium Centre in Cardiff, before visiting Glasgow, Southampton and Manchester. Ball will appear as Edna Turnblad at these venues with further star casting for future tour dates expected to be announced shortly.
The tour also marks the first stage of a “closer working relationship” between Ball and producer Stage Entertainment. This will involve developing new work and roles both onstage and in a production capacity for Ball in the future, including a major, but as yet unnamed, musical revival in 2011.
Ball said: “I knew when I originally took on the part of Edna that she was going to be a big part of my life, in every way, but I never realised just how big. Hairspray is truly one of the greatest experiences of my career and the chance to have just a few more nights in those frocks was an opportunity I couldn’t miss! With so much on I’m unable to do all dates but I promise that we’ll have some brilliant performers lined up for our UK tour. Moving forward, to now be working as an associate producer with Stage Entertainment developing new shows, new roles and new opportunities in the future is an honour, and something I can’t wait to get stuck in to.”
Producer Adam Spiegel added: “We are over the moon that Michael has agreed to launch the Hairspray tour for us. The show has been a huge success in London, not to mention around the world, and Michael has been a big, big part of the Hairspray story so far. It’s doubly exciting that not only do more people around the UK now get to see his gorgeous Edna Turnblad, but we as a company get to work with Michael more closely than ever behind the scenes as we develop new work together.”
Hairspray’s West End staging at the Shaftesbury Theatre in London recouped its capitalisation in 29 weeks. The show opened in October 2007 and won Best Musical at the 2008 Olivier Awards, as well as Best Actor in a Musical for Ball. It is now booking at the Shaftesbury until October 2010.
… so it would seem! (Update: Confirmation and Edna casting available HERE)
The Southampton Mayflower is already listing the show, with tickets reported to go onsale on Monday August 3rd 2009 to Mayflower Theatre Club Members, with General Onsale on Monday 10th August.
Hairspray
Tue 11 – Sat 29 May 2010
Friday & Saturday 7.30pm
Monday – Thursday 7.30pm
Wed 12th 2.00pm
Thursday & Saturday 2.00pmThe West End’s favourite musical comedy, Hairspray, is coming to Southampton next spring!
Hairspray tells the story of Tracy Turnblad, a big girl with big hair and an even bigger heart as she sets out to follow her extraordinary dreams, inspire her mum and win the boy she loves.
Hairspray is the musical with everything – the ultimate feel-good show which has played to sold out houses in London, on Broadway and at theatres around the globe.
Big Hair, Big Heart, Big Hit – Book Now!
It goes without saying that I would presume more venues will follow (presumably it will also do the Live Nation Theatre circuit too), so keep your eyes peeled for your local venue.
For those who have been unable to make it to the West End show yet, I’d heartily recommend that you go and see this musical – it’s an amazing experience (providing they get the casting correct of course!) and one of my favourite musicals of all time!
“Hairspray 2″ is scheduled to be released in cinemas in 2010 (an awful idea in my opinion, but I shall reserve judgement until I see it), so no doubt this regional tour will tie in nicely with that!
It has just been announced that Les Misérables is to tour to celebrate it’s 25th anniversary.
The press release is as below.
I am a little dubious about the suitability of the casting of – the ever hot - Gareth Gates (pics via link) as Marius… that said, I am sure that he is eager to break the mould and try something serious for a change, and good luck to him, especially if it gets the kids interested in this type of musical! I think that the rest of the cast announced thus far looks very strong.
They’ve not yet announced the casting of Fantine, and though I’m sure that they won’t, part of me dreads that they may try to get Susan Boyle for this… erk!
Cameron Mackintosh is delighted to announce that John Owen Jones will star as ‘Jean Valjean’, Earl Carpenter as ‘Javert’ and Gareth Gates as ‘Marius’ in the exciting new 25th anniversary production of the World’s Longest Running Musical “LES MISÉRABLES,”. The production will have spectacular new designs inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo and will embark on a major international tour commencing in the UK at the WALES MILLENNIUM CENTRE CARDIFF on 11 December 2009 where it recently went on sale, breaking all box office records in the theatre’s history! Current tour schedule attached.
Broadway and West End star John Owen Jones was recently hailed by the New York Post as the best Jean Valjean since Colm Wilkinson. As well as starring in “Les Misérables” in both the West End and on Broadway he has also appeared as ‘The Phantom’ in “The Phantom of the Opera” at Her Majesty’s Theatre. Earl Carpenter who is currently playing ‘Javert’ in the West End production of “Les Misérables” has also starred as ‘The Phantom’ in West End as well as the starring role of ‘Darryl Van Horne’ in “The Witches of Eastwick” at the Prince of Wales Theatre. Gareth Gates needs no introduction. A multi million selling popstar who still has the 2nd best selling single this decade. More recently he has played the title role of ‘Joseph’ in “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” at the West End’s Adelphi Theatre and was a semi finalist in ‘Dancing on Ice’ 2008.
The magnificent score of “LES MISÉRABLES” includes the songs, ‘I Dreamed a Dream’ (currently the world’s most popular song!), ‘On My Own’, ‘Stars’, ‘Bring Him Home’, ‘Do You Hear the People Sing’, ‘One Day More’, ‘Empty Chairs at Empty Tables’, ‘Master Of The House’ and many more.
“LES MISÉRABLES” originally opened in London at the Barbican Theatre on 8 October 1985, transferred to the Palace Theatre on 4 December 1985 and moved to its current home at the Queen’s Theatre on 3 April 2004 where it continues to play to packed houses. When “LES MISÉRABLES” celebrated its 21st London birthday on 8 October 2006, it became the World’s Longest Running Musical, surpassing the record previously held by “Cats” in London’s West End.
Seen by over 56 million people worldwide in 42 countries and in 21 languages, “LES MISÉRABLES” is undisputedly one of the world’s most popular musicals ever written, with new productions continually opening around the globe. There have been 34 cast recordings of “LES MISÉRABLES”, including the multi-platinum London cast recording and the Grammy Award-winning Broadway cast and complete symphonic albums. The video of the 10th Anniversary Royal Albert Hall Gala Concert has sold nearly two million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling musical videos ever in the UK. There are over 2,000 productions of the Les Misérables School’s Edition scheduled or being performed by over 100,000 school children in the UK, US and Australia, making it the most successful musical ever produced in schools.
Cameron Mackintosh’s production of “LES MISÉRABLES” is written by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg and is based on the novel by Victor Hugo. It has music by Claude-Michel Schönberg, lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer and original French text by Alain Boublil and Jean-Marc Natel and additional material by James Fenton. The original London production of “LES MISÉRABLES” was adapted and directed by Trevor Nunn and John Caird.
This new production will be directed by Laurence Connor and James Powell and designed by Matt Kinley inspired by the works of Victor Hugo and John Napier. Original costumes by Andreane Neofitou, lighting by Paule Constable and sound by Mick Potter.
Further information (including dates and venues) can be found on the official production website.
There are many things that Bette Midler should be immortalized for, and I think that the song of Otto Titsling has to be right up there as one of the top reasons!
I came across a mix-CD (not quite as satisfying sounding as mix-tape) that was made for me in 2003 (and hadn’t been played since!), and this song was on there. Needless to say, the track has been on repeat for most of the morning at work!
Very pleased to have rediscovered the song!
Her appearance on Johnny Carson’s show in 1991 is also hillarious in my opinion!
The below lyrics are kind of a mismatch of Beaches and Bette’s solo performances of the song (the solo versions are better I reckon!)
Otto Titsling, inventor and kraut,
had nothing to get very worked up about.
His inventions were failures, his future seemed bleak.
He fled to the opera at least twice a week.One night at the opera he saw an Aida
who’s tits were so big they would often impede her.
Bug-eyed he watched her fall into the pit,
done in by the weight of those terrible tits.Oh, my god! There she blows!
Aerodynamically this bitch was a mess.
Otto eyeballed the diva lying comatose amongst the reeds,
and he suddenly felt the fire of inspiration
flood his soul. He knew what he had to do!
He ran back to his workshop
where he futzed and futzed and futzed.For Otto Titsling had found his quest:
to lift and mold the female breast;
to point the small ones to the sky;
to keep the big ones high and dry!Every night he’d sweat and snort
searching for the right support.
He tried some string and paper clips.
Hey! He even tried his own two lips!Well, he stitched and he slaved
and he slaved and he stitched
until finally one night, in the wee hours of morning,
Otto arose from his workbench triumphant.
Yes! He had invented the worlds first
over-the-shoulder-boulder-holder. Hooray!Exhausted but ecstatic he ran
down the street to the diva’s house
bearing the prototype in his hot little hand.
Now, the diva did not want to try the darn thing on.
But, after many initial misgivings,
she finally did.
And the sigh of relief that issued forth
from the diva’s mouth
was so loud that it was mistaken by some
to be the early onset of the Siroccan Winds
which would often roll through the Schwarzwald
with a vengeance!
Ahhhhh-i!But little did Otto know,
at the moment of his greatest triumph,
lurking under the diva’s bed
was none other than the very worst
of the French patent thieves,
Philippe DeBrassiere.
And Phil was watching the scene
with a great deal of interest!Later that night, while our Brun Hilda slept,
into the wardrobe Philippe softly crept.
He fumbled through knickers and corsets galore,
’til he found Otto’s titsling and he ran out the door.Crying, “Oh, my god! What joy! What bliss!
I’m gonna make me a million from this!
Every woman in the world will wanna buy one.
I can have all the goods manufactured in Taiwan.”The result of this swindle is pointedly clear:
Do you buy a titsling or do you buy a brassiere?
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