jo
Ensemble
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Post by jo on Nov 30, 2017 20:50:46 GMT -5
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ruby
Auditioning
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Post by ruby on Nov 30, 2017 23:38:24 GMT -5
Interesting ...I heard a rumor/ comment in passing/ hearsay about HJ doing Chess in London. It was unsubstantiated and the source was not clear but if there is a planned short run planned for London maybe there's something to it? |
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jo
Ensemble
Posts: 44,218
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Post by jo on Dec 1, 2017 0:20:19 GMT -5
From the article -- And info from the ENO -- www.eno.org/whats-on/chess/The show ran for a few years in London but only had a very short run on Broadway. It has a terrific score but some people do not like the book. I wonder what would interest Hugh in a revival of a Broadway flop? Presumably he would be interested in the role of Anatoly ( and get to sing ANTHEM) ? Also, the theme of the cold war may no longer be as appealing to showgoers now. But a concert version can generally succeed (wasn't there one a few years ago with Josh Groban singing the role of Anatoly and Idina Menzel singing one of the female leads?) because many do love the score. If Hugh returns to London, it would make more sense if it is for a classical/Shakespearean play. London's particular strength and fame is for theatrical plays even if they have originated many of the blockbuster musicals ( Phantom/LesMiserables/Miss Saigon/Billy Elliot/Matilda/Webber musicals) and some successful revivals ( Oklahoma!/Carousel, etc) etc. He was supposed to have been invited by Trevor Nunn a few years ago for a new musical ( which did not meet success when it opened - a musicalization of GONE WITH THE WIND). More recently, Trevor wanted him as the possible lead for the London transfer of the Austrian musical composed by Stephen Schwartz ( SCHIKANEDER)...and Hugh did see the show in Vienna. Could it be this show ( if it happens) which might interest Hugh to perform in London again? That musical would make an excellent show for the ENO (English National Opera) as it is somewhat operatic in its score. The ENO occasionally does revivals of musical theatre work. Jo |
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jo
Ensemble
Posts: 44,218
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Post by jo on Dec 3, 2017 18:12:07 GMT -5
Are you a fan of CHESS  Interesting ...I heard a rumor/ comment in passing/ hearsay about HJ doing Chess in London. It was unsubstantiated and the source was not clear but if there is a planned short run planned for London maybe there's something to it? What could be the link of CHESS with Hugh Wasn't there a clip of Hugh and Deb ( not sure which but it was either during the time of their engagement or was that during their honeymoon... and they were singing their favorite song -- YOU AND I, from CHESS? Was it also their favorite musical at that time? Hmmm... The ENO opens CHESS in April ? Farfetched but very romantic -- it would make a nice anniversary present for Deb Btw, the ENO run is very short -- |
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jo
Ensemble
Posts: 44,218
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Post by jo on Feb 15, 2018 9:49:50 GMT -5
It seems the ENO will stage a revival of CHESS -- but it is going to be an English cast ( still not officially announced). Unlike the US concert which is semi-staged ( Karimloo, Esparza, Olivo, etc), this is a full revival but only for a short run at the ENO home, the London Colisseum (I saw KISMET there with Michael Ball and Alfie Boe). It will likely be supported by opera singers from the ENO. www.broadwayworld.com/article/Chatter-Starry-Cast-Set-for-West-End-CHESS-Ball-Burke-Head-Howar-and-Janson-20180215 Michael Ball as The Russian -- his "ANTHEM" is one of the best I have ever heard! His "You and I" duet is also excellent ( it was with Elaine Paige, though) but he will be singing it with someone else, if rumors are true that he will be in the cast. |
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