Giving the Nation a new syncopation, the people called it Ragtime...

[neverwhere]

I just got back from the new London production of one of the best musicals ever made, Ragtime. I love this show. I saw the original Toronto cast in 1997 before the writers altered the script and changed a few of the songs for Broadway, and fell utterly, madly in love. The songs are just glorious, full of passion and meaning, and the story is completely engaging, ensnaring the audience and making you really care about every single person on stage. And there is no finer show for chorus numbers -- I love Les Mis as much as anyone, but it's nothing compared to Ragtime -- when all the people gather on stage it's not because the song would sound better with more voices, it's because they really feel the same anguish and joy and love as the others, the stage positively radiates with their shared emotions. It's an absolutely amazing sight. For the London production the entire show had to be re-staged, because there weren't any theatres large enough to accommodate the lavish sets of the original version. But I thought it was even better without them -- having a bare stage and the orchestra on a balcony above brought an intimacy that was lacking in the original, and made you focus more on the story, which is of course what it's all about. After the show there was a Q & A session with the actors who played Mother, Father and Tateh (who looked exactly like Adrian Brody *winks at brandybuck and mrs_puppethead ;-), and I got to gush at them about how wonderful the show is, and how they shouldn't worry about being compared to the Broadway version (as some careless person had asked about earlier), as both productions were brilliant in their own way, and I couldn't have enjoyed myself more, which made them all grin hugely and give me a round of applause. Wheee!
So that was fun. :)


I have a new toy that is completely taking over my life. Yes, that's right -- I am now the proud owner of a Playstation 2. Fear me. *giggles*
I was going to write a long ramble about my current addiction to Kingdom Hearts, but I just can't be bothered. Suffice to say -- it owns me. ;-)


Happy birthday ladydarkrose, and welcome new friend inblackink! *happy smooches*


WillnotthinkaboutBushBlairandinsanephoneywar. Nononono. *chants with fingers in ears*


Oh, and Kiss Me. I'm Irish. *beams proudly* :)

Comments

Re: Adrien lookalike?! Why didn't you run up onstage and whisk him away?!

[angelislington.livejournal.com]

Believe me, if I could have, I would. He did go 'Yayyyy!' at me when he mentioned the musical writing team Stiles and Drewe (who made the utterly adorable show Honk!, which I know you would love) and I started whooping and clapping like a madwoman. *giggles* So that was niiiiiiiiiiice. :)

*snuggles fiercely* If I had the money, I would gather up all my special friends and whisk them away from America right now. *kissonnanose*

Honk!

[annundriel.livejournal.com]

I'm just going to start randomly replying at your journal, Nevvie. You're very entertaining. :) (You wouldn't mind if I friended you, would you?)

My school does an annual musical and they're doing Honk! this year. (I get to do the costumes.) I had never heard of it, poor sheltered musical buff that I am, until this year and now whenever I hear/see it mentioned I'm like "Hey! I know that!" It's a great show.

Hugs- Annie

Re: Honk!

[angelislington.livejournal.com]

Of course I don't mind! I love new friends. Yayyyy! *bounce*

I'm entertaining, go me! *does the Happy Nevvie Dance* :D

I'd love to be in a production of Honk. I've seen it three times and think it's just about the cutest thing ever. I'm ever so pleased that it's made it over to the States! Tell all your friends that they're working on a brilliant show, and congratulate your teachers on their wise choice. *grins*

Re: Honk!

[annundriel.livejournal.com]

Spiffy! :D

I'm almost sad I'm not more involved in Honk, but I'm busy with my own play. I get to hang out at the rehearsals though, so that's fun. They are using a CD from a British performance in order to learn the songs. Our band director is very good in his choice of musical material and I'm really looking forward to seeing the finished product.

-Annie