Musicals

Exuberant Jason Manford-led Curtains proves a perfect antidote to our coronavirus-blighted times

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United KingdomUnited Kingdom Curtains (music by John Kander, lyrics by Fred Ebb, book by Rupert Holmes, original book and concept by Peter Stone with additional lyrics by John Kander and Rupert Holmes): Company of Curtains, filmed at the Palace Theatre, Manchester, and directed for the screen by Martin Riley. Live online stream reviewed on 14.4.2020. (JPr)

The cast of Curtains © The Other Richard

Read moreExuberant Jason Manford-led Curtains proves a perfect antidote to our coronavirus-blighted times

Northern Ireland Opera brings Kiss Me, Kate vibrantly to life

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United KingdomUnited Kingdom Cole Porter, Kiss Me, Kate:  Cast, Chorus and Orchestra of Northern Ireland Opera / Conor Mitchell (conductor). Lyric Theatre, Belfast, 5.2.2020. (RB)

Norman Bowman, Melle Stewart, Jayne Wisener, Jack McCann (c) Johnny Frazer

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In Chicago, Renée Fleming shines in The Light in the Piazza

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United StatesUnited States Adam Guettel and Craig Lucas, The Light in the Piazza: Soloists, Orchestra, Lyric Opera of Chicago / Kimberly Grigsby (conductor), Civic Opera House, Chicago, 14.12.2019. (JLZ)

Renée Fleming in The Light in the Piazza (c) Liz Lauren

Read moreIn Chicago, Renée Fleming shines in The Light in the Piazza

At Croydon’s Ashcroft Playhouse: ‘Who’s Afraid of Angela’s Ashes – The Musical?’  

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United KingdomUnited Kingdom Angela’s Ashes – The Musical (music and Lyrics by Adam Howell, book by Paul Hurt [based on a memoir of Frank McCourt]): Ensemble of Angela’s Ashes -The Musical and musicians / David Hayes (musical director). Ashcroft Playhouse, Fairfield Halls, Croydon, 5.10.2019. (JB)

Jacinta Whyte (Angela) (c) Pat Redmond

Read moreAt Croydon’s Ashcroft Playhouse: ‘Who’s Afraid of Angela’s Ashes – The Musical?’  

Benke Rydman fashions another hit with Gothenburg Opera’s Oliver!

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SwedenSweden Lionel Bart, Oliver! (Lionel Bart [Lyrics and book] and a new Swedish translation by Ulricha Johnson): Soloists of Gothenburg Opera, ensemble and children’s ensemble, Gothenburg Opera Orchestra / Bjorn Dobbelaere (conductor), Gothenburg Opera, 27.9.2019. (NS)

Fagin (David Lundqvist, centre) with his gang (c) Lennart Sjöberg

Read moreBenke Rydman fashions another hit with Gothenburg Opera’s Oliver!

Hulks Ahoy as CODA’s The Producers reopens the Ashcroft Playhouse

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United KingdomUnited Kingdom Mel Brooks, The Producers (lyrics and music by Brooks and adapted by Brooks and Thomas Meehan from the 1967 film): Ensembles and musicians of CODA (Croydon Operatic and Dramatic Association) / Joshua Hickin (musical director and arranger). Ashcroft Playhouse at Fairfield Halls, Croydon. 20.9.2019. (JB)

Read moreHulks Ahoy as CODA’s The Producers reopens the Ashcroft Playhouse

Renée Fleming Headlines The Light in the Piazza Which Proves To Be a Flawed Italian Travelogue

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United KingdomUnited Kingdom The Light in the Piazza (book by Craig Lucas, lyrics and music by Adam Guettel): Company of The Light in the Piazza, Orchestra of Opera North / Kimberley Grigsby (conductor). Royal Festival Hall, London, 19.6.2019. (JPr)

The Light in the Piazza (c) Dewynters London

Read moreRenée Fleming Headlines The Light in the Piazza Which Proves To Be a Flawed Italian Travelogue