ThreeWeeks Edinburgh » ED2011 Musical Reviews

ED2011 Musicals Review: The Chess Game (Forth Children’s Theatre)

admin — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 20:29:28 +0000

If you like your musicals packed with catchy tunes and nifty dance routines (and, frankly, who doesn’t?), you’ll like this show in which the talented young actors of the Forth Children’s Theatre deliver a performance which is both wholehearted and charming. ‘The Chess Game’, as its title suggests, takes the game of chess as it theme, but has a whole lot more to say than just chess – the game is used as an allegory of society as a whole. Cast and audience alike clearly enjoyed the material; however, the greatest proof of the show’s success lay in my walk home – I strode my 45 minute walk in the pouring rain with a skip in my step, humming the show’s final number under my breath.

Inverleith Church Hall, 5 – 13 Aug (not 7), times vary, £8.00 – £12.00, fpp224.
tw rating 3/5
[lm]

ED2011 Musicals Review: Pollyanna Meets Piaf (Melissa Cloake)

admin — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 20:28:02 +0000

Going to ‘Pollyanna Meets Piaf’ is the Fringe equivalent of eating chicken soup with an eccentric aunt. The show is the one woman song diary of Melissa Cloake, interspersed with narration and sometimes poems. Accompanied by a suitably robust pianist, Cloake’s bright singing voice suits her mostly self-composed anthology of almost 12 songs. Rarely self-indulgent, the piece focuses on Melissa’s journey from naïveté (referencing Eleanor Hodgman Porter’s optimistic heroine, Pollyanna) to a more savvy alter ego, personified in Edith Piaf. Cloake’s gentle sparrow-like stage presence and engaging demeanour make Piaf a perfect alter ego. So, do I regret going to see Melissa Cloake’s show? In the words of the French songstress herself, “Non, je ne regrette rien!”

theSpaces at Surgeons Hall, 5 – 13 Aug, times vary, £6.00 – £7.00, fpp231.
tw rating 3/5
[nb]

ED2011 Musicals Review: The Card (The Norfolk Youth Music Theatre)

admin — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 20:26:31 +0000

A spunky young opportunist hardly put down by societal condemnation – such is the story of Denry Machin in Arnold Bennett’s celebrated novel, ‘The Card’. First, watch with bated breath as he endures disapproval from his mother, competition from his rivals and rejection from his fiancé. Later, join him in celebration as he basks in the light of eventual success. Music from a live orchestra, animated singing and doses of humour all come together seamlessly to present 100 minutes of sheer entertainment. This musical has a relatively slow start but generally gets more enjoyable with time. In all, this is a very good attempt by the Norfolk Youth Music team, and a lively production suitable for all in the family.

Spotlites at The Merchants’ Hall, 8 – 13 Aug, 4.25pm (5.45pm), £6.00 – £8.00, fpp224.
tw rating 3/5
[cm]

ED2011 Musicals Review: Heroes, Heroines and Villains (Edinburgh Studio Opera)

admin — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 20:24:48 +0000

Rain, bratty children and pushy flyer-floggers – these are the top three things sure to get me into a foul mood. I had recently encountered all of them when, soggy and stressed, I threw myself into my seat to sample the operatic taster menu being proffered by ESO and, ahhh: hello, calm; furthermore, hello, talent. Beneath the apt gilded lettering “for the healing of the nations” that adorns the walls of this pretty venue, the company show off fantastic physical characterisation to match their shiver-inducing vocal pyrotechnics. Though conviction in ensemble movement flags very occasionally, inventive direction and polished attire turn the welcoming but basic setting into a visual delight. Excellent fun for the opera aficionado and newcomer alike.

St Andrew’s and St George’s West, 10, 11, 15 Aug, 12.30pm (1.30pm), 13, 16 Aug, 7.30pm (8.30pm), £6.00 – £10.00, fpp225.
tw rating 4/5
[kl]

ED2011 Musicals Review: Hot Grog (Phillips Academy Theatre And Dance)

admin — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 20:22:25 +0000

A blockbuster’s attempt to replicate its initial success with a series of hackneyed sequels is often ill-fated – this is arguably true in the case of ‘Pirates Of The Caribbean’. Well, this theatrical group may have just come up with the perfect antidote: Pirates And The Musical Theatre Venture – aka ‘Hot Grog’. This lively, swash-buckling, family-friendly take on the film boasts catchy tunes and comic dialogue. Although timing in line delivery is sometimes lacking, vocals are generally very strong, with the leading lady offering more to the part of pirate girl than a Keira Knightley pout. Direction is inventive and interesting, making excellent use of the space and creating more than you’d imagine possible out of step-ladders and sheets. Brilliance ahoy!

Greenside, 15 – 19 Aug (not 17), 12.20pm (1.35pm), £5.00 – £7.00, fpp226.
tw rating 4/5
[kl]

ED2011 Musicals Review: Evil – The Musical (Imps)

admin — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 20:21:14 +0000

Evil by name, and evil by its very nature, this spoof super-villain musical is a terror to behold. Something has gone badly wrong when you find yourself posing the following theatrical question: which is worse, the acting or the script? Except on this occasion if you simply cannot decide, you have the option of backing the utterly appalling songs instead. The laughs are few and very far between – a joke made about the cheap set is mildly amusing the first time and fist-clenchingly awful by the tenth mention. There is one good gag about Nazi Fanta and the best character is the ‘Sidekick’ who barely opens his mouth. Save yourselves – beg, borrow or steal The Incredibles DVD instead.

Gryphon Venues at The Point Hotel, 15 – 20 Aug, 6.35pm (7.50pm), £7.00 – £8.00, fpp225.
tw rating 1/5
[kw]

ED2011 Musical Review: Miracles At Short Notice (bstproductions)

admin — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 17:45:36 +0000

This new musical based on the works of Saki takes all the subtlety and subtext of his brilliantly satirical works and throws it into the face of the audience. Almost every song achieves nothing but stating what has already been revealed by the spoken word, and the way they are performed does nothing to distract from this. While this production does occasionally shine for periods between songs, this is almost entirely due to the deftness and humour of Saki himself, whose words form the verbal backbone of this show. Finally, a bizarre moralising turn at the end of the production leaves a bitter taste in the mouth of anyone who has ever appreciated the dark irreverence of the original prose.

Gryphon Venues at The Point Hotel, 14 – 20 Aug, 10.20pm (11.30pm), £9.00, efpp231.
tw rating 2/5
[sj]

ED2011 Musicals Review: The Last 5 Years (twoSquared Productions)

admin — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 15:43:56 +0000

This musical, charting the disintegration of a relationship over 5 years, starts at both ends and gradually works towards the middle. If this sounds like a confusing plotline, that’s because it is. Particularly when it is communicated through the medium of song, by people who cannot sing particularly well. The chemistry between these two actors is not sufficient to make me care about whether their relationship succeeds or not, and after an hour I was checking the time constantly to see how much longer I had to wait until the end. Bizarrely, it got a standing ovation – the only explanation is that the audience was packed with the cast’s friends and family.

Paradise In Augustine’s, dates vary, 6.40 pm (8.10 pm), £8.00 – £10.00, fpp227.
tw rating 2/5
[ld]

ED2011 Musicals Review: Cluedo (Poot Productions)

admin — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 10:30:27 +0000

Was it Colonel Mustard in the dining room? Miss Scarlet in the billiard room? Or was it Reverend Green in the library? The classic board game is brought to life in this musical adaptation, and Inspector Cluedo joins all the classic characters as they sing their way through the murder investigation. Whilst the concept is quite interesting, the execution of this production falls slightly short. With each character doing a musical number in turn, as Cluedo questions them, their responses become repetitive and the piece often lacks fluidity. A few musical numbers are entertaining and humorous but certain actors disappoint with some lacklustre performances. It’s a respectable attempt from these young performers but there is room for improvement.

Paradise In Augustine’s, Aug 23 – 27, 4.25pm (6.00pm), £5.00 – £6.00, fpp225.
tw rating 3/5
[ah]

ED2011 Musicals Review: A Man’s A Man (Quentine Reville)

admin — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 10:29:06 +0000

Farce-rom-com is a good musical plot, but nowadays, even if performing an older work, it has to be treated ironically. ‘A Man’s A Man’ had the sour mix of ‘Sex In The City’ sass and the clichés of ‘White Christmas’. Sadly, despite the great singing, performances lacked comic-timing, making characters lack appeal. A few technical issues cropped up – the orchestral music was too loud so we couldn’t hear the vocals, for one, and the scene changes took too long; there was nothing to keep us interested during these moments, and annoyingly, most of these were for irrelevant costume switches rather than the advancement of the plot. It’s a shame, because the singing was already high-standard; with more polished professionalism, this could have been truly enjoyable.

Paradise In Augustine’s, 23 – 29 August, 5.45pm (6.45pm), £7.00 – £9.00 (£20.00 F), fpp228.
tw rating 2/5
[klc]

ED2011 Musicals Review: The Last Five Years (Patch Of Blue Theatre)

admin — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 10:08:36 +0000

“I’ve got a singular impression. Things are moving too fast.” Two parallel lines, two stories, but chronologically moving in different directions of a relationship. Cathy starts now with a most sorrowful song, and then sings her way back through to happier times. Jamie starts five years ago, a freshly in love, all-good-things-in-life-coming-to-him young man, to end up rather sorrowfully. In the middle, the two actors for once meet – at their wedding. In this all-music production, the band and singers do a great job – sadly, some of these efforts are wasted in the unsuitable location. However, as evidenced in the outstandingly well-delivered ‘The Schmuel Song’, both singers have great voices and inject a lot of feeling into the lyrics.

C soco, 5 – 15 Aug, 9.30pm (10.45pm), £7.50 – £11.50, fpp227.
tw rating 3/5
[vk]

ED2011 Musicals Review: The Ring Of Stones (t-Chi Productions in association with Brierley / Robinson Music)

admin — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 10:07:13 +0000

This musical follows the historical tale of the northern village of Eyam, which, during the 17th Century, was affected by the bubonic plague; it’s the village famous for placing a ring of stones around the exterior so that no one would enter or leave the area. Sadly, this musical falls short of the compelling journey its tale promises. This is a shame, because all twenty-two original songs are sung with great enthusiasm by the cast, but the singers are unfortunately often drowned by the booming music. This means that jokes and even basic melody is often difficult to hear. Even with a likeable rogue for a narrator, the joy in this musical is, unlike the plague of the story, barely infectious.

theSpaces at Surgeons Hall, 16 – 20 Aug, 4.15pm (5.50pm), £8.00 – £10.00, fpp231.
tw rating 2/5
[ljc]

ED2011 Musicals Review: Nine – The Musical

admin — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 10:05:10 +0000

The stage was littered with rows of white chairs; it should have immediately indicated the stultifying, sedentary and lacklustre performance which was to follow. A troupe of ill-clad women trooped onstage, sang, sat down… and then continued to sit statically for what seemed like the entire performance. The accents were questionable, often sounding more Eastern European than Italian, and the show was lacking almost entirely in the Italian passion which made it (and Guido) such a notorious success. Though the chorus was sporadically great, the voices showed signs of tiredness from Carla especially, but Luisa’s talented, velveteen voice invigorated what was a flagging performance, making the whole thing not totally unbearable. Frequently bored, I was glad when it ended.

Paradise In Augustine’s, 8 – 13 Aug, 6.40pm (8.10pm), £8.00 – £10.00, fpp229.
tw rating 2/5
[jlb]

ED2011 Musicals Review: Little Shop Of Horrors (Violet Shock)

admin — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 08:40:57 +0000

Violet Shock’s production of Little Shop of Horrors had some clever moments and great performances – most particularly from the ‘Bop Shoo Wop’ girls – but ultimately, it was a bit hit and miss. The audience singalong segment was enthusiastic, but didn’t get the crowd as excited as the cast clearly hoped. This was not for lack of trying however, as they bounced across the stage with whoops and cheers of “You know the words!” The washed-out grey colour palette of both set and costumes was a nice touch, but not enough to lift this production from commonplace to exceptional. Unfortunately, there were one too many awkward staging moments and weaker performances for this to reach anything beyond mildly pleasing at best.

theSpace On Niddry St, 22 – 27 Aug, 10.15pm (11.45pm), £7.00 – £8.00, fpp228.
tw rating 3/5
[ek]

ED2011 Musicals Review: Saving Seatown: The Underwater Musical! (American High School Theatre Festival)

admin — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 07:28:28 +0000

The Fringe is as much an international event as it is artistic showcase, so the presence of these young performers from the American High School Theatre Company wonderful. However, ‘Saving Seatown’ – the first piece in a student writing project – is lacklustre. Set underwater, it follows the battle between villainous Dr Eight and superheroes the Fishtastic Five. Technical problems mean the play is quiet; nobody’s fault but unfortunately dampening nonetheless. Both the theatrical and lyrical writing isn’t memorable, and some of the singing and direction could use polish. But while it feels closer to school shows than professional theatre, the creators are still learning their craft. With enthusiastic acting, great costumes and funny moments, it shows promise.

Church Hill Theatre, 20 – 23 August, times vary, £5.00, fpp232.
tw rating 2/5
[klc]

ED2011 Musicals Review: Semiramide (Edinburgh International Festival/Vlaamse Opera)

admin — Sun, 28 Aug 2011 07:40:24 +0000

A fantastic, over-the-top production, with singing and orchestral music worthy of this epic melodrama. Queen Semiramide needs to appoint an heir for her war-torn Babylon, and the suitors line up for Princess Azena’s hand, some with noble intentions, some possessed by greed and lust. An incestuous love triangle emerges, but is abruptly disrupted by the ghost of the murdered king Nino, who after fifteen years in the grave is ready to name and punish his assassins. The orchestra, lead by conductor Alberto Zedda, triumphs throughout. The chorus was mind-blowing, innovative and powerful. But, the two show stoppers of this performance were Myrtò Papatanasiu playing Semiramide, and Josef Wagner as Assur. If you are an opera newcomer, this one will hook you for life.

Festival Theatre, 25 and 27 Aug, 6.00pm (10.20pm), £16.00 – £68.00.
tw rating 5/5
[ae]

ED2011 Musicals Review: Sweet Charity (Northern Theatre Company)

admin — Sun, 28 Aug 2011 07:38:49 +0000

A courageous performance of this musical set in the New York gay scene. The sleazy strip joint sequences are hilarious and well choreographed, the voices are good, and Charity Hope Valentine has this air of knowing innocence about him which gives the whole play such a delicate, unpredictable flair. ‘Rhythm of life’ – one of the play’s famous songs – is rendered to a classical Greek sauna scene and inevitably gets cheers and whistles and whoops when it turns Full Monty. Unfortunately some of the lines – in speech and song – are slightly unintelligible, but that does not take away from understanding the abbreviated, slightly twisted storyline. It is a very ambitious project, and well executed.

C, 14 – 29 Aug, 9.30pm (10.45pm), £8.50 – £12.50, fpp234.
tw rating 4/5
[vk]

ED2011 Musicals Review: The Melody Blog (Pandora’s Productions)

admin — Sat, 27 Aug 2011 08:17:20 +0000

Twins Melody and Harmony have been raised to speak through music, singing and guitar playing, respectively. Their evil father Vincent streams their lives through an online blog for profit, and without their knowledge, and Melody yearns for escape. Performed mainly in song, jumping between a press conference with Vincent, and snap shots of Melody’s life, it’s a funny, tragic, perfect marvel. Good musicals tend to be long, whereas this is great at half the length, and for such a short play, the characters are either well rounded or well played enough to give the plot an emotional punch. The songs are beautifully lyrical and span several musical genres, and the accompanying dances are energetically choreographed. There’s simply nothing to complain about.

Zoo Roxy, 15 – 27 Aug, 6.30pm (7.30pm), £5.00 – £6.00, fpp228.
tw rating 5/5
[klc]

ED2011 Musicals Review: Pollyanna (Sky Blue Theatre)

admin — Sat, 27 Aug 2011 08:16:09 +0000

Pollyanna, the light hearted young orphan from America, hops over to stay with her strict old aunt from England and along the way enlightens the nearby residents as to how to live life with a smile. It’s all simple fare with pantomime-like characters – the drunk vicar with a bright red nose, the twittering old women with humped backs – and bright costumes bringing the show to life with a cartoonish tweak. In contrast to the costumes, the singing from time to time falls short of being particularly rousing or memorable, on occasion being hard to hear, or simply being unnecessary. Still there’s enough here to entertain – just not quite enough to make this so distinguished from the plethora of other musicals.

C, 21 – 26 Aug, 3.00pm (4.30pm), £4.50 – £7.50, fpp233.
tw rating 3/5
[ljc]

ED2011 Musicals Review: Five Alive! The Musical (Five Alive – George Lakis and Andy Emeritz)

admin — Sat, 27 Aug 2011 08:15:04 +0000

Call me a terrible person if you must, but with comedy I’d rather wallow in the schadenfreude of failed expectations than root for plucky underdogs making a comeback. So, for me, it was disappointing that the narrative here focused almost entirely on fictional former tween sensation Five Alive only well after their fall from grace, when there would have been comic potential in seeing more of their hubristic demands during their period of success and then their downward trajectory. That gripe over with, the songs are really good and embarrassingly likeable, especially the one sung by the Europop outfit, Heartbrokers. Aside from the underdeveloped narrative, this show celebrates the ridiculousness of eighties pop music pretty satisfyingly.

theSpaces On The Mile, 15 – 27 Aug (not 21), 10.00pm (11.00pm), £5.00, fpp75.
tw rating 3/5
[km]

ED2011 Musicals Review: Jet Set Go! (Go Fly Productions)

admin — Sat, 27 Aug 2011 08:13:21 +0000

It’s a bumpy, bouncy, cheery take-off, with one cliché strewn after the other. And yet it’s completely adorable! I never thought I’d like clichés so much! Meet the air crew: the rude Spanish Carmen –Julia, excuse me – and from Puerto Rico, gay first-class steward Ryan; the grumpy pilot; and the shy new stewardess. Four boys, four girls, all on their way to New York and back. They have twenty-four hours in the Big Apple, and elements of ‘On The Town’, Gene Kelly and Sinatra are easily found in the story, music and dance. Sweetly performed by the young cast, this is heart-warming and soul-refreshing, from set-up to take-off and on, landing smoothly ever after.

theSpace on Niddry St, 15 – 27 Aug (not 21), 7.00pm (8.20pm), £10.00 – £6.00, fpp226.
tw rating 4/5
[vk]

ED2011 Musicals Review: Some Small Love Story The Flanagan Collective

admin — Sat, 27 Aug 2011 08:12:28 +0000

Spot-lit against a dark, naked set, four actors stand in front of you. The starkness of the stage is reflected not only in the starkness of their performance, but in the raw human vulnerability of the way their two stories unfold. This is beautifully acted and sung, and the witty realism of the script brings equally poignant laughter and tears; it’s a whole rollercoaster of emotions that reflect the grieving process it describes. In a production this bare, every detail has been considered, and the result is tight, gripping and powerfully intense. Traditionally romantic, yet still honest and relevant, this reverberates with all your forgotten childhood notions and triumphantly displays the ageless quality of true love. Life-changing theatre.

C eca, 3 – 29 Aug, 9.30 pm (10.25 pm), £6.50 – £9.50, fpp233.
tw rating 5/5
[ld]

ED2011 Musicals Review: The Deacon Carpe Diem Productions

admin — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 13:14:22 +0000

Written by Peter D Dobinson, this original musical breathes new life into the story of Deacon Brodie, Edinburgh’s infamous swindler. The production uses the ‘plot within a plot’ technique, as Brodie’s life is retold by an animated tavern landlord who selects his friends and customers to take up the parts of the characters involved in the tale. This is performed with gusto by an accomplished cast, and a special mention should go to Kirsty Anderson, who played the enamoured barmaid Ailsa with charm, and sang to perfection. The original score was delightful, if a little forgettable, and there were often lulls in moments of long dialogue. However, for a truly Scottish musical, look no further than ‘The Deacon’.

Stockbridge Parish Church, Aug 17 – 27 (not 21,22,23), 7.45pm (9.45pm), £7.00 – £10.00, fpp227.
tw rating 3/5
[st]

ED2011 Musicals Review: Homemade Fusion (In Short Productions)

admin — Sun, 21 Aug 2011 19:24:40 +0000

A benevolent stalker, a woman with a penchant for handcuffs and another with serious vending machine issues: these are just some of the eclectic characters that combine to create ‘Homemade Fusion’, a contemporary song cycle exploring the nature of relationships. With a very Jason Robert Brown feel, it’s a perfect mixture of aching emotion and light-hearted humour. It may say “homemade” in the title, but this show feels anything but. The cast are outstanding – each has the ability to take on any character and make it totally believable through fantastic storytelling and even better singing. The group harmonies are exquisite, the comical numbers are incredibly witty and the romantic ones will melt your heart – an absolute pleasure to watch.

C soco, 3 – 25 Aug (not 15), 8.30pm (9.25pm), £8.50 – £10.50, fpp226.
tw rating 5/5
[am]

ED2011 Musicals Review: Little Shop Of Homos! (Far From Kansas – The London Gay Man’s Chorus)

admin — Sun, 21 Aug 2011 19:23:12 +0000

Hardy Dick’s Department Store is in trouble. Catering only to the discerning gay, they have turned their backs on an emerging section of the market: the metrosexual. This is the premise on which the boys of Far From Kansas have created their highly enjoyable romp, where homo humour is the norm, and men of all shapes and sizes delight in silliness and frippery. Behind this, there is real heart to the group, and indeed, the show provides one of the sweetest love stories I have seen so far on the Fringe. While the singing was good but not outstanding in the opening numbers, with each song the choruses improved – halfway through, and their harmonies were hair-raising. Joyous.

C, 14 – 20 Aug, 6.00pm (7.00pm), £7.50 – £11.50, fpp227.
tw rating 4/5
[ls]

ED2011 Musicals Review: 11 (Cutting Edge Theatre Productions)

admin — Sun, 21 Aug 2011 19:21:39 +0000

It must be said, I was apprehensive about this show even before setting foot in the theatre, worried I would be witnessing an updated ‘Springtime for Hitler’. Fortunately, this didn’t happen; ’11′ is a moving exploration of the timeless effects of war, regardless of race, gender or time period. The stories of different characters are intertwined with songs proclaiming the devastation of war; the staging was slick, and the cast were vocally outstanding. However, the line of sensitivity is very thin and at times, this production finds itself on the wrong side of it – the concentration camp dialogue is utterly implausible and images of gas chambers and the 9/11 bombings are unnecessary. Provocative, but not always for the right reasons.

Paradise In Augustine’s, 6 – 28 Aug (not 7, 15, 22), 8.45pm (10.00pm), £8.00 – £10.00, fpp225.
tw rating 3/5
[am]

ED2011 Musicals Review: FRESHER The Musical (Paulden Productions)

admin — Sun, 21 Aug 2011 19:20:18 +0000

Exceedingly well-framed characters forge a great and surprisingly believable dynamic here. The music is rousing when needed, but the range of styles on display lead to an incredibly varied and versatile performance. The premise is strong, and the overall themes of self-discovery and insecurity are universal enough that you don’t need to be a fresher to understand it. The well-orchestrated incorporation of recitative-like moments is particularly striking, forming a contrapuntal cocktail with more melodic lines. Memorable songs, endearing characters, scenarios you can relate to – this was truly energising to watch. Whether university is a recent memory, distant nostalgia, or something to look forward to, this captures all kinds of exuberance in one thrilling musical snapshot.

Pleasance Dome, 3 – 29 Aug (not 15), 3.50pm (5.00pm), £8.50 – £12.00, fpp225.
tw rating 4/5
[jlb]

ED2011 Musicals Review: Absolutely Amazing Adventures Of The Singing Acupuncturist (Diamond Wave Productions/Laughing Horse Free Festival)

admin — Sun, 21 Aug 2011 19:18:55 +0000

It’s hard to summarise this show as anything other than the visceral desperation of a woman extolling the virtues of following your dreams to an empty room. The strange patchwork of cabaret songs and characters is intended to depict an acupuncturist’s ascent to fame; however, the storyline often teeters way too close to the actual, which is not a successful picture. At one point, disparaging voices boom over the loudspeaker shrieking, “You don’t have a beautiful voice! You’ll never amount to anything!” And rather than feel solidarity with her ruthless determination to succeed, I felt horribly inclined to agree with them. At times she seemed to be a charismatic actress, but the irony was hauntingly horrible. Distinctly uncomfortable.

Laughing Horse at The Newsroom, 4 – 28 Aug (not 8, 15, 22), 18.30 (19.30), free, fpp224.
tw rating 1/5
[ld]

ED2011 Musicals Review: Hitler! The Musical (TL Musical Theatre)

admin — Sun, 21 Aug 2011 19:17:42 +0000

The name of Adolf Hitler isn’t exactly a byword for musical comedy gold. Still, TL Musical Theatre have managed to produce an entire show about the life and times of the world’s most famous Führer – and, impressively, it mainly hits the mark. It’s horrifically offensive, of course, but that goes without saying. High points include a wonderful retelling of the Beer Hall Putsch in the style of the ‘Fresh Prince’, and a gospel-choir rendition of the Night of the Long Knives, though there are a few too many tired jokes about modern technology. Not for those of a delicate nature; but if the concept doesn’t put you off, you’ll probably love it.

Gryphon Venues at The Point Hotel, 8 – 20 Aug (not 14), 3.00pm (4.00pm), £6.00 – £7.00, fpp226.
tw rating 3/5
[eb]

ED2011 Musicals Review: Showstopper! The Improvised Musical (Showstopper Productions)

admin — Sun, 21 Aug 2011 19:16:35 +0000

Managing to turn a microphone mishap into an integral part of a musical story-line? Yes, this is just one of the brilliantly witty ways in ‘Showstopper!’ justifies its position as a consistently must-see Fringe show. Prepare to be astounded as a fiercely clever and talented cast form an entire production based solely on suggestions from its audience. It’s rather hard to believe you are watching something made up on the spot, and it’s unlikely you’ll see this level of improvisation anywhere else, never mind set to music on top! The spontaneous nature of the show allows for a complete refresh each performance thus creating a unique interaction between cast and audience. Jaw-droppingly excellent. Watch out, Lloyd-Webber!

Gilded Balloon Teviot, Aug 5 – 29 (not 17), times vary, £10.50 – £11.50, fpp233.
tw rating 5/5
[st]

ED2011 Musicals Review: Alzheimer’s The Musical: A Night To Remember! (Prospect Productions)

admin — Sun, 21 Aug 2011 19:15:03 +0000

Ever wondered what ‘The Golden Girls’ might be like if it’d been made in Australia? Well, here’s your answer: a delightfully filthy, silly and entertaining hour of songs and sketches from Australia’s oldest swingers. Ostensibly telling the story of three ladies growing old on both sides of the line of grace, the plot is little more than a theme to get the jokes flowing — and flow they do, with the highlight being a birds-and-the-bee’s ‘chat’ from a forgetful grandmother. Lovely moments like this abound, cheekily toying with the perceived innocence of the stereotypical grandmother. It’s let down by a couple of deflated musical numbers, but ultimately, this is a whole mess of fun.

Gilded Balloon Teviot, 3 – 28 Aug (not 16, 23), 5.00pm (6.00pm), £9.50 – £11.50, fpp39.
tw rating 4/5
[rss]

ED2011 Musicals Review: Godspell (Patch Of Blue Theatre)

admin — Sun, 21 Aug 2011 19:13:59 +0000

This 1971 musical based on parables from the Gospel of Matthew – a story most are vaguely familiar with – is brought into the 21st century with a Peter Pan and the Lost Boys feel. The piece is a fable, but it somehow avoids any potential preachy undertones – or, indeed, overtones. Displaying an interactive spirit, the cast even offer round wine at one point. Energy and charisma exude from the ensemble throughout; there are no weak links as they coolly pluck at one instrument after another, and Tom Mackley’s canny portrayal of Jesus is worthy of special mention. ‘Godspell’ is utterly mesmerising for those who believe in musicals, and those who don’t.

C, 3 – 29 Aug, 7.45pm (9.00pm), £5.50 – £11.50, fpp171.
tw rating 5/5
[db]

ED2011 Musicals Review: Into The Woods Opera Di Nepotist

admin — Sun, 21 Aug 2011 19:12:47 +0000

Weaving together the plots of many well-known Brothers Grimm fairytales, this lesser known Sondheim musical is an ambitious undertaking. Despite disappointing performances from Little Red Riding Hood and Jack’s Mother, this production’s ambition is largely fulfilled and the performance is great fun to watch. Opera di Nepotist integrates semi-professionals with the wholly inexperienced, and this bizarre marriage of talents and experience occasionally battles with the narrative for the audience’s attention; however, superb performances from the Baker, his Wife, the Witch and Cinderella kept the audience spellbound, and the smooth handling of Sondheim’s difficult music by the on-stage quintet often elicited shivers. It’s not quite a happy ending, but you certainly leave satisfied.

Greenside, 5 – 20 Aug (not 14), times vary, £9.00 – £11.00, fpp226.
tw rating 3/5
[ld]

ED2011 Musicals Review: The Selfish Gene: The Musical (BEX Productions)

admin — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 07:21:31 +0000

Some things in life are just meant to be together: fish and chips; gin and tonic; Marks and Spencer; genealogical science and musical theatre… right? Okay, so Richard Dawkins isn’t your average inspirational figure for a musical, but the impressive amount of information crammed in between the jokes and jazz hands of ‘The Selfish Gene: The Musical’ makes it a thoroughly engaging show. Though the production is not exceptional musically, the BEX Productions quintet do well to power their way through over an hour of cheesy but tuneful numbers, accompanied by a generally tight three-piece band. So, after a lukewarm start, acting skills prevail to deliver a lively and enthusiastic performance in this highly entertaining romp.

Zoo Roxy, Aug 5 – 20 (not 15) 12.30pm (1.40pm) £5.00 -£9.00, fpp232.
tw rating 3/5
[kl]

ED2011 Musicals Review: The Kist (Fiona Kennedy, Marcus Hummon and Outstanding Singers and Musicians)

admin — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 07:20:02 +0000

“Music is the stitching of the fabric of our lives,” claims this performance of music loosely inspired by Scottish folk music, which, despite the apparent variation on offer, ended up sounding all too similar. While the performances themselves are technically excellent, the whole performance lacks energy, a situation hardly helped by a script discussing Scottish history in a patronisingly cheesy way. The songs themselves are catchy enough, but this performance fails to represent any of the true passion of the music of Scotland, mainly by choosing to represent it through the medium of its interpretation by lilting American pop music. Even a performance of the Proclaimers’ seminal ’500 Miles’ seems lifeless, which is an impressively hard thing to achieve.

New Town Theatre, 4 – 21 Aug, 9.00pm (10.15pm), £15.00, fpp227.
tw rating 2/5
[sj]

ED2011 Musicals Review: Doris Day Can F**k Off (Greg McLaren)

admin — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 07:19:01 +0000

Be aware: Greg McLaren certainly delivers on the one-man opera advertised. Everything is sung, no matter how humdrum the content. There is no particular narrative, either; rather, it’s a collation of results from his social experiment of communicating solely through song for three weeks. For the most part, his tribulations are easy to follow, and his account of his sung life is very absorbing and comic. McLaren is a talented musician, but his mode of delivery – to be likened with tuneless whistling – comes into its own during more composed numbers. Cameos provided by his ‘stolen’ recordings are definite comic highlights, charmingly observing people’s idiosyncrasies. Ultimately, his insistence on song is a touch alienating but also oddly liberating.

Zoo Southside, 8 – 29 Aug, 6.15pm (7.15pm), £7.00 – £9.00, fpp257.
tw rating 3/5
[db]

ED2011 Musicals Review: Baby (International Collegiate Theatre Festival)

admin — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 07:17:40 +0000

An updated production of the hit Broadway musical, this adaptation of ‘Baby’ by the University of Florida School of Theatre and Dance’s chronicles the ups and downs of three couples who suddenly become pregnant. The story is thin and predictable, appearing to dry up by the midway point. However, despite the plot lacking substance, a sophisticated and witty musical score saves the day. Combining elements of many musical genres, from lively jazz pieces to poignant ballads, the memorable numbers are performed competently by an enthusiastic and animated cast, whose on-stage chemistry is endearing to witness. While the production won’t quite have you screaming “Oh Baby!” you’ll be sure to leave the venue uplifted, if a little broody.

theSpace at Venue45, 8 – 13 Aug (not 9, 11), times vary, £5.00, fpp224.
tw rating 3/5
[st]

ED2011 Musicals Review: Scene Of The Titans (Faulty Productions)

admin — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 07:14:51 +0000

A drag queen and a gay man tell the story of the establishment of Northern Ireland’s first gay-friendly rugby team – through musical theatre, naturally. With the campest of dance moves and jazziest of hands, the cast glitteringly portray the vibrancy of Belfast’s gay scene. Terry the protagonist and Chris the drag queen steal the show. Unfortunately, the show is tarnished by some poor vocal projection, exaggerated cameo-acting and clumsy plotting: it’s at its best when nothing was happening; adherence to real events seems to have stymied the writer’s panache. Looking past this, the songs are funnily and impressively sung and complemented by well-choreographed, expressive dance moves. Not quite titanic, but a very entertaining show.

C, 3 – 29 Aug (not 15), 5.45pm (7.15pm), £8.50 – £10.50, fpp232.
tw rating 3/5
[mm]

ED2011 Musicals Review: Pippin (American High School Theatre Festival)

admin — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 07:13:13 +0000

Despite their youth, the cast of ‘Pippin’ are staggeringly good. This revamped production of a theatre staple renews all the subversion and irony of the original, whilst still tipping its hat all the time to ‘Death of a Salesman’ and its theme of the futility of the American dream. However, at times the production does seem rushed – all dazzle and no development, and the harmonies are occasionally off, while ‘Leading Player’ Daniel Cho seemed to struggle to reach some of the high notes required. Nevertheless, the sheer enthusiasm of the cast, the great musical support, and amazing choreography pulls this show back. The positives definitely outweigh the negatives and this is well worth a ticket.

Church Hill Theatre, 8, 10 – 12 Aug, times vary, £5.00, fpp230.
tw rating 3/5
[cd]

ED2011 Musicals Review: Orpheus And Eurydice (Five One Productions)

admin — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 07:11:23 +0000

The tragic Greek tale of loss and undying love is re-awakened here in an adaptation that combines classic verse and modern language with a refreshing musical accompaniment. A relatively sparse set leaves the audience to imagine the flourishing forests above and the destitute loneliness of the underworld; allusions to modern references illustrate that this is an adaptation that seeks to move away from the classic story whilst retaining its unique essence. Sadly this comes across as ambiguous, and the acting performances are poor, meaning that overall, this isn’t a great experience even though the impressive voices of the lead characters are a saving grace. Recommended only for hardcore fans of Greek tragedy and musicals.

C, 3 – 16 Aug, 10.55pm (11.45pm), free, fpp230.
tw rating 2/5
[aq]

ED2011 Musicals Review: Hey, Piano Bar Lady! (Linn Lorkin)

admin — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 07:09:47 +0000

Adorable, classy, charming and fun. ‘Hey, Piano Bar Lady!’ makes for an excellent evening. The Henderson wine bar is the perfect setting; a low lit, intimate space, in which Linn Lorkin builds a healthy rapport with her audience. The songs are simple, but bouncy and perfectly constructed, definite highlights being her free jazz rendition of ‘As Time Goes By’, and ‘International Sofa Lady’. The puns are dreadful, but Linn’s wealth of anecdotes, flawlessly recreating the 80′s New York piano bar-scene in Edinburgh, are a delight. The show rattles along nicely, with Linn really hitting her stride towards the middle of the show, with a wonderful, slightly whimsical, slightly wistful finale. ‘Hey, Piano Bar Lady!’ is a definite treasure.

Henderson’s Vegetarian Restaurant and Arts Venue, 4 – 28 Aug (not 8, 15, 22), times vary, £5.00 – £7.50, fpp227.
tw rating 4/5
[jc]

ED2011 Musicals Review: Spring Awakening (Gordonstoun School)

admin — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 21:21:32 +0000

Be reminded that talent has no age limit, as this cast of 18 teenagers come together to perform in this musical rendering of controversial play, ‘Spring Awakening’. Set in the context of 19th century German society, it revolves around the all too familiar woes of growing up – from questioning morality and approaching sexuality to challenging conformity. With an incredible blend of rock music and singing, this show is every bit as electrifying as it claims to be. Despite a few slow moments towards the end of the production, the cast successfully make a swift comeback with a climactic finale. Above all, this is a truly enjoyable performance by a group of promising young adults, who genuinely enjoy performing.

C, 5 – 13 Aug, 1.30pm (2.50pm), £5.50 – £10.50, fpp234.
tw rating 4/5
[cm]

ED2011 Musicals Review: Apply Within (Modus Operandi Theatre)

admin — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 21:20:05 +0000

In this period of economic discontent, you’d think a topical musical dealing with the road to employment would be a winner. Sadly, you’d be wrong. This musical has the potential for witty social commentary, but songs about CVs and the nervous habits that can develop in an interview waiting-room lyrically leave much to be desired, and are at times overly simple or rely on nonsensical rhymes. The choreography is disastrous – clumsy, poorly executed and not befitting the small space or small-scale production. The performers do their best with the piece and there is some outstanding singing from the two male characters. Ultimately, however, to borrow a phrase from Lord Sugar – ‘Apply Within’, “You’re fired!”

Pleasance Courtyard, 6 – 28 Aug, 1.30pm (2.30pm), £7.50 – £9.50, fpp224.
tw rating 2/5
[am]

ED2011 Musicals Review: Shhh… (Right Here Productions)

admin — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 21:17:30 +0000

The debut rom-com musical from Alison Telfer and Dan Greavey is an entertaining venture into the lives of ordinary people, complete with laughter, tears and a little something in between. With a tasteful score orchestrated by Sam Shearer, showcasing a variety of numbers from the soulful to the uplifting, this is a no frills musical that can be enjoyed by all. With strong performances from the cast – most notably Joe Whiteman as the quintessential gay best friend and Lisa Leonard as the young love interest – this is an impressive first production from the young company. Its only let down is the sub-plot involving an abusive step-father which is not explored in enough detail to make it a worthwhile addition to the show.

theSpace at Venue45, 5 – 13 Aug (not 7), 20.10 (21.25), £6.00 – £7.00, fpp233.
tw rating 3/5
[aq]

ED2011 Musicals Review: Toulouse-Lautrec: The Musical (Sawaki Productions Japan)

admin — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 21:13:56 +0000

Flamboyant and turbulent, the life of artist Toulouse-Lautrec is anything but boring. Brought to the Fringe this year with enthusiasm and gusto, this one-man musical by Japanese company Sawaki Productions seems an unusual medium to portray the life of this French artist. Yet Jun Sawaki’s charisma and personality transcend the language barrier, and his animated acting creates a convincing performance. However, this piece of musical theatre often feels more like a disjointed recital than a musical in itself and lacks some of the body one can usually expect from a musical. Without Sawaki’s competent performance and voice, this show’s success is dubious, but his emotion and passion will certainly not be lost in translation.

C aquila, 4 – 29 Aug, 4.10pm (5.10pm), £7.50 – £10.50, fpp234.
tw rating 3/5
[ck]

ED2011 Musicals Review: The Improvised Musical (No Shoes Theatre)

admin — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 21:12:15 +0000

A pianist, a drummer, a lighting director and six actors – this is the perfect equation for an on-the-spot, improvised musical. Here, the viewers run the show, from the where, when and what; it’s a concept which essentially puts human ingenuity and wit to the test, and it turns out to be a natural crowd-pleaser with excellent rapport between the cast and audience. For those who cannot tolerate a musical without a solid storyline – avoid. For all others looking for a bit of fun, you can go for it again and again and not be bored, simply because it will be radically different every single time. As last minute as this musical may get, do not wait till the last minute to book your tickets.

C, 3 – 29 Aug (not 16), 6.00pm (7.00pm), £5.50 – £11.50, fpp226.
tw rating 4/5
[cm]

ED2011 Musicals Review: Sunday In The Park With George (One Academy Productions)

admin — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 21:10:02 +0000

This is a charming musical that brings to life Georges Seurat’s famous painting, and focuses on the artist’s obsession with his work. The wonderfully talented cast lives up to the task of performing the musically challenging Sondheim classic, with its fast-paced lyrics and alarmingly diverse range of notes. For this, it is hard not to be impressed. Likewise, the faultless band help contribute to what is ultimately a very good show. Having said this, for me it was too long – by the end, many of the performers’ voices were feeling the strain, and I’m dubious as to whether it was worthy of the standing ovation given to it by some of the audience at the end.

C, 3 – 29 Aug (not 15, 22), 3.35pm (5.35pm), £8.50 – £14.50, fpp234.
tw rating 4/5
[ch]

ED2011 Musicals Review: I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change (Why Not? Musical Theatre Company)

admin — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 11:18:37 +0000

Ever been in love? Ever had it ripped away? Well you’re not alone. The young cast from Why Not? take you on a journey through life and the tribulations of finding – or losing – that special somebody in this established Fringe favourite. From the awkward first date, the condescending happy couple, the daunting nature of parenthood and the gloomy end of relationships through dumping or death, the musical numbers encompass all. At times the 1996 script relies too heavily on gender stereotypes, but it’s a musical after all: caricatures are almost intrinsic to the genre. The struggle to love and be loved is successfully captured in upbeat musical form and, with the exception of the odd dud note, the performance is strong on the whole.

TheSpaces @ Surgeon’s Hall, 5 – 13 Aug (not 7), 5.15pm (6.45pm), £7.00, fpp226.
tw ratings 4/5
[mp]

ED2011 Musicals Review: If Walls Could Talk (Tip Of The Tongue Theatre Company)

admin — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 09:20:24 +0000

Damp and dreary, the Edinburgh weather wasn’t putting many smiles on Festival-goers’ faces. So Tip Of The Tongue’s production of ‘If Walls Could Talk’ is just the happiness-boost to get people grinning. This bunch of student storytellers are far from damp and anything but dreary, and their short tales are heart-warming and personal without being overly gushy, quite a feat considering the range of issues covered, from ketchup stains on white trousers to watching a family member endure Parkinson’s Disease. Don’t expect the most visually astounding or hard-hitting of performances from this show, but do expect something completely charming. Definitely make the most of this sunny little Festival mini-gem.

C Aquila, 4 – 29 Aug, 12.15pm (1.15pm), £6.50 – £9.50, fpp270.
tw rating 4/5
[ck]

ED2011 Musicals Review: A Sentimental Journey- The Story Of Doris Day (The Mill At Sonning)

admin — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 18:11:12 +0000

“The voice that the world fell in love with” – as did this audience. It is with class, charm and imagination that this stellar all-singing, all-dancing cast leads you on a lively whistle-stop tour of Doris Day’s life. I was certainly the youngest of the bunch in this crowd but I was thoroughly entertained and delighted by this glittering, perfectly nostalgic production. Whilst Hughes’ voice doesn’t quite match up to Doris’ own, her conviction of character and evident passion for the role is touching and admirable. The whole show ran like clockwork and the audience left with a light heart and a skip in their step. ‘A Sentimental Journey’ was musical theatre as it should be.

C, Aug 3 – 29, 6.05pm (7.25pm), £6.50 – £11.50, fpp 232.
tw rating 4/5
[ah]

ED2011 Musicals Review: The Hot Mikado (Durham Fringe Productions)

admin — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 18:09:48 +0000

Breaking the fourth wall is arguably underused in musicals, as casts jazz-hand in unison without so much as a nod at the strangeness of this mad world of song and dance. Not so in ‘The Hot Mikado’; with tongues firmly in their cheeks, characters jump from knowing references to their ancestry—”If Gilbert and Sullivan could see me now!”—to their nationality: “It’s all in Japanese! Oh wait, we are Japanese!” The quality of singing is also absolutely outstanding – the blue Powerpuff-like geisha, in particular, sings beautifully and with much sass. Although it’s a shame that even some of the more powerful voices are drowned out by the band at times, it did not spoil this rollicking Japanese-American extravaganza.

C eca, 3 – 29 Aug (not 15), 6.50pm (7.50pm), £5.50 – £11.50, fpp226.
tw rating 4/5
[ls]

ED2011 Musicals Review: Constance & Sinestra (Action To The Word In Association With C Theatre)

admin — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 18:08:14 +0000

This new musical from Action To The Word is a rather delightful Gothic oddity, a mixture of Hansel and Gretel and a PG Sweeney Todd. Two sisters live in a macabre house, mourning the death of their mother. Constance attempts to keep their spirits up, while Sinestra collects the screams of those who look upon her. Their father amuses himself with endless taxidermy as a Mr and Mrs Van de Scab stalk the stage, offering sweets. The script is tight and the songs are even better, sometimes haunting and at other times jaunty and sweetly delivered. Those who dislike Tim Burton would not be advised to make this their first choice – everyone else will enjoy an exquisitely creepy time.

C Soco, 3 – 29 Aug (not 16), 3.35pm (4.25pm), £5.50 – £10.50, fpp225.
tw rating 4/5
[kw]

ED2011 Musicals Review: You Want Me To Do What?! (Shriber Theatricals (New York))

admin — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 17:44:29 +0000

Basing this show on her life experiences, Mary Lou Shriber describes her role, conflicts and dilemmas as a nurse through both speech and song. In this world debut performance, she conveys her emotions with ample passion and confidence, however, her best efforts at engaging the audience were mostly unsuccessful. This is meant to be a comedy musical, but there was no sign of laughter from an unresponsive and somewhat bored audience, while the ineffective lighting effects are at best odd and distracting. There are moments when Shriber’s strong vocals genuinely bring the performance to life, but they are few and far between. Unless you have a strong preference for moody, contemplative content, go for something more light-hearted instead.

C eca, 3 – 29 Aug (not 16), 3.15pm (4.10pm), £7.50 – £10.50, fpp235.
tw rating 2/5
[cm]

ED2011 Musicals Review: Showchoir! The Musical (One Academy Productions)

admin — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 17:42:26 +0000

Entertainingly camp, but ultimately as shallow as the celebrity culture it mocks, ‘Showchoir! The Musical’ is fun but unfulfilling. Glitzy, joyful song and dance routines can be a bit screechy on the high notes but remain infectiously perky. The young, ensemble cast are generally good, with Victoria Fuller in particular excelling as a lovelorn Midwestern schoolmarm, and there’s an excellent ‘In The Back Row’ number showcasing the supporting actors, although the leads themselves lack punch. Unfortunately the ‘Behind the Façade’ narrative device throttles any character development. Had the cast been allowed to explore their characters more and celebrity TV shows less, they would have fared much better. An enjoyable but unsatisfying hour of cheesy fluff.

C, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29 Aug, 12.00pm (1.00pm), £5.50 – £11.50, fpp233
tw rating 3/5
[ab]