lightsupuk-blog

[lightsupuk-blog]

WCAO: WEEKLY CAST ALBUM OBSESSIONS

It is that time of the week when we share with our readers those cast albums that have been stuck in our heads for the past seven days...

Next To Normal (Original Broadway Cast)

This is one of those albums that every musical theatre lover should have in his or her portable music device. In my case, it is one of those albums that I always listen to during long flights or long car rides. Not only does it have amazing music, but also smart lyrics and great performances by actors such as Bobby Spencer and Alice Ripley. It is an album that makes you feel as if you were at the theatre watching the show for the first time - every time. And, since it is sung-through, you can understand the story even if you have never seen the show before (although you should really go see it because it is even better live). Personal favourites are: Just Another Day, Everything Else, You Don't Know, I've Been, How Could I Ever Forget? and Why Stay? / A Promise.

The Music Man (2000 Broadway Revival)

There's not much to say about this one, it just makes me feel happy. Personal favourite: Seventy Six Trombones

The Music of SMASH

Ok, not really a cast album but I couldn't not mention SMASH. 

I have a love-hate relationship with this show. It started off well, with a great storyline, good writing, good characters and great musical theatre songs. It then became a very predictable soap full of clichés and pop numbers à-la-glee that I began skipping (and I do like Glee). However, every time they showed an original song from 'Bombshell' - an original musical and the show's raison d'être - SMASH went back to its Broadway roots and proved to all of us how good it can be.

This album is a compilation of covers and originals, and believe me, those songs are worth it. Personal favourites: Let Me Be Your Star, The 20th Century Fox Mambo. 

What about you?

What albums have you been listening to this week?

[lightsupuk-blog]

Tony Awards 2012: How Did We Score?

I love the Tony Awards. And I mean LOVE the Tony Awards. Tony time is, to me, the most wonderful time of the year. And yesterday's ceremony did not disappoint me: there was a great opening number from the Book of Mormon, a really funny song by Neil Patrick Harris (featuring Patti LuPone, Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Amanda Seyfried), a FANTASTIC medley including lots of past recipients of the Best Score award, amazing performances from all the nominees and of course a great closing number. 

On top of that, "Once" took home eight statues including the prestigious Best Musical, an award that can normally guarantee a successful run, and we couldn't be happier for them. I am always happy when an off-Broadway show transfers to Broadway and ends up winning over all the other huge productions (Spring Awakening, In The Heights, Avenue Q). I have nothing against big productions, but let's face it: everyone likes a good underdog story.

Ok, so a couple of weeks ago we published our Tony Award predictions, let's see now how we scored...

Best Musical

Our prediction: Newsies

Winner: Once

Best Play

Our prediction: Clybourne Park

Winner: Clybourne Park

Best Revival of a Musical

Our prediction: Follies

Winner: The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess

Best Revival of a Play

Our prediction: Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman

Winner: Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman

Best Book of  a Musical

Our prediction: Once

Winner: Once

Best Original Score

Our prediction: Newsies

Winner: Newsies

Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical

Our prediction: Steve Kazee

Winner: Steve Kazee

Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical

Our prediction: Audra McDonald

Winner: Audra McDonald

Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Play

Our prediction: Phillip Seymour Hoffman

Winner: James Corden

Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Play

Our prediction: Nina Arianda

Winner: Nina Arianda

Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical

Our prediction: Michael Cerveris

Winner: Michael McGrath

Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Musical

Our prediction: Judy Kaye

Winner: Judy Kaye

Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Play

Our prediction: Andrew Garfield

Winner: Christian Borle

Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Play

Our prediction: Linda Emond

Winner: Judith Light

Best Direction of a Play

Our prediction: Mike Nichols

Winner: Mike Nichols

Best Direction of a Musical

Our prediction: John Tiffany

Winner: John Tiffany

Best Choreography

Our prediction: Christopher Gattelli

Winner: Christopher Gattelli

Best Orchestrations

Our prediction: Martin Lowe

Winner: Martin Lowe

Our Score: 66% 

It's not great, we know, espcially because we really thought the Tony voters would give the main award of the night to the big Disney hit. Fortunately, we were wrong and they gave it to a promising show that proves that we can still make good theatre with less spectacle. A good lesson for everyone. 

What did you think of yesterday's show?

How did you score?

[lightsupuk-blog]

WCAO: Weekly Cast Album Obsessions

We love our cast albums. And we know you love them too.

That's why we love to share with you our weekly obsessions. You know, those albums we've been listening to all week and we think you should too.

Ready? Go!

Avenue Q (Original Broadway Cast)

I went to see the UK Tour in Glasgow two weeks ago and even though I knew the songs almost by heart the show still made me laugh. And I mean LMFAO laugh. How often does a musical joke about sex, racism, internet porn and Gary Coleman? It doesn't get old, and the score is so smart and funny that it deserves a place on this list for the rest of eternity. 

Elegies for Angles, Punks and Raging Queens (Original London Cast)

Like we mentioned in a post a couple of days ago this show will be performed in Liverpool later this year, by the theatre group What We Did Next. I had the pleasure of attending one of their audition dates last week, and I must say that I am sure this show is going to be amazing. To begin with, the songs are beautiful. But also funny and sad. All at the same time. Yes, that kind of score. Apart from that, the show consists of a variety of monologues by several different characters that will make you cry and laugh. Yes, at the same time. It's definitely going to be something you cannot miss (they haven't even announced performance dates and you can already see how excited I am).

Our First Mistake (by Kerrigan and Lowdermilk)

If you're a musical theatre performer then I'm sure that you have one of their songs in your repertoire. I mean, c'mon, these guys have amazing songs that are just perfect to showcase your vocal abilities and not too famous to ruin your audition. This album is a studio version of those songs you see being performed by Broadway stars on youtube . Special mention goes to the beautiful Run Away With Me and the smart ballad Five and a Half Minutes. 

Les Miserables (Original London Cast)

Do I really have to explain this?

Sweeney Todd: The 2012 London Cast Album

Is there anything better than Sondheim's most operatic score? Yes. Sondheim's most operatic score sung by Michael Ball and Imelda Staunton. I still haven't had the chance to go see the show in the West End, but it's definitely the first show I'm seeing in my next theatre trip to London  (If somebody wants to offer me tickets then I'd be happy to accept them: e.serrano@lightsupentertainment.co.uk =P )

What about you?

What are your cast album obsessions this week?

[lightsupuk-blog]

Anthony Hope tours Germany

One of our directors is managing the German tour of this Norwegian rock band, Anthony Hope.

These guys are pretty amazing and we're sure they're gonna have a great future. So if you're in German during June, you should totally check them out. 

Here're some of their tunes:

[lightsupuk-blog]

Predicting this year's Tony Awards

I might not live in New York City, but I always try to stay up-to-date with what's going on on Broadway by reading reviews, blogs, listening to cast albums and of course paying close attention to what audiences think. That is the reason why, even though I haven't seen any of the nominated shows, I will dare to predict the winners for this year's Tony Awards. Because, let's admit it, how awesome would it be if I actually get them right? 

Best Musical: NEWSIES

By now everyone who has been reading this blog must know that I would really like 'Once' to win, and I really think it deserves it for being such a simplistic show that puts storytelling and characters over spectacle. Nevertheless, Tony voters love a big fat hit and will probably give the award to 'Newsies'. Don't get me wrong, I've heard amazing things about this show, and it's probably the best thing Disney has done since 'the Lion King'. But the thing is that I don't have any doubt that 'Newsies' will have a healthy life without the Tony. I'm sure it will recoup in just a few of months, stay on Broadway for a couple of years, transfer to London, Melbourne and Hamburg and then live for ever in high school auditoriums around the world. 'Newsies' doesn't need the Tony. 'Once' does, but I still have to be realistic and admit that I believe 'Newsies' will get it. 

Best Play: CLYBOURNE PARK

This is a difficult one. If we look at the amount of nominations, then 'Peter and the Starcatcher' would most likely be the winner. But that came out as a big surprise when nominations were announced, because everyone was only talking about 'Clybourne Park' and 'Other Desert Cities'. I'm gonna go with my gut feeling here and give the award to 'Clybourne Park'.

Best Revival of a Musical: FOLLIES

I am not so sure about this category. There are two clear front runners, 'Follies' and 'Porgy and Bess'. Both have received great reviews. One is still running and the other one has closed but is soon opening in LA. One is by Mr. Sondheim and the other one was criticised by Mr. Sondheim months before it even opened. I'm gonna go with 'Follies' here just because I think Tony voters will acknowledge 'Porgy and Bess' in other categories. 

Best Revival of a Play: ARTHUR MILLER'S DEATH OF A SALESMAN

No doubt about this one. 

Best Book of a Musical: ONCE

Usually the show that wins 'Best Musical' also wins 'Best Book' and 'Best Score' (Book of Mormon, Memphis, Spring Awakening, Avenue Q, Hairspray, to name a few). It is only normal to assume that a show with the best book and the best score will be the Best Musical of the season. However, sometimes this doesn't occur, and the award for Best Book goes to a different show (Passing Strange, Urinetown, The Drowsy Chaperone, Spelling Bee). I think this often happens in order to acknowledge smaller shows that deserve the Tony for Best Musical but are not as as commercial as others. Having explained that, I think this year's Tony for Best Book of a Musical will go to Once. 

Best Original Score: NEWSIES

No doubt about this one. Good job Mr. Menken. 

Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical: STEVE KAZEE (ONCE)

I'm literally guessing this one. It could be any of them, especially Danny Burstein. But every once in a while Tony Voters like to acknowledge a newcomer.

Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical: AUDRA MCDONALD (THE GERSHWIN'S PORGY AND BESS)

How many Tony awards does she have? Four? Five? It doesn't matter, she'll most probably get this one too. 

Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Play: PHILLIP SEYMOUR HOFFMAN (ARTHUR MILLER'S DEATH OF A SALESMAN)

No doubt here either. 

Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Play: NINA ARIANDA (VENUS IN FUR)

Just guessing.

Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical: MICHAEL CERVERIS (EVITA)

It's either him or Phillip Boykin from 'Porgy and Bess', but 'Evita' deserves at least one statue, and giving that voters apparently forgot to nominate Elena Roger, I'm guessing this one will go to the man playing Perón. 

Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Musical: JUDY KAYE (NICE WORK IF YOU CAN GET IT)

I've heard she's amazing in this role, and just like with 'Evita' I'm guessing that voters will try to acknowledge 'Nice Work If You Can Get It' with at least a couple of Tonys in small categories. 

Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Play: ANDREW GARFIELD (ARTHUR MILLER'S DEATH OF A SALESMAN)

Just guessing.

Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Play: LINDA EMOND (ARTHUR MILLER'S DEATH OF A SALESMAN)

Just guessing.

Best Direction of a Play: MIKE NICHOLS (ARTHUR MILLER'S DEATH OF A SALESMAN)

Just guessing.

Best Direction of a Musical: JOHN TIFFANY (ONCE)

If you don't give them the Tony for Best Musical, at least give them this one. 

Best Choreography: CHRISTOPHER GATTELLI (NEWSIES)

I've seen some musical numbers and the choreography is extraordinary, full of pirouettes and high leaps, so I'm guessing Newsies is getting this one.

Best Orchestrations: MARTIN LOWE (ONCE)

I'm just hoping Once get more awards than the rest, so I'm giving this one to them too. 

(I'm not including all the "design" categories because I wouldn't know how to judge those areas without seeing the shows first)

What do you think of our predictions?

Are we being too positive?

Will 'Newsies' steal all the awards? 

Who are your winners?

[lightsupuk-blog]

The Five Best Opening Numbers

The moment the curtain goes up and the first chords of a song start playing is one of the most important parts of every show, because yes, first impressions DO matter. The things the following five shows have in common is that they all manage to set time and place within the first minutes, while at the same time introducing the story and engaging the audience.

Take a look at this list we've compiled and tell us what you think!

5) "Opening" + "Company" - Company

The first one on this list doesn't have special effects, complicated dance routines or elephants walking on stage. However, it still manages to introduce the characters and story within the first five minutes, and it does it in a very smart way, combining voice mails, birthday wishes, monologues and one extraordinary song that always makes us want to dance (is it even supposed to make us want to dance?). 

4) "The Circle Of Life" - The Lion King

It is impossible not to mention The Lion King when talking about good opening numbers. The show starts with a monkey screaming out loud the song we all know, and all of a sudden hundreds of animals invade the stage, coming from all around the theatre. This show is a spectacle for the eyes, and this opening number is a great way of showing the audience what's to come. 

3) "Prologue" + "Overture" - Phantom of The Opera

We're not really saying that we like the prologue bit. I mean, it's not bad it's just nothing special. However, the lighting of the chandelier is one of the most theatrical moments I've ever experienced. And I would see it again and again.

2) "Prologue" - West Side Story

The place? New York. The time? 1950s. The story? Two teenage gangs who really dislike one another. How does the show start? Both gangs dance. And they snap. And they do it all amazingly well.

To put on a production of West Side Story you really need to find a large cast of triple threats, because boy do they have to dance, sing and act well. So what I like the most about this opening number is that it introduces the place, time and characters while at the same time showcasing how talented the cast is. 

(I couldn't find a video of a good stage version of the opening number, so here's the one from the film)

1) "I Hope I Get It" - A Chorus Line

And the first place on this list goes to the best opening number, or at least my favourite one.

The lights go up and we're in an audition room. The first thing we hear: "Again! Step, kick, kick, leap, kick touch!" and we see a group of dancers hoping that they get the job. "From the top. A five, six, seven, eight!". 

I'm honestly having a hard time explaining why I think this is the best opening of a musical. Maybe it's the great music, or the great choreography, or the fact that it does an amazing job in introducing the story and engaging the audience from the very beginning. Maybe it's a combination of all those things.

Just watch the video and maybe you'll understand me better. 

Special Mention: "The North Strand" - Once

OK so we actually haven't seen this one. But the music is fantastic and at least it is one of the best overtures we've heard in a cast album. And besides, in this show the audience can go get a drink at the stage bar (yes, there is a bar on stage) while they wait for the show to start, while the cast members play Irish folk songs, just as if they were in a pub. And THAT'S what we call a good first impression.

What about you?

Do you agree with our list? What would you change?

What other shows would you add?

[lightsupuk-blog]

LES MISERABLES (2012 FILM) TRAILER

What do you guys think of it?

[lightsupuk-blog]

Auditions for "Elegies for Angels, Punks and Raging Queens"

The local theatre group WHAT WE DID NEXT are auditioning people for their production of "Elegies for Angels, Punks and Raging Queens" to be presented at the end of this year.

They're looking for a cast of nearly 40 actors from a variety of ethnicities, ages and backgrounds, so don't be put off if you're not confident with your singing or with your acting, they're just looking for potential.

The final day of auditions will be next Thursday 31/05 from 6pm in LIPA.

Click here to go to their website and download the auditon pack. 

Good luck to everyone auditioning!

[lightsupuk-blog]

I mentioned in the previous post that I've been kind of obsessed with "Once" ever since I first listened to its beautiful score.

If I still haven't convinced you that this show is amazing then have a look at this video and listen to the music, then tell us what you think.

[lightsupuk-blog]

WCAO: Weekly Cast Album Obsessions

Once The Musical: because it's simple, beautiful and different

Idina Menzel Barefoot at the Symphony: because one cannot get tired of Idina Menzel

Newsies: because it has some awesome songs such as "Seize the Day", "King of New York" and "Santa Fe" and the amazing "Watch What Happens".

Lysistrata Jones: because the world needs more new musicals like this and we support that

Parade: because it is awesome and I will never stop listening to Parade.

Sister Act: Ok the story here is that we went to see this show last week and some of the songs are very catchy, which DOES NOT mean that we're obsessed with the show (far from it) but we cannot stop humming "Take Me To Heaven". 

What are your obsessions this week?

[lightsupuk-blog]

Hi!

Hello!

We are Lights Up

We like theatre, music, film and many other forms of entertainment.

We are here to develop and promote new work, and every once in a while write a short post about something we like.