REVIEW: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Broadway Cast Recording ✭✭✭✭✭

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Original Broadway cast Recording Review

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Broadway Cast Recording Sony Masterworks Broadway 5 Stars Order a Copy from Amazon.co.uk I was a HUGE fan of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory when it opened at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane with a score by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman. Audiences were presented with a theatrical extravaganza, but what really struck me was the fabulous score which used only one song from the Gene Wilder film. Shaiman and Wittman had pulled off the near impossible by channelling the Wonka zeitgeist, creating new music for Charlie of the same calibre and Bricusse and Newley’s original film score. I was therefore interested to hear that for the Broadway production changes were to be made. More song moments from the film have been integrated, numbers from the London score cut (luckily the London cast album exists!) and new songs written. Christian Borle takes over the spoon … Read more

REVIEW: Side Show, St James Theatre ✭✭✭✭✭

Side Show review Broadway

On any rational view of it, this is not a revival but a complete re-imagining of the original work. It is not an attempt to recapture the magic of a first run or to cash in on an established success. It is a completely new creation, in terms of content, style and tone, and unlike its predecessor, it’s purpose is clear, focussed and spectacularly realised.

Side Show Revival Starts Broadway Previews

Side Show The Muiscal on Broadway

Following seasons at The Kennedy Centre and The La Jolla Playhouse, the re-imagined production of the 1997 Tony-nominated musical Side Show has begun previewing on Broadway at the St James Theatre. Side Show has a score by Dreamgirls composer Henry Kreiger, with book and lyrics by Tony nominee Bill Russell and additional book material by Director Bill Condon. Bill Condon who was director of the film Dreamgirls, makes his Broadway directorial debut with Side Show which officially opens on November 17. Side Show is inspired by the true story of the Hilton twins, Daisy and Violet, conjoined twins who in their time, were the highest paid performers on the vaudeville circuit. Erin Davie and Emily Padgett, who starred in both the Kennedy Centre and La Jolla productions reprise their roles as the Hilton Sisters. The original Broadway production  staged in 1997 was the only time in Tony history where two … Read more