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Post by bobbievanhusen on Mar 27, 2024 17:21:32 GMT
I have no problem with not knowing any of the names in the cast. To get into any school/training these days, you already have to have a lot of talent, skill and experience and they then refine and polish that and send you on your way. These people have already been performing for years, now they're just being paid to do it. These are the names of the future. They're young, keen, energetic and wanting to do their best every night. Though doing 8 or 9 shows a week is a different matter entirely.
I think I read that the OLC of Starlight only ever performed a handful of performances with the full named cast, before swings and understudies started going on. I expect the same to happen here. Hey, at least we won't get the 'so and so performers wasn't on and they didn't tell me in advance, I want my money back, posts. And honestly, any West End 'name' wouldn't go near this because they already know how hard it is to do, and thats before you add roller skates into the mix. Who had heard of Frances Ruffelle before then? Stephanie Lawrence was only a theatre name because she was a take over Evita and had been in the massive flop 'Marilyn' I don't mind a female Greaseball either. It makes me think of the famous image 'we can do it' Who knows what the story will be between Greaseball and Dinah, if that even still exists. No doubt people will say that the show is shoving the gay agenda down their throats or that the show has gone 'woke' but the only people who use woke are insecure, fragile white people who don't give a damn about anyone but themselves.
I've got tickets for the 2nd performance and i'm excited to see it!
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Mar 27, 2024 18:16:12 GMT
I have no problem with not knowing any of the names in the cast. To get into any school/training these days, you already have to have a lot of talent, skill and experience and they then refine and polish that and send you on your way. These people have already been performing for years, now they're just being paid to do it. These are the names of the future. They're young, keen, energetic and wanting to do their best every night. Though doing 8 or 9 shows a week is a different matter entirely.
I think that was largely the point being made wasnāt it? Thereās no evidence to support the fact that these cast members can sustain that sort of schedule. Regardless of their skill and talent theyāve only appeared in āin trainingā productions with runs of a couple of days. Seems like a massive risk to me. Anyway weāll be eating our words when it all goes swimmingly wonāt we. |
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Post by max on Mar 27, 2024 18:26:15 GMT
I think you could argue this both ways. When Drama Students are in training they'll be doing a show in the evening, but still doing other classes during the day. There's no let up, no invitation to 'have a quiet one because you've got a show tonight'. Even so, that's not the same as months' long runs.
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Post by BVM on Mar 27, 2024 18:42:54 GMT
So I may have a different perspective as I follow Bochum so closely, but I really wouldn't worry about people making their professional debuts in Starlight Express. Bochum has lots of such people every year, almost never casts new people that are "names" (in the MT world) and these people are all fantastic performers. In fact people straight from drama school are often so used to learning new skills that they take to performing this show perfectly.
Starlight also has a very long rehearsal period including skate school. And even though this is a totally new production there is such a depth of experience from Bochum re how to successfully cast it, and many of those people have been involved in this.
You could flip it on it's head and say:
Does it particularly need non graduates to perform the show? No (shown in Bochum, the UK tours and London).
Does it need names to sell tickets? Not currently.
And even if they had cast any MT names, they would still mean nothing to 99% of the ticket buying public. I mourn it a bit, but Starlight in Germany is a bit like a theme park. The names and backgrounds of the performers are sadly irrelevant to almost everyone in there. They just want to see a sensationally performed show. And also, re some of the names that had been thrown about, was mainly fangirl faves so I am pretty grateful to be spared that circus.
Further, if for once in 2024, the actual MUSICAL could be the star - am all for it. (I mean on Broadway, the musical is in many cases irrelevant these days. So many recent examples of star vehicle shows where nobody is interested and they close as soon as they can't get the next star. Sweeney Todd, Music Man etc etc etc). Starlight has always been it's own star.
It does also slightly amuse me how people on forums decree what the cast may or may not have the stamina for as if, errr, casting directors and producers might not know a little bit better than us (yes, I know there are exceptions but the vast vast majority of castings work out well) And LOL re people thinking they are being ripped off by the casting of graduates. Errr, don't buy tickets then?
There is also the slightly sad fact that we are getting older. 25 odd years ago on the old old forum people were complaining how young everyone in Les Mis was - getting younger every year, Cameron wants them on the cheap etc etc ad infinitum. If they were younger every year they'd be embryonic now!
Final thought is there are 8 in the cast who have done this in Bochum, some for many years. So overall there is a depth of experience in the cast. Again similar to Bochum. Every year a mix of new and old!
I think it's all very exciting - can't wait :-)
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Mar 27, 2024 19:01:14 GMT
Points above very well taken. But to have graduates leading a high profile show is one thing. To have them leading a high profile show with the demands of skating is another thing. To have both of those for 9 shows a week is a third thing.
Does the Bochum production cast graduates in lead roles?
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Post by BVM on Mar 27, 2024 19:07:00 GMT
Points above very well taken. But to have graduates leading a high profile show is one thing. To have them leading a high profile show with the demands of skating is another thing. To have both of those for 9 shows a week is a third thing. Does the Bochum production cast graduates in lead roles? It does indeed. But one or two. I do agree 5 new graduate leads is certainly unusual. But then most of what we know about this new production is unusual! Bochum also has an extensive schedule of covers though so people don't do 8/9 shows a week. And certainly when none of them are names people might feel they have paid to see, this system is very workable. On any given show literally 1/3 to 1/2 the cast are not first cast. (Though first cast have gone on more since the 30th revamp). |
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Post by d'James on Mar 27, 2024 19:36:45 GMT
I have no problem with not knowing any of the names in the cast. To get into any school/training these days, you already have to have a lot of talent, skill and experience and they then refine and polish that and send you on your way. These people have already been performing for years, now they're just being paid to do it. These are the names of the future. They're young, keen, energetic and wanting to do their best every night. Though doing 8 or 9 shows a week is a different matter entirely.
I think I read that the OLC of Starlight only ever performed a handful of performances with the full named cast, before swings and understudies started going on. I expect the same to happen here. Hey, at least we won't get the 'so and so performers wasn't on and they didn't tell me in advance, I want my money back, posts. And honestly, any West End 'name' wouldn't go near this because they already know how hard it is to do, and thats before you add roller skates into the mix. Who had heard of Frances Ruffelle before then? Stephanie Lawrence was only a theatre name because she was a take over Evita and had been in the massive flop 'Marilyn' I don't mind a female Greaseball either. It makes me think of the famous image 'we can do it' Who knows what the story will be between Greaseball and Dinah, if that even still exists. No doubt people will say that the show is shoving the gay agenda down their throats or that the show has gone 'woke' but the only people who use woke are insecure, fragile white people who don't give a damn about anyone but themselves.
I've got tickets for the 2nd performance and i'm excited to see it!
I just want the remaining songs to be kept (theyāve already removed some faves). Character names can easily be fitted in to existing songs. |
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Post by normasturban on Mar 27, 2024 19:47:36 GMT
Surprised to see any disappointment in this casting news. Itās Starlight Express. The show is the star.
Itās a gruelling, tough show that few established MT stars would want to put their bodies through. Theyāve cast young and fit, who can swing in and out when necessary. And completely removed any kind of audience disappointment along the lines of āI bought this ticket to see X but theyāre not on!ā
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Post by max on Mar 27, 2024 20:06:25 GMT
Re. the rumoured skills beyond just skates in this version:
I'm always impressed to see young people zipping about in a sporty way on electric scooters - until I remind myself that they're just standing, and me walking is more impressive. On that basis, I'll happily take an e-scooter role in this; loop the loop stunts I'll work on.
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Post by d'James on Mar 27, 2024 20:22:52 GMT
Re. the rumoured skills beyond just skates in this version: I'm always impressed to see young people zipping about in a sporty way on electric scooters - until I remind myself that they're just standing, and me walking is more impressive. On that basis, I'll happily take an e-scooter role in this; loop the loop stunts I'll work on. Are e-scooters a rumour? I read about bikesā¦ |
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Post by BVM on Mar 27, 2024 20:25:51 GMT
One thing I still can't believe we don't know - who is actually writing the book and amended lyrics for this new version? Who is thinking up all these new names and changed characters?
Is it Richard Stilgoe?! Is it Emerald Fennell? Is it the producers would like to thank Amy Powers? Is it Ben Elton and did he unlock the story?
It's a mystery.
If Stilgoe remains heavily involved he's been awfully quiet about it.
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Post by max on Mar 27, 2024 20:41:22 GMT
Re. the rumoured skills beyond just skates in this version: I'm always impressed to see young people zipping about in a sporty way on electric scooters - until I remind myself that they're just standing, and me walking is more impressive. On that basis, I'll happily take an e-scooter role in this; loop the loop stunts I'll work on. Are e-scooters a rumour? I read about bikesā¦ A rumour I'm starting - anything for a job. I think it's just bikes. |
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Post by anthony on Mar 27, 2024 20:45:36 GMT
Points above very well taken. But to have graduates leading a high profile show is one thing. To have them leading a high profile show with the demands of skating is another thing. To have both of those for 9 shows a week is a third thing. Does the Bochum production cast graduates in lead roles? The lead isn't even a graduate. He's 17. Tbh, a balance is needed. The fact my local amateur group have more experience is worrying. |
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Post by max on Mar 27, 2024 21:28:34 GMT
This doesn't stop him being young, and any issues attached, but Jeevan Braich can certainly sing. Most Tik Toks on the account are lip syncing to speech, but this is 'Can You Feel The love Tonight'.
https://www.tiktok.com/@jeevanbraich/video/7304720634523716897
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Post by d'James on Mar 27, 2024 21:36:33 GMT
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Post by max on Mar 27, 2024 21:36:35 GMT
Someone needs to keep ALW the hell away from managing this cast. Young, all over social media (one of Jeevan Braich's has 6 million views), tik tok'ing showing sass that's sometimes roleplay sometimes real - all stuff that 'Cinderella' showed he doesn't begin to understand.
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Post by max on Mar 27, 2024 21:39:28 GMT
Plugging it in now, will practice in the Aldi car park when there's enough juice for a scoot. I am the starlight, I can achieve....anything!! |
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Post by PineappleForYou on Mar 27, 2024 22:09:31 GMT
Someone needs to keep ALW the hell away from managing this cast. Young, all over social media (one of Jeevan Braich's has 6 million views), tik tok'ing showing sass that's sometimes roleplay sometimes real - all stuff that 'Cinderella' showed he doesn't begin to understand. Of course, that's partly the reason the cast are so young. As you say, Webber is trying to do a "Six" again (like he failed with Cinderella but desperately wanted) by making the show hit on social media and highlighting those young performers teens will naturally start to follow and make "stars". It's not a surprise that Jade Marvin has been brought in with her past in Six as that's the demograph they clearly want for this revival. That's also what happened to her after all. They have also employed the same casting company as Six so they know the type they need. These performers will be relatable to the intended audience of young adults and also have the social media savviness to give the show free publicity as is already starting to happen. All the cast, I imagine, won't be doing all shows and some will be alternating tracks which I imagine the show might use to it's advantage. It reminds me of the hype Six fans have for seeing that show's alternate wives or the same for Mincemeat cast bingo (which is again the same casting company). Certainly creates repeat visits which this show is going to need out of school holidays - collect them all! Sorry original production Starlight fans, I've got a feeling this one's not intended for you guys necessarily! |
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Post by benj on Mar 27, 2024 22:27:07 GMT
Someone needs to keep ALW the hell away from managing this cast. Young, all over social media (one of Jeevan Braich's has 6 million views), tik tok'ing showing sass that's sometimes roleplay sometimes real - all stuff that 'Cinderella' showed he doesn't begin to understand. Of course, that's partly the reason the cast are so young. As you say, Webber is trying to do a "Six" again (like he failed with Cinderella but desperately wanted) by making the show hit on social media and highlighting those young performers teens will naturally start to follow and make "stars". It's not a surprise that Jade Marvin has been brought in with her past in Six as that's the demograph they clearly want for this revival. That's also what happened to her after all. They have also employed the same casting company as Six so they know the type they need. These performers will be relatable to the intended audience of young adults and also have the social media savviness to give the show free publicity as is already starting to happen. All the cast, I imagine, won't be doing all shows and some will be alternating tracks which I imagine the show might use to it's advantage. It reminds me of the hype Six fans have for seeing that show's alternate wives or the same for Mincemeat cast bingo (which is again the same casting company). Certainly creates repeat visits which this show is going to need out of school holidays - collect them all! Sorry original production Starlight fans, I've got a feeling this one's not intended for you guys necessarily! Itās a gamble, given that the majority of ticket buyers will be those who fell in love with the previous versions of the show (judging by the hundreds of comments on the Facebook adverts), but hopefully their kids/grandkids will love it and want to go again. Also, having watched a couple of clips of Jeevan, the lad cast as Rusty singing, I donāt thank anyone will be disappointed, unless heās like Bambi on skates |
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Post by BVM on Mar 27, 2024 22:31:09 GMT
Someone needs to keep ALW the hell away from managing this cast. Young, all over social media (one of Jeevan Braich's has 6 million views), tik tok'ing showing sass that's sometimes roleplay sometimes real - all stuff that 'Cinderella' showed he doesn't begin to understand. Of course, that's partly the reason the cast are so young. As you say, Webber is trying to do a "Six" again (like he failed with Cinderella but desperately wanted) by making the show hit on social media and highlighting those young performers teens will naturally start to follow and make "stars". It's not a surprise that Jade Marvin has been brought in with her past in Six as that's the demograph they clearly want for this revival. That's also what happened to her after all. They have also employed the same casting company as Six so they know the type they need. These performers will be relatable to the intended audience of young adults and also have the social media savviness to give the show free publicity as is already starting to happen. All the cast, I imagine, won't be doing all shows and some will be alternating tracks which I imagine the show might use to it's advantage. It reminds me of the hype Six fans have for seeing that show's alternate wives or the same for Mincemeat cast bingo (which is again the same casting company). Certainly creates repeat visits which this show is going to need out of school holidays - collect them all! Sorry original production Starlight fans, I've got a feeling this one's not intended for you guys necessarily!For better or for worse, I think you're right on this point. Though as I said in a long post somewhere upthread I hope it can have enough in it to please the old fans whilst attracting a new audience! But I think the emphasis may be on the latter. |
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Post by d'James on Mar 27, 2024 23:23:32 GMT
Someone needs to keep ALW the hell away from managing this cast. Young, all over social media (one of Jeevan Braich's has 6 million views), tik tok'ing showing sass that's sometimes roleplay sometimes real - all stuff that 'Cinderella' showed he doesn't begin to understand. Of course, that's partly the reason the cast are so young. As you say, Webber is trying to do a "Six" again (like he failed with Cinderella but desperately wanted) by making the show hit on social media and highlighting those young performers teens will naturally start to follow and make "stars". It's not a surprise that Jade Marvin has been brought in with her past in Six as that's the demograph they clearly want for this revival. That's also what happened to her after all. They have also employed the same casting company as Six so they know the type they need. These performers will be relatable to the intended audience of young adults and also have the social media savviness to give the show free publicity as is already starting to happen. All the cast, I imagine, won't be doing all shows and some will be alternating tracks which I imagine the show might use to it's advantage. It reminds me of the hype Six fans have for seeing that show's alternate wives or the same for Mincemeat cast bingo (which is again the same casting company). Certainly creates repeat visits which this show is going to need out of school holidays - collect them all! Sorry original production Starlight fans, I've got a feeling this one's not intended for you guys necessarily! As I say, I donāt mind about character changes, Iām really looking forward to the new costumes I just want good singing and dancing (which not all of the Six videos Iāve seen have been). General question: How far can a show be changed and get away with being called the same name? |
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Post by PineappleForYou on Mar 28, 2024 0:14:15 GMT
General question: How far can a show be changed and get away with c being called the same name? I think Starlight is a special case as it is very much a product of pop culture. If it doesn't reflex current tastes, it doesn't work so it has to have pretty robust overhauls to stay relevant. It's had changes ever since the 80s so I don't think there is or will ever be a definitive version - just a continuous evolution of roughly the same ingredients under the banner of "Starlight Express". Equally, for those new audiences, this will be their "original" Starlight Express that will be "messed about with" in years to come(!) |
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Mar 28, 2024 8:57:34 GMT
This doesn't stop him being young, and any issues attached, but Jeevan Braich can certainly sing. Most Tik Toks on the account are lip syncing to speech, but this is 'Can You Feel The love Tonight'. https://www.tiktok.com/@jeevanbraich/video/7304720634523716897 Totally distracted by the endless unecessary riffs and runs. |
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Post by BVM on Mar 28, 2024 9:02:16 GMT
Of course, that's partly the reason the cast are so young. As you say, Webber is trying to do a "Six" again (like he failed with Cinderella but desperately wanted) by making the show hit on social media and highlighting those young performers teens will naturally start to follow and make "stars". It's not a surprise that Jade Marvin has been brought in with her past in Six as that's the demograph they clearly want for this revival. That's also what happened to her after all. They have also employed the same casting company as Six so they know the type they need. These performers will be relatable to the intended audience of young adults and also have the social media savviness to give the show free publicity as is already starting to happen. All the cast, I imagine, won't be doing all shows and some will be alternating tracks which I imagine the show might use to it's advantage. It reminds me of the hype Six fans have for seeing that show's alternate wives or the same for Mincemeat cast bingo (which is again the same casting company). Certainly creates repeat visits which this show is going to need out of school holidays - collect them all! Sorry original production Starlight fans, I've got a feeling this one's not intended for you guys necessarily! As I say, I donāt mind about character changes, Iām really looking forward to the new costumes I just want good singing and dancing (which not all of the Six videos Iāve seen have been). General question: How far can a show be changed and get away with c being called the same name? I'm kinda similar. Character changes don't bother me at all. And the cast announcement was never gonna be something that would bother me too much one way or another! Things I really care about though: - orchestrations and musical arrangements - amazing singing and dancing as you say - desperately hoping it's gonna be a cool set and generally a sensory overload experience!. In fact am wayyyy more interested in when we start getting sneak pics of set and production than casting announcement really. |
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Post by d'James on Mar 28, 2024 9:31:48 GMT
General question: How far can a show be changed and get away with c being called the same name? I think Starlight is a special case as it is very much a product of pop culture. If it doesn't reflex current tastes, it doesn't work so it has to have pretty robust overhauls to stay relevant. It's had changes ever since the 80s so I don't think there is or will ever be a definitive version - just a continuous evolution of roughly the same ingredients under the banner of "Starlight Express". Equally, for those new audiences, this will be their "original" Starlight Express that will be "messed about with" in years to come(!) I see what you mean, but I think trying to be āmodernā is where it can fall apart. The original UK Tour (and prior to that the 03-04 US Tour) had A Whole Lotta Locomotion (and other David Yazbek additions) put in. Apart from A Whole Lotta Locomotion they were all removed. That song stuck out like a sore thumb because it was trying to be like Destinyās Child or something. When it was remixed for the 2012-13 UK Tour, it had a much more retro feel and fit in much better. A lot of the songs had been made really 80s (AC/DC for example) and it all flowed together really well. I hope they do make it all work and that ALW lets the producers/writers/whoever have access to the full back catalogue of songs so that they can choose what they feel is best, rather than insisting on āI Doā and āI Got Meā overkill. Thatās one of the reasons I think The Other Palace āworkshopā was misleading. Apart from Right Place, Right Time, I donāt think there were many changes between any of the shows. Why didnāt they try all of the ballad duets/all of the girlsā introduction songs and see which was most popular/worked best. Iād say a full-out retro score would work better than trying to sound modern. If they cut Rolling Stock/Freight/Pumping Iron/AC/DC/U.N.C.O.U.P.L.E.D. and any other song but keep the title song, should it be allowed to be called Starlight Express or should it be a sequel?! |
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