Frank Wildhorn and Friends - Manchester Palace/Cadogen Hall

[lou105]

I haven't seen any mention yet of this one-off performance in Manchester on 22 November. (EDIT: it is mentioned in the Wonderland thread, I notice, but probably still worth a separate thread?)

"The multi Grammy, Tony and Drama Desk Award nominated Broadway composer Frank Wildhorn, creator of shows including Jekyll & Hyde, Dracula, Wonderland, Bonnie & Clyde and The Scarlet Pimpernel, makes his UK concert debut in an exclusive Manchester engagement...With Frank at the piano and the 28-piece Manchester Camerata orchestra conducted by Jason Howland..  this is a once-in-a-lifetime event in Manchester’s concert calendar."
The guests have been announced as Laura Osnes (UK debut), Jackie Burns, Thomas Borchert  and Cassidy Janson plus some of the cast of the Wonderland tour. 
It's not cheap, but there are some discounts there for ATG card holders.


musicaltheatrereview.com/frank-wildhorn-to-make-uk-concert-debut-in-manchester/

[BurlyBeaR]

It sounds like it will be a great night but I don't think I know enough of his work to merit the price. I'm not the only one either because it's selling really poorly so far by the looks of it, I imagine they will discount this nearer the time.

[BurlyBeaR]

Well, I went for £20 front row of the circle and it was worth every penny despite not knowing a single song except for This Is My Moment. Jackie Burns was the stand out for me, Cassidy Janson had a night off from Beautiful and was a close second. Thomas Borchert was good when he got warmed up. The actress playing Mad Hatter in Wonderland (might have been Natalie McQueen?) sang a song from the U.S Olympics called Gold and was absolutely fabulous. Dave Willetts was struggling a bit, Wendy Peters, out of her depth but only had two solos thankfully. 

Juicy goss from the man himself: Jeckyl and Hyde likely (very) to be in the U.K. in 2017 and Bonnie and Clyde a dead cert for the West End early 2018. You heard it here first 

[lou105]

(might have been Natalie McQueen?)

It was, indeed. If you missed the free programmes, I can post any info you missed here, as there's a full set list.

[BurlyBeaR]

Thanks Lou that's very kind of you. My pal picked up a programme so I'll have a look at that.

I looked at ticket sales yesterday and the circle was not sold at all, but arriving tonight was surprised to see it half full. I suspect some freebies were offered. Lots of youngsters too so maybe students?

What are your thoughts on the show?

[lou105]

I was in the second price side stalls (also £20 on atg offer). I'd seen Jekyll and Hyde before, still slightly scarred by Mr Pellow in that one.. but I went this evening with a friend who loves Bonnie and Clyde, so I'd heard some of that too. I agree that Jackie was great and I enjoyed some of Laura's gentler numbers. Wonderland is going to be interesting as a sell..I fear lots of parents taking kids, and the score really isn't going to work for that. Overall it was a good night and pretty polished considering how little time they'd had.

[kirstylovesmusicals]

I had front row stalls and did the meet and greet with the cast afterwards. Stephen Webb who will play Jack/the white knight told me that a lot of the Wonderland score has been rewritten, including his boyband number. Also that the song. 'I am my own invention' will no longer be part of his role anymore but has been given to Dave Willetts. Which I think will work better. Jackie was the highlight for me but all the girls were amazing! It was such a great night tonight, lovely atmosphere

[paulwat]

After following Frank Wildhorn for 20 years, I was truly privileged to witness him in Manchester.

I have to say that that US contingent blew everything out of the water.

In particular, Jackie Burn's two solos were amazing, in particular 'A New Life', which was blowaway. I could really see her parallels with Idina.

So pleased they performed the older traditional material and was honoured to witness Mr Borchert from Germany - what a treat.

If any of you enjoyed 'Gold', please look at this and witness what I think is pure GOLD!

[BurlyBeaR]

Ooh she good isn't she? Pleased you got to see someone you've followed so long paulwat and even better when we get stuff a bit more locally than London.

[Theatre Fan]

If you're a fan a Frank Wildhorn's work, he's doing a concert a couple of days before x

[justsaying113]

Any thoughts on which vocalists Wildhorn might use?

[robertb213]

I suspect Kerry Ellis will be involved following her appearance in Wonderland.

[BurlyBeaR]

Unbelievable that it was 5 years ago since the Manchester concert. Back then it was Jackie Burns, Cassidy Janson, Thomas Borchert, Natalie McQueen, Dave Willetts and Wendy Peters. 

[anthony]

Oct 1, 2021 19:49:02 GMT BurlyBeaR said:

Unbelievable that it was 5 years ago since the Manchester concert. Back then it was Jackie Burns, Cassidy Janson, Thomas Borchert, Natalie McQueen, Dave Willetts and Wendy Peters. 

Just booked! I adore Wildhorn (so exceptionally underrated!). I would kill for Borchert to be there again. Saw him years ago in Essen. I imagine he will be; he seems to be Wildhorn’s go to in a Germany (Jekyll and Hyde, Dracula, Count of Monte…)

[Boob]

Oct 1, 2021 18:57:54 GMT justsaying113 said:

Any thoughts on which vocalists Wildhorn might use?

I hear Laura Osnes may be in town… 😂

[anthony]

Have we got any news who the friends might be?

Honestly, I *NEED* Borchert.

[robertb213]

I still think Kerry Ellis will pop up after doing Wonderland a few years back. Wouldn't surprise me if Louise Dearman popped up as well. She played Lucy in Jekyll & Hyde many moons ago and does a stunning version of 'A New Life' 😁

[justsaying113]

Anyone in the know heard anything about vocalists for this?

[sophie92]

Guests now announced: Christine Allado, Kerry Ellis, John Owen-Jones, Natalie McQueen, Kayi Ushe and Arts Ed Choir

[Being Alive]

Line the dates up for what's happening on the following two days...I'd argue there's two people yet to be announced (or who might just be surprise guests)

[christya]

Dammit, I'm already going down on the 18th for Bonnie and Clyde, and three nights in London is pushing it, but I really want to see this.

[ruby]

Nov 24, 2021 12:40:09 GMT Being Alive said:

Line the dates up for what's happening on the following two days...I'd argue there's two people yet to be announced (or who might just be surprise guests)

I was wondering if it was worth going for that reason. I might go anyway as I really like JOJ

[alece10]

I'm guessing he will be at the Bonnie & Clyde concert the following night.

[BurlyBeaR]

Nov 22, 2016 22:26:10 GMT BurlyBeaR said:

Juicy goss from the man himself: Jeckyl and Hyde likely (very) to be in the U.K. in 2017 and Bonnie and Clyde a dead cert for the West End early 2018. You heard it here first 

well, I suppose better late than never. 

[anthony]

Can't lie... I'm a bit disappointed by the line-up, but I guess it makes sense, given the Covid restrictions in place and potential for them to get worse. I would have still bought tickets, regardless. Genuinely think that Wildhorn is the most underrated composer of musicals ever. He deserves so much more success in the English-speaking world.

I'm assuming this means JoJ is about to lead up some Wildhorn project, I guess J&H? Otherwise it's such a bizarre choice, given he has no real connections to Wildhorn.

What was the track list like in Manchester? I'm really hoping it contains a selection from musicals which have never had an English-language version, such as Rudolf (which is soooo underrated!!) and Artus.


Edit: I do wonder why Wildhorn hasn't try to break into the UK more. I genuinely think his newer version of Dracula could find an audience here, especially in a mid-sized theatre. It's ran almost continuously since 2014 in South Korea. It's also just had a restaged version in Germany, which looks wonderful: