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Post by BurlyBeaR on Jan 9, 2017 9:37:32 GMT
Did anyone see this on its short tour in the Autumn? Its an Aria production, played a few small theatres. The reviews were good. Its at the Hope Mill in Manchester in Feb.
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19,657 posts
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Feb 26, 2017 18:20:26 GMT
Saw the matinee today.
Cast of three, Miranda Wilford, James Leece and Steven Dalziel gave it their all for a couple of hours taking us through a potted history of MGM musicals. A sort of documentary with singing, dancing and a handful of props, the performers speak directly to the audience in their own voices then go into character for the musical numbers. The band of just three absolutely made the most of piano, drums and bass and at no time did it sound thin or lacking.
The problem with this sort of thing is the old "but they didn't include...." which is inevitable. But the performances are so likeable, especially a couple of high energy tap routines, that you can forgive the odd "what did they include THAT for?" It was VERY jazz-handsy, a bit cheesy and a very enjoyable way to spend the afternoon. Nice to see both performances today sold out.
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Post by anniel on Feb 26, 2017 20:10:31 GMT
I was really disappointed to miss this - that it was sold out when I got round to booking.
I think James Leece is just brilliant - he was Don in the tour of Singing in the Rain and he was fabulous!
I am so glad things are going well at Hope Mill though. It's so nice to have our local fringe venue being so successful!
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19,657 posts
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Feb 26, 2017 21:23:48 GMT
I was really disappointed to miss this - that it was sold out when I got round to booking. I think James Leece is just brilliant - he was Don in the tour of Singing in the Rain and he was fabulous! I am so glad things are going well at Hope Mill though. It's so nice to have our local fringe venue being so successful! What a shame you missed it anniel, especially as James sang Singing In The Rain too. I love the Hope Mill, its a fab little space and I'm delighted that they have started issuing tickets based on arrival time so that the hideous queue for the auditorium has been minimised. Just booked for West End Story which sounds similar to today's show. A bit of stunt casting ain't putting me off!
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