LONDON TRIP REVIEWS

March 99

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA: Wed 3rd March eve and Sat 6th March eve. Glyn Kerslake, Sarah Ryan/ Jill Washington, Chris Harley.

This week was a very special week for Phantom: most of the principals in the leading roles were leaving on 6th March, with the exception of the alternate Christine, Sarah Ryan, who left on 3rd March.

Mike Sterling, now playing the Phantom, had took the whole week off to have some extra rehearsals for the part; so his understudy, Chris Harley, was playing Raoul in that last week.

I noticed some other changes; the most striking one being the absence of Philip Griffiths, who had been replaced by Christopher Blades in the roles of Monsieur Reyer and the Auctioneer. Later on I learned that Griffiths had got the job of Resident Director at HMs. Blades was not bad at all, really trying not to be just a copy of Griffiths, but putting a new touch to the role. On both performances, the role of Passarino was played by swing Adrian Scott as well, who wasn't really very special.

Well, let me start reviewing the Wednesday performance first. It was the first time (and so the last time as well) I saw Sarah Ryan in the role of Christine. I was very happy about that, since she at least has the right looks (i.e. looking young enough to be believable) for the part. Her voice was very nice, really suitable for the role. She tends to overact at times, but the key songs (Think of Me, Wishing) were extremely well done. She interacts very nicely with Glyn as well (much more than Jill Washington, but I'll get to that later...). Especially in the PONR, she really gave the song an erotic flavour. In the Final Lair, she gave the best of herself, but sometimes she screamed a bit too much for my tastes (as well during Stranger, which was a bit too much to be good...). Overall, she really impressed me. After the normal curtain call, she got a bunch of flowers from Glyn and got the last bow; it's really a pity she's left...

On this performance, the role of Piangi was played by Brendan MacBride. He has a very nice tenor voice (having played numerous romantic tenor roles in the opera world), but his acting as Piangi was a bit less interesting. I missed some of the typical silly Piangi humour, and he overacted quite a bit.

All the other principals (Firmin, Andre, Giry, Meg) did nothing very spectacularly different than on my previous visits, except for of course Jasna Ivir as Carlotta. I cant believe she still finds different ways to make the part of Carlotta one of the highlights in the show. Unbelievable ! She threw in the most wonderful eye-movements I've ever seen.

Chris Harley was fairly mediocre on Wednesday, up to a certain point when he became awful ! During the Kiss in the Final Lair, he started shouting NOOOOOO!!!. This was soooooo annoying, and it ruined the whole scene. Ive never seen him do that, and I hope not to see it ever again.

Well, onto Mr. Kerslake. He was in very nice voice, really going for it. In the Mirror scene, he was extremely angry, becoming more friendly in Flattering.... Unfortunately, there was no smoke when the mirror opened, and I heard some psssssshhhh, so I guess they tried but the smoke machine didnt work.

Glyn really took his time for the to sing for my music, my music lines. MOTN was very interesting. He whispered stirs very nicely. Turn your face away, from the garish..., which he normally does very awkwardly, was extremely nice this time, very romantic. He really gave the best of himself in the next lines, took his time for and you'll live as you've never lived before. Really threw himself onto the portcullis. His long to BEEE was extremely emotional this time. Again, really taking his time for Only then can.... Then he really became romantic, really emotional on Touch me, trust me.... Very interesting indeed.

His Stranger scene was very very good, really overcome. Maybe he reacts a bit too late when Christine rips of the mask and Is this what you wanted to see was a bit different this time. On Damn you, curse you ! he really gave the best of himself. Waited quite a long time before starting Stranger.... This loathsome gargoyle was very dirty this time. Sounded a lot like Anthony Warlows Hyde actually.

I gave you my music was excellent as always. Really very soft and sweet. Whispered some very nice Oh Christines.

Wandering Child is my favourite number in the show, but Glyn doesn't do this very well I think. He should be the centrepiece, but he can hardly be heard in the trio... Chris Harley annoyed me here too: he didnt sing his lines, but SCREAMED them...

From PONR, it got very interesting indeed. He was simply excellent opposite Sarah. How long should we two wait... was very sensual. In the Final Lair hes always at his best, so I was especially looking forward to it this time. As I said, Sarah really screamed a bit too much... He was really very emotional, maybe getting a bit too much bewildered during Pity comes too late. But afterwards he was fantastic. After Harleys extremely ridiculous LET ME SEE HER, Glyn gave him the best BE, MY GUEST...... SIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIR I've ever seen. He became very sarcastic at that I would harm her...? but from Past all hope of cries he was sooooo emotional, really great. Make your choice was extremely distressed. He overdid the Kiss a bit again, but I could live with that now. Really took his time before releasing Raoul, and I mean certainly over 90 secs ! It was wonderful, he tried to make it believable that Erik made the choice to free them. Go now was sooooo good again, really totally overcome. The way he does Christine, I ..... Love ...... You can't be bettered really, no way. I was in a terrible state by then. His last notes were just there, but only just, as he was soooo emotional, really wonderful actually.

The Saturday eve performance, the last night, was even more emotional, and I can tell you, not only for the actors !

David Hillman was back as Piangi, and I wasnt really happy about that. But to be fair, all I can say is that the whole cast really went for it, giving the best performance in years. Jill Washington was on as Christine (becoming the alternate for a few months now), and she really looks very old when you see her from Front Row. Anyway, she doesnt have a bad voice (as I said in an earlier review), but its a bit too weak, and she can't really play with it (if you know what I mean). Glyn's Mirror was even more angry this time, again becoming more nice during Flattering.... MOTN was not as nice as on Wednesday, he wasnt really concentrating as much. He really had some trouble with some of his notes (You have come here) because of him being already emotional about the sad occasion. After that, when he's composing, they changed his white feather into a green one, which was rather funny... His Stranger was again very nice: his looks at the monkey are adorable. I also love the way he crawls to Christine, really lying on the ground. The Angel scene was very touching, very nice indeed.

Meanwhile, Leo Andrew as Andre had a ball with Jasna. Both were really trying to make each other laugh THE WHOLE TIME. The way Leo did the in the meantime, ladies and gentlemen lines, were out of this world.

In Wandering Child, Glyn still didnt convince me much, although his yearning... was extremely nice this time. His dialogue with Harley was better, but still not angry enough...

During the 2nd Notes scene, Leo Andrew started mumbling his lines Now whats the matter; Signora listen; Signor! Signora!: this was hilarious, but Jasna succeeded not to laugh; I didnt succeed... :-)

PONR was very romantic, not violent at all. I simply *adored* the way he already tried to say to Christine not to come any closer at You've passed the point of no return (a thing he always does very good after the Kiss), but I'd never seen him do it in PONR already ! Bravo Glyn ! He shouted No! very well after she eventually ripped off the mask and wig... Down Once More was very nice; he really went mad...

Jill was extremely bad in the Final Lair, really giving not a single thing to Glyn to react to. He did This face, the infection extremely lovely this time. From then on I was crying the whole time: the whole Gulf of Mexico came out of my eyes !

He wasnt really *sitting* in the throne, like he normally does, but was more *leaning* in it, to face Raoul and Christine: worked rather well !! Harleys Let me see her ! was even worse this time, but Glyn didnt feel like doing this incredible Be my guest sir ! as sarcastically again. From the tears I might have..., his eyes were filled with tears, really streaming down his face. When he was in such a state, really emotional, he sang so, do you end your days with me to Jill so wonderfully, and she actually said NO!, really obvious. Can you believe this ???? I was sooo angry with her, really almost boooooing at her at the curtain call. How can you, as an actor playing opposite such a horrible actress, give a wonderful performance ??? I still cant figure out how Glyn managed to go on... AARRGGHH... When he was awaiting the Kiss, he was genuinely overcome, and I can't tell you in what state I was myself; well, I was nearly dead by then ! After that, he nearly fainted, really crying his heart out. At one point I thought they would have to bring the curtain down... as he was so overcome. Harley really had to hold Jill on-stage when Glyn said Go now!, otherwise she would have run straight off !!! For this, she really should be sacked !!!!

In the Masquerade reprise, he copied the movements of the monkey with his arms, which was soooo beautiful ! Then the very last notes, well he couldnt sing them anymore: he tried, but the voice broke completely, but it was SOOOOO MOVING ! Indescribable... The curtain call was fantastic, and when Jasna came on-stage, everyone started screaming at the top of their voices, really incredible. She actually burst into tears and didnt stop until the curtain came down again... I will really miss her in the show... When Glyn came on, everyone was standing, and he was so moved by all this, he really almost fainted. Well, so did yours truly...

It was an incredible night, which Her Majesty's Theatre will never forget: Im sure of that !

MISS SAIGON: Wed 3rd March mat. Joanna Ampil, David Shannon, Leo Valdez, Richard Lloyd King, Rachel Hale, Robert Vicencio.

I had already seen Joanna Ampil twice as Kim in 1994 and 1995, and had seen David Shannon as Chris as well last year, but to see both together was supposed to be a dream cast. Well, it really was. I can only say: Go see Miss Saigon now, because after almost 10 years, there's finally a dream cast there !

The interaction between David and Joanna is incredible, really fantastic. Especially David gives the most wonderful grins in the first scenes. I first thought Joanna would be too old for the role now, but no way ! I think Ive never ever seen such a good actress in the role with such a beautiful yet enormously powerful voice. She really gave the best of herself: I especially liked her big numbers but e.g. the Hotel scene was simply stunning as well. May we see her in a lot more things after Saigon !!!

David hasn't gone downhill since last time I saw him. Simply amazing what he does. The only slight remark I have is that, when you're not sitting as close as I was (Front Row), you may not understand everything he sings and does, since he's doing e.g. Sun and Moon in such a tender way, that some of the lyrics get lost. But he really made the role his own now, really showing what the part is about.

Leo Valdez is another matter. I simply HATE him, can't think of an understatement really... When you see him from as close as I did, you can't believe how a guy can do so little with such a role. He's not funny, has a horrible voice and acts pathetically. Long live the days when Junix Inocian was there....

Anyway, Richard Lloyd King still rocks as John, really giving a very cool, yet very emotional performance. The way he sings Bui Dio without any effort really must be pointed out.

Rachel Hale was on as Ellen on the matinee, and my goodness, she can sing !!!! Ive never been disappointed by any Ellens I've already seen at Drury Lane (Jacqui Scott, Emma Dears and Sarah-Jane Hassell to name but a few), but really, it doesn't show she is an understudy !!!! Brava !!! Thats all I can say, no remarks whatsoever...

Robert Vicencio was doing Thuy the whole week, and I think he wasn't in very good voice that day. He didn't hit the high notes (didn't even attempt to), which is really a pity. Cant say I didn't like the acting, so I guess I should see him again to make a proper judgment.

Imelda de los Reyes is now doing Gigi (after having seen her in Holland), which is nothing to be sad about. Nothing special either though...

I must mention Desmond Harris and Jon-Jon Briones in the ensemble, because they were really very funny.

Overall, one should definitely not feel any hesitation to buy a ticket for Saigon at the moment.

P.S. Had a lovely chat with Joanna, David and Robert after the show, and I must say, they are very nice, very lovely indeed.

LES MISERABLES: Thursday 4th March mat. John Owen Jones, Tim Morgan, Dianne Pilkington, Teddy Kempner, Liz Ewing, Amanda Salmon, Rebecca Vere, Paul Manuel, Andrew Keelan.

Well, seeing Miz again could have been very boring, as I've now seen the show a lot recently. But it wasnt. Having seen John Owen-Jones two years ago, when the show just reopened after the changes, I remember quite vividly it was not a nice experience for me. But now he was back at the Palace, after the extensive Tour in the UK, and I found myself really liking what he did. In fact there was nothing I didn't like. He was BRILLIANT actually. Jones has improved a lot vocally and now really really persuaded me. He gave a brilliant rendition of Bring Him Home and Who Am I. The only slight remark should be that he's still a bit too young for the role, but that's the only thing I could find...

Tim Morgan has done the opposite. I liked him very much last year, but he really has gone downhill. Unbelievable but true. He now has a sort of woble in his voice, which doesnt sound healthy at all. Stars and his Suicide are only 50% of what it used to be. This is really a shame. Maybe hes not up for 8 performances a week ?

Fantine was played by understudy Dianne Pilkington. Although she has not the stage presence of the wonderful Silvie Paladino, she was nice. Vocally there were some hesitations, but she has a nice smile, really looking the part.

Amanda Salmon has now got the part of Eponine, after the incredibly gorgeous Gemma Wardle has left, and she was not bad at all. She looks very in character, really doing a lot on the detail side, but in certain scenes she didn't convince me. E.g. when she sings On My Own, she smiled almost the whole time; well, I can be wrong, but isn't it supposed to be a sad song ?

Paul Manuel is the new Enjolras, and looks exactly like Clark Gable in Gone With the Wind (and I really wish Manuel had gone with the wind !!!!) My goodness, whats this ?? Is there really no other decent Enjolras to be found in the West End ? I wish Mr. Manuel had read the manual for Enjolras first before playing it the way he does ! All this shaking hands he does is simply ridiculous...

Andrew Keelan (my savior NOT to see Graham the last time I went) was on as Marius again. Nothing special, but not bad at all. His hair is a bit funny though, so are his facial expressions at times...

Cosette is now played by Rebecca Vere, and to be honest, she can't compete in the Annalene Beechey-competition Im afraid. She's not bad, but doesn't have a nice expression I think, and the voice has a bit too much vibrato to be good. At least shes tiny, but that's about it...

The incredible Teddy Kempner and Liz Ewing were doing a wonderful job again as the Thenardiers. Teddy can't stop improvising, but really makes me laugh the whole time, so its OK. This time he was completely drunk during the Bargain scene (never saw that before).

Particularly liked Sam Hiller and James Doherty again; very nice, chaps !!!

Jessica Mole and Adam Sheffield were very nice as well as little Cosette and Gavroche.

Tim Godwin is still an incredible Feuilly; Im really very sad he wasn't on as Enjolras, but then again, I might have thought I had missed an incredible performer like Paul Manuel. Now I know I dont have to worry about that...

WHISTLE DOWN THE WIND. Thursday 4th March eve. Marcus Lovett, Lottie Mayor, Dean Collinson, Veronica Hart, Jim Graeme, Walter Reynolds.

This was my third visit to see Whistle, this time from the Front Row. The opening has been changed now, to have the Gospel flavour Tom Jones puts in on the Songs from Whistle album. I cant say Im really happy about that. Cold has been restaged as well, with a very nice dance number in it now. Actually, most of the show is restaged, with the most obvious changes now in the Nature of the Beast, where Swallow is now almost on the edge of being raped by the Man. Very interesting !

I must stress the fact that Lottie keeps getting better and better as Swallow: really very very moving and incredibly well sung now. Brava ! Marcus was having a bad night, not really going for it, and he was joking with the kids in the Finale to Act 1. The voice was incredible though... Dean was doing Amos a bit differently now, and really giving a very nice performance (Kiss is a terrible thing was wonderful). Veronica Hart was simply amazing again as Candy, and really makes Tire Tracks one of the highlights of the show.

Graeme did Boone in a very sympathetic way, and he makes the confrontation with Swallow near the end a real showstopper...

Walter Reynolds has a voice like a rock and just keeps getting better. Other notable performances by John Turner as the Sheriff, Louise Marshall (now in the kids songs, understudying Vikki Coote) and Carol Duffy.

I cant wait for the cast album to come out, which should be sometime this month.

OKLAHOMA. Friday 5th March. Maureen Lipman, Hugh Jackman, Jimmy Johnston, Peter Polycarpou, Josefina Gabrielle, Shuler Hensley.

Oklahoma was already a hit way back, and I think theres no way this is not gonna be an even bigger hit. Everything's there really: nice songs, nice orchestra, very nice dancing, incredibly nice sets and a stunning cast. What more do you want ?

I particularly liked Peter Polycarpou as Ali Hakim (reminded me more of Mel Brooks), Shuler Hensley as Jud (wonderful voice), Jimmy Johnston as Will Parker (very nice dancing indeed), Vicki Simon as Ado Annie Carnes and Hugh Jackman as Curly. He's a very nice actor (maybe a bit less as a singer) and really makes the most out of the part. Maureen Lipman was extremely funny during The Farmer and the Cowman.

The rest of the cast is superb (special brava to Amanda Courtney-Davis and Sarah Ingram) and the dancing by Susan Stroman is simply out of this world. Anthony Ward is probably one of the best designers around and he really did a very nice job for this production. Nick Davies was the MD and the sound is really very good.

Well, I guess Trevor Nunn did it again !!!

RENT. Saturday 6th March mat. Peter Eldridge, Joe McFadden, Krysten Cummings, Mark Vincent, Jacqui Dubois, Andy Senor, Angela Bradley, Leon Maurice-Jones.

No Day But Today. Indeed, this show still makes your day. Simply stunning. Except for Krysten, I didnt see these principals in the cast before, and I was stunned.

Eldridge is a very different Roger than Adrian, but the voice is incredible, really superb. Looks a bit like the new Phantom (Mike Sterling) with his short hair I thought... McFadden wasn't really giving the best show in years, but the voice was nice. Liked Jacqui Dubois as Joanne and loved Angela Bradley, understudying Maureen.

Andy Senor doesn't sparkle as much as Wilson Jermaine Heredia as Angel, but he was very sweet. Mark Vincent was vocally a much better Tom Collins, though I missed some emotion.

I cant ignore Andy Mace as Steve and the waiter because he was deadly funny ! Really worth the money on its own to see him in La Vie Boheme !

There were some new people in the orchestra, who at times did some very weird things, but overall it was nice. And Krysten Cummings did it again ! I was crying when she died. Go see it, not just any day, but TODAY !!!

( March 1999/ Sven Verlinden/Sven.Verlinden@rug.ac.be)