Monthly Archives: March 2010

SONDHEIM – IN GOOD COMPANY

Friends and colleagues – I’ve just received this from the outgoing MD of Josef Weinberger who commissioned my monster birthday podcast for Stephen Sondheim:

I am simply awestruck! This is a stunning achievement. It delineates and encapsulates the extent of the man, the creator and the work in a touching and personal way which could … [Read More]

Posted on 22/03/2010
Posted in Asides

Love Never Dies – the verdict (and at last some constructive criticism)

After roughly two weeks of previews and two weeks of internet bickering it’s almost refreshing to scour the morning papers in search of constructive comment on Andrew Lloyd Webber’s much discussed and long awaited sequel to “The Phantom of the Opera”. There’s plenty of it – constructive comment, that is – and the good news … [Read More]

Posted on 10/03/2010
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Judgement Day for LND – and hopefully some literate criticism

Once a mighty organ, now a feeble harmonium, The Times continues to provide a platform (or is that a soapbox) for the online bombardment of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Phantom sequel “Love Never Dies”. Let’s hope that Benedict Nightingale can maintain a dignified detachment from these strident voices. No pressure, Benedict. “I will not even mention … [Read More]

Posted on 09/03/2010
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Mourning Philip Langridge

Sad and shocked to hear of Philip’s passing. We met many times over the years and his energy and enthusiasm were exhilarating and inspirational. He was a shining example of everything in music and drama that cannot be taught. He was a truly instinctive performer with a natural intellect (the best sort), extraordinary musicality, and … [Read More]

Posted on 07/03/2010
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Online trials for LND

There’s nowt more intemperate than an amateur critic – and the web is full of them. Just don’t expect chapter and verse. Take Johnny Fox (quoted in The Times) on “Love Never Dies”, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Phantom sequel: “Saw it last night. It’s rubbish.” Ok, Johnny, that’s to the point. But what point? I haven’t … [Read More]

Posted on 06/03/2010
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Kate Baldwin sings Lane & Harburg

She collected great notices for the recent Broadway revival of “Finian’s Rainbow” (which regretfully I missed) and I’ve just been sampling her delightful new album from PS Classics. What a sunny open personality Kate’s voice has – the kind that looks you straight in the eye and promises…. well, just about everything. The album includes … [Read More]

Posted on 06/03/2010
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Is that Block or Blockbuster?

Only the terminally intrepid Broadway songstress would begin and end her cabaret set with two Streisand classics. But Stephanie J. Block has both the voice and (figuratively speaking) the cajones for it. She only managed the first of her two shows at the New Players Theatre last night – a combination of sheer zeal and … [Read More]

Posted on 06/03/2010
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