The reviews of this production in New York were overwhelmingly - and surprisingly - positive.
Unsurprising were the breath-taking ticket prices. I don`t know about that situation in London, but if it`s at all comparable you could probably attend two of Burt`s own performances for the cost of watching these "re-imaginings", however creative.
Re: New UK article (Telegraph)
Posted: Mon Jul 13, 2015 3:47 am
by Martin Johnson
Here's the link to the 'What's it all About - Bacharach Reimagined' page on the theatre's website. By London theatre standards the ticket prices seem very reasonable to me. However, this is one Bacharach show I'm tempted to miss because what I've heard of the score on Youtube it's not so much a case of 'reimagined' as simplified, particularly the chord sequences. As we all know, as soon as you start to monkey around with Bacharach's glorious chord progressions the magic starts to dissipate.
I hope they release an "Original Cast" album of this brilliant show !
"blue"
Re: New UK article (Telegraph)
Posted: Mon Jul 13, 2015 5:35 am
by Sara D
[quote="Martin Johnson"]......'this is one Bacharach show I'm tempted to miss because what I've heard of the score on Youtube it's not so much a case of 'reimagined' as simplified, particularly the chord sequences. As we all know, as soon as you start to monkey around with Bacharach's glorious chord progressions the magic starts to dissipate.'
A New York based friend and fellow Bacharach fanatic saw the show a couple of years ago and gave it the thumbs down for that very reason. I remember him saying that in a few instances it was only by listening closely to the lyrics that he was able to identify the songs they were performing, so much had they been altered harmonically and rhythmically.
Re: New UK article (Telegraph)
Posted: Tue Jul 14, 2015 3:31 am
by pljms
I'm going to see the show next week. While it is very easy for us 'avids' to become a bit precious when it comes to how BB's songs are performed, I think his music is far too subtle to be interpreted in the happy, clappy, shouty style suggested by the excerpts I've seen of the show on YouTube. However, I am looking forward to seeing the show and I'll be delighted if I'm proved wrong.
Re: New UK article (Telegraph)
Posted: Tue Jul 14, 2015 7:48 am
by Martin Johnson
A nice interview with Bacharach re the show issued today on the BBC's website. It seems he's returning to London tomorrow (Wednesday the 15th) for the official opening:
Here's one less than great review from this morning's Daily Telegraph of the show's official opening last night. Includes nice photo with BB sat at the piano on stage with the cast at the end of the show:
Here's a link to some photos taken after the press night show, including a couple of Burt with Sheridan Smith, the actress/singer who so impressed starring as Cilla Black in the TV biopic from last autumn: