Show #1: Legally Blonde. A LOT better than one might expect. The performers were great, esp. Sheridan Smith (although the statuesque Duncan James could NOT act his way out of a paper bag). The ensemble sang an entire number while skipping rope! Apparently not a physical impossibility.
Show 2: Oliver. Want to teach your children this delightful, timeless lesson: "Stay with a man who beats you --> you end up dead"? Take them to see Oliver! (SO many young children in the audience despite the dark tone.) Not my favourite musical, especially not the tunes, but can now add Griff Rhys Jones and Kerry Ellis to my "have seen live" list.
Show #3: My annual visit to Les Mis. Was LOOKING for flaws, but it still is the perfect show. The £20 front row tickets are magic (only on sale at the box office, only if you ask in person) - feels like a private show.
Wanted to say goodbye to David Thaxton (pictured), the best Enjolras in living memory. Ironically, only Thaxton was off last night. BUT his understudy was the 2nd best Enjolras I've seen! Sang the optional difficult notes, even attempted the jump from the barricade (although I do believe Thaxton, incredibly, jumps from the top). The only thing missing was the boundless confidence & leading man charisma. Which may come with time.
Show #4: Sister Act. No need to ever see again. Not bad, but bland. Forgettable songs, which is a disappointment since I like Menken's other works. The energetic Patina Miller saves what she can, and Simon Webbe wins the battle of the handsome ex-members of Blue... acting-wise.
Show #5: 2nd time lucky for return ticets to Macbeth @ The Globe. However, did not like the production. I want my Globe Shakespeare to be entirely authentic, down to the actors' underwear. No modern symbolism, technology or props. The director of this production was making FAR too many modern interpretations, and Lady Macbeth's costumes were not period (although the men's were.) Lots of blood and gore, though, and an INSANELY fit Macbeth (not really into muscles, but he had the perfect amount).
Show #6: In the evening, dragged London friend Mnoo to another musical: Hair. Crazy great energy! Far from your average musical - more like the trippiest rock concert on Earth. I COULD criticise the show for serious lack of plot, but am willing to let it slide since the thing was created by authentic hippies who were too far gone for anything more substantial.
Show 7: Wicked. Left a better impression on 2nd viewing. Definitely worth watching: actually very dark, although a Disney treatment might have sold EVEN better. Kind of glad I watched it again for Lee Mead, although Lee himself was pretty crap and MURDERED one of his high notes.
