Le monde des musicals

Version 1

Type de série:
Théâtre: Bridge Theatre (Londres - Angleterre)
Durée : 11 mois 3 semaines
Nombre :
Première Preview : Friday 03 March 2023
Première : Thursday 09 March 2023
Dernière : Saturday 24 February 2024
Mise en scène : Nicholas Hytner •
Chorégraphie : Arlene Phillips •
Producteur :
Avec : Daniel Mays (Nathan Detroit - not Jul 17-Oct 15), Andrew Richardson (Sky Masterson), Celinde Schoenmaker (Sarah Brown), Marisha Wallace (Miss Adelaide), Cedric Neal (Nicely-Nicely Johnson), Cornelius Clarke (Lieutenant Brannigan), Cameron Johnson (Big Jule), Anthony O'Donnell (Arvide Abernathy), Mark Oxtoby (Benny Southstreet), Adam Pearce (Harry the Horse), Ryan Pidgen (Rusty Charlie), Katy Secombe (General Cartwright), Simon Anthony (Ensemble), Lydia Bannister (Ensemble), Kathryn Barnes (Ensemble), Callum Bell (Ensemble), Cindy Belliot (Ensemble), Petrelle Dias (Ensemble), Ike Fallon (Ensemble), Leslie Garcia Bowman (Ensemble), George Ioannides (Ensemble), Robbie McMillan (Ensemble), Perry O'Dea (Ensemble), Charlotte Scott (Ensemble), Tinovimbanashe Sibanda (Ensemble), Isabel Snaas (Ensemble), Sasha Wareham (Ensemble), Dale White (Ensemble), Owain Arthur (Nathan Detroit from Jul 17), Jack Butterworth (Ensemble), Saffi Needham (Swing)

Version 2

Flashdance (2008-07-Theatre Royal-Plymouth)

Type de série: Original
Théâtre: Theatre Royal (Plymouth - Angleterre)
Durée : 2 semaines
Nombre : 17 représentations
Première Preview : Saturday 19 July 2008
Première : Saturday 19 July 2008
Dernière : Saturday 02 August 2008
Mise en scène : Nikolai Foster •
Chorégraphie : Arlene Phillips •
Producteur :

Version 3

Flashdance (2009-03-UK Tour)

Type de série: Pre-London Try Out
Théâtre: UK Tour ( - Angleterre)
Durée : 3 semaines
Nombre :
Première Preview : Monday 09 March 2009
Première : Monday 09 March 2009
Dernière : Saturday 04 April 2009
Mise en scène : Nikolai Foster •
Chorégraphie : Arlene Phillips •
Producteur :
Commentaires : Il s'agit ici d'un pre-London run de ce musical adapté du célèbre film éponyme. Le musical débouchera sur une série au Shaftesbury Theatre de Londres, où ce sera un flop (4 mois de représentations à peine).
Dates du tour
Commentaires longs: 4 Mai 09 au 9 Mai 09 Hull New Theatre, Hull
27 Avril 09 au 2 Mai 09 Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield
6 Avril 09 au 11 Avril 09 Hippodrome, Bristol
30 Mars 09 au 4 Avril 09 Theatre Royal, Norwich
24 Mars 09 au 28 Mars 09 Pavilion Theatre, Bournemouth
16 Mars 09 au 21 Mars 09 Grand Opera House, Belfast
2 Mars 09 au 7 Mars 09 De Montfort Hall, Leicester
23 Février 09 au 28 Février 09 Cliffs Pavilion, Southend-on-Sea
16 Février 09 au 21 Février 09 Royal & Derngate, Northampton
4 Février 09 au 14 Février 09 Birmingham Hippodrome, Birmingham
26 Janvier 09 au 31 Janvier 09 Liverpool Empire Theatre, Liverpool
12 Janvier 09 au 24 Janvier 09 Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham
15 Décembre 08 au 3 Janvier 09 New Theatre (formerly known as Apollo Theatre), Oxford
24 Novembre 08 au 29 Novembre 08 Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent
17 Novembre 08 au 22 Novembre 08 Princess Theatre, Torquay
10 Novembre 08 au 15 Novembre 08 Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff
3 Novembre 08 au 8 Novembre 08 Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne
27 Octobre 08 au 1 Novembre 08 Milton Keynes Theatre, Milton Keynes
20 Octobre 08 au 25 Octobre 08 Empire Theatre, Sunderland
13 Octobre 08 au 18 Octobre 08 Grand Opera House, York
6 Octobre 08 au 11 Octobre 08 New Wimbledon Theatre, Outer London
29 Septembre 08 au 4 Octobre 08 Alhambra Theatre, Bradford
15 Septembre 08 au 20 Septembre 08 Playhouse Theatre, Edinburgh
8 Septembre 08 au 13 Septembre 08 Palace Theatre, Manchester
25 Août 08 au 30 Août 08 His Majesty's Theatre, Aberdeen
18 Août 08 au 23 Août 08 King's Theatre, Glasgow
11 Août 08 au 16 Août 08 Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton
4 Août 08 au 9 Août 08 Maiflower Theatre, Southampton
19 juillet 08 au 2 Août 08 Theatre Royal, Plymouth

Version 4

Flashdance (2010-10-Shaftesbury Theatre-London)

Type de série: Original London
Théâtre: Shaftesbury Theatre (Londres - Angleterre)
Flop
Durée : 3 mois
Nombre :
Première Preview : Saturday 25 September 2010
Première : Thursday 14 October 2010
Dernière : Saturday 15 January 2011
Mise en scène : Nikolai Foster •
Chorégraphie : Arlene Phillips •
Producteur :
Avec : Matt Willis (Nick), Victoria Hamilton-Barritt (Alex), Sarah Ingram (Hannah ), Charlotte Harwood (Gloria), Hannah Levane (Keisha) , Twinnie-Lee Moore (Jazmin) , Brendan Cull, Russell Dixon, Sam Mackay, Ricky Rojas, Andrew Spillett, Robbie White, Ivan Blackstock, Tyman Boatwright, Myles Brown, Joseph Conner, Natalie Edmunds, Nicholas Gilligan, Zoe Green, James Hall, Ben Harrold, Emily Hawgood, Kirby Huges, Sia Kiwa, Lindsay Shaw, Maria Swainson, Amy Thornton, Daniel Uppal.
Commentaires : Il s'agit ici d'un gros gros flop… Moins de trois mois à l'affiche. La malédiction est-elle de retour sur le Shaftesbury?
It received mixed notices, though everyone agreed on the extremely high energy level of the show and the dazzling performance of Victoria Hamilton-Barritt. Originally booking until February 26th, the production closed earlier than planned on January 15th.
Presse : "It is the clumsy attempt by director Nikolai Foster and writers Tom Hedley and Robert Cary to turn a trite but mildly enjoyable film into something starker and more hard-hitting that is the production’s great weakness. The upbeat ending feels downright dishonest, and I left this supposedly feelgood show actually feeling both cheated and depressed."
Charles Spencer for The Daily Telegraph

"Flashdance, for all its dazzle, lacks a real imaginative freshness....Yet it’s a raunchy, crowd-pleasing spectacle which busily delivers both the things its title so brazenly promises.."
Henry Hitchings for The Evening Standard

"Flashdance is a slickly achieved hybrid of an adult version of Billy Elliot meets Fame?"
Mark Shenton for The Stage

"Will this new musical live up to the film?...the short answer is no."
Julie Carpenter for The Express

"The show brims with physical energy and is full of visual invention. "
Michael Billington for The Guardian

Version 5

Grease (1993-07-London Run-Dominion Theatre-London)

Type de série: Revival
Théâtre: Dominion Theatre (Londres - Angleterre)
Top
Durée : 3 ans 3 mois 1 semaine
Nombre :
Première Preview : Inconnu
Première : Thursday 15 July 1993
Dernière : Saturday 19 October 1996
Mise en scène : David Gilmore •
Chorégraphie : Arlene Phillips •
Producteur :
Avec : Craig McLachlan (Danny Zuko), Debbie Gibson (Sandy),Sally Anne Triplett (Rizzo) Shane Ritchie (Kenickie), Charlotte Avery (Marty),Jo Bingham (Frenchy), Richard Calkin (Sonny), John Combe , Liz Ewing, Drew Jaymson, Andrew Kennedy, Gary Martin, Tamzin Outhwaite
Commentaires : This large-scale, expanded version of the show included the additional songs written for the film. It was an enormous success and received an excellent critical reception, and ran a phenomenal 6 years. Some of the cast changes during this time included Ian Kelsey, Luke Goss, Sonia, Samantha Janus, Marissa Dunlop, Linzi Hateley.

Version 6

Grease (1993-07-London Run-London)

Type de série: Revival
Théâtre: London Run (Londres - Angleterre)
Top
Durée : 6 ans 1 mois 4 semaines
Nombre :
Première Preview : Inconnu
Première : Thursday 15 July 1993
Dernière : Saturday 11 September 1999
Mise en scène : David Gilmore •
Chorégraphie : Arlene Phillips •
Producteur :
Avec : Craig McLachlan (Danny Zuko), Debbie Gibson (Sandy),Sally Anne Triplett (Rizzo) Shane Ritchie (Kenickie), Charlotte Avery (Marty),Jo Bingham (Frenchy), Richard Calkin (Sonny), John Combe , Liz Ewing, Drew Jaymson, Andrew Kennedy, Gary Martin, Tamzin Outhwaite
Commentaires : This large-scale, expanded version of the show included the additional songs written for the film. It was an enormous success and received an excellent critical reception, and ran a phenomenal 6 years. Some of the cast changes during this time included Ian Kelsey, Luke Goss, Sonia, Samantha Janus, Marissa Dunlop, Linzi Hateley.

Version 7

Grease (1996-10-London Run-Cambridge Theatre-London)

Type de série: Revival
Théâtre: Cambridge Theatre (Londres - Angleterre)
Top
Durée : 2 ans 10 mois 3 semaines
Nombre :
Première Preview : Inconnu
Première : Thursday 24 October 1996
Dernière : Saturday 11 September 1999
Mise en scène : David Gilmore •
Chorégraphie : Arlene Phillips •
Producteur :
Commentaires : This large-scale, expanded version of the show included the additional songs written for the film. It was an enormous success and received an excellent critical reception, and ran a phenomenal 6 years.
Some of the cast changes during this time included Ian Kelsey, Luke Goss, Sonia, Samantha Janus, Marissa Dunlop, Linzi Hateley.

Version 8

Grease (2001-10-Dominion Theatre-London)

Type de série: Revival
Théâtre: Dominion Theatre (Londres - Angleterre)
Durée : 1 semaine
Nombre :
Première Preview : Monday 22 October 2001
Première : Monday 22 October 2001
Dernière : Saturday 03 November 2001
Mise en scène : David Gilmore •
Chorégraphie : Arlene Phillips •
Producteur :
Avec : Craig Urbani (Danny Zuko), Haley Flaherty (Sandy), Nina French (Rizzo) , Matthew Cutts (Kenickie), Emma Cannon (Marty), Tanya Caridia (Frenchy), Richard Taylor Woods (Sonny), Rebecca Cameron, Peter Jamieson, Jason Packett, paul Burnham, Bamaby Thompson, Lorraine Graham.
Commentaires : Back in the West End for two weeks only before commencing a nine month UK tour.

Version 9

Grease (2002-10-Victoria Palace Theatre-London)

Type de série: Revival
Théâtre: Victoria Palace Theatre (Londres - Angleterre)
Durée : 11 mois 1 semaine
Nombre :
Première Preview : Thursday 26 September 2002
Première : Wednesday 02 October 2002
Dernière : Saturday 06 September 2003
Mise en scène : David Gilmore •
Chorégraphie : Arlene Phillips •
Producteur :
Avec : Greg Kohout (Danny Zuko), Caroline Sheen (Sandy), Dawn Spence (Rizzo), Matthew Cutts (Kenickie), Emma Cannon (Marty), Tanya Oaridia (Frenchy), Richard Taylor Woods (Sonny), Daniel Boys, Paul Burnham, Lee Latchford Evans, Lorraine Graham, Gary Jordan
Commentaires : Following its original six year-run in the West End, and an extensive UK tour, this same production was now back in London, where it would run for a further eleven months.

Version 10

Grease (2007-07-Picadilly Theatre-London)

Type de série: Revival
Théâtre: Piccadilly Theatre (Londres - Angleterre)
Durée : 3 ans 8 mois 3 semaines
Nombre :
Première Preview : Wednesday 25 July 2007
Première : Wednesday 08 August 2007
Dernière : Saturday 30 April 2011
Mise en scène : David Gilmore •
Chorégraphie : Arlene Phillips •
Producteur :
Avec : Matthew Goodgame (Danny), Carina Gillespie (Sandy), Jamie Capewell (Kenickie), Siubhan Harrison (Rizzo), Bennett Andrews (Sonny), Robyn Mellor (Marty), Susannah Allman (Patty), Jason Capewell (Teen Angel/Vince Fontaine) ,Kerry Winter ( Jan), David O'Reilly (Roger), Michael Pickering (Doody), Zoe Doano (Frenchy), Matthew Russell-Jones (Eugene), Nancy Hill (Miss Lynch), Kristina MacMillan (Cha Cha)
Presse : NICHOLAS DE JONGH for THE EVENING STANDARD says, "How under-sexed, how under-done and under par I found director David Gilmore's attempt to put the brilliantine back into Grease!..Is it not high time producers found real stars for musicals again?" MICHAEL BILLINGTON for THE GUARDIAN says, "Danny Bayne as the hero displays bags of energy and has one good moment when he puffs on a last fag before setting off on a track-race, but he doesn't possess the mocking insolence of John Travolta in the movie. As for Susan McFadden, she has all of Sandy's wholesomeness and sings prettily, but has a painfully limited range of physical expression." SARAH CROMPTON for THE DAILY TELEGRAPH says, "Bayne...dances well enough, but he always appears to be copying someone else's moves - whenever he is asked to be still, or to think, he looks blank..."McFadden has a sweet smile and a strong voice. Unfortunately she belts out every ballad as if it were karaoke night; there's no finesse or feeling." SAM MARLOWE for THE TIMES says, "Lacklustre production...They all flounce and pose their way through Arlene Phillips’s uninspired and, on the whole, undemanding choreography." PAUL TAYLOR for THE INDEPENDENT says, "With its vestigial, embarrassing plot, Grease comes over, in this high-energy, high-decibel but completely unaffecting production, as a jukebox masquerading as a musical."

Version 11

Matador (1991-04-Queen's Theatre-London)

Type de série: Original
Théâtre: Sondheim Theatre (Londres - Angleterre)
FLOP
Durée : 3 mois 1 semaine
Nombre : 119 représentations
Première Preview : Tuesday 16 April 1991
Première : Tuesday 16 April 1991
Dernière : Saturday 27 July 1991
Mise en scène : Elijah Moshinsky •
Chorégraphie : Arlene Phillips •
Producteur :
Avec : John Barrowman (Domingo Hernandez), Stefanie Powers (Laura-Jane Wilding), Nicky Henson (El Panama), Jackie Dunn (Graciella), Caroline O’Connor (Consuelo), Alexander Hanson (Tomas), Kevin A.J. Ranson (Miguel), Franciso Perez Arevalo (The Bull)
Commentaires : Based on “Or I’ll Dress You in Mourning”, the biography of the Spanis bullfighter El Cordobés by Larry Collins and Dominique Lapierre, this show began as a concept album recorded by Tom Jones in 1987. Originally Tom Jones was planned to star in a stage version, but this did not work out, and his role was taken by John Barrowman.
The show had spectacular sets and superb flamenco dancing, and everyone agreed it was one of the best dance shows ever seen on the London stage. However, with animal rights protesters outside the theatre each night claiming the show glorified bullfighting, the controversy surrounding the show did not help. Neither did a much derided scene in which the matador and bull sing a duet in which they declare that they have much in common, both being trapped, exploited and destined for death. It closed after three months with losses of around £1 million.

Version 12

Midnight Tango (2012-01-Aldwych Theatre-London)

Type de série: Original
Théâtre: Aldwych Theatre (Londres - Angleterre)
Durée : 2 mois 1 semaine
Nombre :
Première Preview : Friday 20 January 2012
Première : Friday 20 January 2012
Dernière : Saturday 31 March 2012
Mise en scène : Karen Bruce •
Chorégraphie : Arlene Phillips •
Producteur :
Avec : Vincent Simone, Flavia Cacace, Guillermo Rozenthuler (vocalist), Diomar Giraldo, Yaisuri Salamanca, Alexandra Wood, Guillermo Torrens, Jenny Nolan, Daniel Raphael, Richard Manuel, Pauline Reibell, Leandro Palou, Romina Godoy, Teddy Kempner, Tricia Deighton
Commentaires : Midnight Tango comes to the West End following a UK tour

Version 13

Saturday Night Fever (1998-04-Palladium Theatre-London)

Type de série: Original
Théâtre: Palladium Theatre (Londres - Angleterre)
Durée : 1 an 9 mois 3 semaines
Nombre :
Première Preview : Tuesday 21 April 1998
Première : Tuesday 05 May 1998
Dernière : Saturday 26 February 2000
Mise en scène : Arlene Phillips •
Chorégraphie : Arlene Phillips •
Producteur :
Avec : Adam Garcia (Tony Monero), Anita Louise Combe (Stephanie), Tara Wilkinson (Annette), Simon Greiff (Bobby C), Richard Calkin (Monty), David Paynton-Bruhl (Fusco), Jonathan Avery (Frank Monero), Susan Fay (Flo Manero), John Stacey (Frank Junior), Lara Costa (Maria), Daryn Crosbie (Cesar)
Commentaires : Originally a story by Nik Cohn, it became a smash-hit 1977 Paramount film with a screenplay by Norman Wexler, starring John Travolta. The £4 million stage adaptation was attributed to Nan Knighton “in collaboration with Arlene Phillips, Paul Nicholas and Robert Stigwood”. Many of the film's darker elements, including references to racial conflict, drug use and violence, were eliminated from the plot. It received very mixed reviews, though there was universal praise for Adam Garcia. It ran for 21 months at the Palladium and later undertook several UK tours, and international stagings.
Presse : JAMES WHITAKER of THE DAILY MIRROR says "Some of the best dancing ever seen on a West End stage "

ROBERT GORE-LANGTON of THE DAILY EXPRESS said, " If you liked Grease you'll probably love this ".

MICHAEL COVENEY of THE DAILY MAIL was not too impressed saying, " I don't think there's a single good song here."

DAVID LISTER of THE INDEPENDENT says "The show lacked tension, a sense of danger, a sense of New York, a sense of the repressed working-class life…"

NICHOLAS JE JONGH of THE EVENING STANDARD says "It's a tame, not that well sung disco blast from the recent past.."

However, the most scathing review I read, and disagreed with, was by SHERIDEN MORLEY who says the show has a score "so unmemorable, you forget its songs while they are being sung" and goes on to say "Stay at home with a video, but not the one of this pathetic apology for entertainment".

Version 14

Saturday Night Fever (2004-07-Apollo Victoria-London)

Type de série: Revival
Théâtre: Apollo Victoria Theatre (Londres - Angleterre)
Durée : 1 an 7 mois 2 semaines
Nombre :
Première Preview : Friday 02 July 2004
Première : Tuesday 06 July 2004
Dernière : Saturday 18 February 2006
Mise en scène : Arlene Phillips •
Chorégraphie : Arlene Phillips •
Producteur :
Avec : Stephane Anelli (Tony Monero), Zoe Ebsworth (Stephanie), Kym Marsh (Annette), Alex Jessop (Bobby C), Shaun Williamson (Monty), Mark Faith (Fusco/Frank Monero), Joyce Springer (Flo Manero), Russell Walker (Frank Junior), Lucy Banfield (Maria), Tom Goodall (Cesar)
Commentaires : This was a completely new version, differing in many respects from the earlier Palladium and touring productions. Musical changes included the addition of just one new song—Words” sung by Tony and Stephanie - replacing “More than a Woman”, but the book itself and the structure of the show had undergone significant changes.
Presse : NICHOLAS DE JONGH for THE EVENING STANDARD says, "Tends to wilt and droop as if in need of a vitamin B12 injection...leaves me deflated."
ELISABETH MAHONEY for THE GUARDIAN says, "Many..exuberant moments in the show...a sketchy plot at best ."
CHARLES SPENCER for THE DAILY TELEGRAPH says, "The dancing's hot, the acting's not."
BENEDICT NIGHTINGALE for THE TIMES says, "I wish the piece had more plot, more atmosphere, more bite...Still, those Spanish Americans bring style, sensuality and terrific fizz to their dancing"
IAN SHUTTLEWORTH for THE FINANCIAL TIMES says, "Delivers a bland, shiny 1990s facsimile of its 1970s subject matter."

Version 15

Sound of Music (The) (2006-11-Palladium-London)

Type de série: Revival
Théâtre: Palladium Theatre (Londres - Angleterre)
Top
Durée : 2 ans 3 mois 1 semaine
Nombre : 951 représentations
Première Preview : Friday 03 November 2006
Première : Wednesday 15 November 2006
Dernière : Saturday 21 February 2009
Mise en scène : Jeremy Sams •
Chorégraphie : Arlene Phillips •
Producteur :
Avec : Cast: Connie Fisher (Maria), Alexander Hanson (Captain von Trapp), Lesley Garrett (Mother Abbess), Lauren Ward (Elsa), Ian Gelder (Max Detweiler), Sophie Bould (Liesl), Neil McDermott (Rolf), John Griffiths, Claire Massie, Susie Fenwick, Margaret Preece.
Commentaires : This was a spectacular and very successful revival. The original intention was for Hollywood actress Scarlett Johansson to play Maria, but when contract negotiations fell through, it was decided to cast the role of Maria through a talent search reality-TV show called “How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?” - presented by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Graham Norton, with David Ian, John Barrowman and Zoe Tyler as judges. The final choice, Connie Fisher, was selected by public vote. This method of casting was much criticised within the performing industry, but Connie Fisher (after a nervous opening night) turned out to be an excellent choice (and the enormous publicity led to record advance sales.)
Early in 2007 Connie Fisher missed two weeks due to illness and her understudy, Aoife Mulholland, took over, and later played the matinees to relieve the pressure on Connie Fisher. The original von Trapp was Simon Shepherd, but after two preview performances he was withdrawn from the production, and Alexander Hanson took over the role. During its two year run later Marias included Aoife Mulholland, Summer Strallen and Gemma Baird, with Simon Burke and Simon MacCorkindale as later von Trapps. The show closed on February 21 2009, after a run of over two years.

Version 16

Sound of Music (The) (2009-07-UK Tour)

Type de série: Revival
Théâtre: UK Tour ( - Angleterre)
Durée : 1 an 5 mois 1 semaine
Nombre :
Première Preview : Sunday 26 July 2009
Première : Sunday 26 July 2009
Dernière : Sunday 02 January 2011
Mise en scène : Jeremy Sams •
Chorégraphie : Arlene Phillips •
Producteur :
Commentaires longs: A UK tour was launched on 26 July 2009 at the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff. The tour has also visited Bradford, Southampton, Milton Keynes, Sunderland, Manchester and Edinburgh and will visit Belfast, Aberdeen, Llandudno, Birmingham and Bristol. The original cast included Connie Fisher as Maria, Michael Praed as Captain Von Trapp, Margaret Preece as the Mother Abbess, Martin Callaghan as Uncle Max, Jacinta Mulcahy as Baroness Schraeder, Jeremy Taylor as Rolf and Claire Fishenden as Liesl. Kirsty Malpass stars as the alternate Maria.[30] Margaret Preece left the role of Mother Abbess on 20 February 2010 in Edinburgh and was replaced by Marilyn Hill Smith. Michael Praed will leave the touring production on 26 June 2010 during the show's run in Birmingham. The production is currently scheduled to finish on 2 January 2011 at The New Theatre, Oxford.

Version 17

Starlight Express (1984-03-Apollo Victoria Theatre-London)

Type de série: Original
Théâtre: Apollo Victoria Theatre (Londres - Angleterre)
Durée : 17 ans 9 mois 3 semaines
Nombre : 7406 représentations
Première Preview : Tuesday 27 March 1984
Première : Tuesday 27 March 1984
Dernière : Saturday 12 January 2002
Mise en scène : Trevor Nunn •
Chorégraphie : Arlene Phillips •
Producteur :
Avec : Jeff Shankley (Greaseball), Chrissy Wickham (Ashley), Nancy Wood (Buffy), Frances Ruffelle (Dina), Stephanie Lawrence (Pearl), Michael Staniforth (C.B.), Lon Satton (Poppa), Jeffrey Daniel (Electra), Ray Shell (Rusty)
Commentaires : The performers were required to race around the theatre on roller-skates. They underwent several months of skating training to be able to take part and the theatre itself had to undergo major alterations to accommodate racing tracks running through the auditorium, up to the circle, then back down through the stalls. The show went on to become one of the major hits of all time, with world-wide productions.

Version 18

Starlight Express (1984-03-Apollo Victoria Theatre-London) Original Version

Type de série: Original
Théâtre: Apollo Victoria Theatre (Londres - Angleterre)
Durée :
Nombre :
Première Preview : Tuesday 27 March 1984
Première : Tuesday 27 March 1984
Dernière : Inconnu
Mise en scène : Trevor Nunn • Dion McHugh •
Chorégraphie : Arlene Phillips •
Producteur :
Commentaires : The West End production, directed by Trevor Nunn and choreographed by Arlene Phillips opened on 27 March 1984 at the Apollo Victoria Theatre, where it ran for 7,406 performances, closing on 12 January 2002. Original cast members included Stephanie Lawrence, Frances Ruffelle, Jeff Shankley, Jeffrey Daniel and Ray Shell.Starlight Express had one of the most spectacular stage sets ever created. As well as the steeply-banked central arena, there were swooping race tracks that extended into and around the theatre's auditorium. One of the set's most dramatic elements was the six-tonne steel bridge. During the show's high-speed races, the bridge lifted and tilted to connect the various levels of the set. This means the actors started racing on a track in the stalls and end up in the dress circle.

Version 19

Starlight Express (1987-03-George Gershwin Theatre-Broadway)

Type de série: Original Broadway
Théâtre: Gershwin Theatre (Broadway - Etats-Unis)
Durée : 1 an 10 mois
Nombre : 22 previews - 761 représentations
Première Preview : Tuesday 24 February 1987
Première : Sunday 15 March 1987
Dernière : Sunday 08 January 1989
Mise en scène : Trevor Nunn •
Chorégraphie : Arlene Phillips •
Producteur :
Commentaires longs: This version featured extensive revisions to the plot and the addition and omission of several musical numbers. "C.B." at this point lost his name and was henceforth known only as "Red Caboose," and rather than racing simply for the accolade "Champion Engine of the World", the trains raced for a prize, the "Silver Dollar".

The race structure changed from three heats with one winner each in the final, to two heats with two winners each in the final. Rusty didn't race in the heats at all, making Belle (Memphis Belle, as she was re-named) redundant. This made the show considerably shorter and less complex, as there was now one race fewer and no debate over whether or not Rusty should be allowed to race in the final. It also lead to Belle being entirely cut from the show in later productions, as she served no useful purpose. The engines now raced for a prize, the Silver Dollar, rather than just for the sake of winning.

The "Entry of National Engines" was moved to the beginning of the show, in the place of the overture. The song "Engine of Love" was used when Rusty brought the Coaches in near the beginning of the show. Pearl then went off with him before "A Lotta Locomotion", so that it was sung only by Dinah, Buffy and Ashley. "He Whistled at Me" was replaced with the more sedate ballad "Make Up My Heart." "AC/DC" no longer came to a conclusion, but was interrupted by Greaseball with "Pumping Iron", now a direct challenge to the newcomer. Because Electra had already entered with his entourage, the second and third class Sleepers no longer existed. Joule, Volta and Wrench now joined "Pumping Iron" in their places. "There's Me" became a duet between Caboose and Dinah.

"The Rap" was completely re-written as the original, mainly concerning Rusty's predicament, was irrelevant. For the "Downhill Final", Rusty appeared in a new costume as the Starlight Express. None of the other characters recognised him. After the race, Caboose stole the Silver Dollar. The company accuse Rusty of having stolen it, and he consents to being searched if the opposition have to do likewise. This led to a lengthy slapstick chase ("The Chase"), at the conclusion of which was Caboose crashing into Greaseball and Electra. "No Comeback" was cut. The disguised Rusty idea was scrapped during the Broadway run and reverted back to Rusty entering the Final as himself, and "The Chase" being cut completely. Greaseball, Caboose, & Electra then sang "One Rock 'n' Roll Too Many", rearranged with choreography that was more slapstick and less sexual innuendo laden. Pearl sang a brief reprise of "Make Up My Heart" ('It's thanks to you that things worked out all right. I knew it from the start. Now I know I've made up my heart.'), however it was cut early in the preview period. "Only He" was replaced with an expanded "Only You", and the show ended with "Light at the end of the Tunnel."

Version 20

Starlight Express (1988-06-Starlighthalle-Bochum)

Type de série: Revival
Théâtre: Starlight Express Theater (Bochum - Allemagne)
Durée : 32 ans 10 mois
Nombre :
Première Preview : Sunday 12 June 1988
Première : Sunday 12 June 1988
Dernière : Open end, ouvert actuellement jusqu'au Wed 31 March 2021
Mise en scène : Trevor Nunn •
Chorégraphie : Arlene Phillips •
Producteur :
Commentaires : The Starlighthalle was built especially for the production in an extraordinary time of less than one year. Both the special building and record breaking build time were documented in the Guinness Book of Records. The Starlighthalle was specially designed for the show, with large tracks on two levels in a U-like shape with the audience sitting in the middle and around these tracks. On stage the tracks even run over three levels which allows several race combinations. In 2003 a 'Y' shaped track was added to the smallest inner track, the Parkett, dividing it into 3 seating areas and allowing greater flexibility of staging and more tricks for the skaters. A good impression of the Starlighthalle can be seen on the official website from a 360° panorama view and lots of high resolution pictures from the show, featuring the current cast.

Version 21

Starlight Express (1992-11-Apollo Victoria Theatre-London) Revised Version

Type de série: Recréation
Théâtre: Apollo Victoria Theatre (Londres - Angleterre)
Durée : 9 ans 1 mois 3 semaines
Nombre :
Première Preview : Monday 23 November 1992
Première : Monday 23 November 1992
Dernière : Saturday 12 January 2002
Mise en scène : Trevor Nunn • Dion McHugh •
Chorégraphie : Arlene Phillips •
Producteur :
Avec : Mark Walker (Greaseball), Samantha Lane (Ashley), Voyd (Buffy), Caron Cardelle (Dina), Reva Rice (Pearl), Lon Satton (Poppa), John Partridge (Electra), Greg Ellis (Rusty)
Commentaires : In November 1992, the London production, christened The New Starlight Express, was re-launched with heavy revisions to the material, partly influenced by the subsequent productions described below. Five songs ("Crazy", "He'll Whistle at Me", "Make Up My Heart", "Next Time You Fall in Love", "The Megamix") were added, 12 songs (the Overture, "Engine of Love", "Call Me Rusty", "Hitching and Switching", "There's Me", "Belle The Sleeping Car", "Heat Three", "Wide Smile", "High Style", "No Comeback", "Only He", "Only You") and two characters ("C.B." and "Belle") were cut.

Belle, having proved incompatible with the shorter 4-race system on Broadway, was cut along with C.B. Cutting C.B. required a near complete overhaul of the plot (though the lighting design didn't change – his spotlight still came up in "Freight" right up to the last performance of the show), as without a clear cut villain, Rusty, Electra and Greaseball had to cause their own problems or be the victims of circumstance to move the story along.

The "Overture" was scrapped, with the "Entry of National Trains" moved to the opening of the show from its former place following "Freight". The energetic, high speed "He Whistled at Me" was reworked into "He'll Whistle at Me" and moved to earlier on in the show. In its original place was the languid ballad "Make Up My Heart" that was first recorded on a 1987 studio recording. "Pumping Iron" was moved to immediately after "AC/DC", shifting the intention from merely boasting to a direct challenge from Greaseball to the newcomer and cutting off the end of the preceding song. This meant that the 2nd and 3rd class Sleepers were no longer seen, as the performers who had filled those roles were now on-stage as the female Components. Rather than winning a heat each, as in the 5-race structure, Greaseball and Electra come first and second in the first heat, securing places in the final for each of them. Rusty now didn't race at all until the final, only reluctantly taking Poppa's place after the title song. Poppa won the second heat with Bobo coming second.

"The Rap" was completely re-written, as the debate – whether or not Rusty should be allowed to race in Poppa's place when he'd already been disqualified – was completely redundant. It became an anthem to how great racing is, rather than an argument. Pearl still switched engines to Electra, leaving Dinah uncoupled. With Belle gone, Ashley and Buffy carried "Rolling Stock (Reprise)" by themselves, allowing them each more vocals. After the Uphill Final, when Dinah uncouples Electra, with no C.B. he partners Buffy instead for the Downhill Final. Rather than being crashed intentionally, Electra and Greaseball crash accidentally at the end of the race. Electra then took C.B.'s place in "One Rock 'n' Roll Too Many", and also took one of Greaseball's spoken lines("You mean I could be converted to steam?" became "D'you think I could be converted to steam?") afterwards to be included in the scene. As a second finale, "The Megamix" was added. It consists of a few phrases from most of the songs in the show, including one that by the end was no longer there – "He'll Whistle at Me" was cut in 1996, but remained represented.

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We will rock you (2002-04-Dominion Theatre-London)

Type de série: Original
Théâtre: Dominion Theatre (Londres - Angleterre)
Durée : 12 ans 2 semaines
Nombre :
Première Preview : Friday 26 April 2002
Première : Tuesday 14 May 2002
Dernière : Saturday 31 May 2014
Mise en scène : Christopher Renshaw •
Chorégraphie : Arlene Phillips •
Producteur :
Avec : Sharon D Clarke (Killer Queen), Alexander Hanson (Khashoggi), Tony Vincent (Galileo), Hannah Jane Fox (Scaramouche), Nigel Clauzel (Britney), Kerry Ellis (Meat), Mazz Murray, Golda Rosheuvel.
Commentaires : The 2,000 seat Dominion was filled with enough hi-tech plasma screens, lasers and massive pyrotechnic effects to fill a techno trade fair. The show had clearly cost a fortune and would need to do huge business to cover its costs. Its chances were rated at nil. It received some of the worst notices ever, including remarks like: "Ben Elton should be shot for this risible story”, “sticky goo", “Utterly preposterous”, “ a disastrous excuse for a musical”, “the show should die of chronic embarrassment”, “precious little rhapsodic here”, “a pathetic adolescent piece of work”, “don’t give them your money”. (However, some individual performances received praise).
“We Will Rock You” went on to became the longest running musical at that venue, et se joue toujours dix ans plus tard! (Like the damning reviews for “Charlie Girl” in 1965, and the gloomy predictions for “Les Miserables” in 1985, it only goes to show the critics do not always get it right.)
Commentaires longs: On August 17th, 2005 the show became the longest running ever at the Dominion Theatre, surpassing the previous record-holder, the 1993 revival of Grease.
Presse : "A super high energy show with a wacky story that all Queen fans will love." Darren Dalglish for Londontheatre.co.uk
"The script remains little more than two-minute blasts of knob gags and misplaced polemic between songs, and the musical numbers have nothing to do with the script. " Caitlin for The Times
"[Ben] Elton, when he gets his feet out of the sticky goo of this cloying parable, has the odd line which, without causing any action in the ribcage department, does promote smile lines." Peter Clarke for THe Evening Standard
"Ben Elton, the brains behind the book, claims to be a rock fan but he has done Queen a disservice with such a trite and tacky storyline." Fiona Sturges for The Independent
"Shallow, stupid and totally vacuous new musical." Michael Coveney for THe Daily Mail
"Far from being guaranteed to blow your mind, We Will Rock You is guaranteed to bore you rigid. The show is prolefeed at its worst." Charles Spencer for Daily Telegraph
"The songs are recreated meticulously. Diehard Queen fans may be satisfied...You will find nothing bohemian, and precious little that's rhapsodic, here." Brian Logan for The Guardian
"Not even the toe-curling subtext could make a musical with Bohemian Rhapsody completely bite the dust." Chris Bartlett for the Stage

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We will rock you (2004-12-Musical Dome-Cologne)

Type de série: Revival
Théâtre: Musical Dome (Cologne - Allemagne)
Durée : 3 ans 9 mois 2 semaines
Nombre :
Première Preview : Sunday 12 December 2004
Première : Sunday 12 December 2004
Dernière : Sunday 28 September 2008
Mise en scène : Christopher Renshaw •
Chorégraphie : Arlene Phillips •
Producteur :
Commentaires longs: In this production, the spoken dialogue is in German, and the songs are a mix of German and English.

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We will rock you (2008-01-Raimund Theater-Vienne)

Type de série: Revival
Théâtre: Raimund Theater (Vienne - Autriche)
Durée : 6 mois 1 semaine
Nombre :
Première Preview : Thursday 24 January 2008
Première : Thursday 24 January 2008
Dernière : Thursday 31 July 2008
Mise en scène : Ben Elton •
Chorégraphie : Arlene Phillips •
Producteur :
Avec : Maciej Salamon (Doc), Martin Berger (Khashoggi), Serkan Kaya (Galileo), Carl van Wegberg (Galileo alternierend / Bob / Ensemble), Benjamin Rufin (Dieter), Jessica Kessler (Scaramouche), Brigitte Oelke (Killer Queen), Darryll B. Smith (Brit), Rahel Fischer (Ozzy), Anna-Tania Horn (Lehrerin / Nina), Matt Beadle (Paul / Ensemble), Julia J. Berger (Teen Queen Nena / Ensemble), Silke Braas-Wolter (Teen Queen Tac / Ensemble), David A. Cutler (Robbie / Ensemble), Lisa Darnell (Swing), Vicki Douglas (Jackson / Ensemble), Tomasz Dziecielski (Walk-In Cover Bap / JB / Khashoggi / Dieter), Ivo Giacomozzi (Axl / Ensemble), Keeran-Rose Greener (Swing), Daniel Ioannou (Swing), Alan Kelly (Assistant Dance Captain / Swing), Sascha Krebs (Walk-In Cover Doc / Vic / Khashoggi / Dieter), Sascha Alexander Lien (Cover Galileo), Björn Lönngren (Swing), Candy Marriott (Tina), Annie-May Mettraux (Teen Queen Tic, Ensemble), Melissa Nettleford (Kiss, Ensemble), AJ Norwell (Dance Captain / Swing), Lana O’Brien (Swing), Cris Penfold (Christl, Ensemble), Susan Rigvava-Dumas (Walk-In Cover Killer Queen), Kate Sandell (John / Ensemble), Chris Southgate (Campino / Ensemble), Hannes Staffler (Madonna / Ensemble), Adrian Stokes (Mick / Ensemble), Niran Straub (Daniel / Ensemble), Harald Tauber (Walk-In Cover Dieter / Doc / Khashoggi), Helen Ternent (Teen Queen Thomas / Ensemble), Marie Walker (Swing), Andrew Gordon-Watkins (Swing), Conchita Kluckner-Zandbergen (Teen Queen Bonnie / Ensemble)

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We will rock you (2010-10-Theater des Westens-Berlin)

Type de série: Revival
Théâtre: Theater des Westens (Berlin - Allemagne)
Durée : 1 an
Nombre :
Première Preview : Thursday 21 October 2010
Première : Thursday 21 October 2010
Dernière : Friday 21 October 2011
Mise en scène : Ben Elton •
Chorégraphie : Arlene Phillips •
Producteur :
Avec : David-Michael Johnson (Brit), Mark Seibert (Galileo), Reinwald Kranner (Khashoggi), Brigitte Oelke (Killer Queen), Silke Braas (Ozzy), Jessica Kessler (Scaramouche), Jörg Neubauer (Bap)

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Wizard of OZ (The) (Vers Lloyd Webber) (2011-03-Palladium Theatre-London)

Type de série: Original
Théâtre: Palladium Theatre (Londres - Angleterre)
Durée : 1 an 6 mois
Nombre :
Première Preview : Monday 07 February 2011
Première : Tuesday 01 March 2011
Dernière : Sunday 02 September 2012
Mise en scène : Jeremy Sams •
Chorégraphie : Arlene Phillips •
Producteur :
Avec : Dorothy Gale ... Danielle Hope / Wicked Witch & Ms. Gultch ... Hannah Waddingham / The Wizard & Professor Marvel ... Michael Crawford / Glinda ... Emily Tierney / Scarecrow/Hunk ... Paul Keating / Tin Man/Hickory ... Edward Baker-Duly / Cowardly Lion/Zeke ... David Ganly / Auntie Em ... Helen Walsh / Uncle Henry ... Stephen Scott / Munchkin Mayor ... Zeph
Commentaires : With previews from 7th February, the original Dorothy was Danielle Hope, with Sophie Evans playing certain performances. The role of Dorothy was cast through the 2010 reality television show “Over the Rainbow”, in which Danielle Hope won and Sophie Evans was the runner-up.
Commentaires longs: This was Andrew Lloyd Webber’s 18th musical, but his first West End show reunited with Tim Rice for more than 30 years. It opened to a £10 million advance. During the run Hannah Waddingham was replaced by Marianne Benedict after six months, and in February 2012 Sophie Evans took over as the full-time Dorothy, and Michael Crawford was replaced with Russell Grant. The production celebrated its 500th performance on 9 May 2012. Des O’Connor took over as The Wizard on May 22nd 2012.

Reception
Opening night reviews were mixed but generally praised the designs, the special effects and several cast members, especially Waddingham. The Telegraph reviewer, Charles Spencer, rated the production three out of five stars, writing: "Jeremy Sams’s production pulls out all the stops, with ingenious designs by Robert Jones that skilfully conjure up both the sepia world of Kansas and the lurid colours of Oz. Dorothy’s flight to the enchanted land is thrillingly caught with the help of film effects that wouldn’t look out of place on Dr Who and the story is told with clarity and pace", but added that Hope "offers a thoroughly competent rather than an inspired performance" that "lacks the heart-catching vulnerability of the young Judy Garland".
Paul Taylor of The Independent gave the show four out of five stars, commenting: "Jeremy Sams's production is a marvel of beguiling narrative fluency and, with Robert Jones's superb designs, of endlessly witty and spectacular visual invention – from the digitally-enhanced hurricane transition to Oz to the skeletally twisted Gothic palace of the Wicked Witch and her totalitarian, helmeted guards."
Henry Hitchings of the London Evening Standard also gave the show four out of five stars, praising Jones's "lavish costumes and lovingly conceived sets. ... The story is lucid and well-paced, though the technological wizardry occasionally obscures its inherent magic. ... Danielle Hope ... makes a winning impression. Her performance combines innocence with easy charm, and her voice soars."
Although Michael Billington, the reviewer at The Guardian, felt "blitzkrieged rather than charmed", he gave the production three stars out of five, writing:
"The star of the show is undoubtedly the set and costume designer, Robert Jones. The Kansas cyclone that whisks Dorothy into a dreamworld is evoked through vorticist projections (the work of Jon Driscoll) that betoken chaos in the cosmos. The Yellow Brick Road is on a tilted revolve from inside which poppyfields and labyrinthine forest emerge. The Emerald City is full of steeply inclined walls suggesting a drunkard's vision of the Chrysler Building lobby. And the Wicked Witch of the West inhabits a rotating dungeon that might be a Piranesi nightmare. ... Of course, there are the songs; it's good to be reminded of such classics as "Over The Rainbow", "We're Off To See The Wizard", and "Follow The Yellow Brick Road". The additions by Lloyd Webber and Rice are also perfectly acceptable. Dorothy is given a good plaintive opening number, and Red Shoes Blues, sung by the Wicked Witch, has a pounding intensity."
Writing in the Daily Mail, Quentin Letts felt that "the story lacks the emotive motor of a love affair" and that the "dramatic buzz" is "not much better than you'd find at a decent pantomime". The Oxford Times reviewed the production during Evans's first week (in May 2011) replacing the vacationing Hope, calling the show "hugely enjoyable" and commenting of Evans: "Such is her success in the role that it would be hard to imagine anyone could consider they were getting second-best."
Presse : "It's somewhat lacking in humanity. I came out feeling blitzkrieged rather than charmed...the paradox of the evening is that it suffers the same dilemma as the Tin Man: it might have been so much more if it only had a heart."
Michael Billington for The Guardian

"Exhilarating new production...Jeremy Sams's production is a marvel of beguiling narrative fluency and, with Richard Jones's superb designs, of endlessly witty and spectacular visual invention."
Paul Taylor for The Independent

"The story is lucid and well-paced, though the technological wizardry occasionally obscures its inherent magic...This is a family musical with a gorgeous sense of spectacle, as well as being a polished essay in escapism."
Henry Hitchings for The Evening Standard

"The dramatic buzz here is not much better than you’d find at a decent pantomime."
Quentin Letts for The Daily Mail

"While there is a good deal to recommend about this much-anticipated production...I could not help but imagine director Jeremy Sams himself knocking on the doors of Emerald City to ask the great Oz what ingredients would turn his okay show into a great one. How about a big injection of energy and a dose of feeling..."
Lisa Martland for The Stage

"One leaves the theatre humming the tunes and admiring the spectacle. But this finally strikes me as a soullessly efficient production rather than an inspired re-invention of The Wizard of Oz."
Charles Spencer for The Daily Telegraph

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Wizard of OZ (The) (Vers Lloyd Webber) (2013-01-Ed Mirvish Theatre-Toronto)

Type de série: Revival
Théâtre: Ed Mirvish Theatre (Toronto - Canada)
Durée : 4 mois 2 semaines
Nombre :
Première Preview : Thursday 20 December 2012
Première : Sunday 13 January 2013
Dernière : Sunday 02 June 2013
Mise en scène : Jeremy Sams •
Chorégraphie : Arlene Phillips •
Producteur :
Avec : Dorothy Gale ... Danielle Wade / The Wizard & Professor Marvel ... Cedric Smith / Wicked Witch of the West & Miss Gultch ... Lisa Horner / Scarecrow & Hunk ... Jamie McKnight / Tin Man & Hickory ... Mike Jackson / Cowardly Lion & Zeke ... Lee MacDougall / Glinda ... Robin Evan Willis / Uncle Henry ... Larry Mannell / Aunt Em ... Charlotte Moore / Ensemble ... Jordan Bell