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| (More) Bat Musical musings..... | |
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Scaramouche 04:52 pm UTC 01/02/08 |
| First off, Happy New Year to everyone...let’s hope it’s a good one, without any fear! Some more musings on the Bat musical... I’m remaining optimistic about this, and Jim seems to be putting in a lot of work, with a ‘team’ already assembled; I really hope they can pull it off (ooh..er..missus – LOL). However, Wicked is booked into the Apollo Victoria until late September 2008, and they might even extend yet, so unless a new theatre is chosen, I can’t see Bat opening until Christmas 2008 or early 2009? Of the other big theatres in London,‘Sound of Music’ seems to have a lock on the Palladium for 2008, but I can see Lord of the Rings not lasting at Theatre Royal Drury Lane. The Palace theatre (currently showing Spamalot) probably has the best location (at Cambridge Circus), but the Coliseum on St Martin’s Lane, is a gorgeous theatre. In any case, if Bat is gonna happen, would expect to see an official press release at some point this year, and maybe an official website launched (you taking care of that JD?). In view of this show being perceived (rightly) as a jukebox musical, and therefore songs being ‘shoe horned’ in, I am concerned/intrigued as to what songs are making the cut. Jim originally mentioned Bat 1 & 2 songs, but is he using all of them, or are some being cut? I can’t see Lemon or 2/3 working, but Jim says they’re in. Also can’t see Paradise, Objects, Won’t Quit, Rock N Roll Dreams, Everything Louder working either? Will Bat 3 songs now be considered? Jim has said ‘Pig’ is in, but that was before Meat ‘sneaked’ it onto Bat 3. I can see All Coming Back & Future working, but will they be used? Also, how many ‘new’ songs will be in? Jim has mentioned Pig, Who Needs The Young, What Part of My Body, Still The Children, The Graveyard Shift and now The Devil’s Playground. In addition to that list, I can also see Surf’s Up, Speed of Night & I’ll Kill You If You Don’t Come Back, working really well. In order to alleviate any ‘shoe horn’ suggestions, are lyrics/arrangements likely to change to some of the more ‘established’ Bat 1/2 songs. Does this matter? Will the ‘general’ public notice/care? I personally don’t see a problem with tweaking a ‘few’ lyrics to fit the book, but not large chunks. In regards to arrangements, I’m hoping for some radically new & brilliant stuff from Jim & Steve Margoshes. To also help with the ‘shoe horn’ problem, I think Jim could ‘get away’ with only using Bat, 2/3 and maybe Anything For Love, and then filling the rest of the show with any songs from his catalogue that work/complement the story/book better? If Stephen Clark is now onboard, and streamlining the book, I would have thought the song selection is now final, but then Jim mentions in his last blog, Devil’s Playground, so who knows what stage he’s at with song selection? When the show opens in London, I really do think it will be BIG, and I can then see it working great in Germany, Australia, South Africa & Vegas (following the We Will Rock You model). Not so sure about Broadway, and I wonder if Jim is bothered, after DOTV? I hope Gerald Scarfe is still onboard and coming up with some great images. Wonder if he is doing the poster or Dewynters? Hope concept AND cast CD’s are still being planned. My only doubt for the show (to keep Smeghead happy - LOL), is that (no disrespect intended) I’ve never heard of the producers (Elva Corrie & Frances Perry), and still do wonder if they can come up with the finance (the show seems so elaborate, and therefore very expensive)? I hope they do! | |
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