Hasn't the music for this sequence always been based around "Shine" ? Or did you mean that it's still based around "Shine" but has just been altered a bit ?Deanfan5 wrote:On a musical note Chris Hatt (Musical dirctor) confirmed to me that the melody for the Billy shadow sequence has been recently changed by Martin Koch responsible for 'Musical Supervision and Orchestration'. It is based around 'Shine' and is very melodical and beautiful.
January 2014 Reviews - London
Re: January 2014 Reviews - London
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dancingboy
- Billy
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Re: January 2014 Reviews - London
Todd wrote:Hasn't the music for this sequence always been based around "Shine" ? Or did you mean that it's still based around "Shine" but has just been altered a bit ?Deanfan5 wrote:On a musical note Chris Hatt (Musical dirctor) confirmed to me that the melody for the Billy shadow sequence has been recently changed by Martin Koch responsible for 'Musical Supervision and Orchestration'. It is based around 'Shine' and is very melodical and beautiful.
The Shadow Dance music has been rewritten and is similar to what we are used to hearing, but is slightly different. I liked it.
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dancingboy
- Billy
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Re: January 2014 Reviews - London
Thursday 30 January ( matinee)
Last week I wrote that I never tire of watching Redmand and that is true. It is also true that I never tire of writing about him either. His performance at the Thursday matinee was absolutely stunning. To me, there are no other words to describe it. Right from the beginning of the show the energy just oozed out of each and every limb of his body and we in the audience were simply transported sumptuously in to world of Billy Elliot. There were several alternates on view too and despite this ( or maybe because of this, who knows) it made not a jot of difference to everyone's enjoyment of the show.
Redmand used all his experience ( he has, after all been in the show for almost eighteen months now) and marvellous ability to draw the audience in and feel part of the show. Not only is his acting first class, but every step in every number was faultless ( to my eyes anyway). Redmand's reaction after the ovations received following Electricity and at the curtain call said it all really. After Electricity he smiled and nodded his approval. At the curtain calls he smiled again, said 'Thank You' and clapped the audience.
Special thanks also go to Zach, Dayna, the ballet girls and the Ensemble for brightening up yet another cold, wet day in London town, for this was a show that was up there with the best I have seen.
Last week I wrote that I never tire of watching Redmand and that is true. It is also true that I never tire of writing about him either. His performance at the Thursday matinee was absolutely stunning. To me, there are no other words to describe it. Right from the beginning of the show the energy just oozed out of each and every limb of his body and we in the audience were simply transported sumptuously in to world of Billy Elliot. There were several alternates on view too and despite this ( or maybe because of this, who knows) it made not a jot of difference to everyone's enjoyment of the show.
Redmand used all his experience ( he has, after all been in the show for almost eighteen months now) and marvellous ability to draw the audience in and feel part of the show. Not only is his acting first class, but every step in every number was faultless ( to my eyes anyway). Redmand's reaction after the ovations received following Electricity and at the curtain call said it all really. After Electricity he smiled and nodded his approval. At the curtain calls he smiled again, said 'Thank You' and clapped the audience.
Special thanks also go to Zach, Dayna, the ballet girls and the Ensemble for brightening up yet another cold, wet day in London town, for this was a show that was up there with the best I have seen.
Re: January 2014 Reviews - London
And I saw him play the role in Billy Youth Theatre in Poole in May 2011......and noted then that he had 'the gift'. That was quite some time before he rolled up at the VPT:Redmand used all his experience ( he has, after all been in the show for almost eighteen months now) and marvellous ability to draw the audience in and feel part of the show.
That Billy was Redmand.kport
Post subject: Re: Billy Youth Theatre 2011PostPosted: Sun May 08, 2011 4:28 pm
I just returned home from the Poole Youth Theatre performance and it was a triumph. It will he hard to pick out the stars - everyone did a great job - but there were two Billys and at least one Michael who I think may well end up in the London cast, among many others. The Billy who sang and danced 'Electricity' reminded me of a very young diminutive Daniel Russell with some sassy dance moves straight from Kyril Kulish.
_________________
-Bill
Re: January 2014 Reviews - London
Thursday Matinee 30th January
I started this review on the flight home this evening. At the point where I was writing about the Boxing scene we entered about five minutes of some pretty heavy turbulence the likes of which I have not encountered previously in our skies. Luckily, the trollies hadn’t quite rolled yet as otherwise it might have been coffee-in-laps time. The seat belt signs lit up like beacons. When they finally went off again a queue for the loo was formed rather quickly, LOL.
I’ve mentioned a few times before that I believe that BETM should be on the National Health but when Redmand Rance, MD (Magic Dispenser), OBE (Outstanding Billy Elliot) entered the theatre of operations this afternoon he was not wearing a white coat, had no stethoscope around his neck and no pen in a hand chomping at the bit to write a prescription for expensive and useless antibiotics. All he brought with him was himself and that was all that was required to rid 1,000 or so “patients” of their ailments. A surgeon, even though he may already have removed 153 appendixes (or should that be appendices?) must apply the same due care and diligence to his 154th. Redmand applies the same criteria. He makes it look easy, of course, but behind each performance lies a well-thought-out and hardworking ethos that results in flawless excellence. It is quite brilliant to watch, absorb and enjoy.
I’m not sure if it is still used these days in dentistry but the type of laughing gas supplied in the early Boxing scene had the desired effect thus imbuing those present with the sense that they were going to have a really great day.
Expressing requires a joint operation and who pops in to oblige? None other than Zach Atkinson, MPC (Master of Pathos and Comedy) to lend his particular expertise to the proceedings. Zach had already had us in stitches in the Boxing scene in another superbly timed piece with Howard’s magnificent George and he was no less impressive as he progressed Billy through his, eh, transformation until he finally turned out the lights to the cheers of a delighted audience.
The new version of the Shadow Dance music is quite delectable now that I have heard it again. Interestingly, it now continues on into the early part of Billy’s “confrontation” with Grandma rather like a film score.
There were quite a few Ensemble members missing but the usual versatility of this great cast meant no problems. In the absence of Anna-Jane and Helen French, Kay Milbourne gave us a splendid classic Mrs. Wilkinson while Claudia Bradley stood expertly in as Dead Mum.
Once again it was Lee Hoy to the fore in a beautiful Dream Ballet with Redmand.
The Ballet Girls wove their own magic spells as required. I’ve never noticed before just how many pigtails seem to be spinning in all directions as if they have been given a new aerial dance all to themselves.
Debbie Dayna is just hopping with energy and vitality and perpetual motion. Great timing, too, in the Toilet scene and a sensational and hilarious piston-like stomping off near the end. I loved it.
At the end of the day, though, you just have to hand it to Redmand. Some surgeons have just one area of expertise. Redmand specialises in acting, singing and dancing but he also fixes hearts, souls and minds with his unique operative skills. I cannot even begin to express in words the quality of enjoyment I got out of being present at today’s show. Scene after scene of immense pleasure, fun, emotional turbulence, an incredible Angry Dance and an Electricity of such power, poise, beauty, class and elegance that brought the house down and, as if that wasn’t enough, we were further rewarded in abundance with a smile that would have got Lazarus up and ready to Boogie. It is the Chrysalis Experience in action.
Pat
I started this review on the flight home this evening. At the point where I was writing about the Boxing scene we entered about five minutes of some pretty heavy turbulence the likes of which I have not encountered previously in our skies. Luckily, the trollies hadn’t quite rolled yet as otherwise it might have been coffee-in-laps time. The seat belt signs lit up like beacons. When they finally went off again a queue for the loo was formed rather quickly, LOL.
I’ve mentioned a few times before that I believe that BETM should be on the National Health but when Redmand Rance, MD (Magic Dispenser), OBE (Outstanding Billy Elliot) entered the theatre of operations this afternoon he was not wearing a white coat, had no stethoscope around his neck and no pen in a hand chomping at the bit to write a prescription for expensive and useless antibiotics. All he brought with him was himself and that was all that was required to rid 1,000 or so “patients” of their ailments. A surgeon, even though he may already have removed 153 appendixes (or should that be appendices?) must apply the same due care and diligence to his 154th. Redmand applies the same criteria. He makes it look easy, of course, but behind each performance lies a well-thought-out and hardworking ethos that results in flawless excellence. It is quite brilliant to watch, absorb and enjoy.
I’m not sure if it is still used these days in dentistry but the type of laughing gas supplied in the early Boxing scene had the desired effect thus imbuing those present with the sense that they were going to have a really great day.
Expressing requires a joint operation and who pops in to oblige? None other than Zach Atkinson, MPC (Master of Pathos and Comedy) to lend his particular expertise to the proceedings. Zach had already had us in stitches in the Boxing scene in another superbly timed piece with Howard’s magnificent George and he was no less impressive as he progressed Billy through his, eh, transformation until he finally turned out the lights to the cheers of a delighted audience.
The new version of the Shadow Dance music is quite delectable now that I have heard it again. Interestingly, it now continues on into the early part of Billy’s “confrontation” with Grandma rather like a film score.
There were quite a few Ensemble members missing but the usual versatility of this great cast meant no problems. In the absence of Anna-Jane and Helen French, Kay Milbourne gave us a splendid classic Mrs. Wilkinson while Claudia Bradley stood expertly in as Dead Mum.
Once again it was Lee Hoy to the fore in a beautiful Dream Ballet with Redmand.
The Ballet Girls wove their own magic spells as required. I’ve never noticed before just how many pigtails seem to be spinning in all directions as if they have been given a new aerial dance all to themselves.
Debbie Dayna is just hopping with energy and vitality and perpetual motion. Great timing, too, in the Toilet scene and a sensational and hilarious piston-like stomping off near the end. I loved it.
At the end of the day, though, you just have to hand it to Redmand. Some surgeons have just one area of expertise. Redmand specialises in acting, singing and dancing but he also fixes hearts, souls and minds with his unique operative skills. I cannot even begin to express in words the quality of enjoyment I got out of being present at today’s show. Scene after scene of immense pleasure, fun, emotional turbulence, an incredible Angry Dance and an Electricity of such power, poise, beauty, class and elegance that brought the house down and, as if that wasn’t enough, we were further rewarded in abundance with a smile that would have got Lazarus up and ready to Boogie. It is the Chrysalis Experience in action.
Pat
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porschesrule
- Site Admin
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Re: January 2014 Reviews - London
Pat,
You have written some wonderfully thought out and whimsical reviews in the past, but this one really did my heart good to read. In fact, reading through it was just what the doctor ordered to give me a sunny disposition. Thanks
You have written some wonderfully thought out and whimsical reviews in the past, but this one really did my heart good to read. In fact, reading through it was just what the doctor ordered to give me a sunny disposition. Thanks
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Westletonion
- Miner
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Re: January 2014 Reviews - London
I agree with Pat's and Dancingboy's sentiments. A phenomenal performance by Redmand. And this coupled with such a good natured geniality and humility: a true professional in every way. I also remember him at that sensational Billy Youth Theatre Gala production at the VPT in July 2011 and thinking at the time what promise this lad has. Several alternates on but I have to say that I think Deka is truly the 'father figure' of this incredible show. He is a performer par excellence and I feel the show, and its longevity, has much to do with his utmost dedication and loyalty to it. Following Pat's medical theme and to an 'alternative practitioner' this show is like Arnica for aching limbs, Levisticum for earache, Bidor for headaches, Calendula for cuts and abrasions, Combudoron for scalds, Equisitum for kidney imbalance, Vitis Comp for the liver, or Homeopathic Gold for the heart all rolled into one!
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Barry Appleby
- George
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Re: January 2014 Reviews - London
Cheers and thanks Pat for another excellent review absolutely loved it, again it’s the way you tell em, yes, another top class! performance from Redmand, I’ve still got great memories of his performance last Thursday. Glad I wasn’t with on that plane Pat, with that turbulence, I hate flying anytime, it always makes my arms ache!