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http://www.accordions.com/news.aspx?d=14-jan-2011&s=3841
http://www.accordions.com/news.aspx?d=14-jan-2011&s=3841
14-Jan-2011
‘Songs From A Hotel Bedroom’, Watford, Ipswich, London - UKby Romano Viazzani |
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| Late autumn saw a new musical based on the music of Kurt Weill called ‘Songs from a Hotel Bedroom’ tour three theatres, opening at the Watford Palace Theatre, then to Ipswich’s New Wolsey Theatre, and ending the run before Christmas at Covent Garden Opera House’s Linbury Theatre. Kurt Weill is perhaps best known for ‘The Threepenny Opera’, from which ‘Mack the Knife’ was transformed into a popular song. That work was from his early period in Germany. ‘Songs from a Hotel Bedroom’ concentrated on songs from the later period (1940s), once he had fled to the USA and collaborated with the likes of Ira Gershwin, Ogden Nash and Alan J. Lerner among others; songs such as ‘September Song’, ‘One Life to Live’ and ‘Speak Low’. The story concerned itself with the life of a songwriter/bandleader Dan (played by West End Star Nigel Richards) and his lover and band singer Angelique (played by Frances Ruffelle – the original Eponine in ‘Les Miserables’, and also the 1994 UK contender for the Eurovision Song Contest), and their life on tour with their band, at first together and then apart. They interpreted the songs with both vocal virtuosity and emotional intensity making their characters compelling to watch. The 7- piece band, which received particular praise with the critics, was on stage being part of the drama throughout the show and included Romano Viazzani on accordion. The beautiful orchestrations were arranged by James Holmes, a hugely experienced MD who works regularly with Sir Simon Rattle and various orchestras such as the LSO, Halle, and CBSO. He also led the band on stage and played the piano. Being a Weill expert and well-versed in the tango genre too it was natural that the production would have a tango element in it. This came in the form of two wonderful tango dancers, Tara Pilbrow and Amir Giles, who often personified the mood and at times became quasi alter egos of the two main characters as well as at times foreshadowing the lovers’ destinies. Kate Flatt, who co-wrote the piece with Peter Rowe and also choreographed and directed the show having previously choreographed ‘Les Miserables’, ‘Turandot’ (Royal Opera House), ‘Peter Grimes’ (Opera North) Verdi’s ‘Requiem’ (ENO). The show was produced by Fiona Mason (SEGUE) and received excellent reviews seeing sell-out performances in Covent Garden. |