3,761 posts
|
Post by anthony40 on Jul 28, 2023 10:27:51 GMT
BatBoy- The Musical
Just been announced for the London Palladium on 31st October 2023.
The cult classic Bat Boy: The Musical descends on the London Palladium for a Halloween concert with Jordan Luke Gage (Bonnie and Clyde, Heathers) appearing as fans have never seen him before in the transformational title role. Joining him in the star-studded cast are two-time Olivier Award nominee Victoria Hamilton-Barritt (Cinderella, In The Heights), Trevor Dion Nicholas (Hamilton, Next To Normal) and Jodie Steele (Bonnie and Clyde, Heathers).
The rock horror musical with music and lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe (Heathers, Legally Blonde) first premiered on Halloween in 1997. Since then, Bat Boy has garnered a devoted following with its award-winning off-Broadway and West End runs and addictive soundtrack.
Edgar (Gage) is a half boy/half bat creature who is discovered in a cave in a rural American town. The local sheriff brings Bat Boy to the home of the town veterinarian, Dr. Parker (Nicholas), where he is eventually accepted as a member of the family by the veterinarian’s wife, Meredith (Hamilton-Barritt), and teenage daughter, Shelley (Steele). However, resentment and a dreadful secret about his shocking origins threaten to turn the town, and everyone he loves against him.
Set against a backdrop of a small town ravaged by prejudice, the dark comedy explores themes of fear, acceptance and the consequences of othering, questioning what it means to be ‘normal’.
A new obsession for musical fans to sink their teeth into and a bloody brilliant way to spend Halloween.
|
|
7,509 posts
|
Post by alece10 on Jul 28, 2023 10:31:34 GMT
I saw this at Southwark Playhouse years ago. Don't remember much about it but think it was a bit bonkers.
I also think that Jordan is a talented performer but he seems to be in everything these days but I'm sure his fans will.be happy.
|
|
2,563 posts
|
Post by viserys on Jul 28, 2023 10:38:14 GMT
he seems to be in everything these days but I'm sure his fans will.be happy. That's why, isn't it? Same with Carrie Hope Fletcher. Cast people with many intense fans and half the tickets ares selling themselves. |
|
1,098 posts
|
Post by theatrefan62 on Jul 28, 2023 11:09:49 GMT
he seems to be in everything these days but I'm sure his fans will.be happy. That's why, isn't it? Same with Carrie Hope Fletcher. Cast people with many intense fans and half the tickets ares selling themselves. Except in CHFs case that doesn't seem to happen anymore aside a one nighter. There is a new batch of young social media driven stars in town. |
|
3,761 posts
|
Post by anthony40 on Jul 28, 2023 11:12:13 GMT
I saw this at Southwark Playhouse years ago. Don't remember much about it but think it was a bit bonkers. I saw it too. You're right, it was bonkers. In fact so much so that I didn't really enjoy it. It was the next show after Dogfight, which I loved. I remember when I saw BatBoy that the female lead from Dogfight was in the audience. |
|
2,348 posts
|
Post by zahidf on Jul 28, 2023 12:40:08 GMT
I saw this years ago at Shaftesbury Avenue theatre and then Southwark. Its very funny, but surprised its being done as a concert
|
|
|
|
Post by Matt on Jul 28, 2023 13:20:44 GMT
My favourite show of all time. I was there at the Shaftesbury a couple of times a week with maximum 100 others, it just really did not sell well! But it’s incredibly funny with a brilliant score.
I’m really not a fan of Jodie Steele so I hope I can still enjoy it to its full potential. I don’t mind Jordan Luke Gage, so I’m staying open minded about this. The dream would have been to get Deven May and Emma Williams back.
|
|
|
|
Post by toomasj on Jul 28, 2023 13:58:56 GMT
Didn’t Emma Williams do this originally? Thought she was terrific
|
|
258 posts
|
Post by notmymuse on Jul 28, 2023 15:38:28 GMT
Didn’t Emma Williams do this originally? Thought she was terrific She did. I remember a really interesting interview with her some time after where she spoke about what it was like to play to very small houses (I think they had about 60 in some nights) in a big theatre, and how it was harder still when she really loved the show. Someone needs to give her a major part in something again soon. Or maybe someone could write a new song for the Sound of Music if/when it transfers and give that to her... |
|
|
|
Post by mattnyc on Jul 28, 2023 16:27:20 GMT
The original 2001 production at the Union Square Theater was one of the wildest, funniest things I’d ever seen & I completely understood the cult following the show got.
I wish I was in town for this concert since not only would I love to hear the score done live again but to see if the material as a whole, holds up.
|
|
|
|
Post by partytentdown on Jul 28, 2023 18:33:44 GMT
I read somewhere that they had been doing some re-writes and workshops in NYC pre-Covid with the intention of a new run there, which didn't materialise. I wonder if this will be a testing ground for these changes?
|
|
850 posts
|
Post by BVM on Jul 28, 2023 19:16:18 GMT
Prince JLG and Queen VHB?! Take my money!
Edit - though do hope she’ll still have time for a triumphant turn as alternate Norma Desmond!
|
|
1,510 posts
|
Post by anita on Jul 29, 2023 9:31:44 GMT
I saw it at the Shaftesbury theatre .- loved it. Even went to the CD signing at Dress Circle.
|
|
1,098 posts
|
Post by theatrefan62 on Jul 29, 2023 16:11:23 GMT
Didn’t Emma Williams do this originally? Thought she was terrific She did. I remember a really interesting interview with her some time after where she spoke about what it was like to play to very small houses (I think they had about 60 in some nights) in a big theatre, and how it was harder still when she really loved the show. Someone needs to give her a major part in something again soon. Or maybe someone could write a new song for the Sound of Music if/when it transfers and give that to her... She's really had some bad luck since chitty launched her. She got down to final 2 or 3 (I forget which) in the original Mary Poppins, then there was the whole Maria debacle. Roles that could have propelled her forward. Although I'm sure she said in an interview she likes to orginate roles though (may have been the musical talk podcast many years ago). She was brilliant in Love Story, Zorro and even Desperately Seeking Susan. Emma Williams to me is the big west end star that no one knows about. She'd make a great Anna in the King and I, and should have been Fantine by now (not like Cam Mack can't miss her, she used to work in his offices). |
|
1,445 posts
Member is Online
|
Post by steve10086 on Jul 29, 2023 16:23:37 GMT
Their choice, but never understood actors who follow this. Why deny yourself some great roles? Even Elaine Paige knew what an opportunity Norma Desmond was, and it finally took her to Broadway.
|
|
|
|
Post by toomasj on Jul 29, 2023 19:59:39 GMT
She did. I remember a really interesting interview with her some time after where she spoke about what it was like to play to very small houses (I think they had about 60 in some nights) in a big theatre, and how it was harder still when she really loved the show. Someone needs to give her a major part in something again soon. Or maybe someone could write a new song for the Sound of Music if/when it transfers and give that to her... She's really had some bad luck since chitty launched her. She got down to final 2 or 3 (I forget which) in the original Mary Poppins, then there was the whole Maria debacle. Roles that could have propelled her forward. Although I'm sure she said in an interview she likes to orginate roles though. She was brilliant in Love Story, Zorro and even Desperately Seeking Susan. Emma Williams to me is the big west end star that no one knows about. She'd make a great Anna in the King and I, and should have been Fantine by now (not like Cam Mack can't miss her, she used to work in his offices). Chitty was her breakthrough role in theatre, but she actually got that job directly off the back of a supporting part in a Steve Coogan movie called “The Parole Officer”, where she played a teenage tear away/joyrider, which the casting director happened to see prior to Emma’s audition. Having chatted with Emma several times in the past (lovely Yorkshire lass) it’s very true she wants to ideally originate roles. I’ve heard this from several actors and actresses I’ve known - especially ones who have gotten a bit disillusioned with the business (I’m not saying this is true in Emma’s case) and feel undervalued as a take-over artist in long-runners. You are very much a cog in a well oiled machine, acting and singing by numbers with very little creative input. The resident director and dance captain’s job is to make you do it exactly the same as the last person, in most cases, right down to specific gestures. I think that can be limiting for actors and actresses who want to experience a creative journey from book to rehearsal room to stage. |
|
3,927 posts
|
Post by Dawnstar on Jul 29, 2023 20:47:45 GMT
Their choice, but never understood actors who follow this. Why deny yourself some great roles? Even Elaine Paige knew what an opportunity Norma Desmond was, and it finally took her to Broadway. Evidently someone has shown this discussion to Emma Williams, or she reads the site herself, because she's replied on Twitter (click on the tweet because her reply includes 2 subsequent tweets). |
|
1,098 posts
|
Post by theatrefan62 on Jul 29, 2023 20:59:26 GMT
Their choice, but never understood actors who follow this. Why deny yourself some great roles? Even Elaine Paige knew what an opportunity Norma Desmond was, and it finally took her to Broadway. Evidently someone has shown this discussion to Emma Williams, or she reads the site herself, because she's replied on Twitter (click on the tweet because her reply includes 2 subsequent tweets). I only seem to get tweets from past years when I click that. I'm on twitter so don't know if that's why Either way, fair enough, let's hope she is back on stage in a leading role soon enough, or at minimum sound of music transfers. She is missed. |
|
3,927 posts
|
Post by Dawnstar on Jul 29, 2023 21:04:54 GMT
I only seem to get tweets from past years when I click that. I'm on twitter so don't know if that's why. Sorry it's not working. I've done a screenshot for those who it's not showing up for.
|
|
|
|
Post by toomasj on Jul 29, 2023 21:09:22 GMT
TSoM is a delicious production and will surely transfer. Hopefully with both Emma and Gina Beck.
Going back on topic, I will definitely be seeing Bat Boy, it’s a very fun show. Haven’t been to the Palladium in a little while either!
|
|
1,445 posts
Member is Online
|
Post by steve10086 on Jul 29, 2023 21:40:09 GMT
Their choice, but never understood actors who follow this. Why deny yourself some great roles? Even Elaine Paige knew what an opportunity Norma Desmond was, and it finally took her to Broadway. Evidently someone has shown this discussion to Emma Williams, or she reads the site herself, because she's replied on Twitter (click on the tweet because her reply includes 2 subsequent tweets). Well that’s exactly the kind of attitude you’d expect from a pro! |
|
|
|
Post by sph on Jul 30, 2023 15:28:47 GMT
I loved Emma Williams in Half a Sixpence, for me she really stole the show with a note-perfect performance and I just sat there thinking what a perfect Mary Poppins she'd be! Very surprised she's never played it as, like mentioned above, Cameron Macintosh does seem to like her. I'm sure I've read something with her mentioning multiple auditions for Glinda in Wicked too.
As for Batboy, I never knew it played the West End. I'd heard of it but I'm not overly familiar. Upon reading more about it, it seems like something that would do well somewhere like The Turbine.
|
|
416 posts
|
Post by schuttep on Jul 31, 2023 12:38:52 GMT
I saw this Off-Broadway and at the Shaftesbury. I would have gone to the concert performance but, my goodness, have you seen the prices?
|
|
|
|
Post by toomasj on Jul 31, 2023 12:55:44 GMT
I saw this Off-Broadway and at the Shaftesbury. I would have gone to the concert performance but, my goodness, have you seen the prices? Whilst one is never guaranteed a seat, for prior concerts I have waited until very late before booking. For example, Evita matinee tomorrow I picked up a top price £135ish seat for £25 when the offer came through. My advice is to check daily and make sure you’re on mailing lists. I also got “VIP” seats for a charity event once at the Palladium with Angela Lansbury for £75 reduced from £300, which included a meet and greet and champagne reception with Dame Angela herself. This won’t always work if demand is through the roof (Bonnie & Clyde for instance sold out), but I think Bat Boy will struggle to fill the Palladium even as a one-off. Keep checking for deals, I expect to be able to see this from a very good seat for under £50. |
|
647 posts
|
Post by theatremiss on Aug 3, 2023 8:36:36 GMT
Well the prices are again ridiculous for what will be a hastily thrown together concert. I’ve decided if I get to see it I’ll leave it until the last moment like toomasj did with Evita. Side seats in the stalls £87.50……not even a full production, that’s shameful. |
|
7,509 posts
|
Post by alece10 on Aug 3, 2023 11:10:31 GMT
I just had a look at prices. Can only sit in stalls and they are silly money. After all it's a very niche musical with a lead mainly known within MT circles and by the looks of things there hasn't been a big rush for tickets. I'm also going to wait and if not reduced will give it a miss.
|
|
|
|
Post by partytentdown on Aug 3, 2023 14:06:17 GMT
Hate to whinge but I sort of hope that this doesn't sell too well in advance at these prices. The trend for 'concerts' in massive venues that cost the same as or more than fully-staged and rehearsed musicals is starting to feel like a cash grab and it's the same circle of producers who keep doing it. Maybe they will learn that it's better to have accessible pricing from the off than to rely on a ton of discounts at the last minute, which just angers the people who DO buy far in advance.
|
|
647 posts
|
Post by theatremiss on Aug 3, 2023 16:17:56 GMT
It used to be decent prices at Cadogan Hall, but those MT concerts seem to have disappeared now. It’s just the right size and lovely acoustics. I miss seeing the concerts there.
|
|
7,509 posts
|
Post by alece10 on Aug 10, 2023 19:51:24 GMT
Just had a look to see how it is selling and basically it isn't. I'd say about 90% of seats still available. The prices must have to come down surely? £128 for a concert is mad. I'd like to see this so going to wait for some offers.
|
|
|
|
Post by Matt on Sept 29, 2023 21:25:56 GMT
This really isn’t selling well at all. All that’s sold is half the grand circle, the back 3 rows of the royal circle, and a quarter of the stalls. Yet there’s no discounts available anywhere and there’s 5 weeks to go. London theatre direct have stopped selling the grand circle entirely.
I’ve booked for the grand circle and I’m hoping to be moved further down and forward, but when would they usually make a decision to do that? I’d even buy another ticket in the stalls if it was cheap enough.
|
|
