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Post by CG on the loose on Mar 17, 2018 23:57:55 GMT
Just remembering that ALW was asked whether anything would come from the Starlight workshop recently at The Other Palace. He said that they were going to put a number of changes worked out there into the long-running production in Germany - which I assume is this one! - and then who knew what might happen after that...
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Post by musicalmarge on Mar 21, 2018 22:36:44 GMT
I got meeeee blah blah blah blaaaaahhhhh
It’s the worst tune ALW has ever written. I’ll scream if they put it in.
And to think they cut Lotta Locomotion!!! GRRRR
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Post by Raven on May 5, 2018 19:27:01 GMT
So, it looks like we are losing both Ashley and Buffy...they are replacing Ashley with Belle and Buffy with a coach called Tassita. Apparently Tassita was used in the London workshop but I never went so someone else may have to enlighten us as to what kind of coach she is. Really not sure I like the thought of there not being either Ashley or Buffy, to be honest. We kind of thought Ashley would go but Buffy too? Not sure how the fans will react to that.
Casting wise a few more names have been confirmed:
Rose Ouellette as Dinah
Georgina Hagen as Pearl
Sjoerd van der Meer as Electra
Ben Carruthers as Caboose
Richard Woodford as Greaseball
Darius James as Flat-Top
Blake Patrick Anderson as Rusty
Daniel Holley as Dustin
I believe Gemma Archer, Lacy Jordinson and Danielle Lockwood are remaining as swings but this has yet to be confirmed. No news as to who Sian Jones or Carla Pullen will play nor the cast of any of the components.
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Post by d'James on May 5, 2018 19:35:19 GMT
Belle was in the workshop too.
Tassita was the quiet carriage.
Reva Rice is playing Momma. Blast from the past.
I hope they don’t use I Got Me as much as they did in the workshop.
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Post by Raven on May 5, 2018 20:03:01 GMT
Tassita was the quiet carriage. So we can expect a lot of singing from her then?  |
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Post by d'James on May 5, 2018 20:05:41 GMT
Tassita was the quiet carriage. So we can expect a lot of singing from her then? Yes that’s what I thought. She kept shushing people until a big number started and she was happily joining in. |
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Post by Deleted on May 6, 2018 0:27:44 GMT
Belle was in the workshop too. Tassita was the quiet carriage. Reva Rice is playing Momma. Blast from the past. I hope they don’t use I Got Me as much as they did in the workshop. Indeed they both were. Pretty small roles in the workshop. Not helped by lack of Girls Rolling Stock. Anyway, anyone going out next weekend for the goodbye shows? Or for the opening weekend of the new version June 16/17?! As a diehard fan have thrown caution to the wind and going out for both! |
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Post by d'James on May 6, 2018 0:36:17 GMT
I heard Girls’ Rolling Stock was only cut on the early UK Tours so they didn’t have to pay the actresses as much.
If true, I hope the rules are different in Germany so it’s never cut; it’s a massive moment (let’s not think too much about how a silent carriage would sing it). Also the German choreography for the song is much better than the last UK Tour version.
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Post by bodobear on May 7, 2018 14:39:02 GMT
Belle was in the workshop too. Tassita was the quiet carriage. Reva Rice is playing Momma. Blast from the past. I hope they don’t use I Got Me as much as they did in the workshop. Indeed they both were. Pretty small roles in the workshop. Not helped by lack of Girls Rolling Stock. Anyway, anyone going out next weekend for the goodbye shows? Or for the opening weekend of the new version June 16/17?! As a diehard fan have thrown caution to the wind and going out for both! I’ll be there for the Goodbye Shows of course and going to the preview on 7th June. Still debating about the 17th but might wait until after the preview and decide then. Seeing Michael having to go on Sunday does not actually make me want to go back as much - in addition to the changes. |
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Post by viserys on May 9, 2018 17:43:15 GMT
So the awful sound is going to get worse. They confirmed that the "orchestra" will be reduced to NINE people. Brass and woodwind are out. I'm sorry but when I revisited the show for the first time in ages last year I was shocked by the sound, so this doesn't bode well. Used to be 22-24 people when the show started.
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Post by Deleted on May 9, 2018 18:13:13 GMT
So the awful sound is going to get worse. They confirmed that the "orchestra" will be reduced to NINE people. Brass and woodwind are out. I'm sorry but when I revisited the show for the first time in ages last year I was shocked by the sound, so this doesn't bode well. Used to be 22-24 people when the show started. Hmmmm, mixed feelings about this one. Starlight is an uptempo pop score and I think a heavily synthesised keyboard dominant sound can work well. Certainly IMHO the most recent tour had the smallest band thus far but I thought the sound was epic (better than I have ever heard it in Bochum, though being in a theatre rather than the mini arena of Bochum with it's high ceiling I think makes the sound stronger and heavier - sorry I don't know any technical terms when it comes to sound design!) That said I like my Starlight bold and unsubtle.... HOWEVER, this is probably being done only to save money. Don't get me started on them getting rid of the 6 follow spots and changing to those weak automated ones - could barely see anything in February. Hopefully they've improved them. Also has the cast board in the foyer been mended or been scrapped?! |
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Post by Deleted on May 9, 2018 18:15:50 GMT
Oh the score also sounded great in The Other Palace and this was with an 8 piece I think, 3 keyboards, 2 guitar, 1 bass, drums and that thing that plays the Starlight Express intro. You blow in to it, looks like a microphone lol.
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Post by viserys on May 9, 2018 19:18:02 GMT
Oh the score also sounded great in The Other Palace and this was with an 8 piece I think, 3 keyboards, 2 guitar, 1 bass, drums and that thing that plays the Starlight Express intro. You blow in to it, looks like a microphone lol. OK, well, let's hope it will sound good then. Apparently ALW is heading over himself for a sound check. I was just stunned by how bad it sounded compared to how I remembered it, but perhaps that was just downsizing while using the original score and these are new arrangements. And yea it's about cost cutting, both the orchestra members and the light operators that are being replaced by automatic stuff. Here's the full article, if you're interested: www.waz.de/staedte/bochum/starlight-express-in-bochum-baut-zum-jubilaeum-stellen-ab-id214245449.htmlApparently there's heavy re-decorating going on, not sure if the old cast board will ever return. You will probably see before me as I won't be going til mid-July! |
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Post by Deleted on May 9, 2018 21:21:28 GMT
Oh the score also sounded great in The Other Palace and this was with an 8 piece I think, 3 keyboards, 2 guitar, 1 bass, drums and that thing that plays the Starlight Express intro. You blow in to it, looks like a microphone lol. OK, well, let's hope it will sound good then. Apparently ALW is heading over himself for a sound check. I was just stunned by how bad it sounded compared to how I remembered it, but perhaps that was just downsizing while using the original score and these are new arrangements. And yea it's about cost cutting, both the orchestra members and the light operators that are being replaced by automatic stuff. Here's the full article, if you're interested: www.waz.de/staedte/bochum/starlight-express-in-bochum-baut-zum-jubilaeum-stellen-ab-id214245449.htmlApparently there's heavy re-decorating going on, not sure if the old cast board will ever return. You will probably see before me as I won't be going til mid-July! Really interesting article, thanks for posting. (Just ran the whole thing through Google Translate!). Is interesting isn't it, you never know what is cost cutting for the sake of it and what is embracing new technology. Not a problem unique to Starlight. Re the band, remember when they reduced the Les Mis band and sound was generally inferior. Then they did the new orchestrations for the 25th anniversary and with the smallest band so far it sounded better than ever.... Hope the cast board will still be there - I'll let you know! |
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Post by musicalmarge on May 14, 2018 12:17:15 GMT
Last show last night. Lots of emotion on social media.
Buffet, Ashley, Bobo, Hash and Papa have all been cut in the new show that starts in 3 weeks.
I really hope they don’t destroy the Bochum production!!!!
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Post by bodobear on May 15, 2018 16:12:06 GMT
Great atmosphere in the theatre for the last show!
As far as I know roles will be changed as follows:
- Hip Hoppers changed back to Rockies
- Buffy replaced by Tassita
- Ashley replaced by Belle (as in the workshop)
- Hashamoto renamed to Manga
- Bobo replaced by Coco (female engine)
- Purse cut/merged with Volta
- Killerwatt as new component (similar to Krupp)
- Brexit added as engine
I Got Me will be added as the new song for the carriages.
I wonder if they are changing something about “Pearl” as both Sian and Carla won’t be covering the part next year - even though they’ve both played Pearl for many many years...
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Post by Deleted on May 15, 2018 20:47:01 GMT
Great atmosphere in the theatre for the last show! As far as I know roles will be changed as follows: - Hip Hoppers changed back to Rockies - Buffy replaced by Tassita - Ashley replaced by Belle (as in the workshop) - Hashamoto renamed to Manga - Bobo replaced by Coco (female engine) - Purse cut/merged with Volta - Killerwatt as new component (similar to Krupp) - Brexit added as engine I Got Me will be added as the new song for the carriages. I wonder if they are changing something about “Pearl” as both Sian and Carla won’t be covering the part next year - even though I’ve both played Pearl for many many years... Was also there this weekend, was an incredible atmosphere, had a brilliant time. Although I am always positive about Starlight changes, I did reflect at the time that the current Bochum version will be hard to beat. We shall see! Just hoping it's not changed beyond recognition, though guess that is unlikely. Shall miss the Hoppers. Though I liked the London Rockies, I always found the Bochum costumes with the massive headgear quite ugly. Was quite sad at the "RIP Hoppers" HH1 said at the end of Right Place.... The rest of the character changes am not so worried about, though will take time to get used to no Ashley or Buffy. |
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Post by Deleted on May 16, 2018 10:47:38 GMT
Great atmosphere in the theatre for the last show! As far as I know roles will be changed as follows: - Hip Hoppers changed back to Rockies - Buffy replaced by Tassita - Ashley replaced by Belle (as in the workshop) - Hashamoto renamed to Manga - Bobo replaced by Coco (female engine) - Purse cut/merged with Volta - Killerwatt as new component (similar to Krupp) - Brexit added as engine I Got Me will be added as the new song for the carriages. I wonder if they are changing something about “Pearl” as both Sian and Carla won’t be covering the part next year - even though I’ve both played Pearl for many many years... Was also there this weekend, was an incredible atmosphere, had a brilliant time. Although I am always positive about Starlight changes, I did reflect at the time that the current Bochum version will be hard to beat. We shall see! Just hoping it's not changed beyond recognition, though guess that is unlikely. Shall miss the Hoppers. Though I liked the London Rockies, I always found the Bochum costumes with the massive headgear quite ugly. Was quite sad at the "RIP Hoppers" HH1 said at the end of Right Place.... The rest of the character changes am not so worried about, though will take time to get used to no Ashley or Buffy. Posted a review over on Belle's Domain if anyone interested.... |
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Post by musicalmarge on May 16, 2018 17:46:34 GMT
Was also there this weekend, was an incredible atmosphere, had a brilliant time. Although I am always positive about Starlight changes, I did reflect at the time that the current Bochum version will be hard to beat. We shall see! Just hoping it's not changed beyond recognition, though guess that is unlikely. Shall miss the Hoppers. Though I liked the London Rockies, I always found the Bochum costumes with the massive headgear quite ugly. Was quite sad at the "RIP Hoppers" HH1 said at the end of Right Place.... The rest of the character changes am not so worried about, though will take time to get used to no Ashley or Buffy. Posted a review over on Belle's Domain if anyone interested.... The new song “I got Me” is HORRIBLE! And repeated soooooo many times in interludes and races and the melody is monotonous and soooo annoying! |
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Post by d'James on May 16, 2018 18:49:08 GMT
Posted a review over on Belle's Domain if anyone interested.... The new song “I got Me” is HORRIBLE! And repeated soooooo many times in interludes and races and the melody is monotonous and soooo annoying! It was repeated far too much and meant other good bits got cut. The night I saw it there was basically no remaining ‘Engine of Love’ melody (which comes in many different songs) - so sad. |
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Post by bodobear on Jun 4, 2018 7:58:01 GMT
 So instead of Tassita they went for the name “Carrie”. A female Rocky, a male Volta, a female engine (and an additional engine). So basically what could be expected from the workshop. |
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Post by Raven on Jun 4, 2018 14:45:45 GMT
I wonder why they have suddenly decided to have an alternate for Greaseball and Electra?
Still think Volta should have been kept as a female role but fair enough.
It'll be interesting to see what people think of the new show overall.
Also, I always wonder what's the reasoning behind putting once primary cast members to swings, like Carla and Sian?
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Post by bodobear on Jun 4, 2018 15:06:29 GMT
I wonder why they have suddenly decided to have an alternate for Greaseball and Electra? Still think Volta should have been kept as a female role but fair enough. It'll be interesting to see what people think of the new show overall. Also, I always wonder what's the reasoning behind putting once primary cast members to swings, like Carla and Sian? The whole casting thing was very confusing this year. Richard was supposed to be Greaseball and Ben Caboose and then they suddenly changed everything back so maybe they offered Richard the “alternate” part instead so he’d stay in the cast? Just guessing here. I agree about Volta. Wrench I was always fine with being covered by male and female but Volta always was a female character for me. Sian actually asked to be a swing again this year. I don’t know about Carla though. I’ll see the new show on Thursday and I’m getting quite excited now. |
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Post by Raven on Jun 4, 2018 17:45:16 GMT
I wonder why they have suddenly decided to have an alternate for Greaseball and Electra? Still think Volta should have been kept as a female role but fair enough. It'll be interesting to see what people think of the new show overall. Also, I always wonder what's the reasoning behind putting once primary cast members to swings, like Carla and Sian? The whole casting thing was very confusing this year. Richard was supposed to be Greaseball and Ben Caboose and then they suddenly changed everything back so maybe they offered Richard the “alternate” part instead so he’d stay in the cast? Just guessing here. I agree about Volta. Wrench I was always fine with being covered by male and female but Volta always was a female character for me. Sian actually asked to be a swing again this year. I don’t know about Carla though. I’ll see the new show on Thursday and I’m getting quite excited now. Yeah, if any of the components were to have been changed to a male role the obvious one to me would have been Wrench, but hey ho!
Perhaps Sian asked as she likes the variation? Or maybe being a swing just means she gets a break (as she's not scheduled for every show) especially since she spent all of last year in the first cast for Ashley whilst also covering other roles, and the show is so physically demanding. Might give her some flexibility to do another job too if financially she feels she needs it. I do recall from watching her old v-logs that she used to juggle another job at MAC as well as starring in Starlight so it's possible.
Ooh, well do report back! I'll be looking forward to hearing what you think!
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Post by Raven on Jun 4, 2018 21:06:41 GMT
First preview on 6th June has been cancelled.
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