The first, and probably the most disappointing was the latest incarnation of JOSEPH AND HIS AMAZING TECHNICOLOUR DREAMCOAT. Cast via a reality TV show, it had a lot of crossed messages for me, and some rather hammy acting. But what can you say when there's a full house? From the ridiculous to the sublime the next night to ELAINE STRITCH AT THE LIBERTY. This was amazing. Here was this 83-year-old matriarch of the Broadway stage, giving a 2-hours plus performance, accompanied only by a small band, telling tales of her life, singing the songs, and dancing. Hope I can do something remotely like at that at her age!
Next was an excellent 2-man production up at the New End theatre in Hampstead of a play called HALPERN AND JOHNSON. Florence has died, and at the grave are her husband of over 50 years, and her male 'friend' of even longer. Fascinating stuff, and beautifully performed. So that was the Saturday matinee, leaving time in the evening for a new West End musical, ZORRO. Plenty of swashbukling and fun; could have a decent run. Apart from the fact that one part of the set stuck for half-an-hour, it went along with style.
And so to Sunday at 5pm up at Sadler's Wells Theatre to a brilliant new production of WEST SIDE STORY. An international cast, with a super clever set, recreating the original concept but in the year 2008,in a season that is justifiably 'sold out'.
