Review | WEST END SWITCHED OFF (Album) Vol. 1 - April 2014

At a time when new musicals are struggling to sustain themselves and the old ones are loved - but hardly fresh, the young team behind new album West End Switched Off may have have just come up with a winning formula. Success, at least in this case, is not by risking new, unfamiliar territory but revisiting previous musical triumphs and breathing new life into them with the best from the current West End talent-pool.

Following a launch performance at St James Studio, the first in a series of albums is released. A relatively new company, Parallel Productions - produced by Kris Rawlinson and assisted by Ed Theakston - brings together an incredibly accomplished line up of musicians and performers to arrange musical theatre songs that you know – and a few that you may not – into unheard acoustic, ‘unplugged’ covers.

The popularity of 'Live Lounge' has finally found it's home in the West End and Simon Bailey (I Can't Sing, Phantom Of The Opera, Les Misérables) begins the album with a surprise version of Part Of Your World from The Little Mermaid. A rockier sound to the original, it's fun and a perfect opening song to set the tone for the rest of the album. Traditionally a female song, what this does and what the album continues to do is let anything go, it's experimental and challenges the songs origins, offering a fresh perspective that delights at every moment.

Next, Tori Allen Martin sings Touch Me from Spring Awakening, the song about expressing desires for physical intimacy, not one you'd often find on a musicals compilation, but Martin delivers a sensual, haunting sound that remains lustful with plenty of opportunity for the vocal to simply flow.

Ian Stroughair

From his heavenly performance of Angel in the recent concert tour of RENT, Ian Stroughair hots things up with Judas' Heaven On Their Minds from Jesus Christ Superstar. It's followed by Wicked's Ashleigh Gray with Somewhere Over The Rainbow. You'll have heard several versions but with such faultless vocals, there is every reason for this beautiful rendition to contend with Garland and Cassidy.  Equally as beautiful, Nothing Stops Another Day from Ghost The Musical, effortlessly performed by Ambra Caserotti (RENT, Cockpit Theatre) is next. Fans of Ghost shouldn't notice too much a difference between this and any Molly they've seen on stage - it's just as powerful and if not, more so, given the intimacy of the set-up and expert arrangement.

Dale Evans

The albums biggest change in tone is Dale Evans' Stranger In This World from the Boy George musical Taboo. Evans, who will covering the role of Chris in the revival of Miss Saigon has recently been seen in From Here To Eternity the musical. A recent graduate, there is no inexperience, one of the most powerful performances and definitely one to look out for.

Perhaps the most reinvented song is You Can't Stop The Beat, sung by Hairspray's long-serving Seaweed, Adrian Hansel. What is so clever about this particular track is that it bares resemblance to the slow groove that the kids dance to in the detention scene. In-keeping with the musical's own sound, it is cleverly re-invented, completely relevant and yet couldn't be further from the high energy, no-time-to-breathe finale of the musical.

Defying Gravity... I don't think there's been a musical theatre concert since 2006 that hasn't featured someone trying to belt it out like Idina and yes, it has to be on the album, but here - you're safe. The traditional two-female duet is here performed by Thomas Suttcliffe and Chlöe Hart. The only duet on the album, there's great opportunity for harmony and the mix of male and female voice is a real treat.

Jodie Steele

Currently wowing audiences across the UK as Carmen Diaz on the tour of Fame The Musical is Jodie Steele, riffing her way through Footloose's Lets Hear It For The Boy. This is the track that'll have you tapping your feet, it's girly, it's country, it's fun. She has a phenomenal voice and must return for the second album with a version of Fame's In L.A. - that's my request in!

Katie Hall (Phantom Of The Opera, West Side Story) sings Bring Him Home from Les Misérables and Falsetto King Jordan Lee Davis concludes the album with Summertime - Porgy & Bess. What's great about both of these is that you'll never hear these versions within the musical. Valjean is never going to be female and last time I checked, Jordan Lee Davis wasn't a black woman... it's unique and just an absolute joy to listen to. You'd struggle to find better.

The album's biggest strength is that although these are reduced orchestrations, stripped back and laid bare, each song could easily replace it's original within the musicals. Rawlinson's genius rediscovery of some of theatre's classics allows for much more of the emotion, the original message and the talent to shine through. Nothing is overwhelmed, it's from the heart and this album is the very reminder of the talent in today's West End, both currently and upcoming. If this is just the beginning then I'm very much excited by the future.

CLICK HERE to purchase the album.

Chlöe Hart: "When I was approached about taking part in West End Switched Off and learnt what the concept was I was totally excited, I love the idea of songs being rearranged and interpreted differently, and then I was told which song I would be doing and I got very nervous! It's a very VERY well known song and there have been many versions of it done before. However when I heard the new arrangement I got excited again! It's so different to any other version and Kris Rawlinson, our genius arranger and MD had so many brilliant ideas. He also allowed us all to add our own little touches which means it feels really personal. If you are expecting a generic musicals complication album, this is not the one, but if you want something fresh and innovative then go for it! I don't think you'll be disappointed!"

Hope that WEST END SWITCHED OFF becomes a regular fixture. I'll be back for more if/when it is!
— Mark Shenton (@ShentonStage) April 27, 2014

For more information visit www.parallelproductions.co.uk or follow Parallel on Twitter @ParaProd.

Related Articles

Rebecca Trehearn & Simon Bailey
Album Launch Announcement
Interview With Kris Rawlinson
Gala Launch Announcement

Review | WEST SIDE STORY (UK Tour) April 2014

The highly anticipated fiftieth anniversary production of Bernstein's classic, West Side Story has arrived in Birmingham and with a three week residency at the New Alexandra Theatre, there are few excuses to miss this legendary classic.

 Romeo and Juliet are no longer in Verona, it's 1950's New York and amidst the ill-fated love story for Tony and Maria, their families the Jets and Sharks clash over status. The predictable story is well known and I wouldn't say that it's for this that the people come... Fifty years on, the iconic music of Leonard Bernstein is still as exciting and fresh-feeling as a first night. The music, coupled with Joey McKneely's reproduction of Jerome Robbins' choreography is something very special, the two combine to create a visually stunning production. With little in the way of set it's all about Renate Schmitzer's colourful costumes worn by an incredibly versatile, dynamic and endlessly energetic young cast. 

Louis Maskell is charming as Tony, who's impeccably controlled vocal brings the audience into awe , particuarly during the song Maria, an obvious highlight. Owing to the indisposition of Katie Hall, the role of Maria is played by Charlotte Baptie. Having seen both girls in the role, it is apparent they are of equal worthiness. Baptie impresses with a belting soprano voice, championing her way through classics such as Tonight and I Feel Pretty. The girls, led by Djalenga Scott as Anita are sensationally sexy, sassy and fun addition to the otherwise dark plot. 

The show perhaps belongs to the brilliant boys, rival gangs who fight through dance - adventurous yet  extremely well connected, an incredibly talented line-up. Whilst the stylised flighting is not the most realistic, the artistic values completely outweigh anything else here. However, it is when the entire company unite for the Procession and Nightmare that the spine tingles. 

West Side Story is all about the dance, incredible vocal performances do break through the booming score but ultimately the re-invented, high energy routines are what will stick with you. And a warning, you will walk away whistling and humming the songs for a long while after!

See West Side Story until 19 April at the New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham. Click here for tickets. Read my interview with Katie Hall and Louis Maskell here. 

Photos by Alastair Muir.

View the trailer:

Cast List: Louis Maskell, Katie Hall, Djalenga Scott, Javier Cid, Jack Wilcox, David Delve, Jason Griffiths, Siôn Tudor Owen, Matthew Hawksley, Fraser Fraser, Bruce Aguilar Rohan. Samuel Salter, Scott Rayner, Matthew Croke, Charlie Cameron, Rachel Crocker, Fenia Tsikitikou, Rachel Ensor, Danielle Cato, Niko Wirachman, Sergio Giacomelli, Sergi Terns, Devon McKenzie-Smith, Nathan Ryles, Liam Paul Jennings, Sinead Kenny, Charlotte Baptie, Katie Singh, Challyce Brogdon, Nicola Coates, Lisa Dent, Dom Hodson, Alex Pinder. 

WEST SIDE STORY (UK Tour) Interview with Katie Hall & Louis Maskell

WEST SIDE IN THE WEST MIDLANDS!

Think of mid-century musical theatre and you'd probably think of a tuneful slice of escapism, lavish sets and eye catching costumes... West Side Story's 1957 opening marked a significant departure from that formula and set a new template for the modern musical. Here, 55 years on, the musical sensation with music by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim is once again touring the UK as part of a major revival lead by an all-new energetic young cast, visiting the New Alexandra Theatre in Birmingham in April 2014. 

After an incredible matinee performance in Wimbledon, I caught up with Louis Maskell (Tony) and Katie Hall (Maria) to talk about their time with the show so far:

LM "In the show, Tony is quite an individual, he started the Jets and then left the gang to pursue his dreams and aspirations - obviously in those times that's pretty hard to do. He's a fantastic part to play because he not only oozes this masculinity but he also gets to fall in love... and so quickly, which I think is rather rare these days, that sort of 'love at first sight' moment."

KH "I haven't had one day where I've come into work and thought 'oh God, I've got to sing those songs again...!' it's amazing, and the music is so lovely to sing. Bernstein just knows how to write for the voice, it just feels easy because it's been done so well. I really like I Have A Love, that sits nicely in my voice!" 

LM "It took three very intense auditions to get the role, all of which were very lengthy and included lots of notes and workshopping of ideas. When I got the role, the rehearsals were even more so... actually though, that leant itself to the show which is like that and right from the off there was a sort of tension and an incredible passion, which Tony exudes. I love how sparse it all is too... this staging and  production really lends itself to the dark and gritty story."

KH "I can definitely remember the rehearsal day where me and Louis weren't allowed in the room, they were doing the dance of the Jets and the Sharks and they have to have a fight that's full of racial abuse and the director made them scream at each other and then dance the Mambo and we weren't allowed to see what was going on because our characters aren't part of it and we could hear all of this screaming and were like 'whats going on!?' - scary, it was very method!"

Katie and Louis as Maria and Tony

LM "When creating my version of Tony, there are definitely certain elements of the part that are cemented - you can't just skip on wearing a clown nose... but as an actor I definitely wanted to install elements that I had instinctively. Every actor is different but for this there definitely is a blueprint but within that we were allowed scope to explore. I researched the whole 1950's and read this amazing book called Egyptian Kings about the gangs of New York and learnt a lot, these guys were kind of like those in the London riots a few years ago - these guys weren't bad but they just had to do something to get the attention of the higher powers."

KH "The role of Maria has been quite of a stretch for me... obviously you can see I'm a white blonde girl! She's far from what I'm like, I'm from Peterborough and that's quite far from Puerto Rico! We sat down with our director and just asked ourselves questions like 'What was it like in America at the time, who was there?' and it didn't matter if it wasn't true fact it just helped us to gain a broader knowledge of things. I didn't read books like Louis did..."

KH "I've just come out of a 16 month tour of The Phantom Of The Opera and now I'm back on the road, but before that I did the tour of Les Misérables so I've basically been on tour for the last three years of my life! I like being on the road, it's fine... but I sort of miss home sometimes. The atmosphere within a touring company though is nicer compared to doing a show in town (London), because you're living, travelling and working with one another all the time so the relationships are a lot closer and we're more like a family and I quite like that about it. They're a really good bunch of people and I love working with them!"

This fantastic production of West Side Story plays at the New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham for three weeks from 1 - 19 April 2014. Book tickets online here, in person at the Box Office or by calling 0844 871 3011. One not to be missed! 

Photos by Alastair Muir.

Cast List: Louis Maskell, Katie Hall, Djalenga Scott, Javier Cid, Jack Wilcox, David Delve, Jason Griffiths, Siôn Tudor Owen, Matthew Hawksley, Fraser Fraser, Bruce Aguilar Rohan. Samuel Salter, Scott Rayner, Matthew Croke, Charlie Cameron, Rachel Crocker, Fenia Tsikitikou, Rachel Ensor, Danielle Cato, Niko Wirachman, Sergio Giacomelli, Sergi Terns, Devon McKenzie-Smith, Nathan Ryles, Liam Paul Jennings, Sinead Kenny, Charlotte Baptie, Katie Singh, Challyce Brogdon, Nicola Coates, Lisa Dent, Dom Hodson, Alex Pinder. 

PARALLEL PRODUCTIONS GALA LAUNCH (The Battersea Barge) West End Switched Off

On Wednesday 4th September 2013 Parallel Productions present their official Gala Launch at the Battersea Barge. The launch event will be a fusion of cabaret and concert, musical theatre and acoustic arrangements. The evening will host a cast of established musical theatre performers, alongside new talent, singing stripped back acoustic versions of musical theatre songs.

Leading the star cast will be Jordan Lee Davies, recently seen on the BBC’s The Voice, as Alan in Bare the Rock Musical, and as Dickon in The Secret Garden. Also confirmed for the initial line up are Jeremy Legat (Frank Cioffi in Curtains, Boq in Wicked), Sabrina Aloueche (Scaramouche in We Will Rock You, Eponine in Les Misérables) and Ambra Caserotti (Lead Vocalist for Streets Project, Joanne in Rent).

Jordan Lee Davies said: "I think the audience are going to love some of the new arrangements of what are staple musical theatre songs. They will be given the 'live lounge' effect." 

The event will also act as the launch for Parallel Productions' project West End Switched Off. This is an exciting series of concerts and recordings that arrange musical theatre into acoustic, 'unplugged' covers, collaborating with a wealth of talented musicians and performers. 

Some of the voices you can expect to hear on the album!

The first album is currently in production and will feature Ian Stroughair (Angel in the 20th anniversary tour of Rent), Dale Evans (Matt in Bare, Onstage Swing in From Here To Eternity), Tori Allen- Martin (founder of Interval Productions, writer and vocalist for Streets Project, Mimi in Rent), Simon Bailey (Jeff in [title of show], Enjolras in Les Misérables, Raoul in The Phantom of the Opera) , Katie Hall (Maria in West Side Story, Christine in The Phantom Of The Opera), Adrian Hansel (Seaweed in Hairspray, Rusty in Starlight Express) and more!

Also featuring on the album is Chlöe Hart who made her West End debut as Tracy Turnblad in Hairspray. She has since appeared in Les Misérables and is currently in Wicked at the Apollo Victoria Theatre. Chlöe said: "When I was approached about taking part in West End Switched Off and learnt what the concept was I was totally excited, I love the idea of songs being rearranged and interpreted differently, and then I was told which song I would be doing and I got very nervous! It's a very VERY well known song and there have been many versions of it done before. However when I heard the new arrangement I got excited again! It's so different to any other version and Kris Rawlinson, our genius arranger and MD had so many brilliant ideas. He also allowed us all to add our own little touches which means it feels really personal. If you are expecting a generic musicals complication album, this is not the one, but if you want something fresh and innovative then go for it! I don't think you'll be disappointed!"

Just had a right laugh recording my track for @WEswitchedoff with @krisrawlinson #lovebeinginthestudio!
— Chloe Hart (@ChloeSJHart) August 19, 2013

Speaking about the company, Ed Theakston (Assistant Producer/Managing Director) said: "As a young company, we've been incredibly lucky to have so much support from so many talented people, particularly our guests on West End Switched Off. They are as thrilled as us because the producer and musical director Kris Rawlinson has come up with a genuinely brilliant idea. From the recording that has already been done, the album is going to be something very special which really sets the tone for our live gigs. This launch really is just the beginning for us. Some majorly exiting things are in the works. We can't wait to share it all with our audiences."

We're making lots of exciting plans for our Launch... Who's excited? We are! Get your tickets for the 4th Sept here: http://t.co/Y5djBFgnZV
— WESTENDswitchedoff (@WEswitchedoff) August 22, 2013

You can book tickets for the gala launch featuring Jordan Lee Davies, Sabrina Aloueche, Jeremy Legat and Ambra Caserotti at the Battersea Barge here. For more information, visit the website.

Review | THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA (UK Tour) March 2013

A year after opening in Plymouth, Cameron Mackintosh's new touring production of The Phantom Of The Opera has finally opened in Birmingham. Press Night was a most memorably celebrated event as the last venue of the tour and that Cameron Mackintosh appeared at a gala evening hosted by the theatre. The celebrations in Birmingham ran simultaneously with the 11,000th performance of the show at Her Majesty's Theatre in London.

I'm not unfamiliar with The Phantom Of The Opera but last night was the first time I had actually seen the show on stage and perhaps this worked in my favour as regular 'phans' were quick to compare with "the brilliant original". This is a complete re-staging of the London production and with some members of the original creative team sadly no longer with us, fresh eyes have re-imagined Andrew Lloyd Webber's masterpiece.

Sitting directly underneath lot 666, the chandelier of the Paris Opera House as it illuminates during the chilling overture is just one of those theatrical moments you don't forget. The staging and Paul Brown's set is of magnificent proportions. From the beautifully detailed backcloths and opulence of a gold proscenium the set revolves to reveal dark and dirty backstage corridors and a crumbling fly-floor. There are floating candles above a stairway of planks down to the Phantom's lair seeming to appear magically out of the wall as he and Christine descend.

The scene that I've heard does suffer from the confines of touring (and this production does well to eradicate any touring limits) is the Masquerade ballroom. Grand in its use of gold statues and mirrors, there is no staircase as in Maria Björnson's original and for the Phantom's interruption a plainer alternative to the skull mask. But not having seen the original I could fully appreciate it's beauty. The effects are second to none, not only does the Phantom's ability to produce fireballs from the floor heat things up but the spectacular finale to Act I sees the fate of the chandelier explode in spectacular fashion. The grandeur of the design combined with Paule Constable's lighting and Mick Potter's beautiful yet haunting sound ensures that you don't get better touring productions than this - it's far superior.

Angela M Caeser is impeccably trained and impresses as Carlotta - also providing the comedic moments which is welcome relief from the warnings of Buquet (Lee Ormsby) and the cold, draconian Madame Giry (Elizabeth Marsh). Simon Bailey is Raoul and presents a solid character, mastering the vocals and providing Christine with a desirable lover. Katie Hall is the beautiful soprano and her Christine is reminiscent of Sierra Boggess at the world-renowned 25th Anniversary performance. At her most passionate and endearing in 'Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again'. Hall's duets with Bailey emanate a beautiful romance but with the Phantom vocals are tested chillingly to the extreme. Earl Carpenter first took over the role of the Phantom full time in the London production in 2005 - giving over 1000 performances. This experience is most evident in his expert portrayal. Caring and passionate, frightening and desperate - every phase of this Phantom's struggle leaves your heart aching.

Cameron Mackintosh

The Birmingham Hippodrome is the final venue of the UK Tour before plans of moving to America. This new production of the Phantom Of The Opera can only be seen until 4th May 2013. Book tickets here. 

Promotional Tour Trailer: