That's good. It wasn't there when I looked this morning. Off to have a read.

Thanks Nina and Paul. Is Escamillo a small part, I've discovered that he's in two of the acts? How long do you think he'll be on stage for? Husband isn't keen on opera and if Darius isn't on stage for long, I'm wondering if it's better to hold my 'persuasion' for something else. Sue

I don't know much about opera, but I believe it is the lead, so he should be around quite a bit Sue :)

He's in 3 of the 4 acts. Carmen and Jose are the hub of the opera. Escamillo and Micaëla the next biggest characters. I think it'll be well worth watching. You'll find you know a lot of the music. I'm interested to see what the fight scene in Act 3 will be like. There are some beautiful peices in this. I'd not want to miss this just in case he decides not to do more opera. Even if he does, this is the first and I think you'd regret missing it.

 

Besides, you'll get to meet up with us lot again.

Theatre Mania

 

http://www.theatermania.com/london/news/04...-lon_26626.html

yet, once again why am i sort of dreading it..I know he will do a great job, that voice is undeniabley fabulous - but i always see the vultures closing in to take him down a peg or two. Oh the joy if he converts the doubters like he did in GWTW

He's in 3 of the 4 acts. Carmen and Jose are the hub of the opera. Escamillo and Micaëla the next biggest characters. I think it'll be well worth watching. You'll find you know a lot of the music. I'm interested to see what the fight scene in Act 3 will be like. There are some beautiful peices in this. I'd not want to miss this just in case he decides not to do more opera. Even if he does, this is the first and I think you'd regret missing it.

 

Besides, you'll get to meet up with us lot again.

I agree with all Meg says above and don't forget you'll get to see me again, which surely is worth attending on it's own Sue :D

Hi Paul.

 

Another link for Darius

 

http://kidbeats.posterous.com/darius-campb...his-opera-debut

Thanks Meg :)

On Broadway world now

 

http://westend.broadwayworld.com/article/D...na_523_20100415

 

ARMEN at London's O2 Arena, 5/23

 

Feedback Printer-Friendly E-Mail Article

Enter Your E-Mail Address:

Thursday, April 15, 2010; Posted: 04:04 PM - by BWW News Desk

 

 

 

 

Whatsonstage.com is reporting that on May 23, Darius Campbell will play the role of Escamillo in Bizet's CARMEN at London's O2 Arena. The production, directed by David Freeman, will run from May 21-23.

 

Darius Campbell (born Darius Campbell-Danesh) is a Scottish singer, songwriter, and West End stage actor who was previously known professionally as Darius Danesh or Darius. He rose to fame in 2002 after finishing in third place on the British TV talent show "Pop Idol." His first, self-penned single "Colourblind" entered the UK singles chart at number one, and his debut album went platinum under the guidance of producer Steve Lillywhite. He has had five UK Top Ten singles.

 

Campbell had two West End runs in CHICAGO during 2005-2006, and at 25, officially became the youngest actor to fill the role of Billy Flynn since the show first opened on Broadway in 1975.

 

In 2007 he starred as Sky Masterson in Michael Grandage's Olivier Award winning production of Guys and Dolls. Later that year he reprised his role of Billy Flynn for the 10th Anniversary charity performance of CHICAGO in London, to benefit the charities Breast Cancer Haven and Breast Health Institute.

 

In 2008 he returned to London's West End to originate the role of Rhett Butler in Sir Trevor Nunn's musical adaptation of GONE WITH THE WIDND. It officially opened at the New London Theatre on 22 April 2008, the production closing on 14 June, 2008, after 79 performances (including previews).

 

In 2009 he guest-starred in episode six of the fourth series of the BBC show "Hotel Babylon," starring as Gennaro Fazio, an Italian magazine editor.

 

In January and February 2010 Campbell competed in and won the UK's ITV1 show "Popstar to Operastar," in which eight pop stars were trained to perform world-famous opera arias; the pop stars being mentored by tenor Rolando Villazon and Katherine Jenkins. He won the final show against BErnie Nolan after the other six pop stars were voted out by the public.

 

For more information, visit www.whatsonstage.com.

Wendy, Allison and I are now booked - Block 101, Row H... really looking forward to this and seeing everyone again!! :D

 

Julie

Great news for D, but I'm very unsure about travelling so far for something that really doesn't appeal to me.

I've never liked opera, although this show sounds very visual as well. The rest of the family are all tied up

that day, so I'd be travelling alone ( the part across London discourages me).

So I think I'll give it a miss and wait for the tour, which will hopefully be the side of D that I like.

I definitely would have been there if I'd been in the UK.

 

 

 

I'd have really liked to see where Darius's starting point is in the world of Opera.

 

It was so interesting plotting his progress through MT. I could see real changes between earlier and later performances in his first run as Billy Flynn and thereafter I got more and more awed with every role. I'd say Escamillo is "onstage" less often than Billy Flynn.

 

Will Darius's "operatic" voice stand comparison with the professional opera singers around him? Will the charm, humour and fantastic stage presence demonstrated on stage transfer to a large arena like the O2? I'm pretty sure he'll rise to the challenge.

 

Which parts of Carmen will be changed to dialogue? I hope this version retains the short duet between Escamillo and Don Jose (tenor). I like hearing how his voice works with other individuals and in chorus with others, because Darius has done so little of that before.

 

Sadly the fight is not with swords but more of a scuffle with knives.

 

Shame I think Darius would wield a sword/cutlass with some style

You'll never know until you try. I'm diving in. I'd hate to regret not doing so.

My Tickets arrived today hope to see some of you there will be a great day out havnt been to the Dome Since the Mellenium Exhibition.

Neither have I Chris.

You'll never know until you try. I'm diving in. I'd hate to regret not doing so.

Couldn't resist in the end! Husband reluctantly agreed, if we do it all in one day. So we're spending what would have been the hotel money on taxi fares to make it easier for me. Only hope there are no problems with the trains like last time.

Had to book via the disability line so don't think the seats are particularly good, but never mind it will certainly be an experience to remember. Who would have thought we'd ever be watching an opera with Darius in it? Goes to show you never know what's round the corner. Sue

If it's his only turn at opera, I'd kick myself for missing it.

quote PIP yet, once again why am i sort of dreading it..I know he will do a great job, that voice is undeniabley fabulous - but i always see the vultures closing in to take him down a peg or two. Oh the joy if he converts the doubters like he did in GWTW. It seems not if Broadway world MB is to go by.

Have I missed something?