July 2, 200718 yr Author Ivce watched the film also and I thought Marlon Brandos Sky was pretty pedestrian throughout. Changing the subject went to the local theatre in Torquay last night and noticed that Chicago is coming in November, must be the official tour as the pictures are the same as the website. Changing the subject again the show I saw was Thoroughly modern Millie performed by the local amater Society. I went because it had a review by a man who said it was befitting of the westend and it was. It was superb, the six main leads were all brilliant singers and actors and it definitely held its own with any show I have seen in the westend including Guys and dolls. Just shows what untapped talent there is in the amateur ranks.
July 3, 200718 yr Why they cast Marlon Brando in that role, I don't know. He was a good actor but just seemed so unsuited to this role.
July 3, 200718 yr Author Perhaps they thought his name would guarantee audiences. Its amazing the number of "STARS" who are there as it were because of blanket promotion but little talent.
July 3, 200718 yr Marlon Brando was THE most bankable leading actor at that time and in addition, the movie moguls and producers had their key promotional soundbite all ready as soon as he accepted the role - "Brando sings" - hoping it would be as big a curiosity draw as "Garbo speaks." In fact, according to the bonus material on the DVD, Brando just couldn't sing and what we hear in the film is actually cut and splice of many different takes. His dancing is only just passable and that's maybe one reason why extra dialogue was added to pad out the Cuban scene. It may however have been a sop for his ego because Sinatra had been given a new song "Adelaide" to sing to bolster his part. I don't blame him for having a go at something new because apart from the music and dance, the part should have been a dawdle for him. He was just about the "hottest" and most charismatic movie star around - perfect for the sexy, handsome and smooth Sky Masterson. IMHO he plays the smooth high roller, a good class or two above the other shooters, well and he also convinces me he could have opened and read the Gideon Bible when he was in a lonely hotel room but he never quite convinces me he's in love with Sarah. For me, "the disintegration from the indifferent aloof gambler to the enraptured lover" just doesn't really come off. In my opinion, part of the reason is that the Havana scene and it's aftermath in the film don't have much pizzazz, although Jean Simmons is very good in If I Were A Bell.
July 3, 200718 yr Well, that's the best of the best, megham. Darius has my sympathy, if as he said in one interview, he'd listened to Brando's original tapes. They must have been "different".
July 6, 200718 yr Slightly OT - this year's Royal Variety is at the Empire in Liverpool. Are you going dariusdreamer?
July 8, 200718 yr Tbh I haven't tried to find out. It was just seeing it was in Liverpool which made me take notice because I was there myself so recently. I also read on a site about ADWD that the Adelphi has 3000 seats. I can't believe that. The Edinburgh Playhouse has just slightly over 3000 but to me, the two theatres feel completely different. I always thought of the Adelphi as fairly cosy and the one time I was upstairs, it wasn't a very big area but the gap between rows was fairly small. most people looked decidedly uncomfortable. Tidying files today after my PC problems, I found some blog references Chicago during D's runs. Shall I post the links?
July 9, 200718 yr OK but on second thoughts I'll put them in the "moments in time" thread because it covers Chicago too and opinions and reviews of shows are based on a particular time.
July 10, 200718 yr I'd love a gig at the moment. I like the shows but, love to hear him just sing. I still feel it's a bit of a famine in that direction.
July 10, 200718 yr It seems so long ago already :( I need something to look forward too ( I hope you read this Darius).
July 10, 200718 yr it seems an age to me! just an intminate gig would do, Pizza Express..I loved that!
July 10, 200718 yr Even the 23rd June seems so long ago. Does anyone know if Darius is considering doing Night Under The Stars this year? It was disappointing that he pulled out last year. Darius performing a lot of songs in the beautiful Banqueting Hall beneath the Ruben painted ceiling...... art, music, champagne and gastonomic delights - heaven.
July 10, 200718 yr it seems an age to me! just an intminate gig would do, Pizza Express..I loved that! It was a long way to go but well worth the effort. One of my favourite songs from that night was Father And Son.
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