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Songs for a New World at St. James

Songs for a New World at St. James

rjm516
#1Songs for a New World at St. James
Posted: 7/27/15 at 10:17am

I saw this over the weekend and it was fantastic! I've known the original recording well for a long time but I still got emotional as hell during some parts - particularly whenever Cynthia Erivo opened her mouth. Oh my goodness, she is AMAZING. I've never seen her live before. She's unbelievable. And Damian Humbley is so good too, I always forget how strong a singer he is. There are some weak spots (Dean seems to riff every single phrase and dance around the note he's supposed to be singing, which gets really annoying; Jenna Russell is such a good dramatic/acting singer that it seems unfair to make her stand and belt a few times to disappointing results, &c) but I really recommend catching it. 

DeNada
#2Songs for a New World at St. James
Posted: 7/27/15 at 4:26pm

I'd always assumed that Man 1 was written to be riffed.  I've only ever heard his songs sung that way (except King Of The World).


(interestingly, that's the only Man 1 song in the vocal selections; no On The Deck..., no Steam Train, no Flying Home.  So I can't check the score.)


I'm totally out of it re: London theatre at the moment; who's put this on, and how did they get such a good cast?  Is it staged interestingly?  I suppose I should just track down the reviews...

rjm516
#3Songs for a New World at St. James
Posted: 7/27/15 at 5:12pm

Oh no, I agree that Man 1 should definitely be riffing a lot, but even with that acknowledgement it seemed to be TOO much at this performance, like no exaggeration every single note. It got a bit tedious. 


 


The staging seemed to be as dynamic as possible. The actors constantly move around and change positions. 

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ukpuppetboy
#4Songs for a New World at St. James
Posted: 8/9/15 at 4:15am

I have to say I thought this was the strongest ensemble cast i've ever seen - and whilst it is very true there was a whole lot of "male Aguilera" going on it really didn't both me. In fact I quite liked the contrast with Damian Humbleys solid and (amazing as ever) musical theatre delivery. He's always great and even more so here. But the 2 ladies definitely get the crowd pleasers and Jenna Russell should give masterclasses in show stopping. I would go back in a heartbeat. The book maybe slight but the moods and messages conveyed in these hands land beautifully. And I'm going to have trouble dealing with the fact that Cynthia Erivo wont be in London for a while after this so see her while you can. New York you are in for a real treat...

Updated On: 8/16/15 at 04:15 AM

#5Songs for a New World at St. James
Posted: 8/13/15 at 5:32pm

Saw it twice.  Stunningly directed and sung.  I hope they do a cast album...better than the original!!