Moonshadow
Moonshadow
#1Moonshadow
Posted: 3/8/08 at 5:58am
Someone told me about a new Cat Stevens musical called "Moonshadow"...anyone else heard anything about it?
Nothing on the internet.
samcd3
Understudy Joined: 10/24/06
#2Moonshadow
Posted: 7/7/12 at 9:16pm
Playing in Melbourne, Australia as we speak.
I would best describe it as a mish mash of Pippin, Into The Woods, We Will Rock You, Sweet Charity et al.
It has a very weak book, but great performances by the Cast and obviously great music, with some very creative costuming and design. It is a shame they dont have something stronger to work with.
Cast Includes: Sally Bourne (Australias Original Annie) Gemma Ashley Kapplan (The Hatpin) Marnie McQueen (Hairspray Priscilla)
Needs re-wites badly, too many things going on and the audience doen't know if it is funny or not (because any jokes in it are so lame)
Cat Stevens himself was very involved in this and I heard rumblings that he hindered the development process. Shame
It has announced it is closing early, who knows what the future holds for it?
#2Moonshadow
Posted: 7/7/12 at 9:20pm
It joins DR ZHIVAGO and AN OFFICER AND A GENTLEMAN in an ever-growing list of failed new musical try-outs in Australia. I didn't see Moonshadow, but I did see the other two. And IMO despite what the author of GENTLEMAN would try and awkwardly convince you (see: http://www.theaustralian.com.au/arts/response-to-review-of-an-officer-and-a-gentleman-the-musical/story-e6frg8n6-1226362419570), or articles that claim 'times are hard' for Australian musicals at the moment, the main issue here is that these musicals are of poor quality. Hopefully the producers that mount these shows here can learn from their mistakes.
"You can't overrate Bernadette Peters. She is such a genius. There's a moment in "Too Many Mornings" and Bernadette doing 'I wore green the last time' - It's a voice that is just already given up - it is so sorrowful. Tragic. You can see from that moment the show is going to be headed into such dark territory and it hinges on this tiny throwaway moment of the voice." - Ben Brantley (2022)
"Bernadette's whole, stunning performance [as Rose in Gypsy] galvanized the actors capable of letting loose with her. Bernadette's Rose did take its rightful place, but too late, and unseen by too many who should have seen it" Arthur Laurents (2009)
"Sondheim's own favorite star performances? [Bernadette] Peters in ''Sunday in the Park,'' Lansbury in ''Sweeney Todd'' and ''obviously, Ethel was thrilling in 'Gypsy.'' Nytimes, 2000
Updated On: 7/7/12 at 09:20 PM
somethininthestars
Chorus Member Joined: 6/14/10
#3Moonshadow
Posted: 7/8/12 at 4:13am
There is a fair amount to be seen on YouTube, and an official MOONSHADOW the Musical channel, which the promo below is from.
Gemma-Ashley Kaplan is breathtakingly good in everything i've seen her do.
MOONSHADOW promo: Gemma-Ashley singing
JeanGudio
Stand-by Joined: 6/9/12
#4Moonshadow
Posted: 7/8/12 at 5:56amI have no idea why producers are not trying to produce something original like book of mormon. but no we as a australian's see some terrible musicals supporting an awfully government supported industry.
frazer
Understudy Joined: 5/6/11
#5Moonshadow
Posted: 7/8/12 at 10:25amSome very odd creative decisions, and a really terrible book. Kind of reminds me of Wonderland.
dramamama611
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/4/07
#6Moonshadow
Posted: 7/8/12 at 1:14pm
If it were like Book of Mormon -- it wouldn't be very original. It would be like something else.
Also: producers aren't the creative force (initially and under most circumstances). The writers (book, lyrics, music) usually create and then look for producers.
If we're not having fun, then why are we doing it?
These are DISCUSSION boards, not mutual admiration boards. Discussion only occurs when we are willing to hear what others are thinking, regardless of whether it is alignment to our own thoughts.
