Starlight Express 1984 - Articles Page 1.8

Opened: March 27, 1984
Closing: January 12, 2002

Starlight Express - 1984 - West End History , Info & More

Apollo Victoria Theatre
(Victoria) 17 Wilton Road London

The storyline: It is evening and a mother reminds her small child to put his toy-trains away and to go to bed. In the child's dream, the locomotives come alive: It is the night of the world championships for locomotives.



The young steam locomotive Rusty, charming but definitely no longer technically up to date, appears to stand no chance against its more modern challengers, such as the macho Greaseball. This self-confident diesel locomotive rocks like Elvis and conquers the hearts of its many female fans. When Electra, an ultra-modern e-locomotive, suddenly makes its appearance, the situation seems hopeless for the young steam locomotive. Beautiful Pearl, a 1st-class coach, leaves Rusty for Electra.



Three, two, one- go! The flags come down, the lights flash and the helmets sparkle. Locomotives and their coaches are hurtling along the tracks at lightning speed. The conflict between the trains comes to a climax, since the methods used to win this international race are not always fair. Suddenly it appears, the legendary "Starlight Express", like a fiery comet's tail in the sky. The night is full of glittering stars as Rusty finds out what is most important in life: believing in yourself. He finds new courage to enter the finale - and Pearl begins to understand who her true love belongs to...

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Cast and Creative Team Announced for SoCal Co-Production of BILLY ELLIOT
by A.A. Cristi - Aug 21, 2017


San Diego Musical Theatre (SDMT) and California Ballet Company (CBC) announced today the complete cast and creative team for their upcoming co-production of Billy Elliot. This Tony Award-Winning musical includes music by Elton John, with book and lyrics by Lee Hall. Billy Elliot features direction by Neil Dale, who makes his San Diego directorial debut, music direction by Don LeMaster, and choreography by California Ballet Company Associate Artistic Director, Jared Nelson. Performances run from September 22 - October 8, 2017, at the Spreckels Theatre. Press opening is Saturday, September 23, 2017, at 8:00 p.m.

Concert-Style Workshops of Andrew Lloyd Webber's STARLIGHT EXPRESS Coming to The Other Palace
by BWW News Desk - Aug 11, 2017


The Other Palace has announced three concert-style workshop performances of Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical STARLIGHT EXPRESS, in The Theatre at The Other Palace on Thursday 14, Friday 15 and Saturday 16 September at 7.30pm

Theatre Producer James Thane Joins Michael Cassel Group as Executive Counsellor
by BWW News Desk - Jul 21, 2017


Michael Cassel Group, a leading live entertainment producer in Australia and Asia, announced today that seasoned theatre producer James Thane has joined the company as Executive Counsellor.

THRILLER LIVE Smashes Yet Another West End Record!
by BWW News Desk - Dec 21, 2016


Thriller Live has smashed yet another West End record to become London's 16th Longest Running Musical of all time.

THE STORM Concludes MTAP's First Season of Hot Metal Musicals Incubator Readings
by BWW News Desk - Dec 13, 2016


MTAP's Hot Metal Musicals Incubator presents its third installment of new musical theatre work-in-development with a public reading of The Storm with book, lyrics and music by Stephanie Riso.

The Kentucky Symphony Orchestra Comes Home for 25th Season
by Christina Mancuso - Sep 21, 2016


Twenty-four years ago this Fall, the Northern Kentucky Symphony, now the Kentucky Symphony Orchestra (KSO), took the stage for the first time at the newly opened Greaves Concert Hall on the campus of Northern Kentucky University. To mark the group's 25th Anniversary Season, the KSO returns to its 'Old Kentucky Home' for 4 of its 5 subscription series concerts. The orchestra, which in 1992 inadvertently mailed its first season brochure to 3,000 dogs and cats (via an Iams Pet Food mailing list), has remained true to its mission - making the symphonic concert experience - attractive, accessible and affordable for the residents of Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati.

Terri White Launches Barbara Cook's Spotlight Series in D.C. Tonight
by BWW News Desk - Oct 16, 2015


Barbara Cook's Spotlight series, in its ninth season at the Kennedy Center this year, features Terri White tonight, October 16, 2015; Randy Graff on October 30, 2015; Michele Lee on November 6, 2015; John Lloyd Young on November 20, 2015; and Frances Ruffelle on March 25, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. in the Terrace Theater.

Joely Richardson Leads Trevor Nunn's THE WARS OF THE ROSES, Starting Tonight at Kingston
by BWW News Desk - Sep 16, 2015


Rose Theatre Kingston presents THE WARS OF THE ROSES, beginning tonight 16 September and running through 31 October 2015, with press performances for all three plays on 3 October.

Michele Lee, John Lloyd Young and More Slated for Barbara Cook's Spotlight Series in D.C.
by BWW News Desk - Sep 8, 2015


BroadwayWorld has just learned the lineup for Barbara Cook's Spotlight series, ready for its ninth season at the Kennedy Center this year. 

Full Company Announced for Rose Theatre Kingston's THE WARS OF THE ROSES
by Tyler Peterson - Jul 22, 2015


Rose Theatre Kingston today announces the full company for The Wars of the Roses. Trevor Nunn will direct Oscar Batterham (John Talbot/Son who killed his father), Freddy Carter (company), Kare Conradi (Dauphin/Edward IV), Oliver Cotton (Winchester/Clifford/Hastings), Jim Creighton (Burgandy/Simpcox/Stafford/Father who killed his son/Ely), Imogen Daines (Joan of Arc/Lady Bona/Lady Anne), Harry Egan (company), Alexandra Gilbreath (Eleanor, Duchess of Gloucester/Elizabeth), Alexander Hanson (Richard, Duke of York/Buckingham), Rufus Hound (Bedford/Bolingbroke/Jack Cade/Rivers), James de Lauch Hay (company), Geoff Leesley (Exeter/Mortimer/Lord Mayor/Lt of the Tower), Owen Oakeshott (Somerset/Ratcliff), Joely Richardson (Margaret), Robert Sheehan (Alencon/Richard III), James Simmons (Talbot/John Hume/Norfolk/First Murderer), Laurence Spellman (Bastard of Orleans/Young Clifford/Richmond/Second Murderer), Susan Tracy (Margery Jourdain/Duchess of York), Alex Waldmann (Henry VI/Tyrrel), Timothy Walker (Warwick/Catesby), Andrew Woodall (Gloucester/Iden/Derby) and Michael Xavier (Suffolk/George of Clarence).

Official: Rufus Hound and More Join THE WARS OF THE ROSES at Rose Theatre, Kingston
by BWW News Desk - Jul 3, 2015


It's official! Joining previously announced Joely Richardson, Robert Sheehan and Kare Conradi in THE WARS OF THE ROSES at Rose Theatre, Kingston are: Rufus Hound (Bedford & Bolingbroke), Jack Cade (Rivers), Oliver Cotton (Winchester, Clifford, Hastings), Laurence Spellman (Young Clifford, Richmond), Alex Waldmann (Henry VI, Tyrrell), Susan Tracy (Margery Jourdain, Duchess of York).

Trevor Nunn to Stage THE WARS OF THE ROSES at Rose Theatre Kingston
by Tyler Peterson - Jun 11, 2015


Rose Theatre Kingston today announces its most ambitious project to date - this autumn the Rose stage will be transformed into a battlefield for The Wars of the Roses, a gripping adaptation of four of Shakespeare's history plays, directed by Trevor Nunn. The productions will play in rep from 16 September until 31 October, with press performances for all three plays on 3 October.

Broadway Manager, Producer and BC/EFA Activist Peter Neufeld Passes Away at 78
by BWW News Desk - Jan 27, 2015


A successful Broadway company manager, general manager and producer for more than 20 years, Peter Neufeld passed away peacefully after a long battle with Parkinson's disease this morning, January 27, 2015, at The Actors Fund's Lillian Booth Residence in Englewood, NJ, where he had been living since 2007. He was 78.

Photo Flashback: A Fond Farewell - Remembering The Stars We Lost in 2014
by Walter McBride - Jan 1, 2015


Broadway fans had plenty of reasons to celebrate this year, with dozens of shows having opened since January, hundreds of actors having made their debuts, and many more having returned to the stage for critically acclaimed performances. Not all news was good though, as we also suffered a loss of an incredible amount of talent. Below, BroadwayWorld sends a fond farewell to those who passed away in 2014.

BRAZOUKA Debuts in London Tonight
by BWW News Desk - Sep 16, 2014


From the producers of 'Burn The Floor' comes the brand new 'Brazouka,' which will be making its debut in London tonight September 16th through the 20th.

BRAZOUKA To Debut in London This September
by Laura Meltzer - Aug 26, 2014


From the producers of 'Burn The Floor' comes the brand new 'Brazouka,' which will be making its debut in London September 16th through the 20th.

Crazy Coqs Presents Ray Shell in BACK 2 - BLACK II, 27-28 June
by Jillian Gaier - May 23, 2014


Returning to the West End and making his debut at Crazy Coqs, is Ray Shell with his show Back 2 - Black II for which he has received a clutch of 4 and 5 star reviews. Featuring Ray's distinctive interpretation of well-known songs from musicals Sweeney Todd to Miss Saigon and current Broadway hit Kinky Boots, peppered with songs from his pop career, as well as a few new surprises.

West End's Ray Shell to Make London Cabaret Debut with BACK TO BLACK, 18-22 Feb
by Tyler Peterson - Feb 5, 2014


Ray Shell's West End career has embraced starring roles in many of the greatest musicals of the past 30 years, from Hair and Starlight Express to The Bodyguard.

Billy Crystal Brings Tony-Winning 700 SUNDAYS Back to Broadway's Imperial Theatre Tonight
by BWW News Desk - Nov 13, 2013


Billy Crystal will return to Broadway this fall for a 9-week-only limited engagement of his Tony Award-winning, record-breaking play 700 Sundays. This will mark the final engagement of this production. Previews began Tuesday, November 5, 2013 at the Imperial Theatre (249 West 45th Street) with opening night scheduled for tonight, November 13, 2013 and a final performance set for Sunday, January 5, 2014. 700 Sundays is performed and written by Mr. Crystal with additional content by Alan Zweibel and direction by Des McAnuff.

Billy Crystal Brings 700 SUNDAYS Back to Broadway's Imperial Theatre Tonight
by BWW News Desk - Nov 5, 2013


Billy Crystal will return to Broadway this fall for a 9-week-only limited engagement of his Tony Award-winning, record-breaking play 700 Sundays. This will mark the final engagement of this production. Previews begin tonight, November 5, 2013 at the Imperial Theatre (249 West 45th Street) with opening night scheduled for Wednesday, November 13, 2013 and a final performance set for Sunday, January 5, 2014. 700 Sundaysis performed and written by Mr. Crystal with additional content by Alan Zweibel and direction by Des McAnuff.

Billy Crystal to Bring Tony-Winning 700 SUNDAYS Back to Broadway's Imperial Theatre; November 5 - January 5
by Robert Diamond - May 14, 2013


Billy Crystal will return to Broadway this fall for a 9-week-only limited engagement of his Tony Award-winning, record-breaking play 700 SUNDAYS. This will mark the final engagement of this production. Previews will begin Tuesday, November 5, 2013 at the Imperial Theatre (249 West 45th Street) with opening night scheduled for Wednesday, November 13, 2013 and a final performance set for Sunday, January 5, 2014. 700 SUNDAYSis performed and written by Mr. Crystal with additional content by Alan Zweibel and direction by Des McAnuff.

Anna-Jane Casey And Howard Crossley Join New Cast Of BILLY ELLIOT, From May 2013
by Carrie Dunn - Apr 12, 2013


From 13 May 2013 Anna-Jane Casey will join the West End cast of Billy Elliot the Musical at the Victoria Palace Theatre to play Billy's dance teacher Mrs Wilkinson. Also joining the cast are Kevin Wathen as Billy's brother, Tony, Howard Crossley as George and Alexander Loxton as Older Billy.

Andrew Lloyd Webber Would Love to Collaborate with Stephen Sondheim
by BWW News Desk - Sep 22, 2012


According to a feature about the new UK arena touring production of Jesus Christ Superstar in the Sydney Morning Herald, Andrew Lloyd Webber reveals he would like to collaborate with Stephen Sondheim.

STARLIGHT EXPRESS to Play the West End Next Year?
by BWW News Desk - Aug 30, 2012


According to whatsonstage.com, STARLIGHT EXPRESS may be heading to the Phoenix Theatre at the West End next near where BLOOD BROTHERS is set to close.

Rob Brydon, Ashley Jensen Join Cast of A CHORUS OF DISAPROVAL - Final Casting Announced
by Caryn Robbins - Jul 25, 2012


Trevor Nunn is to direct Rob Brydon, Nigel Harman and Ashley Jensen in Alan Ayckbourn's A CHORUS OF DISAPPROVAL, opening at the Harold Pinter Theatre in the Autumn. Jessica Ellerby, Barrie Rutter, Paul Thornley and Susan Tracy will join previously announced company members Teresa Banham, Daisy Beaumont, Georgia Brown, Rob Compton, Matthew Cottle and Steven Edis.

Starlight Express FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What productions of Starlight Express have there been?
Starlight Express has had 3 productions including West End which opened in 1984, Broadway which opened in 1987 and Broadway which opened in 1987.
What awards has Starlight Express been nominated for?
Starlight Express has been nominated for several awards. These include Designer of the Year (Olivier Awards) for John Napier, Musical of the Year (Olivier Awards) for Richard Stilgoe, Musical of the Year (Olivier Awards) for Andrew Lloyd Webber, Outstanding Achievement of the Year in a Musical (Olivier Awards) for John Napier, and Outstanding Achievement of the Year in a Musical (Olivier Awards).

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