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Post by JaneB on May 30, 2012 22:50:06 GMT -5
Starting a new thread just for reports, reviews, photos, and interviews from opening night and beyond.
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Post by blossom on May 30, 2012 23:35:48 GMT -5
 Thank you, GREAT idea.........and thank you all you intrepid travellers in advance for all your efforts to get info to us........ we are greeeedy!! ;D Keep having adventures......
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Post by downunder72 on May 31, 2012 8:07:18 GMT -5
Well with a seven hour difference with Greece, let me see it's 4pm here, that means it's 1am in Melbourne, the the musical should be over, and our Majicat friends...hmmm...... tucked in bed and dreaming? out boozing?.....backstage chatting with the cast, Yusuf, Fawzia, Yoriyos, crew?...Well I hope it's the last, and the rest later.. |
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Post by crobarbie on May 31, 2012 8:29:51 GMT -5
Well, I think that in general we can expect mixed reviews, so do not panic if some will be like this one (but, it is based on Saturday preview  www.heraldsun.com.au/entertainment/yusufs-theatra-of-dreams/story-e6frf96f-1226375566799"Lost Time of Melbourne Posted at 8:28 AM Today Always been a huge fan of Cat Stevens Music. Saw this show on Saturday night at the Princess Theatre. Very disappointed. In my opinion, a C grade sic-fi fantasy with a wicked witch twist. More like something I'd expect to see at an amateur school play. Many people left at intermission not to return. Wish we had of joined them. Each to their own. All it did for me was potentially put me off enjoying the Cats music again until I can get this "performance" out of my head. Worst money I've spent in a long time." |
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Post by JaneB on May 31, 2012 8:34:31 GMT -5
Short report - more to follow tomorrow. I enjoyed the musical. I won't say it was good or great because that is a matter of opinion. I can only say that I liked it but to be completely honest (which you know I am), I am trying to decide if I liked it because I like the music or if I truly enjoyed the show on its own merits. Gabi and I are going again tomorrow night and will be sitting in the stalls, so maybe I will have a better sense after that. After the show Gabi and I were standing out front where both the public and stage doors are and there was a small commotion. Yusuf and Fauzia were coming out and little did Gabi and I know that we were standing right next to their car! Fauzia got in and just before Yusuf got in he turned around and asked "Was it good enough?" Well, that seemed like the perfect time to let him know it certainly WAS good enough and that a couple of us came pretty far to see it. That got his attention and he stopped and thanked us and chatted with us for a moment before getting in the car and leaving. It was pretty cool because he did not stop to talk to anyone else. So, Vicky, no after-parties for me - not really my cup of tea, but still a pretty fun night. PS - it's only 11:30pm here in Melbourne, but that is plenty late for me! |
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Post by crobarbie on May 31, 2012 8:53:44 GMT -5
Jane, and what was the reaction of the public tonight? I hope that Dublin will never happen again, no mattet that this is the theatre?
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Post by downunder72 on May 31, 2012 9:17:53 GMT -5
Jane nice to hear from you. I had a feeling you were going to be in for a surprise.  We should let you rest and have a good night rest and then you can fill us in when you have time. I made a mistake in calculating the time difference, brain is a bit rusty these days, it was 11pm  I think I will go back to munching my potatoe chips, and chocolate bars for more brain energy, cause I'm going to need it desperately. |
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Post by crobarbie on May 31, 2012 9:39:10 GMT -5
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Post by downunder72 on May 31, 2012 10:02:47 GMT -5
Crobarbie, as Jane said to be honest, well when I saw the short TV spot, it was very impressive, but I somehow felt that the medieval settings and graphics just did not fit the music, and lyrics. I could not connect 'SCHOOL YARD' with the atmosphere on that stage. 'I CAN'T KEEP IT IN', a song that Yusuf really does not like, but still it was used in the musical, that again just didn't suit the atmosphere. In my opinion, I had visioned a Cat/Yusuf musical, his music, it would be more suitable in a todays world setting, in the present, then the audience would be able to identify more with the characters, and the whole concept that Yusuf was trying to convey. I always dreamed and visualized the whole of 'FOREIGNER SUITE' as part of a musical. Yusuf could have done so much visually withat number, it would have the whole audience on a real high from start to finish. Like 'West Side Story' it was set in the same era that when it hit the stage, and people could really connect with the concept. I am no expert, and I was not there to have a real opinion, so if I ever see the musical on a dvd, I might see it in another light. Till then I will go by our friends word on the musical. |
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Post by crobarbie on May 31, 2012 13:11:50 GMT -5
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Post by crobarbie on May 31, 2012 16:38:11 GMT -5
From Herald Sun kateherberttheatrereviews.blogspot.com/2012/05/moonshadow-by-cat-stevens-yusef-may-31.htmlMoonshadow by Cat Stevens (Yusef), May 31, 2012. Music & Lyrics by Cat Stevens/Yusef; Book by Yusef, Rachel Williams & Anders Albien Princess Theatre, Melbourne, May 31 to Sept, 2012 Reviewer: Kate Herbert Stars: ** 1/2 PURISTS CRAVING CAT STEVENS’ (AKA Yusef) distinctive voice may be disappointed with his musical, Moonshadow, but its repertoire of his classic songs will satisfy many nostalgic Baby Boomers while its fantasy narrative and Tim Burtonesque design will delight their grandchildren. On the imaginary planet Alaylia, the inhabitants live in cold darkness without sun or birdsong and with only the moon and precious balls of manufactured Ember to light their lives. Young hero Stormy, played with youthful exuberance by Gareth Keegan, embarks on a quest to find a mythical world of light and joy, leaving his childhood sweetheart, Lisa (Gemma-Ashley Kaplan). It’s is a classic hero’s journey combined with a Romeo and Juliet love story, with universal themes about overcoming adversity, good versus evil and light versus darkness. However, the story, particularly on his journey is incoherent, the expository and laboured dialogue needs slashing, the attempts at humour are feeble, the pace and cueing are slow, and the capable actors sometimes look uncomfortable. Yusef’s original, timeless melodies and poignant lyrics provide the heart and soul and the glue for the narrative. The problem is that, there are too many songs (41) and many are only fragments that do not advance the story or characters. The first inspiring and successful meld of song, character and narrative is Sally Bourne, as Stormy’s mother, singing a Wild World as a touching, mournful farewell to her son. An impressive cast, directed by Anders Albien, choreographed by Yvette Lee and accompanied by Stephen Amos’s orchestrations, revisits the classic tunes including Moonshadow, How Can I Tell You I Love You, and Sad Lisa, which is sung by the warm, resonant-voiced Jolyon James as Moonshadow. Keegan sings Can’t Keep It In as an anthem for youthful energy, while Kaplan sweetly sings the mournful, The First Cut Is The Deepest. The two sing Remember the Days of the Old School Yard as a nostalgic, celebratory duet when, after years of enforced separation, these star-crossed lovers reunite. Matthew and Son, performed by the energetic, young chorus, becomes a workers’ tune for those slaving in Matthew and Son’s factory. The final rousing choruses of Moonshadow and Morning Has Broken provide the finale when Stormy returns to Alaylia. The narrative of this jukebox musical is unfortunately a pale shadow of a Disney fairytale movie, so Yusef’s music and the exuberant cast will have to carry the show. By Kate Herbert , theatre reviewer for Herald-Sun, Melbourne |
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Post by JaneB on May 31, 2012 19:50:32 GMT -5
Jane, and what was the reaction of the public tonight? I hope that Dublin will never happen again, no mattet that this is the theatre? The audience was very excited and pleased. When the show started I heard a few hollers like one would expect to hear at a concert. I was hoping this would not continue and it didn't. There was a lot of applause after many of the musical numbers. The standing ovations referred to must have been in the stalls because they did not happen in the dress circle where we were. At the end when the curtain went up for the final bow, Yusuf was with the cast, right in the middle and the audience went crazy. Regardless of how people may have felt about the show, there was nothing but lots of applause coming from the audience. |
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Post by crobarbie on May 31, 2012 23:42:43 GMT -5
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Post by JaneB on Jun 1, 2012 0:39:05 GMT -5
Me again. I did feel that some of the songs or even parts of the songs felt forced into the show. When Stormy and his father sang "Father and Son," it seemed a bit absurd to hear this obviously (and rightly so) miserable man sing "I am old but I'm happy." We had seen no sign of happiness from him at all.
At another point Stormy and Lisa sing "How Can I Tell You" and given the setting of the story, it immediately struck me as odd that they did not omit the word "honey" at the end of "it always ends up to one thing, honey..." To me, it just didn't fit the scene and the characters.
Admittedly, I am not the biggest fan of modern musicals; give me "South Pacific" or "The Music Man" any day and I'm a happy girl, but to me, these were a couple of the things that seemed off to me.
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Post by M. on Jun 1, 2012 1:34:56 GMT -5
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Post by crobarbie on Jun 1, 2012 13:53:45 GMT -5
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Post by hyacinth on Jun 1, 2012 15:16:59 GMT -5
Thanks everyone for sharing the personal and professional reviews. Overall, it appears that "Moonshadow" is getting kudos for the music (of course!), the visuals (photos reveal fantastic staging and lighting!) and the performances.
Some of the theater reviews are pointing out weaknesses in a few parts of the plot, but it is something that could be improved upon with a little revision. Hopefully, Yusuf will attract producers who will back it, they'll workshop it later to streamline it, and THEN it will come to the West End and Broadway!
His creativity and willingness to take risks have always been two of the many impressive qualities about him as an artist!
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Post by M. on Jun 1, 2012 16:11:05 GMT -5
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Post by M. on Jun 2, 2012 4:58:42 GMT -5
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Post by M. on Jun 3, 2012 5:08:51 GMT -5
Nice one |
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Post by aurarisma on Jun 3, 2012 5:27:29 GMT -5
Yes The Age is a good review .. Just got back from seeing the musical for the 4th time and have one more view on Tuesday. I will be writing my review soon I'm on my blackberry so I'd like to write it out on my laptop. I must say .this musical is one that keeps on giving each time I go back I'm seeing so much more and going 'yeah oh wow'! I can't get enough of it its like a movie u see and u have to see it again because there is so much to seee then u see its been nominated for an oscar.. Well that's how I feeel about this musical. It is that strong that it could win a Tony its all there and when I can soon I will elaborate on my views and what I've broken thru and. Seen that yusuf has like coded .. One really has to free ones mind and enter into this tale!!! After I see it Tuesday night I will get to the laptop. I've enjoyed some time with the director and family and yusufs lovely family. God bless them all... Its been such creative and loving visits! I have some fun photos too to share. The musical arrangements are sooo cool !! ok time for dinner Melbourne has gotten a bit cold today brrR..... Off tomorrow to feed some kangaroos went to museum yesterday and saw my friend again inrock the ballet which was outstanding!! Xoox hope ur all well!!! Bravo to Yusuf for sharing so much of his journey with us!! I have a feeling there is so much more to come from this greek cat!! Praise God ~((((sorry for the quick ramble but I wanted to get on to tell u the audience is loving it and making fun of the herald review .. They are loving it!!! I hope he records the musical on video ~ X |
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Post by flemmishfangent on Jun 3, 2012 13:02:38 GMT -5
Short report - more to follow tomorrow. I enjoyed the musical. I won't say it was good or great because that is a matter of opinion. I can only say that I liked it but to be completely honest (which you know I am), I am trying to decide if I liked it because I like the music or if I truly enjoyed the show on its own merits. Gabi and I are going again tomorrow night and will be sitting in the stalls, so maybe I will have a better sense after that. After the show Gabi and I were standing out front where both the public and stage doors are and there was a small commotion. Yusuf and Fauzia were coming out and little did Gabi and I know that we were standing right next to their car! Fauzia got in and just before Yusuf got in he turned around and asked "Was it good enough?" Well, that seemed like the perfect time to let him know it certainly WAS good enough and that a couple of us came pretty far to see it. That got his attention and he stopped and thanked us and chatted with us for a moment before getting in the car and leaving. It was pretty cool because he did not stop to talk to anyone else. So, Vicky, no after-parties for me - not really my cup of tea, but still a pretty fun night. PS - it's only 11:30pm here in Melbourne, but that is plenty late for me! maybe we see it all in the light of his songs what they meant apary for us not in the story Yusuf made of it the musical it self ,the story he created,it's now ten years he worked on the musical i read ,it's a he made like he wanted to make another musical more then 40 years ago with the name revolution also with his songs but in a total different contecst.We would have seen it different to because the songs apart have another meaning in our minds .i hope i can explain what i wont to tell love you all Regii i need to come here more often but time is always moving so fast |
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Post by aurarisma on Jun 3, 2012 17:37:18 GMT -5
The dialogue is all there and the songs are weaved with the dialogue.. To anyone who doesn't get story especially after hearing the setup of the dialogue before "Doors" and then that song .. Welll hpefully its sending out messages lilke when one sees a movie and u still get something from it way after u have seen it.. A cool thing I saw last that I hadn't noticed before is when Stormy goes with Princess Zena and he is in his adorning room just took a "trip drink' and he was singing "Sitting" on his throne chair. Had two horns at top andwings on side of the back of chair .. . And a golden halo all where he leans back and sits it was mind blowing when I saw it. Like his music in the 60's n 70's he took us .. And if we trust him and ourselves this musical does the same thing it was astounding what I enveloped so far from it!!! And so Revealing!! Xo love
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Post by crobarbie on Jun 4, 2012 15:01:16 GMT -5
It seems to me that this is a very serious review: www.stagenoise.com/review/1841So, there were many reviews in those few days, and one is obvious: "Moonshadow" musical is a very perspective one, still needs some improvements, but that is all great. I hope that Yusuf is satisfied, critics were all very gentle even when they were not always satisfied with all aspects of the musical. |
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Post by aurarisma on Jun 4, 2012 18:28:14 GMT -5
Can't wait to see it again tonight 5th time... The musical that keeps giving.. I love it!
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Post by aurarisma on Jun 5, 2012 9:48:17 GMT -5
What a Night!!!!
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Post by M. on Jun 5, 2012 22:29:42 GMT -5
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Post by JaneB on Jun 11, 2012 11:30:39 GMT -5
Hi everyone – just checking back in after arriving home. I’m not going to write a "review" of the musical because, well, my opinion is just that – only my opinion. I rarely read reviews and I can remember being as young as 11 or 12, reading the NY Times Arts and Leisure section and thinking “who are these people to tell me not to go see a certain movie?” I will, however, comment on some questions I have received and some other posts in this thread. Someone observed that based on my other posts it seems I was not “blown away” by the musical, and I think that describes it perfectly. I did enjoy it, but there were things about it that bothered me. Similar to what Glaucus stated above, many of the songs have a certain meaning for me, so I don’t necessarily want to hear them sung in a different context. Also, I cannot “un-know” what I already know. Anyone who has watched the Majikat DVD or listened to the CD has heard Cat say that when it comes down to it, “Sad Lisa” is really about him. Knowing that, hearing it actually sung about a girl named Lisa seems, well, less than genuine. The same goes for “Father and Son.” Knowing it was actually written for a different show combined with hearing the very unhappy father sing “I am old but I’m happy” is just weird to me. There were parts of the musical that I found myself thinking “Huh? What does that have to do with anything?” and I found the singing of “Peace Train” at the end to be gratuitous, like a strange “Kumbaya” moment. At the end of the day, I think most Cat Stevens fans will go see this if given the opportunity and perhaps the more “casual” fan will not pick out or be bothered by the things that bother me. Also, each person will have to decide for themselves if they want to hear his songs sung by someone else. In the context of the musical I didn’t necessarily mind it, except for “Sitting.” That is a song in which his voice, in my opinion, is at its best and I would be happy to never hear it be sung by someone else. There were certainly some high points. Jolyon James, who plays Moonshadow, has a beautiful voice and I echo the one review that stated we should have heard more from him. There were some great dance numbers and costumes. Gabi and I saw it twice, but mainly because we wanted to see it on opening night and tickets for that did not go on sale until after we had bought tickets for the second night; I could not see it more than twice in a short period of time. If it does find its way to London's West End, it will be yet another excuse to go to one of my favorite cities and see my friends there. As I've commented before, I did enjoy the show, but I'm not going to say if it was good or not because I don't believe there is any such thing; there is only what one likes or doesn't like. I do wonder if it will hold up to "non-fan" audiences and I guess time will tell on that one. Jane |
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Post by peritura on Jun 11, 2012 12:42:23 GMT -5
Thanks for you really honest, straight forward 'not-review' Jane.
I trust you had a fab time in Oz with Gabi either way!
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tediber
Wild World Member
Posts: 297
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Post by tediber on Jun 11, 2012 13:26:31 GMT -5
Thank you for your thoughts, Jane. I really appreciate you taking the time to share them with us!
When we saw the snippet of the forthcoming musical in the 2009 UK Tour, my husband remarked that Stormy's father singing "I am old, but I'm happy" when he appeared to be the most miserable man alive, seemed to stretch credibility a little!
All the same, I hope you had the most wonderful trip "Down Under".
Jo x
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Thank you, GREAT idea.........and thank you all you intrepid travellers in advance for all your efforts to get info to us........
We should let you rest and have a good night rest and then you can fill us in when you have time. I made a mistake in calculating the time difference, brain is a bit rusty these days, it was 11pm 
I think I will go back to munching my potatoe chips, and chocolate bars for more brain energy, cause I'm going to need it desperately. 
