Marguerite - Opens Tomorrow May 19, 2008
Posted by Linda in : Theatre Royal, dates, marguerite , trackbackThe new musical Marguerite premieres at the Theatre Royal, Haymarket on the 20 May 2008. The story is based on Alexandre Dumas’ novel La Dame aux Camelias, which has been re-worked to bring us everything from the opera La Traviatta to the film Moulin Rouge. Marguerite is set in Nazi occupied Paris, where as the mistress of a high-ranking German officer, she falls in love a young jazz musician and resistance fighter half her age.
The book is by Alain Boublil, Claude-Michel Schonberg and Jonathan Kent, The original French lyrics by Boublil, were re-written for this production by Herbert Kretzmer. Apparently some set changes were also made to avoid any “‘Ello, ‘Ello” echoes which might have put off a UK audience.
Marguerite stars Ruthie Henshall in the title role with, Julian Ovenden and Alexander Hanson. The production is booking at the Haymarket until 1 November 2008
The production has had a very mixed response in previews. Some people have absolutely loved it and found it a ‘very grown-up musical’, others found it a little lacklustre. Personally I definitely fancy seeing it.
Quotes from our readers:
Went to see this last night Monday 12th May and it was fantastic, the best thing I have seen in many months. The cast were brilliant, also the costumes and set. A thoroughly enjoyable performance in a beautiful theatre.
And:
I saw Marguerite last night and it was truly amazing. I particularly enjoyed Andrew C Wadsworth’s portrayal of Georges, Marguerite’s agent.
My name is Marguerite Crownover. I live in the Central Valley of California where I teach choral music and musical theatre. I am so very excited about this musical. I love the story line. I was named after my French/Dutch maternal grandmother who also lived through WWII in Den Haag, the Netherlands. I am 51, turning 52. When is this show coming to the US. I can’t wait!!
Sincerely,
Marguerite Koster-Crownover
Hi Marguerite,
No plans as yet for this to come to the States but I’m sure it will if it’s a hit. Meanwhile why not have a look at the video I just added to the post to really get an idea of what it will be like.
I saw Marguerite last night and found it an excellent show and I highly recommend it. The acting and singing were superb and left me wanting to see more. Though it is a love (triangle) story, it is a good show for both men and women and I found many in the audience (men included) wiping tears from their eyes once or twice. I would definitely see it again.