Rod’s music inspires a Night to remember - Chester Chronicle

Rod’s music inspires a Night to remember

18 Jan 2014 11:32

Sugababe stars in Tonight's The Night at Liverpool Empire

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Jade Ewen stars in Tonight's The Night at the Liverpool Empire.

TONIGHT'S The Night, the smash hit musical comedy inspired by the songs of Rod Stewart, comes to the Liverpool Empire from January 27-February 1 starring Sugababes’ Jade Ewen.

The all-singing, all-dancing feel-good show premiered in the West End in 2003 and went on to play sold-out theatres across the UK.

With a book by multi award-winning writer and comedian Ben Elton (We Will Rock You), Tonight’s The Night features spectacular staging, a world class band, dazzling choreography and includes more than 20 classic Rod Stewart hits like Tonight’s the Night, Hot Legs, Baby Jane, Do Ya Think I’m Sexy, Maggie May, This Old Heart of Mine, I Don’t Wanna Talk About It, Ooh La La, Some Guys Have All the Luck, Forever Young, Sailing and many more.

Rod Stewart is a two time inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame, a Grammy Living Legend, and in 2007 he was bestowed the prestigious CBE.

In a career spanning five decades that has seen more than 200 million worldwide record sales, Brit and Grammy Award-winning Rod is still as popular as ever with an acclaimed new chart-topping album Time, a 2013 sell-out arena tour and the bestseller Rod – The Autobiography.

Rod Stewart said: “In the past, any ideas for musicals revolving around my songs just didn’t work for me. It was only when we were approached to do Tonight’s The Night that the idea really took off. I’m absolutely thrilled that this great show is touring the UK again.”

Writer Ben Elton said: “Rod is such a totally unique artist. I initially approached him about a musical because his songs are all about storytelling and I felt that a great story could grow from them.”

Set on the mean streets of Detroit and in the glamorous clubs of uptown LA, the show tells the story of Stu, a shy young man, so tongue tied that he cannot find the courage to declare his love to the girl of his dreams.

How different he is to his hero, that legendary rock n’ roll vagabond Rod Stewart!

One night our hero strikes a deal with the Devil, trading his soul for Rod’s. It seems like a good idea at the time but he’s is about to find out the hard way that you can’t find true love using another man’s moves and that devil or no devil, there’s only one Rod Stewart!

The singer and actress Jade Ewen will play the role of Dee Dee. Jade is best known as a member of Brit girl-band Sugababes, attaining two UK top 10 singles with the group.

Jade also represented the UK at the 2009 Eurovision Song Contest performing the Andrew Lloyd Webber penned It’s My Time, achieving fifth place, making her the most successful British Eurovision act since 2002.

On stage Jade has appeared as Young Nala in The Lion King and Curly in Whistle Down the Wind, and television credits include Casualty, The Bill, Steffi and Splash!

The show will also star Michael McKell, best known for playing Dr Nick West in Doctors, reprising his role as Stoner.

Call 0844 847 2525 or visit www.liverpoolempire.org.uk for booking details.

Review: Tonight's The Night @ Palace Theatre - Manchester Evening News

• 
  
• By Lynda Moyo

Review: Tonight's The Night @ Palace Theatre

21 Jan 2014 22:30

Katie Fitzpatrick has been won over by this toe-tapping jukebox musical

You would expect a musical featuring the songs of Rod Stewart to be a hit with his devoted fans.But theatregoers of all musical persuasions can expect to be won over by this charmer of a jukebox musical based on the Scottish rocker's rich songbook.

The songs of Stewart are woven perfectly into musical theatre style, and the arrangements for the stage are wonderful.

Rod fans were calling out for their favourite songs, literally dancing in the aisles and enthusiastically swaying along to the finale of We Are Sailing while wearing the paper sailor hat handed to them on arrival.

Toe-tapping old classics Baby Jane and Maggie May and tearjerkers such as I Don't Want To Talk About It are injected with punchy new life by a bright young cast including Sugababes singer Jade Ewen, who is almost unrecognisable in her role as the feisty, smoking, leather jacket wearing Dee Dee.

The ensemble are fantastic but Jade's voice is simply sublime, especially on The First Cut Is The Deepest, given the rapt attention it deserved from the audience.

Written by comedian Ben Elton, who also penned that other jukebox megahit We Will Rock You in tribute to Queen, the story is about a lovestruck young man called Stu who strikes a deal with the devil to trade his soul for Rod Stewart's.

This may sound ridiculous but it's all in the spirit of the jape. And the moral behind the tale is to be true to yourself.

Ben Heathcote is fabulous as the awkward mechanic who becomes a strutting rock and roll rebel in the hope of winning over his sweetheart Mary.

And he sounds uncannily like a young Rod throughout the musical, which in places feels more like a greatest hits concert.

Stacked with a line-up of statuesque dancers that would have the real-life Rod singing Hot Legs in an instant, this is a show that doesn't just wake up Maggie but the entire crowd.

Rod fans were calling out for their favourite songs, literally dancing in the aisles and enthusiastically swaying along to the finale of We Are Sailing while wearing the paper sailor hat handed to them on arrival - a nice touch.

Tonight's the Night is for anyone who enjoys great music and a night of tip-top entertainment.

The only way it could have been improved is by an appearance from hot Rod himself.

Jade posts Tonight's The Night Dress rehearsal photo

Jade Louise Ewen ‏@JadeEwen

Photo: Dress rehearsal! #tonightsthenight #touring #dressingroom #curly #mixedrace #red #lip #always #wins!

Lovely photos of Jade and her new Nephew Blake

Jade Louise Ewen ‏@JadeEwen

Jan 3

Me and Blake #baby #selfie #he #already #knows #early #training #lol

Review: Happy Days (UK Tour) at the Churchill Theatre Bromley - westendframe

Friday, 17 January 2014

Review: Happy Days (UK Tour) at the Churchill Theatre Bromley

Happy Days (UK Tour)

Churchill Theatre Bromley

Reviewed on Thursday 16th January 2014

Too often these days shows open in the West End that simply are not ready, they receive bad reviews, word of mouth becomes awful and then they close prematurely. However, instead of immediately opening in the West End, Happy Days, a new musical based on the American television sitcom created by Garry Marshall, has embarked on a six month UK tour. Whilst the musical's producer, Amy Anzel, has clearly stated her desire for a West End transfer, the creative team now have six months to ensure the show is as good as it could possibly be before any decisions regarding a transfer are made.

Happy Days is a bright and cheerful musical. Interestingly I have never seen the TV show, which aired between 1974 and 1984, but I honestly don't think that detracted from my enjoyment at all. Happy Days has all the necessary ingredients for a fun, feel-good show. 

Set in the 50's, the musical follows the Cunningham family (and their friends Potsie, Ralph Malph, Joanie and Chachi) as they battle to save their local diner Arnold’s. As the story is very light-hearted it is the big characters and full-out musical numbers which carry the show.

Happy Days is directed and choreographed by Andrew Wright whose choreography is astoundingly brilliant. Visually there is almost too much to take in as the choreography is so spectacular. The ensemble is fierce and on point at all times, executing the choreography exquisitely. 

Special mentions must go to Lucy-Jane Adcock and Jason Winter who stood out whilst performing some terrific lifts! Heidi Range, the longest serving member of The Sugababes, graces the stage with natural charm and stage presence as Pinky Tuscadero alongside Bucks Fizz star Cheryl Baker, who always brightens up the stage with her loveable personality as Marion Cunningham.

Happy Days is bursting with energy and with a speedy running time of two hours and fifteen minutes scenes don't drag, but they do dip. Obviously not every scene can be high energy but certain moments need to be sharper and move swiftly forward. Vocals aren’t yet consistent but there is not a single cast member who does not give their all. 

The score is great fun. Of course the Happy Days Theme is heavily featured and I don't think I have ever heard so many audience members humming/whistling/singing the same song during an interval. Happy Days is one of those musicals which demands the audience to jump to their feet for the finale, during which you are encouraged to take pictures and publish them on Twitter. 

I would happily see Happy Days again, in fact I'm already looking forward to catching the tour in a few months to see how it has developed. When a show opens in the West End it is lucky to have a month of previews, but Happy Days now has six times that to be fine-tuned and improved before it opens its doors to West End audiences (if it transfers). 

From what I understand Happy Days the TV show has been closely studied meaning fans of the programme, which famously starred Henry Winkler as The Fonz, will not be disappointed, but, as I mentioned, you don't have to be an avid fan of the sitcom to have a fun night out. The cast's energy is infectious and you can't help but leave the theatre with a spring in your step and a smile on your face.

Reviewed by Andrew Tomlins (Editor)

andrew@westendframe.com

Please visit www.happydaysthemusical.com for full tour schedule, further information and tickets.

Photo Credit: Paul Coltas

BWW Interviews: Jade Ewen of TONIGHT'S THE NIGHT!

BWW Interviews: Jade Ewen Of TONIGHT'S THE NIGHT!

January 17

1:01 PM2014

👤by Carrie Dunn

It's a busy time when a show's well into rehearsals, ready to open in a matter of days, and then there's last-minute script tweaks. Jade Ewen, playing Dee-Dee in the forthcoming UK tour of Tonight's The Night, is calm.
Her pop career may be more high profile, but she's a seasoned veteran of musical theatre, after attending the famous Sylvia Young Theatre School as a child, when she starred in shows including Whistle Down The Wind, The Lion King and Annie.
"That was when I knew I wanted to be a performer, that was when I knew it was what I was going to do for the rest of my life," she says.
After leaving school, she pursued a singing career, becoming one-third of the Sugababes as well as the UK's Eurovision entry in 2009.
"There was still a part of me that thought, 'I want to be doing a show'!" she admits. "It was just finding time to do it - there never was the right time. But now I'm at a point where we're encouraged to do our individual projects, so when I saw the audition for Tonight's The Night, I just thought, 'I'm going to go for it.'
"To be honest, I didn't think I'd get it, because I hadn't done anything since I was about 12, so I was just popping along for the experience and hoping that someone might keep me in mind for future projects. I was really nicely surprised when I was offered it!"
She says that slotting back into the musical theatre routine has been quite easy - but a lengthy UK tour of this nature will inevitably be gruelling. Yet she's looking forward to that challenge.
"My whole career has been me being thrown in at the deep end, sink or swim - I'm used to it now, I just go with it," she says. "I think that's probably better, get the experience of it and learn from it."
She confesses she's not had to tweak her singing technique too much, having spent much of her pop career being told to tone down her power.
"It's harder doing pop recording. I've always had a big voice and a tendency to project. In a small studio booth, they're always whacking on the compressors because it's too loud for the microphone!" she says. "On stage now, I'm allowed to sing naturally, which is really nice."
Catch Jade as Dee-Dee in Tonight's The Night on the forthcoming UK tour, which opens at the Manchester Palace on Monday.

Photos:Heidi and Ben Freeman at the 'Happy Days the Musical Press Night at the Churchill Theatre

Heidi Range and Ben Freeman - Celebrities at the 'Happy Days the Musical Press Night at the Churchill Theatre in Bromley - Bromley - Wednesday 15th January 2014

Are MKS the original Sugababes heading for another split after Mutya Keisha Siobhan email row?

Are MKS the original

Sugababes heading 

for another split after 

Mutya Keisha Siobhan

email row?

• Jan 15, 2014 17:08
• By Carl Greenwood
• 0 Comments

Speculation of strife in Suga-land mounted earlier this week when Keisha Buchanan sent a highly public tweet to Mutya casting doubts on the trio's future

MKS: is everything still sugary sweet with the band?

Getty

Oh dear, could history be repeating itself with the original Sugababes?

After becoming more known for their backbiting and revolving door policy on membership, the original trio - expunged from the official line-up - decided to reform and it was all supposed to be different this time around.

The original three - the imaginatively-titled Mutya Keisha Siobhan - got back together, released a single and went on a sold-out tour across the UK but it seems that all is not well in the land of Suga.

With their debut single Flatline er - flatlining in the charts, managing to peak at just number 50 - rumours had been swirling that the band's much-anticipated comeback was a dud and that they were due to be dropped by their record label.

That was swiftly denied but now new speculation of trouble has swept social networks following a suspect tweet that Keisha Buchanan sent to bandmate Mutya Buena.

"@MutyaBuena Hello???????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Clearly I have to start tweeting you," the Round Round singer wrote in a highly public fashion.

Then on one of Mutya's Instagram photos, bandmate Keisha wrote: "EMAILS!!!!!!!!!! Work???????????????? @mutyabuena hello ????"

Meanwhile third member Siobhan is enjoying a lovely holiday, apparently blissfully unaware of all the drama.

Keisha Buchanan        ✔ @keisha_buchanan

Follow

Guys chill lol all is wonderful with me & my sisters #woohsahhhh not that deep

7:30 PM - 14 Jan 2014

Mutya buena        ✔ @MutyaBuena

Follow

Nothing's goin on dnt worry no red Alerts everyone's on holiday at the moment ..... I'm chillin with family fones on silent 😁👊

6:16 PM - 14 Jan 2014

Hmmm. What could this mean? Could the band that splits up more than a reality show fauxmance be in trouble?

Well - don't panic because it seems not. Keisha later deleted her tweet and comments to Real Girl singer Mutya and wrote: "Guys chill lol all is wonderful with me & my sisters woohsahhhh not that deep".

Mutya added her own explanation, writing: "Nothing's goin on dnt worry no red Alerts everyone's on holiday at the moment ..... I'm chillin with family fones on silent"

The group's publicist also denied there was an issue, saying in a statement to 3am online: "There’s nothing going on here. The band will be releasing their second single and their album later this year."

Fingers crossed!

Review: Happy Days - A New Musical at The Churchill Theatre, Bromley

Review: Happy Days - A New Musical at The Churchill Theatre, Bromley

2:09pm Wednesday 15th January 2014 By Jim Palmer, Leisure Editor

Picture by Paul Coltas

GOODBYE grey skies, hello blue – Happy Days has been brightening people’s days since 1974.

And rather than bleeding that goodwill dry, A New Musical feeds it with a show that’s as fulfilling as one of Arnold’s thick shakes.

The feel- good show - written by the show’s creator Garry Marshall with original music by Oscar, Grammy and Golden Globe winner Paul Williams – debuted at The Churchill Theatre in Bromley this week ahead of a full UK tour.

I’m struggling to find a way to describe exactly how this latest incarnation made me feel.

My mind keeps going back to the food fight scene in the film Hook when Robin Williams reconnects with his childhood and, with the broadest grin imaginable, finally sees the joy of the colourful feast; it is a gleeful release.

The show always tapped into innocent, all-American nostalgia, but live and with the bombast of an uplifting score it is even more vivid.

Reborn as a stage show for the second time, the iconic cast of loveable characters has been reincarnated and there are even a couple of lesser known characters who you’ll love.

The phrase ‘very much in the spirit of the original’ is all too often a euphemism for ‘very much a pale imitation of the original’ but, I’m pleased to say that’s not the case here.

There are little romances for Fonzie, Chachi, Richie and the female characters’ struggle to break the chains of a patriarchal society (albeit in a cutesy 1950s way).Often revivals of popular shows with well-loved characters - whether on the stage or the big screen – can get lazy in terms of narrative and while a scheme to save Arnold’s diner from closure is not groundbreaking, there is sufficient nuance to keep the story rollicking along.

The dialogue is sharp and director Andrew Wright keeps the play bursting with life.

Of course, at the top of the list of loveable characters, of course, is The Fonz. If ever there was a potential banana skin for an actor, then this is it.

It is a shame that the production team didn’t link up with the Beeb for a show – How do you solve a problem like Fonzarelli? would surely be a ratings winner.

I’ll admit I was concerned for Emmerdale’s Ben Freeman, who had to step into the hallowed leather jacket.

So ingrained is The Fonz in popular culture that it is possible to imagine even Henry Winkler in his prime would be able to live up to expectations, and his appearance – which basically consisted of a cartoonish swagger and an ‘eyyyy’ – contained little to give me confidence.

But it didn’t take him long to win me over. His swagger, attitude and delivery were spot on. Great voice too – he nailed it.

One of the lesser known characters who takes a leading role here, is Pinky Tuscadero, played by lovely Sugababe Heidi Range.

It sounds churlish saying this about woman who has made a living from her voice for more than a decade, but Heidi can really belt out a tune. She was sufficiently starry to work as the Fonz’s love interest too.

While we’re talking about the cast – a big mention to Cheryl Baker. She is marvellous at Mrs Cunningham and provides some of the show’s most memorable moments, most of them laugh out loud funny.

When the Fonz jumped the shark nearly 40 years ago, the moment became a signpost that a show is in decline but from what I saw yesterday there’s plenty of life left in the old dog.

Happy Days is at the Churchill Theatre, Bromley, until January 18 and The Orchard Theatre, Dartford from May 19 to 24. Go toatgtickets.com/Bromley or orchardtheatre.co.uk