I'D DO ANYTHING .

Lena & Harry Smith · Post by **Lena & Harry Smith** » Sun Mar 30, 2008 5:16 pm

That sounds good Marian, co-incidently, i'm just listening to Judy Garland singing "The Man That Got Away. " Her famous daughter Lorna Luft is guest today on Eric Hall's programme.

Lena & Harry Smith · Post by **Lena & Harry Smith** » Sun Mar 30, 2008 8:31 pm

Wel, Amy and Francesca were in the sing off tonight, sadly Amy had to leave, but there was no doubt that Francesca had the best voice of the Two. In fact we were surprised that she was in the sing off, but it was obviously a very difficult choice, they are all so good, and somebody had to go.
The first boy chosen for Oliver has a lovely voice, but remembering Andrew Lloyd Webber's words stating that he didn't want a namby pamby voice but a grittier voice, and judging by tonights singing we can't see how very much different this boys voice is from the film or past productions, although it could depend on the song.

mariana44 · Post by **mariana44** » Sun Mar 30, 2008 10:35 pm

I thought that Amy and Francesca sang "Tell me on a Sunday" just beautifully---but after John and Barry had previously said that they did not see Amy as Nancy, I guess her fate was sealed.

I was surprised at the first "Oliver" to go through, as he seemed to have a very strong Welsh accent-even when singing "Bright Eyes " it came through.

It is more interesting as we are getting to know more about the girls and who they are--but still not much info on the "Olivers"

I like the sound of a search for Dorothy in the "Wizard of Oz"--although there have been a few other shows rumoured to be given this treatment, that have not come about---I think "My Fair Lady " was one.

Marian · Post by **Marian** » Sun Mar 30, 2008 11:08 pm

Well my chosen four are still there, though I wasn't too sure about Niamh tonight. They all did well, as did the Olivers.
I think it's unfair for the judges to say which one of the two in the sing off they think shouldn't be Nancy. It's cruel, as if Amy had gone through to next week she would already know what the judges thought of her, which surely must dent her confidence and affect her performance.
I though both sang very well in the sing-off, and Amy's farewell at the end was very moving.
Marian

Lena & Harry Smith · Post by **Lena & Harry Smith** » Tue Apr 01, 2008 9:55 pm

Amy was on Breakfast Time yesterday morning, and she spoke of her disappointment at being voted off but was hopeful of being offered the chance of another part in another show. We hope she does, but meantime it's back to selling ice cream at the Palladium.

paul jh · Post by **paul jh** » Tue Apr 01, 2008 10:36 pm

Yesterday on BBC Radio 1, I heard many reports about some American actor complaining about these shows on the BBC. I guess he owns a West End theatre and he sees them as only a way to promote shows and sell theatre tickets and the BBC shouldn't be doing this. He needs to keep his opinions to himself. If I find out his name, I'll stay away from his movies. It really bothered me. I think these programs provide great entertainment on a Saturday night (or any day) for many people, but especially for families and people who are unable to travel to see these shows in London or can't afford the tickets. And they help keep musicals alive, which can only be a good thing. I wish we had more of these programs in the US.

Marian · Post by **Marian** » Tue Apr 01, 2008 10:58 pm

I did see this interview on TV, and as usual I think it has been misinterpreted by the press and radio programmes.
Marian

mariana44 · Post by **mariana44** » Tue Apr 01, 2008 11:06 pm

I wish we had more of these programmes over here too-I just love trem--and it must bring a lot of these shows to the notice of many peole who may never have bothered before with musical theatre.

However my one criticism remains, as it did with Maria, and Joseph and Grease---the choice of songs. This is not X-factor or Pop idol, but a search for a musical star---and I think in this last week, the song that Amy sang--- "Respect"--- did her no favours in regard to being considered as Nancy. If she had sung a song like "Tell me on A Sunday"--she may still be there--I thought she sang it so beautifully--as did Francesca--I know I mentioned this before--but I have just rerun and watched it again---to me they both gave a spell-binding performance. You could not say that about "Respect" !!!!

paul jh · Post by **paul jh** » Tue Apr 01, 2008 11:12 pm

Good points, both Marians!

Of course, I believe everything I hear on the BBC. But I still don't think I'll see the guy's films.

You have a good point about the song choices for these shows. Like everything they try to appeal to a young audience. "Respect" should only be sung by Aretha Franklin. And this is the main reason why I don't watch the dance and skating programs. I don't want to see them dance a tango to some silly pop song, but to a real tango.

Marian · Post by **Marian** » Tue Apr 01, 2008 11:32 pm

The actor was Kevin Spacey Paul, and I have a good deal of respect for him as an actor, and also in his present position as director of the Old Vic Theatre in London.
All he said was, when are the BBC going to give the same support to finding an actor for a leading role in serious theatre, rather than giving all publicity to musical shows.
The BBC responded by saying once the shows to find a leading role are over, they have no futher input or financial backing for the shows, and the programmes are purely produced for entertainment value.
Marian

Lena & Harry Smith · Post by **Lena & Harry Smith** » Tue Apr 01, 2008 11:46 pm

Well the actor in question who was , Kevin Spacey who was complaining about these shows and how they are being used just to promote and advertise them for audience purpoises wouldn't complain if he himself was appearing in these productions, and if they do encourage audiences, after all the hard work involved, the enless hours of rehearsels for those people, some who, stepping on a stage has only been a dream, then so what.
Peoples choice in how they wish to spend their money is their own.
We enjoy these programmes simply because other than these shows TV at weekends is hardly worth switching on for.
We can see what you mean about the choice of songs Marian, we're baffled too, but it seems that they need to know that these girls can sing any kind of song from a ballad to an up-beat pop song.
We agree with Paul about those annoying accompanying songs for dancing and skating tangos when there are so many fantastic tunes just meant and so perfect for tangos.

ROBERT M. · Post by **ROBERT M.** » Wed Apr 02, 2008 12:23 am

Jeff, Kevin Spacey - the artistic director at the Old Vic theatre- won the best actor Oscar for American Beauty. He also played "Bobby Darin" in Beyond the Sea

Gray · Post by **Gray** » Wed Apr 02, 2008 6:47 am

I like Kevin Spacey enormously! Eek!

I agree with you 100%, Marian.
Some of the songs the contestants performed on Saturday seemed unsuitable.

And I would LOVE to watch the same format of show looking to unearth an acting talent for the next production of Hamlet.

mariana44 · Post by **mariana44** » Wed Apr 02, 2008 10:05 am

I was just watching a programme last night --I think it was a repeat---on how Kimberley Walsh from Girls Aloud, fulfilled her dream to sing "On My Own" as Eponine, in Les Miserables. It was an entertaining programme, and in the end Kimberley gave a nice performance---but I just wonder how many other talented girls are out there, who would give anything for a chance like that--and maybe do a better job than Kimberley--who kept insisting that being in Girls Aloud had nothing to do with her getting an audition etc.

That show would be a tough one to cast from a Reality show !!!!!!

Lena & Harry Smith · Post by **Lena & Harry Smith** » Wed Apr 02, 2008 11:44 am

We also have respect for Kevin Spacey as an actor and director, and certainly enjoyed the role he played in Beyond The Sea, even though he was thought by many to be a little too old for the part, he played the role superbly.
For a musical, the entrants have to be able to sing, dance, and act as we've already winessed in the previous series
We cannot quite see though how a series for the more serious theatre acting roles alone could be judged by viewers or even as popular, unless of course all these talents have to be included.