Regional Theatre: November 2007 Archives

I went to opening night of the 5th Avenue Theatre's presentation of WHISTLE DOWN THE WIND which is currently on it first national tour on this side of the pond. WHISTLE DOWN THE WIND was written by Andrew Lloyd Webber (music) and Jim Steinman (lyrics).

We all know who Sir Andrew is (if you don't, stop reading this blog now!), but for you youngsters out there, Jim Steinman is most well-known for his dramatic rock lyrics for Meatloaf (Bat Out of Hell, etc.), and more recently, for Celine Dion. The book was written by Patricia Knop, Gale Edwards and Andrew Lloyd Webber. It was based on the original novel by Mary Haley Bell and the film produced by Richard Attenborough and directed by Bryan Forbes from the screeplay by Keith Waterhouse and Willis Hall. The film starred Hayley Mills. Whew!

I'd heard of this show before, but always got it mixed up with Sondheim's ANYONE CAN WHISTLE! I hadn't a clue as to what it was about --  the title doesn't exactly illuminate what the show is about the way JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR or THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA do!

This production is directed by Bill Kenwright and stars Eric Kunze as "Man" and 16-year old Andrea Ross as "Swallow". (I feel an Austin Powers joke coming on…) Both are absolutely amazing, and actually the whole production has top quality talent. I don't usually like kid performers (too cute) that aren't my own, but I liked all the kids which included a children's choir with local kids.

From the 5th Avenue Theatre Web site:

"Whistle Down the Wind is an uplifting musical about a young Louisiana girl who finds a mysterious stranger and hides him from the townspeople, who are determined to find the escaped felon. The US premiere production partners renowned rock lyricist Jim Steinman (Meatloaf's classic album Bat Out of Hell) and Andrew Lloyd Webber (Cats, Evita and Joseph...) to create a score inspired by the sounds of the American South – blues, gospel, country and rock 'n' roll. Directed and produced by Bill Kenwright, Whistle Down the Wind features award-winning songs including the Boyzone smash hit 'No Matter What.'"

Andrew Lloyd Webber has written one of my most favorite shows ever (JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR) and one of my least favorite shows ever (THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA) so I felt I was bringing a pretty even perspective to the performance.

I quite enjoyed the evening, and Sir Andrew does have a way with a melody that sticks with you. I always enjoy identifying bits of musical motifs that a writer uses in a particular show, that have been used in one of his/her previous shows. Lots of composers do this, and I’m sure I do it too, and Sir Andrew is no exception -- JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR uses lots from JOSEPH, and I heard a fair number of tidbits from JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR in WHISTLE DOWN THE WIND.
 
I'm intrigued by the story and now want to read the original book. The original novel didn't take place in America -- that was done when they wrote the musical. I just wonder why they didn't change the title as well…