I *loved* The Witches of Eastwick | my review of the concert production at the Sondheim Theatre

OHMYGOD HEY!
Last week I saw THE WITCHES OF EASTWICK in concert at the Sondheim Theatre in London starring John Partridge, Carrie Hope Fletcher, Laura Pitt Pulford and Natasha Barnes.
Check out today's brand new video for my thorough review of this unashamedly debauched musical...
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[@EmilyRitcheson]

The fact that you got to see John Partridge as a LAST MINUTE CAST REPLACEMENT is absolutely bonkers to me! So incredibly jealous!!

[@ceriannethomas]

100% agree with what you said about Carrie. She sounded INCREDIBLE. She always sounds great but this is truly the best that shes ever performed !

[@WillowFae]

In the original production they flew out over the stalls. In one performance I saw they got stuck and spent most of the interval hanging up there. At one point one of them asked someone to throw them up an ice cream!

[@jameschurchpiano]

At Drury Lane (i.e. before they moved to the Prince of Wales) they flew over the grand circle too, finishing out of sight, at the top of the circle! It was incredibly moving :-)

[@CoynieReads]

My university musical theatre society did Witches of Eastwick in my second year and Dirty Laundry was THE number!! Couldn’t get it out of my head for days!

[@kitsworld]

Great review, as always. I saw the original production at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane - still have the souvenir brochure. I have to say, I wasn't blown away by it - but I was a huge fan of the film and really struggled to enjoy Ian McShane in the Jack Nicholson role. He just didn't have the charisma (or the singing chops) to do the musical version justice. It was lovely to hear you speak so highly of Claire Moore. She's an old friend from way back. She played opposite my dad in the original West End production of Little Shop of Horrors (she replaced Ellen Greene) and then again in Phantom. I agree that she elevates everything she's in. This is the first time I've commented on one of your videos - I'm shy - but I've been watching for a while now, and I love your style. You are eloquent, articulate, passionate, knowledgeable, and very fair in your criticisms. You are exactly the kind of guy I wish I'd known when I was younger. We would definitely have been friends. Theatre runs in my blood. Both parents were professional actors, I grew up backstage at all the British theatres, and went into the business myself at 14. I have had a passionate love affair with theatre my whole life - but never had a friend to share it with, due to being autistic and gay in the 1980's when the school environment was a much less tolerant place than it is today. (Section 28, anyone?!) I have been out of touch with the theatre scene since losing both my Dad and younger brother, and my mum getting dementia. I felt that all my ties to the theatre world had been severed, and I was unable to enjoy shows anymore. But since discovering your channel I'm starting to rediscover that love and passion, and I feel the theatre bug re-establishing itself in my soul. I have a husband now, and he has never seen a West End show. I plan to correct that! Together we've been watching your videos and making plans. So, thank you! 😘x

[@MarkvanBeelen]

This is so wholesome! I wish you a wonderful return to the theatre world and experience that exchange of energy between those on-stage and those in the audience. Don't hesitate. Go for it! What's on your wish-list? I'm an actor in the theatre outside of the UK, and even I still get spellbound when sitting in the audience and totally getting sucked into the story and the theatre-magic on-stage. I wish that for you too. I'm excited for you. Thank you for sharing your story.

[@Maggie-cd9hc]

My hometown is the New England town where they shot most of the movie! my parents even got married in the church 🥰 it’s so funny because everyone still talks about the movie all these years later but I had never heard there was a musical! I’m shocked none of the local theatres have ever produced it honestly. I’m living in London now studying at drama school so when I heard I just HAD to go see the concert & report back. Loved it so much!! The opening number got me all emotional

[@marypoppins2006]

Wonderful show, saw the original Australian production about 20 years ago. In the post covid world we need more camp, bring it back!

[@rebieroo99]

the director being on zoom sounds stressful enough let alone it being done in a week the talent from the all

[@jenicat55]

I do think a live concert Cd would have helped further the buzz. I’ve not heard of many of the songs and the casting was strong enough to support it.

[@anthonyL1995]

The Witches of Eastwick as a property has always been a favorite of mine. I think the show needs some retooling a bit but I do think that it deserves a larger following than it has. The only reason it didn't get that Broadway transfer originally was because of 9/11 sadly. I have been lucky enough to see some "non-professionally filmed videos" of it or well one was and the other was a full stage leak of the original West End cast. I normally return to the musical and the books during the Fall season. There was actually a pretty good TV show about a decade ago that never should have been canceled. The last interpretation that I saw involved a drag performance not based on the musical that featured Coco Peru, Chad Michaels, and Peaches Christ in the title roles and it was a video that went up for PPV during 2020.

[@joshuamichael3884]

I highly recommend, if you have not already seen it, watching “the making of” documentary of the original west end production here on KZbin it’s great!

[@richill4545]

Had the pleasure to see this on Halloween in the west end in 2000 with Ian Mcshane and Maria Friedman. Enjoyed it very much.

[@PaulBenjaminUK]

I saw the original production at Drury Lane, it was simply amazing, the score is one of the best I’ve every heard in the west end, those harmonies are just brilliant. I remember the ensemble each having a distinctive role and character as residents of Eastwick throughout the show, rather than just playing multiple characters. I think you’re right in saying that the narrative would find an audience today, something which was lost in the early naughties for some reason. I’m gutted that this was a one night only concert and really hope that there’s a revival on the cards!!

[@WillowFae]

As someone who has been a fan since I saw this in it's original run (including the final performance) I am SO glad to see people discovering and loving it :)

[@robokeefe118]

I was lucky enough to see the original Drury Lane production a few times, really enjoyed it. Also side note a friend of mine Sarah Lark currently in Les Mis and who was in the TV search to find 'Nancy' "I'd do anything" originated the role of "little girl" in that production. I would love to see a new version, gutted I couldn't make it to the concert.

[@robertbacon4842]

Witches was also done in 2013 as an actor-musician production at the Watermill with Rosemary Ashe as Felicia, directed by Craig Revell Horwood. And they flew, despite the Watermill being tiny! It also had a UK tour with Marti Pellow and Ria Jones (directed by Nikolai Foster - now doing Grease at the Dominion)

[@lubeeluonline]

I directed an AmDram production of Witches in 2013 & it will always be my favourite show. I adore I Wish I May (I still quote “once upon a time a little girl looked to the sky, and dreamed the dream all children dream, and wished that she could fly” and “I close my eyes and there she is, beneath the wrinkles and the scars. I’m still that little girl wishing blindly on the stars”). Look At Me still makes me sob as does Loose Ends. Seeing Sukie singing to Jennifer on the UK tour had me in absolute bits. A lot of the pro production songs are different to the amateur option, but I still love it. It deserves a full revival. Interesting fact is that there is a rider in the contract that states that you MUST fly your witches in I Wish I May or consult with the publishing house for alternatives. I asked what they’d approved in the past as alternatives to flying & they said “nothing”!

[@Gotohell576]

I've wanted to see Witches live for years, a revival would be incredible

[@marilyns_mole]

I saw Melbourne version of it. It then became a standard in my top 5 shows and has never moved. Rosemary Ashe came over for a short period to reprise Felicia when the incredible Geraldine Turner was sick.

[@Mike_Plays]

I worked on a production of the show in the US at Ogunquit Playhouse. Mamie Parris, Sara Gettelfinger, Nancy Anderson, James Barbour, Sally Struthers, Jim Walton, and more... It was a real trip of a show. Dana Rowe who wrote the music came and was at the orchestra rehearsals. You would have LOVED the camp of it all! I also may have a pic of me in the trench coat and lingerie after the show closed :)

[@callalily3994]

I love Ogunquit Playhouse -- my family goes to see whatever's playing there nearly every summer. (During the time when we'll be there this summer, they'll be doing The Nutty Professor, and while I'm usually able to convince my family to see shows that they might not otherwise be interested in, there was just no way that I could sell a Nutty Professor musical.)

[@sarahleety-stevens5770]

I saw it twice at Ogunquit. Loved it!!

[@scrambledmeggs]

I did a Musical Theater summer workshop in high school in California and I got to play Sukie at 16! I’ve always loved this show, and immediately got Another Night at Darryl’s stuck in my head when I saw your video title. I’m desperate for this show to finally get some love - it was criminally underrated here.

[@Feraloidies]

if any aussies want to come see a community production, we're performing it in Bathurst in less than two weeks!!

[@25971yqop]

Oh my god hey, I love your videos! You have a unique way of explaining the complicated aspects of music theatre and sharing your love for it! Thank you, you are amazing!

[@chloepenfold-moore9055]

At college we did witches of eastwick last year for our FMP, i played sukie & can i say ITS SO FUN!!! we spoke to some of the cast after the staged concert & they said there may be talks about it being put on the west end with a short run!!! fingers crossed because it was actually PHENOMENAL 💗💗💗

[@sophiea.8366]

Only found you recently. Have now binged the last year or so of your videos. Congrats on the 25k!

[@hefinrosser8685]

I love how a musical can take you back to the novel it was inspired by.

[@hefinrosser8685]

Thank u mikeyjo was dying to hear about this production x

[@picahudsoniaunflocked5426]

That shirt deserves to be on a dancefloor. It’s mesmerizing & lavish & looks made for movement & a good beat.

[@mtulett]

I was lucky enough to see the original production when it moved to the Prince of Wales theatre, I loved it then, but the concert on June 20 blew me away. I certainly think it deserves another outing. As for you Mickey Jo, I’m a fan of your reviews. I live in Australia so have to get in as many shows as I can whine visiting & I enjoy how you review. I can’t believe you were just along from me in the Dress Circle on the night! Keep up the good work.

[@lightingjohn]

The Amateur Musical Theatre I belong to did it and we had 3 followspots so each witch had her own. 2 just moved up and down but mine also moved sideways. At the opening as the scene was set the audience started to get up so for the rest of the season the director had in the little girl come on in front of the curtain and slowly ride her bike across the stage. The reaction when the curtain opened and the witches flew was wonderful. A wonderful to be involved in.

[@sarahchamberlain4734]

I saw the original production as a very stagey teenager and it was incredible. I was obsessed with the trio pieces. The harmonies are gorgeous. Lucky enough to do the production at Mountview too in 3rd year. A fabulously fun show to perform in too. I'd love it to be revived.

[@natashakingston8302]

I've been waiting for this review

[@MrAlfredfaber]

I love this show! I was at the same performance as you and LOVED IT. I have also seen both the original at Drury Lane and six months later at The Prince of Wales Theatre. It was a scaled down version from the original but it was much tighter and funnier. They also replaced Darryls number "Who's the Man?" with a gospel number called "The Glory of Me" which is far superior in my opinion, sadly this was not in the concert version, but I think I know why. From what I could tell the version at the Sondheim Theatre was the same as the Stocholm version which I saw (what turned out to be) the final show before Covid happened. They have changed this show almost every time its put on and usually its Alex's seduction number that changes the most. I think they must have a full act of songs from that scene, but now they have gone back to "Eye of the beholder". They also replaced "I love a little town" when the show had its US premiere, but thankfully theyhave put it back in since then. I translated this show into Norwegian back in 2014 for a local production, and got to know the composer through that. It's one of my favorite scores!

[@jameschurchpiano]

It was a huge shock to me when he started singing "Who's the Man"! It took me right back to my very first outing to a West End musical :-)

[@zimsuk]

I saw the original in London and i loved it, would love for it to come back...

[@brianatarango1831]

I only seen the Australian version of Witches of Eastwick with Paul McDermott on youtube and a few clips from the original.

[@HarringtonTribal]

Saw the American Premier at the Signature Theatre in Virginia with Emily Skinner, Christiane Noll, Jacquelyn Piro Donovan and Mark Kuddish. It was fantastic. Dana Rowe is active on social media and one of the nicest people I've ever interacted with. Witches of Eastwick and The Fix are two of my favorite scores!

[@gonzalosourigues9795]

I remember the impact seeing the original production at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane. It was fantastic. I hope to see a revival some day

[@missidaswann]

LOVE this show! One of my dream musicals to be in. Truly hope there's a revival coming! I'd love to see it

[@juliaspearing6949]

I saw the original touring production of this. Wet Wet Wet's Marti Pellow played Daryl. Let's just say there wasn't a dry seat in the house... Sexy as anything!

[@jerewilliams460]

You may or may not be aware, but this is actually based on a 1984 novel of the same name by John Updike, not just the 1987 film based on the novel.

[@lornarobinson2721]

There was, I believe an professional Actor/Musician version of the show performed at The Watermill a few years ago. I didn't get to see that but I did see the original several times...first in previews and then all the way through to the end of the run after it had changed theatre. It was actually really interesting to see how it evolved during that time. Songs were shifted around, removed entirely, new songs put in and lyrics rewritten. Rosie Ashe's version was really something to see with all the various items that came out of her mouth during Evil. Just such a great show and so lovely to hear it again live last week. ;)

[@robertbacon4842]

I saw the Watermill production - was very good, though I think it works better on a slightly larger scale.

[@f.velasco6628]

As soon as I saw Carrie Hope Fletcher in the thumbnail, I clicked right away! Looking forward to her new and more promising gigs after what happened last time... (cough cough ALW)

[@Steela100]

I went to a uni production of this a couple of years ago and I’m fucking OBSESSED with it, I’m hopeful this will spawn an ongoing production of it because it really is just a great show, dirty laundry is a fucking JAM

[@katharinastehr9296]

They did a production in Linz, Austria in 2013. It was in german and called "Die Hexen von Eastwick".

[@samanthaleese52]

That shirt though 😍

[@CalliopeMoEP]

I saw it in Stockholm in 2019 with Peter Jöback as Darryl Van Horne. He played Michael in the original London production and if I remember correctly made Cameron promise him that he would be allowed to play his dream role Darryl once he was old enough. The production was amazing and the flight number brilliant.

[@SamsonLion]

I saw an incredible production of Witches back in 2013 at the Watermill Theatre in Newbury Berkshire which if you haven't heard of is definitely worth the trek out from London. they put on incredible small cast shows where all the actors are also the band! the staging is always mindblowingly inventive and it was perfect for Witches, especially for Waiting For The Music To Begin.

[@stuartberry8362]

Saw it 4 times in the West End. I was obsessed. Joanna Riding as Janey was phenomenal!!!! And they flew over the audience - very clever how they attached harnesses so you couldn't see. I'm sure Janey used to high five the front row of the upper circle. Did the concert use "Who's the Man?" or "The Glory of Me".

[@DDTC73]

They used Who's the Man.

[@stuartberry8362]

@@DDTC73 I suppose it makes sense for a concert, it is a better song. I believe it was replaced to include the female ensemble.

[@Feraloidies]

i wish there was a recording of this performance! I'm currently in rehearsals for a community production of this, i'm in the ensemble but my sister is Alex. the script is really poorly edited (the libretto and script are different in many parts) Evil is my favourite number, and i learned it for the audition. it's a really fun production, but difficult.

[@jamesmason6695]

I saw the 2nd ever production, which was in Melbourne, Australia, but it was cursed. The night I saw it only 2 of the Witches went up and they got stuck. Then a huge chunk of the cast got sick, and apparently, 9/11 got in the way of the Broadway plans. In Australia, TV host and comedian Paul McDermott played Darryl, our biggest stage star Marina Prior played Janey, renowned Sondheim interpreter Geraldine Turner played Felicia, future star Matt Lee played Michael and future Tony nominee Tony Sheldon played Clive.

[@eliza2636]

Love the shirt!

[@instantsoap]

If you want a deep dive into all things Witches of Eastwick, I highly recommend reading the novel that started it all. John Updike was an incredible author and I’ve read it multiple times. The film was a very Hollywood departure from the book, creating a lot of the camp elements and eliminating any depth. But it’s fascinating seeing how the stage show reconciles the two sources into something new and vibrant.

[@AlanScobbie]

Claire Moore is never short of excellent. We don't get to see enough of her. I got to see the original production with its replacement cast. There was a much stronger 11 o'clock number for the Devil called "Glory of Me" with Clarke Peters owning the stage. Jo Riding continued on in that cast with Josefina Gabrielle and Rebecca Thornhill - all wonderful. The company as a whole was pretty stacked tbh and yes Rosie Ashe stole the show back then too. Feels like a show that would run a season or two in NY but we don't really get enough of that here and the market doesn't sustain it.

[@paulkuhne8214]

Saw the original 7 times when I studied in London - it was magical.

[@amandag2053]

John Partridge cats the musical John Partridge??

[@DDTC73]

The show has had far more productions than just the OLC and first tour and The Witches of Eastwick, film and the musical, are based on the original book by John Updike.It's unlike you to not fact check before you review! I love the score to the show, saw the original at both TRDL and PoW and it was great to hear the score again at the concert. They were mostly all in great voice, but apart from Claire Moore (QUEEN!) I felt everyone else was miscast amongst the leads. However, and unfortunately I didn't get a programme to find out, the 3 women who played Brenda, Gretta and Gina, the town gossips, were played and sung to perfection!

[@beltingtokra]

They did it at University and it was fabulous, I got recalled for felicia and got cast in the ensemble but wasn't able to do it , dirty laundry is a stunning number, singing those top C#s is very satisfying

[@Lighting_Desk]

Excellent. I hope the rest of the cast and crew of cinders get their chance to go to the ball properly. They deserve it after everything they've been through.

[@karenschlumpf4532]

I saw the original version back in the late 1990s ... it was incredible!!!

[@erindekker6121]

love that shirt!

[@1NYCHombre]

The original production was also Produced by Sir Cameron Mackintosh. I agree it’s much more relevant today than twenty years ago, and I am so glad you enjoyed it.

[@Dianaemanuel]

So pleased you loved Claire Moore. I saw her as Christine in Phantom twice back in the late 80s and she was knockout then! There was a rumor some years ago that she was going to go back into the show as Carlotta but it seemed to come to nothing. I do hope she does because I think she'd be a hoot!

[@Jon-qi5ys]

Love this! Can you maybe react to treason at west end live, if you haven’t already watched it? 💕

[@rebieroo99]

He was at west end live so probably saw it live

[@katburgess5926]

Oh my god, hey back atcha!

[@doctorfuller9514]

I too am mad there wasn’t a live recording I’d have sold my soul to John partridge to be there

[@WiseGuy19]

I love this score but never got to see the show. It’s time for a revival. Witches are in.

[@cedgson91]

Only knew about the show from following Danielle on social media Looks like a lot of fun Going to the Kinky boots in concert show in August, might be similar set up? Didn’t quite manage to get round to buy a ticket for this one Being directed over zoom sounds stressful 😂

[@carriew5106]

Would love to see the show.

[@seanmcgcostumes]

As an American, I was so confused as to why there was a UK concert of a new musical of an American movie that no one ever really remembers unless they were a big fan of it, and then you said there was a full West End production of the musical in the past and I was baffled when I looked it up and it was aaaaall the way back in 2000! Completely blew my mind. It's never had a major US production outside of colleges and regional theatres.

[@mjjago]

We were robbed of Claire Moore’s Carlotta in Phantom a number of years ago too after it was announced, but she withdrew just before Gerónimo Rauch took over in the lead.

[@reneepope-munro8115]

Dirty Laundry and Look At Me are always the numbers that stick with me when I listen to it.

[@stacierice3873]

I haven't seen it, but I love the cast recording.

[@showbuzz2674]

There was an hour Documentary about the Making of the Original London Production leading up yo Opening Night...lots of performance and rehearsal video...I have never understood why this show never enjoyed a NYC Production although it did have a Regional U.S. Production.

[@anthonyrae6302]

Absolutely loved this concert. I was lucky to see the 2008 WOE tour with Ria Jones, Poppy Tierney and Rebecca Thornhill as the witches. Also Rachel Izen as Felicia and Marti Pellow as Darryl. Then in 2013 the Watermill production with Tiffany Graves, Joanna Kirkland and Poppy Tierney. Rosemary Ashe reprised the role of Felicia. Alex Bourne as Darryl. Both brilliant productions. I think the 3 girls this time were my favourites. I was less keen on JP but the show overall was amazing. I had tears when Dana P Rowe played alongside CHF and Maria Friedman. Stunning. But why does Darryl get the final bow? Surely it should be The Witches (the same with Kim and the Engineer in Miss Saigon)?!

[@sylvialuisa]

I'd love to see this show properly. I saw it when it came to the Edinburgh Playhouse in 2008, and we had a tradition of going to see whatever show was there for Christmas, for my mum's December birthday. I was 13, and at the stage of "I understand some of this but I'm probably not supposed to". I was sat with my mum, dad, and Grandma, and it made for a very awkward experience overall. Would love a revival so I could see it now that I'd fully understand it and could choose not to sit with my family!

[@lindaodd5667]

Have you been to West End Live this year?

[@SteveFeatherstone]

Hi Mickey Jo, I saw the original production at Dury Lane which was just too big a venue for this show, it was then was slightly reworked for the Prince of Wales, which was better. think

[@MarkvanBeelen]

Hi, I saw the Prince of Wales Theatre production on the West End back in 2001 when I was 18 or 19 years old. Bob Crowley redesigned most of the set for the more intimate theatre. By then they had already started to change bits and pieces in the structure of the show, most notably the song "Something" was now sung as a vow-of-love song between Michael and Jennifer in the first act, instead of a holding-on-to-their-love song while being miles apart, taking place in the second act, singing it over the telephone like it was in the original Drury Lane Theatre version. Ian McShane had left the production by then and with him also the song "Who's the Man?", which got replaced by "The Glory of Me" and was performed by the Darryl that took over after McShane's departure: Earl Carpenter. I'm not sure about the ensemble but I definitely saw the original leads and they were all powerhouses! My personal standout performance was Joanna Riding singing "Waiting for the Music to Begin". "Loose Ends" was still in the show and sung beautifully by Maria Friedman. I loved Rosemary Ashe, especially in "Dirty Laundry" and "Evil", although I didn't quite connect to her story. But that might have had something to do with my age at the time. I also didn't really understand what was happening during "Dance with the Devil", apart from it being a catchy dance-number fr Michael, and Clyde totally losing himself. But if I'm not mistaken this was my very first West End show I ever saw and I was all caught up in the comedy, the humor, the design, the music and the special effects. Not to mention one of the most exciting Ouvertures I've ever heard (still to this day) and witnessing stars on-stage I had only seen on TV thus far! There's quite a bit of information to be found on this show online. There's a making-of series, there's the wikipedia page and I'm sure some of the original cast-members have stories to tell. Years later I worked with Jasna Ivir in Germany and she was the original Gina in the London production. I wish I still had my original souvenir brochures but they didn't survive an unfortunate fire. Anyway, have fun researching the show. I'll leave you some links to get started. I can't wait to see a video of you about all that you've found out. I love geeking out over these kinda things and so do you obviously. Keep going. With light and love, Mark

[@MarkvanBeelen]

Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Witches_of_Eastwick_(musical) The making-of: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aYaTqp5tYpuopc0 The original Drury Lane cast performing "I Wish I May", incl. the witches flying. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hYDRi3h3a5WUjrc

[@jameschurchpiano]

I adore the Overture as well! The composer once told me that it was written to accompany some 'stage magic' that was going to fly the audience into Eastwick! The design got cut during previews but the music remained :-)

[@MarkvanBeelen]

@@jameschurchpiano Omg! That's such a wonderful piece of trivia about the show! If I ever have the pleasure to work with Bob Crowley again I'll have to ask him more about this show. He loves to share. Anyway, I always felt it had something magical. I remember the first time I listened to that cast recording and was immediately lifted up by that Ouverture. Thanx for sharing!

[@natashakingston8302]

I didnt even realise it was a musical. Sounds really really interesting

[@izzythepsychicpotato7094]

Who else wants Mickey to do a review of Treason?

[@bruceblock8676]

I liked the song "Dirty Landry " even more the first time I heard it and the lyrics were "Bloody Mary is the girl I love"

[@ellieyoung6680]

I saw both the original and tour versions - one with the man from Lovejoy (Ian McShane) as the lead (you’re far too young to remember Lovejoy 😂) and then Marti Pellow from Wet,Wet,Wet. It’s still one of my favourite musicals. I loved Loose Ends - has that been taken out now? Glad the concert was amazing 🤩

[@MrAlfredfaber]

They took it out during previews in London, but kept it on the cast recording.

[@leadershipwithxander]

Were you the guy that shouted out “love you, Maria” during her opening remarks?

[@rachelthom212]

After watching this video, I would totally find some childcare and get myself down to the Charing Cross. Separate point Mickey Jo, can you please explain why on curtain calls the non-actors do a little, peppy jog onto the stage from a standing start?

[@supernnnnlive]

Agreed with all of the Above

[@dan_mt8763]

Have you changed your camera?! Quality looks a lot sharper!!

[@martinpike1171]

love that shirt

[@johnarchibald9656]

I saw a non-professional, but very good production of ”Witches of Eastwick” in Melbourne, Florida, in November of 2016. I’d heard of the original London production, and was already familiar with the excellent score, having played the CD a lot. Fine production values, with the flying a highlight. Very good performances. I still think “Dirty Laundry” is the standout number, which was a lot of fun. I couldn’t understand why this show never played in New York, until I saw the second act, where the three witches eventually cause the death of the nosy neighbor, which I think is too much of a downer for the book. So, even though it’s otherwise quite enjoyable, that odd dark turn for the plot left a sinister taste in this “entertainment.” Sounds like it worked far better as a concert.

[@idogonen3075]

I was there as well and thought the evening was a tremendous success. My only criticism towards the casting would be that it's a shame that they cast two very young women in the lead roles. That's not to take anything from their stellar performances (I mean Danielle and Carrie). Sookie mentions her wrinkles in one of the songs and dude... she's in her twenties. It was a great opportunity to cast slightly older actors in the roles.

[@sianbennett-rodgers]

A billion years ago I went to a production of Cats (I was a kid, don't judge) and they announced an understudy for Tugger, cue disappointment. That understudy was a young John Partridge. He's obviously gone on to define that role but a life long respect for the talent of Partridge was born. He deserves all the praise tbh

[@katiemorrill4318]

I Highley recommend you watch the original movie! it's awesome!!!

[@Showtunediva]

Was this ever on Broadway? I will have to look the cast recording up. When might you post your review of Mary Poppins?

[@jamesmason6695]

It has not yet been on Broadway. Other posters here have said 9/11 got in the way. I strongly recommend the Cast Recording.

[@Showtunediva]

@@jamesmason6695 is the cast recording on Spotify?

[@ashlynharrison3170]

Devil sex magic 😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣 that killed me

[@kathastrophic247]

Ya KnOW It's CaMp 💜

[@CoachJenW]

Recollections of the original run you say? Well you did ask, let’s see what I can drag out of the dark recesses of my memory (how is it 20 years already?) I saw the original cast with Ian McShane as Darrel at I think Drury Lane? Then I saw it a couple of times when it moved to the prince of wales. If memory serves Ian McShane had to leave earlier than contracted due to illness and Earl Clark played the role temporarily until Clarke Peters took over. I know I saw all 3 giving great and individual takes. There may have been something around the original casting of Darrel being someone else pre-opening and I can’t remember now if that was rumour or an actual official announcement - I want to say Michael Crawford but I could be very wrong on that. If it happened it was one of those things that happened before rehearsals started. I also recall seeing Lisa Piece playing one of the three women - possibly Sukie. I think I’d have seen the cast change three leading ladies as well but I’m afraid my memory lets me down on who that’d have been. I do remember the first person on stage was Sarah Larke (sp?) playing the little girl but am going to have to dig out the cast recording because I can recall nothing else about that number. I do recall words, words, words being fantastic and being sung with a cello as a prop. I recall laundry being waved around during dirty laundry (apologies for not knowing the correct language to give justice to the choreograph with that - I think it’s a number that may have made it onto KZbin though, though it may not still be up. The three leading ladies finished the first act flying out above the audience (or at least the front part of the stalls). Whilst it’s not a musical that would make my top 10 it’s certainly higher up there - good enough for me to see it three separate times when different friends wanted to watch it. It was a fun show, with tunes you remember later. With the right cast I can see it being very special.

[@jameschurchpiano]

It is interesting that apart from the opening lines in 'Eastwick Knows', the part of the Little Girl has been cut! I remember the little ditty that she used to sing throughout the original show and lots of comedy moments...

[@MarkvanBeelen]

@@jameschurchpiano I remember those too! At some point in the 2nd act, when the witches were having a heated debate outside, she came on skipping or she was on a little bike, all happy and cheerful singing a line from a previous song, to which the witches simultaneously replied with a loud "Shut up!" (if I'm not mistaken) after which Maria Friedman then asked her: "Who are you anyway?" I can still hear that last line clearly in my head.

[@kathastrophic247]

Woooo!!!! Second comment!!! Loved this video!!!!

[@ANightworkerslife]

Swedish Peter Jöback originated Michael, he also played Chris in Miss Saigon and then later went on doing Phantom both on West End and on Broadway. The later years he has been producing musicals in Sweden and lately did Witches of Eastwick whre he now played Daryl Van Horn :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/pZjEnoZ5mt2rnc0 If you haven't seen it, here is a clip from the original ( i guess you already have) and you'll find Peter in it :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/ppypaq2kZbWAr5I

[@VictoriaG86]

Will you be doing a Hamilton review?

[@erindekker6121]

Can you talk about Hadestown?

[@kittyfreya9141]

I saw it with Marti Pellow, it was Hot... I'd seen the movie but I didn't think it would be as sexual. No complaint from me but someone behind me complain ed that it was pure filth. To which I turned around and said, "It's great isn't it. By her look she ment it more as a negative... 😅

[@jamestong8080]

Do yoy want a bootleg of the original production?

[@cajuncajun2594]

Yes please 🙏🏽