The witches of eastwick

At Sondheim theater the 20th june 2022

More than twenty years after its premiere in London, the musical The Witches of Eastwick, based on John UPDICKE novel, was back for a one night only event on the stage of Sondheim Theatre, home of Les Misérables. For that special night we got a concert version directed by Maria FRIEDMAN, cast member of the original production. Instead of a reunion concert, she invited a new cast around her: John PARTRIDGE, Natasha J. BARNES, Carrie HOPE FLETCHER and Laura PITT-PULFORD in the parts played at the movies by Jack NICHOLSON, Cher, Susan SARANDON and Michelle PFEIFFER.

As soon as the show starts, we realize we’ll get much more than a simple concert. A gigantic ensemble of 17 actors and dancers invade the stage to give life to the city of Eastwick. Behind them a 15-musician orchestra and a chorus. Let’s just say that each song is powerful behind our “witches” trio. Between two surprising thunders, the ending of the first act surprises us again by giving the three characters a deserved flight in the air. Among the other memorable moments, the jazzy Dance with the Devil and an ensemble song, Dirty Laundry.

Before the start of the show, Maria FRIEDMAN warned us about Covid incidents that impacted the production. She got it herself and had to direct the rehearsals by Zoom, and two main actors had to be replaced at the last minute. Among them John PARTRIDGE who is an effortless seducing devil and makes the stage his own. All three actresses get the chance to shine in the show as they encounter him, including a bubbly Carrie HOPE FLETCHER. Let’s talk also about Claire MOORE whose perfect comic timing as Felicia GABRIEL embraced the audience.

If we can still hope that concert to become a new production in London, that night will mostly be remembered as a celebration of the show. As the last proof the attendance of the original composer  Dana P. ROWE during the bows, celebrated by fever by a crazy musical fan audience.

This concert was a good way to discover or rediscover a musical that has been somewhat forgotten.

Synospis

Be careful what you wish for!

When three desperate housewives in small town America wish for the man of their dreams, they get more than they bargain for in this bewitching musical comedy returning to the West End for one night only in a thrilling all–star concert.

Based on the John Updike novel and the 1987 Hollywood film about three bored New England witches who conjure up a wicked lover, the musical by John Dempsey and Dana P. Rowe features a showstopping score including “Make Him Mine”, “Dirty Laundry”, “Dance With the Devil” and “I Wish I May”.

John Partridge stars as the devilish Darryl van Horne, alongside Carrie Hope Fletcher, Laura Pitt Pulford and Natasha J Barnes as the titular witches.

Directed by one of the show’s original stars, three-time Olivier Award-winner Maria Friedman, The Witches Of Eastwick promises to be the musical theatre concert event of the year!

The rest of the cast includes Claire Moore as Felicia Gabriel, Nathan Amzi as Clyde Gabriel, Alfie Friedman as Michael Spofford, Chrissie Bhima as Jennifer Gabriel. The ensemble will include Lydia Bannister, Isabel Canning, Aoife Dunn, Christopher Howell, Emma Knudsen, Martin McCarthy, Benjamin Mundy, Emily Ooi, Joshua Robinson, Rachel Spurrell and Rafe Watts. They will be accompanied by the Guildford School of Acting (GSA) Choir.

Come and dance with the Devil this Summer at the Sondheim Theatre.

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Geotoine.