*Verdict for The Napoleon
Production
directed by Francesca Zambello
A much respected director and rightly so I haven't see such great production for awhile.
I urge my readers from Esquire Magazine ( Asia ) to see this production to broden their horizon.
Scenery/designer
by Michael Yeargan
There is breathtaking scenery and a very cleaver use of projects designed by Jan Hartley. The combination makes the entire show work. The drapes are beautiful and reminded me of Lautrec, the musical. (I hope this French Cousin survives this time!) While there was a lot of impressive scenery, the Cathedal, the garden scene was exceptional and made this viewer gasp in awe.
Lighting
by Rick Fisher
Astonishing! Even with the very bright light, the lighting made the production look good.
Costume
by Marie- Jeanne Lecca
The great costumes were like jewels in the crown.
Music & book
by Timothy Williams
The music's ability to transport the audience from one
scene to another is good. However the key song does not match
its climax.
Book and Lyrics
by Andrew Sabiston
One must wonder why Napolean was chosen of the subject of a musical. In addition to not being a particularly likeable individual, he is a mean, ambitious person bent on conquering the world. As he abandons his wife and brother for blatantly feeble seasons.Well maybe I stand corrected, we are still talking about 'nasty Nick' from Big Brother who remembers
what's her name???.
Singing/acting
Paul Baker/Uwe Kroger do remarkably well in holding the
show together. Unfortunately the character they portray,
Napoleon, is so very unpleasant that you don't feel sorry for
them.
Anastasis Barzee, Napoleon's wife Josephine, is
saddled with songs that do not do her voice justice. David
Burt as Talleyrand, Nigel Richards as Napoleon's cousin
Lucien,and
David Arneil as Foche act and sing well. Jody
Crosier as Anton, however, gives a very impressive
performance. I can see him doing these period characters well
in his future career.
Dancing
choreographed by Demni Sayers.
Sound
by Martin Levan with Hendrick Maassen
www.NapoleonTheMusical.com
Professional Review