Hudson Backstage Theatre (Hollywood, CA)
The Hudson Theatre hosts the premiere of a new musical version of Charles Dickens' Great Expectations. The rich score brings to life the story of young Pip and his journey of obsession, disillusionment, and redemption. The show was a Los Angeles Times "Critic's Choice" and a LA Weekly "Theatre Pick of the Week".
Event summary prepared by the Goldstar Editorial Team.
All dates for this event have expired.
The last event was Friday May 9, 2008 / 8:00pm. (view all dates)
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Given the venue the best was done with what they had. Minimalist sets and costumes made way for the story - mostly music driven. Voices outstanding, acting with a few exceptions VERY good - especially the children!!! . On the down side: seating in this theatre is uncomfortable with scarcely any knee room; and there WILL be audience members who think nothing of offering eachother verbal commentary as though in their own living rooms. STAY HOME!!!!
For lovers of musical theatre, this will be very satisfying. Though traditional, GE is an excellent example of effective story-telling in this form and a wonderful night in the theatre. The cast we saw included understudies in a couple of the leads. This was hard to believe since both were not only perfect but entirely suited to their roles. The cast, many of whom had alternating roles, was superb. In fact, the performaces were of such a high calibre they would merit recommendation alone. Once again, for lovers/appreciators of the musical theatre form: GO.
You must see this as it really bowls one over. Everything about this new musical is brilliant ie the actors particularly the young performers, the costumes, the music and lyrics, the musicians, and the sets. The actors move the sets, and it is remarkable how they get so much out of so little space. The singing is superb, and everyone joins in to make this a wonderful experience for the audience. Very highly recommended!
It was a nice change of pace. I really enjoyed it. The cast and the music was quite good and entertaining.
Great Expectations is much more than one would expect from a small stage production. The book bridges Dickens' lengthy setting of the story with a series of flashbacks. The music is excellent and the cast outstanding. Can't wait to see if it gets to the NY big stage....it is a show worthy of it!
A very talented cast, superbly directed, present a memorable evening of theatre. I loved the music, the staging, the Dicken's characters, and the passion of the performers. Don't miss it.
What a wonderful evening. This muscial adaptation of Great Expectations caught me off guard. It was a performance worthy of Broadway. And I wouldn't be surprised if it became a Broadway hit. The muscial score was enchanting and the actors first rate. Goldstar is a incredible opportunity to see first rate performances at very attractive prices. Thank you
This is a fine new musical with a terrific cast.
As with most musicals in their early life, Act One is far too long. It's in need of a good ten to fifteen minutes trimming.
That said, the music is first rate, moving the story along and defining the characters.
There are a couple of plot points in act two that could use some fine tuning. (It's been a number of years since I raed Great Expections. The problem could be mine.)
Again, well worth seeing.
Very talented performers, especially the children, but the play itself didn't do justice to the book.
I love Dickens and I LOVE this play. My husband dislikes Dickens, but HE loved it too. It's so exciting to see the first fully staged version of something that, I'm sure, is destined for grand venues. The music was quite Broadway-worthy (with perhaps a little adjusting), and the trio about love was exemplary.
Better than many Broadway shows we've seen!!!
The best I have seen in years, want to catch it again, will be looking for more Goldstar dates on this one - told all my friends so good luck on getting a ticket.
MichaelP
amazing work. professional singers.
The Hudson Backstage is the largest stage of the Hudson Theatres. It has played host to a variety of productions, including Broadway-bound Reefer Madness (Best Production Award, LADCC), the multiple award-winning The Master and Margarita, and smash hits The Diva is Dismissed (5 major awards including NAACP) and My Big Fat Greek Wedding, written by and starring N... More
The classic novel Great Expectations has been transformed into this developmental production and is now a passionate and vibrant new musical! The rich score brings to life the story of a prodigal young man named Pip and his journey of obsession, disillusionment, and redemption. Dickens’ colorful characters, the scheming Miss Havisham, the nurturing Joe, the abusive Mrs. Joe, and the mysterious convict, Magwitch, all spring to life and influence Pip’s pursuit of his humanity, and the quest for the elusive love of his life, the beautiful Estella.
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