musicals and operas feature
13 To See: Musicals and Operas
2008 Festival Preview
With the West End chock-full of musicals and some of the biggest government subsidies going to opera, it's a surprise that this section of the Festival programme remains comparatively small. However, there's plenty to enjoy with productions on all scales and ThreeWeeks highlights a selection of what's on offer.
Musical Theatre @ George Square
In one of the most exciting developments in the Fringe, there is, for the first time, a venue devoted entirely to Musical Theatre - particularly showcasing some of the best British talent. As well as the performances, there are events and masterclasses and, of course, a bar.
George Square, fpp 255.
Big Bruvva: The Musical
It was only a matter of time before we had a musical based on that infamous house. This brand new production is brought to Edinburgh by a team of seasoned producers and performers and you even get to decide who gets evicted.
Musicals @ George Square, from 5 Aug, fpp 169
Two Widows
The International Festival may be about showcasing global talent but it's good to see some home grown work with Scottish Opera's latest production, a comedic and melodic piece about human foibles.
Festival Theatre, from 9 Aug, eiffpp 4
On the Island of Aars
For those of you who can remember back to 2004, you might recall that a musical by the name of The Translucent Frogs of Quuup took the Fringe by storm. The people who brought you Quuup now bring you Aars, a remote Scottish Island with a population of three (perhaps four) who haven't had a visitor since 1983.
Pleasance Courtyard, from 30 Jul, fpp 176
Krol Roger
An epic, philosophical 20th Century work where Catholic culture meets pagan hedonism. This lavish production, set in 12th Century Sicily is presented by the Mariinsky Opera Company of Poland.
Festival Theatre, from 25 Aug, eifpp 5
Assassins
Holding the flame for established musicals amongst all the new upstarts, there are two productions of this Sondheim staple this year. Proving that you can write a musical about anything, this explores the minds of nine successful and not so successful presidential assassins.
Bedlam Theatre from 18 Aug, and C, from 30 Jul, fpp 168
Tony of Arabia
From the people who brought you 'Tony! The Blair Musical', comes the sequel charting our ex-PM's peace making progress in the Middle East as well as the strife he's left behind at home.
This company are noted for their sharp satire, so you can expect some barbed comments amongst the musical numbers.
Pleasance Dome, from 31 Jul,fpp 179
The Riot Showgrrrls Club
Electro-pop divas meet feminists and frocks in this surreal offering from Scary Little Girls. The group promises bizarre instruments, cake, and sparkles but with a late slot and an over 16s policy you can be sure of a few surprises.
Gilded Balloon, from 30 Jul, fpp 177
Opera Shorts
It's rare to find opera at the Fringe but this is a showcase of six of the best new pieces, all in one place, all in just over an hour and all from Edinburgh. And you thought no-one wrote opera anymore.
C central, from 1 Aug fpp 176
Soul Traders
Part of the InvAsian Festival, a new venture to showcase pan-Asian culture in all genres, this feel-good world premiere is set in the markets of Sixties London.
ClubWest, from 3 Aug, fpp 173
Aleko and Semyon Kotko
A double bill, concert performance of Rachmaninov's one-act opera Aleko plus Act Three of Prokofiev's Semyon Kotko. With tickets starting at just £10, this is a bargain way to enjoy some of the finest Russian music from International Festival soloists.
Usher Hall, 24 Aug, eifpp 3
Showstopper! The Improvised Musical
Most improv shows include some music, but here you get a full-length piece of musical theatre. The Sticking Place have just completed a record-breaking 50 hour improv-athon, so an hour-long musical every night of the Fringe shouldn't cause them too much trouble.
Musicals @ George Square, from 8 Aug, fpp 178
The Musical of Musicals, The Musical!
Time is always tight at the Fringe, so if you want to pack your musicals in, this production romps through many of your favourites. Affectionately tongue-in-cheek, there are plenty of gags along with the musical pastiches.
C too, from 17 Aug, fpp 175
published: Oct-2008
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