Artist: Woman in White
Genre: Musical / Play
Background: The musical
- The Woman In White, is the contemporary
theatrical show, based on the novel by
the same name. The Woman in White already
has attained a substantial pedigree. The
novel was originally serialized in a weekly
magazine, All Year Round. This was the
creation of Collins's - a close friend
Charles Dickens. When in August 1860,
the final instalment was released, the
book experienced a huge popularity.long
queues were formed to buy it. Wilkie Collins
commented, "The story is the longest
and most complicated I have ever tried".
Fans of the story included names like
the Prince Consort, Gladstone, Thackeray
and yes Dickens himself.
The novel became a mania as it gripped
the fans who clamoured to buy Woman in
White bonnets and perfumes. People would
also dance that special Woman in White
waltz. The huge success of the novel ensured
that it is never out of print. The story
is both a Gothic melodrama also a contemporary
psychological thriller. It is about a
love story and a layer of unrequited love
has been included for the musical.
The cast of the show (from July 2005)
are: Ruthie Henshall, Marian Halcombe,
Simon Callow, Count Fosco, Elinor Collett,
Anne Catherick, Damian Humbley, Walter
Hartright, Alexandra Silber, Laura Fairlie,
Michael Cormick, Sir Percival Glyde, Edward
Petherbridge, Mr Fairlie, Paul Kemble
to name a few.
The creative team:
This new musical has been adapted freely
for the theater by Charlotte Jones. Her
award-winning plays include Humble Boy,
the lyrics of which are by David Zippel.
He was the same person who contributed
for City of Angels, the Disney classics
Mulan and Hercules. The captivating and
romantic score has been composed by Andrew
Lloyd .
The Woman In White is designed by William
Dudley - seven-times Olivier award-winner.
Lighting is by Paul Pyant and sound effect
by Mick Potter. The internationally noted
modern choreographer, Wayne McGregor,
directs movement. Simon Lee (the Musical
Supervisor), and David Cullen ( on orchestrations)
are the other dedicated associates.
The music of the show is noteworthy too:
I Believe My Heart - Jill Paice as Laura
Fairlie and Martin Crewes as Walter Hartright
, All For Laura - Maria Friedman as Marian
Halcombe, Evermore Without You - Martin
Crewes as Walter Hartright, If Not For
Me For Her - Maria Friedman as Marian
Halcombe, You Can Get Away With Anything
- Michael Crawford as Count Fosco.
