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vendredi, décembre 21, 2007 

Former EastEnder Jessie Wallace heads to the West End this Christmas as she takes over the role of Maureen in Rent from Denise Van Outen, who leaves the show on 22 December

 

Wallace, whose first performance in the role is on Christmas Eve, is best known for playing loveable loudmouth Kat Slater in EastEnders for five years. Since leaving the soap in 2005, she has been seen on our screens in A Class Apart, The Dinner Party and Miss Marie Lloyd – Queen Of The Music Hall and is soon to be seen in ITV drama Wild At Heart.

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jeudi, octobre 25, 2007 

This Saturday
RENT - Remixed starring DENISE VAN OUTEN

Sat 27th Oct – RENT Remixed @ G-A-Y

CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS

If you take any pictures of this event please feel free to send them in to us. Your pictures will be uploaded on this Blog.

Send your pictures to Rent@akauk.com

 

.

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mardi, octobre 02, 2007 
Hello everyone!

I've decided to use my blog in a slightly different way...I thought it might be fun to let you know how we are slightly changing the character of 'Mark', so that when you come and see the show you'll have some idea of how we rebuilt characters for the 'remixed' version.

When I was offered the role of Mark, all my friends said things like 'Is that the one with the camera?' or 'Is that the one with the scarf?'. Having seen the original Broadway company, we all have total respect and admiration for Anthony Rapp, but Will felt out of all the characters, Mark, seemed to have a smaller emotional arch and was remembered for his camera rather than his 'journey of self discovery'. In this way we decided to make a 'remixed' Mark, so that the audience will hopefully follow his story as much as Roger's.

I know a great deal of people are surprised that I'm a little more 'High School Musical' rather than 'rock and grunge Rent', but we thought it might be interesting to make Mark more 'middle class' - from the text it's evident that he is from a different upbringing to other characters such as Roger or Mimi. It would seem that Mark makes the choice to live in 'poverty' and 'bohemia' (he could go home at any point and has a healthy relationship with his family, they even send him a hot plate and call him regularly throughout the show), whereas characters like Mimi are trapped due to their drug addiction and so forth. I think in this way it highlights how removed and different Mark is from the rest of the group. In some ways he appears the leader, in other ways he is completely detached, alone and isolated. This makes for an alternative and interesting new way of defining the character.

I'm aware people who know the show well, might be worried that characters will be changed too dramatically, but don't worry Mark hasn't become a bare chested model, just a little more 'preppie' than 'geeky' due to decisions on his upbringing, but I can assure you every choice has been carefully thought out. So, get ready for abercrombie, no glasses and ooohh there's a fierce tango. Anyway we open reallllllllly soon...so you can decide for yourself. I hope you all have a great time and even if you don't, I think it's always good to experience alternative ideas.

bye!! xxx
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mardi, octobre 02, 2007 
Name: Craig

Role: Benny

You OK Honey?: Tense, but Ok

December 24th, 9pm...Best Christmas Present (received or given)?: My Gucci jewelry that my Mum got me was pretty special!

What would be the title of your 'One Song Glory'?: 'Sign Your Name' (Terence Trent D'Arby)

Today 4 U or Tomorrow 4 me?: Today for me

Out tonight?...(Cat scratch) Club or a (Life) Cafe?: oooo I'd have to say (thinks)...well, the cat scratch is a bit of a crack den, so I'd go for Life Cafe!

If you had to add a line into 'La Vie Boheme' to dedicate to 'something', what would it be?: To Supermodels, they're employed just because they're beautiful!

What would be your order at the Life Cafe?: A large Mai Tai and pancakes with maple syrup

Wine or Beer?: Rose

Is anyone in the mainstream?: Well Denise Van Outen is...

Happy New Year! Let's make a resolutions...? (laughs) I'm rubbish at resolutions

How do you measure a year?: You can't, time goes too fast, you measure it in events in your life or within the year

Who's your favourite character in the show?: Angel, she's so free and honest to herself

Favourite rehearsal moment?: Finally singing with mics

Most embarrasing stage moment?: I was on tour with Blue as a backing dancer and I fell out of a back somersault onto my face infront 11,000 people

Favourite Rent quote?: "I think I'm still sore" LOL (Benny)

Why should people come and see Rent?: Because I'm in it! (jokes) To see a different take on it!



Name: Oliver Rhoe Thornton

Role: Mark

You Ok Honey?: Once we open, I'll be better...or at least less stressed.

December 24th, 9pm...Best Christmas Present (received or given)?: A Pair of reindeer slippers, they were amazing, made out of reindeer hide...like elf boots.

What would be the title of your 'One Song Glory'?: 'Helpless' as covered by KD Lang

Today 4 U or Tomorrow 4 me?: Neither, I'll be asleep

Out tonight?...(Cat scratch) Club or a (Life) Cafe?: Oo Life cafe everytime, who goes clubbing anymore?

If you had to add a line into 'La Vie Boheme' to dedicate to 'something', what would it be?: To Britney - she needs help, she shaved her hair off for heavens sake. Britney deserves a dedication!

What would be your order at the Life Cafe?: Fresh Orange Juice

Wine or Beer?: I don't drink

Is anyone in the mainstream?: Lots of people, but I wouldn't want to be one of them

Happy New Year! Let's make a resolution...?: Go to the gym more

How do you measure a year?: By the number of times you have to cut your toenails

Who's your favourite character in the show?: CJ's bagwoman

Favourite rehearsal moment?: Laughing in the park, at break times

Most embarrasing stage moment?: Probably when I was 11, I was in 'Heidi', I was a goat boy with two real goats who peed all over me on stage. When you're 11 that's pretty scarring!

Favourite Rent quote?: "There's only now, there's only here, give in to love, or live in fear" (cast)

Why should people come and see Rent?: Because it hasn't had a TV show attached to it!
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lundi, octobre 01, 2007 
We are now settled in The Duke of Yorks Theatre. Here are some backstage photos for your enjoyment.

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lundi, octobre 01, 2007 
Hi guys, its Craig here(Benny), we're in the last couple of days of our tech rehearsals and its getting pretty scary! - just to think we'll have an audience very, very soon! Tech's been quite tiring, yesterday was our day off and i was mute for the whole day, my voice had completely gone! Its coming back slowly, i'm hoping i'll be back to full voice by Tuesday....AAAAAGGGHH! Been having a secret little laugh at the guys in "Contact" - you will too when you see the costumes, DARING to say the least.

I'm sharing a dressing room with Jay and Leon. Leon thinks that there's a competition to win over who has the best dressing room - its not really happening but we're not gonna spoil his fun...Lol lol!x Sharing with Jay is funny, we were in Oliver together years ago and we were in a dressing room together back then, we caused havoc. He's just getting over a sore throat too so we're both steaming like mad, lots of honey and lemon also.

Spk to you soon!x
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lundi, octobre 01, 2007 
Francesca (Joanne) carried out an exclusive Interview for Broadwayworld.com Click Here for more info.

R.G: You began singing/performing at an early age (I can remember hearing you sing "Part Of Your World" when you were around 10! And I remember it was pretty fantastic.) At what age precisely did you begin? And what began your interest in musical theatre?

FRANCESCA: My parents say it all began with my role of Percy the Polar Bear back in nursery school! I began dance classes at the age of five (you would never guess though) and then I went on to join my local theatre group, Glantawe Players, at the age of eight and then Swansea Amateur Dramatics Society. I then joined the National Youth Music Theatre, so I really can't remember a time when I wasn't interested in Musical Theatre!

R.G.: You also made your West End debut at quite a young age - as Bet in Oliver!. What do you remember about that experience?

FRANCESCA: It was just amazing!!! I can't tell you how uncontrollably excited I was when my Mum got the phone call saying I'd got it! I don't think I've seen my Dad happier as we all jumped around the room! It literally was a dream come true and I still to this day can't believe I got my dream so early on in my career! I learned such a great deal in Oliver!, working so closely with people like Robert Lyndsay (Fagin) and Sonia Swaby (Nancy). I really believe I gained a lot from those people!

R.G.: I gather that while you studied at Mountview, you shared an apartment with Connie Fisher? What can you tell the readers about Connie?

FRANCESCA: Yeah, Connie and I lived together for five years throughout Mountview and beyond. There was never any doubt she would do well and the Maria programme was a great vehicle for her to jump-start her career. It was fun living together and I must mention our other housemate Spencer Cartwright, who is also currently making his West End debut in Billy Elliot – it must have been a lucky charm of an apartment!! We are all so incredibly lucky to be in work, and in the West End together! R.G.: A year or so ago you were in the UK touring cast of Tonight's The Night. What role(s) did you play and what was that experience like?

FRANCESCA: I was in the ensemble and also covered the parts of Dee Dee and Mary!! I had a fantastic time doing this show especially when we performed in places like Cardiff and Glasgow where the audiences were just so enthusiastic, joining in with all the songs and up on their feet dancing at the end!! To perform at the Cardiff Millennium Centre was amazing in itself - the theatre is an incredible venue and it was great to be performing so close to home. For me the best experience was in Glasgow, where I got to play Dee Dee for two weeks! The audience sang along to every song with such enthusiasm you actually couldn't hear yourself singing! That was incredible!

R.G.: And now you're about to play Joanne in the eagerly anticipated new production of Rent at the Duke of York's. How did you get the part?

FRANCESCA: Well, I actually auditioned last October and was offered the role almost straight away. It was quite a quick audition process, I only had two recalls. I have to say they were the loveliest auditions I've ever been too, the panel were so complimentary and the casting director (Neil Rutherford) made sure I always felt at ease and confident.

R.G.: How did you approach preparing for the role of Joanne? And what is it like working with Denise Van Outen?

FRANCESCA: Well since I have had the role since last October, it's given me plenty of time to prepare. Joanne is a well established lawyer in New York so I have spent a lot of time leading up to rehearsals researching the profession and life in NYC. Also, it's a big sing - so I've increased my regular vocal training to build up stamina and strength in my voice. I just cant wait to get up on that stage!!!

As for Denise, it's so exciting to be working with someone with her profile! I still find it strange calling her Den when to me she is THE Denise Van Outen. But she is lovely and so much fun, she constantly has us all in hysterics. We're lucky that we've been able to forge a great relationship in such a short amount of time - especially seeing as she is my on stage lover and we have to be intimate throughout the show!!

R.G.: It has been well advertised that this production of Rent will be quite different from the Broadway production and previous UK stagings. In what ways is it different?

FRANCESCA: To clear up any confusion straight away – we are still set in New York! The main changes are to the music – it's been updated to target today's younger generations. All of the melodies are still the same but there are newer, fuller and beautiful orchestrations.

R.G.: I'm sure you're quite excited about this part and this show. But is there any other particular role and/or show that you would dearly love to be in on the West End one day?

FRANCESCA: Blood Brothers! I've always wanted to play Linda and when I'm old enough, Mrs. Johnston. I would love it if Cameron Mackintosh brought back Oliver! as I would love to get the chance play Nancy as well. It's also been an ambition of mine to create a role in an original cast - and in the long term I would love a career in television! So much to do... so little time!!

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mercredi, septembre 26, 2007 

Hello guys

 

Right now I'm in the interval of our final run in the rehearsal room before we get on stage! Aahh! I really am nervous! The shows looking in great shape and I think getting into the theatre this afternoon is going to move us all up another gear!!

 

Me and Denise are now finding out that we can't actually keep a straight face when we're on stage together...which causes a little bit of a problem seeing as everything we do is TOGETHER!

 

She makes me corpse and then that's it - we're gone for the whole scene! It does make rehearsals a lot more entertaining though! I've got to go back in now to do act two!

 

Oh god...take me or leave me!!!!

bye xxx

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mardi, septembre 25, 2007 
Name: Denise Van Outen (Den)

Role: Maureen

You OK Honey?: I'm tippity top, thanks for asking

December 24th, 9pm...Best Christmas Present (received or given)?: Aged 7 years old, a cabbage patch kid called Charlie, I was so excited!

What would be the title of your 'One Song Glory'?: 'Rabbit' Chas and Dave

Today 4 U or Tomorrow 4 me?: Tomorrow for me

Out tonight?...(Cat scratch) Club or a (Life) Cafe?: Cat Scratch Club

If you had to add a line into 'La Vie Boheme' to dedicate to 'something', what would it be?: Viva la Chas and Dave

What would be your order at the Life Cafe?: Pie and Mash

Wine or Beer?: Wine...red

Is anyone in the mainstream?: Siobhan because of her designer shoe collection (I have shoe envy!!)

How do you measure a year?: I measure everything in inches (be warned! haha)

Who's your favourite character in the show?: Angel...because he's the campest and I love a bit of camp

Favourite rehearsal moment?: Doing my first run through with the rest of the company

Most embarrasing stage moment?: Being stuck on the flying wire when I played Wendy in Peter Pan (I was 14), they had to release me during the interval..!

Favourite Rent quote?: "There will always be some woman in rubber flirting with me" (Maureen to Joanne)

Why should people come and see Rent?: Because the energy of the company is amazing, the music's fantastic, the staging is spectacular and because its the only the time you'll see me kiss 2 girls in the space of 3 minutes!




Name: Francesca Jackson

Role: Joanne

You Ok Honey?: I am today, feeling very positive, I've done a lot of cosmic ordering this morning, so everything's going to be fine.

December 24th, 9pm...Best Christmas Present (received or given)?: Giving my boyfriend books and scrabble for our first Christmas, and making him feel extremely boring (bless him...he's not boring, I promise!)

What would be the title of your 'One Song Glory'?: The Eastenders theme tune...after the Coronation Street theme, which comes a very close second.

Today 4 U or Tomorrow 4 me?: Today for u, definately!

Out tonight?...(Cat scratch) Club or a (Life) Cafe?: Life Cafe, I love food, if there's food I'm happy

If you had to add a line into 'La Vie Boheme' to dedicate to 'something', what would it be?: To 'never doing things by halves'

What would be your order at the Life Cafe?: I would order more of Pip (Philippa) touching me up on the line 'Taboo' (and Shepherds Pie)

Wine or Beer?: Wine

Is anyone in the mainstream?: (laughs) no-one in this is

Happy New Year! Let's make a resolution...?: It was to not moan a lot, but that's gone wrong already

How do you measure a year?: Well this year it was measured on how many days I had left in my crap day job, before Rent started

Who's your favourite character in the show?: Mimi (mainly because I love Siobhan)

Favourite rehearsal moment?: Leon didn't want to hold a pretend mobile (prop) to his ear, throughout 'Your Eyes' because of radiation...! There are so many 'Leon moments' that have made my week!

Most embarrasing stage moment?: I was in Oliver (at the Palladium) when I was young and I was playing 'Bet' and the final scene in the show is Bet on her own on stage, and my skirt fell down...it was a vile experience!

Favourite Rent quote?: "I am forbidden to produce milk" (Maureen)

Why should people come and see Rent?: Because it really is a moving show and all we've done is add to that. All the melodies are the same - there's just a fuller orchestration with it now, rather than a small band.

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lundi, septembre 24, 2007 
HELLO! Today we did a little bit of tightening up on Act1... little bits from 'Today4U' and 'We'll See'. It's been fun - but Jay's been picking on me all day - he's been kicking me, beating me, everytime I turn around he's like kicking me saying 'Leon, go and stand there', 'Leon, pay attention', 'Leon, do this', 'Leon, do that'...and I'm like 'Jaaaaay, stop picking on me!'. But I put up with it coz I love him and that's what happens when you love someone. So, apart from that, it's been good!

So that was last week! this week???? Well.... Where do I begin????? For a start things are shaping up and suddenly everone is coming down with some sort of desease or other, what is going on??? I feel great, am well excited and nervous at the same time... Yes Jay is still picking on me, and although I still love and adore him I have to hide away now so that he can't hurt me anymore. But c'est la vie...

The whole cast has jelled together now, we are really onto something, it's coming to life, I just can't wait to get on the stage and start runing it. I love my character, I feel a strong link between me and him, so similar in many ways but then so different at the same time. We have gone from being all english (well scouse in my case) speaking to all american, not too ameican but a few of the cast members decided, along with the director that with the piece still being set in new york, if anything Collins (and a few others) should still be American, a couple of the characters are remaining english as they are outsiders and it helps towards the story and the plot. Rent Remixed has had a few mixed opinions from people on the outside but the only difference is the music and the set. The story remains the same and the meaning and integrity of the piece has not been disturbed, I think theatre goers new and old, to the Rent 'experience' are in for a real treat

Hope to see you all soon.
L.x
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