They've definitely adjusted the arrangement since this promotional appearance, because the version of this that's in the show now sits much more comfortably in Headley's voice.
She really is a revelation as Rachel. Even if the rest of the piece doesn't quite rise to meet her level, she's good enough to make it a must see on her own. Though it won't be a critical hit, I definitely anticipate we'll hear word of a Broadway transfer for next season in the coming months. The show really is one hell of a crowd pleaser, though there is certainly some work to be done before a New York incarnation.
I thought it was very technically good even though I'm not a fan of the key change. I really want more passion, but I'll give her the benefit of the doubt and hope that it is more apparent in her actual performances in the show.
This is from the press conference. As someone previously mentioned, they changed it slightly for the actual live show. Biggest difference is that the instrumental bridge no longer has a saxophone (mainly strings) and it also generally tends to feature the audience going absolutely ape **** in the final big key change.
This performance from the Royal Variety special is a more accurate representation of Headley's version of the song within the show as it is now (musically.)
The second clip is better than the first, but neither excite or interest me in the show. She is a wonderful performer; however, I can't help feeling like this is just Whitney Houston karaoke. A bit of a let down.
Yeah, I just can't believe this interests anyone, except maybe to simply see Heather Headley, which I would totally understand. But it seems like this is just the movie on stage with her singing a few extra Whitney songs. Are any of the songs used as book songs?
I loved her in AIDA, and loved both of these clips. With regard to the show, I read on the West End board that they use I WANT TO DANCE WITH SOMEBODY as the encore, which isn't even in the film. I'd rather that it not transfer if it's really as bad as people say. I would like to have her back on Broadway in something better than this.
The vast majority of the songs are used in the context of Rachel performing them in a concert or a recording studio, etc., but yes, several are also used as book songs. "I Will Always Love You" is one of them, and "Run To You" is another.
You can read a full synopsis with spoilers and where the songs are used here:
Gator, according to Wikepdia, there are about five or six additional Whitney songs in that weren't in the film, like "Saving All My Love For You" and "So Emotional."
So really, this is just makes the show even weirder. She might as well be doing a musical about Whitney Houston instead just playing a singer whose entire catalog is made up of Whitney Houston songs.
(I do agree with others that it sounds like the show is more of a Whitney tribute than a stage musical version of the film. I kind of wish Heather sang the songs more like herself than in Whitney's style and phrasing. But I suppose the audience expects some kind of Whitney Houston impersonation.)
Heather Headley is the kind of talent composers and creatives should be falling over themselves to create shows FOR, not sticking her into whatever works.
Then again, she did shun the theatre after AIDA, so...
It looks like the reviews were not nearly as bad as some of the West End peeps thought they would be. I'm surprised. Still hope it doesn't become the next GHOST if the show does open on Broadway.
Saw one of the last previews and had an absolute ball. It may not be one for the lactose intolerant (i.e. it's pretty cheesy), but it is slick, superbly produced popular entertainment. The film didn't appeal to me back in the day, so the plot (I gather there have been some changes) kept me interested on the level of a soapy romantic thriller, but the songs are wonderful, and the show is cast, designed and staged up to the nines. It is ALOT better than Ghost. The entire cast are excellent but Heather Headley is giving a barnstorming star performance, thrilling to watch and glorious to hear. In all fairness, it may be a triumph of presence and charisma over acting chops, but she is so watchable, and the voice is so spectacular, that I found all resistance futile. Came out of the theatre on air. Have heard very strong reports of her Alternate, Gloria Onitiri (a former London Nala/Lion King), but I pity the theatre's foh staff when the paying customers see the signage announcing that HH is off, especially after those reviews. I think it's heading towards being a smash hit however. I can't wait to go again.
I'd love to have a cast recording. Checked the West End thread on this just now and there is no news about a recording at this time. Thanks for sharing your thoughts AJH.
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joined:3/11/04
Posted: 11/23/12 at 10:21am