KING KONG Musical

[RippedMan]

Anyone else watch the teaser? I liked it. I love the underscoring. If that's what we have to expect from the score, then I'm excited. Just hope the staging is interesting.

[King of the City]

Very intrigued by this! I wish it luck and am very interested in the piece. My memory may be wrong, but did they not say they wanted to have the Foxwoods Theatre not too long ago? (Although it might not even transfer. I'm just remembering the rumor)

[trentsketch]

They definitely said the Foxwoods was the perfect theater for the show if it comes to Broadway. And they also said a Broadway transfer would depend on how well the show does in Melbourne.

King Kong looks great. I hope the underscoring is the the style of the score. It feels right for the material. Hard to really judge it based off of that teaser, though it's a strong little ad for the show.

[RippedMan]

Agreed. I like the whole 1920s-vibe. I just hope they don't kill the show by trying to make it into some huge spectacle. It needs some of that to survive, of course, but I think it could be a really beautiful show.

[Tag]

FYI you can also hear other songs from the show on the same Youtube channel as this teaser.

[trentsketch]

I know Peter Jackson's remake isn't the most well-received King Kong film, but he brought out a really beautiful romantic style in the story. The material is there to make this work onstage. It just needs to really focus in on the story and character relationships. Spectacle is part of the story but it is not the story itself.

[ukpuppetboy]

Having just seen rehearsals of the ape running across the full width of the Regent stage spectacle is pretty important. My worry would be the tapestry of musical source material but I am more than happy to give it a go.. A beautiful theatre in Melbourne too - perfect for the show. Much better than a brand new NYC one, even if it is in NYC.

[jetts7]

The videos I have watched of it look really good! The "Full Moon" song is beautiful! I hope it comes to broadway one day, I could see it doing very well.

[all that jazz]

I was excited for this until I discovered it was a jukebox. Not that I have anything against them, but this particular story lends itself to a magnificent original jazz score. It's really a shame they're wasting that opportunity.

[EricMontreal22]

To be fair, the jukebox element are songs from the period, I believe, so it's not quite the same thing as a typical jukebox musical. I'm a big Craig Lucas fan who wrote the book--even if this seems rather atypical for him--, and Marius De Vries has done a ton of great, interesting pop (for good or bad, didn't he arrange the songs for Moulin Rouge?) and he's in charge of the arrangements.

[all that jazz]

http://broadwayworld.com/videoplay.php?colid=501551

Don't get me wrong, it sounds fantastic, I was just expecting something more traditional.

[sephyr]

Marius De Vries has done some work with Bjork to so I'm definitely looking forward to his work, he is talented. I will check the songs out.

[ggersten]

Kong does look sensational in this look at the puppetry and puppet masters involved - but, that is only one element of the show.
Behind the Kong Puppet

[ucjrdude902]

I think from that clip the lighting design and the same glimpse of costumes looks impressive.

[BroadwayStar4]

I'm really excited about it. Although the music is a bit techno-y than I expected....

[RippedMan]

I think the story is so full of emotion that if they can capture that plus the spectacle then it will really be a treat. I mean, spectacle is great (Spider-Man is visually amazing), but if it doesn't have any heart or make you care about the characters then it doesn't make you want to go back.

I think this could be really amazing. I do wish it had a more original score, but the music sounds cool and it's not like it's jukebox songs like someone's catalogue.

[gchris11]

Close Spidey and BRING ON KONG!!!!

[OperaBwayLover]

I do like how the music sounds. This whole thing is really intriguing.

[wicked4l]

Kong's design is breath taking. Wow. I am amazed! Loved seeing all the actors/puppeteers control him!

[best12bars]

I enjoyed that clip posted on BWW. Kong looks terrific, and I don't mind the techno sound accompanying him. I'm sure it's incredible live on stage, particularly the chase section.

The song that the leading lady (Ann?) sang was touching in its sentiment, but pretty forgettable. It sounded like she wanted to be Billie Holliday or Amy Winehouse, and it was really repetitious. Nice mood, though.

I think I would prefer some "period-sounding" music (1930s) to contrast with the techno sound for Kong.

If nothing else, I would prefer a less monotonous lullaby song.

[rosscoe(au)]

Seeing this next Tuesday night. Can't wait

[jetts7]

Did anyone see it yet? I would love to hear how the show is!

[devonian.t]

Warhorse with a big ape.

Roscoe please give us a DETAILED review!

[Playbilly]

I hope they show a bit in the Tony Awards. Rather see a new show than a cruise ship number.

[Mike Barrett]

I will say King Kong the Musical sounds kinda like a stupid idea but this show looks incredible!

[John Adams]

I don't care so much for the music, but Kong looks amazing!!!

I like that the puppeteers act as counterweights. Their constant presence gives a persistent sense of scale. The fact that they're buzzing around him and falling off him (as counterweights) make him look wild and dangerous.

I don't know if that would get "old" after a while, but it looks fantastic in the clips!