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As you may know, this blog started life as a resource aimed at the members and Alumni of Birmingham University's Guild Musical Theatre Group.















Since then, I have realised that a great many artists I know could use a serious resource for discussion and debate of the major issues.















So, I open this network to any and all arts professionals who would like to use it. Over the years, I have seen some awe inspiring performances and productions by a great many talented and high ranking individuals, whose knowledge would be an asset to the artistic community. I invite these individuals and others to come forward, so that their achievements may be celebrated.






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Its is also easy to forget, that we don't often have a chance to discuss or to think about the most serious issues affecting the arts. Despite all the progress made by online networks like Facebook and Twitter, there still needs to be a place where opinions can be viewed, and I hope that this will be such a place: a neutral ground, where all are welcome, and where knowledge can be shared.















Artists of all disciplines, I hope that this will assist your development and further networking. May this resource serve you well.















Best Regards,















James Megarry















Founder















Saturday 3 February 2018

Wolverine Sings Again

It s great to see that 'The Greatest Showman' - the latest musical biopic, telling the life of showbiz pioneer, P.T Barnum - has been so well received by the public. Hugh Jackman and a talented ensemble, certainly deserve some of the praise for this hit movie. But there is also the question of the concept itself.

I had thought that a 21st century audience simply wouldnt accept a cast of characters who spontaneously break into musical numbers. Sure, your typical squeeky clean MGM movie in the 20th century might do it: but would an audience allow Wolverine to burst into song?

Apparently yes. The Greatest Showman has been a big hit - not just with the musical theatre audiences, but with the mainstream public too. Zac Effron for one, has shown he can be more than eye candy, with some impressive dance routines - and vocals too. His duet with Zendaya - Rewrite The Stars, is the kind of song that makes a great chart hit too. And it s heartening to see, how a modern musical adaptation of a showbiz icon, has been a hit in our 21st century digital age.

Musicals are great on a stage, because the combination of live music, dance and theatre enhances the performance: an audience being so close to the action. But what about on a screen? Could the same energy translate to a great celluloid performance? And could it be as moving to an audience as a live performance?

Digital streaming of live performances has proved a surprisingly good at drawing in audiences who cant travel to the West End, Broadway (or Moscow in the case of ballet!) to see their favourite shows.

And come to think of it, the musical format has still been a huge hit with modern audiences, with films like Burlesque and 8 Mile, using musical numbers and dance, to tell the story. Then of course, there have been onscreen musical adaptations of Chicago Sweeney Todd and Nine, to name but a few.

I suppose we are so used to seeing music videos on our phones, that telling a story through song isnt so hard for a digital viewers to sit through and enjoy.

So modern musical adaptations do seem to work for a 21st century audience. The only question is: when will we hear Wolverine sing - again?


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