Brigadoon New York City Center 15th and 16th November 2017

I was lucky enough to go to New York City to go and see Brigadoon at the New York City Center.
I travelled all the way from the UK to see this production.

Based on the 1954 film starring Gene Kelly and Cyd Charisse.

Brigadoon tells a story of two Americans named Tommy Albright and Jeff Douglas, on a hunting holiday in Scotland, discover a quaint and beautiful village, Brigadoon. Strangely, the village is not on any map, and soon Tommy and Jeff find out why: Brigadoon is an enchanted place. It appears once every hundred years for one day, then disappears back into the mists of time, to wake up to its next day a century hence. When Tommy falls in love with Fiona, a girl of the village, he realises that she can never be part of his life back in America. Can he be part of hers in Brigadoon?

The cast starred Patrick Wilson as Tommy Albright, Aasif Mandvi as Jeff Doulas, Stephanie J Block as Meg Brockie, Robert Fairchild as Harry Beaton and Kelli O Hara as Fiona MacLaren. 

This production was directed and choreographed by Christopher Wheeldon. Ever since I saw An American In Paris in London's West End I have been a fan of Christopher Wheeldon's choreography.

Patrick Wilson and Aaif Mandvi portrayed Tommy Albright and Jeff Douglas. They worked well together as the two friends. Patrick very believable and emotional in his character and the more serious one, where as Aaif's character was the friend who liked to joke around a little.

Stephanie J Block portrayed Meg Brockie. Loved Stephanie's performance as the flirtatious Meg and her comic timing was amazing too. Loved the song 'The Love of My Life'.

Kelli O Hara portrayed Fiona Maclaren, well you could not fault her performance at all. Her voice was fantastic and it sent shivers done my spine where the songs were so beautifully sung. The Scottish accent was spot on. Played the character of Fiona very well and very emotional.

Robert Fairchild portrayed Harry Beaton, now Robert is the reason I went to NYC and saw this production because I am a massive fan. But Robert never lets me down. He delivers his part on a stage with elegance and has a lot of presence. You could never fault his performance at all. Played the part of Harry Beaton as he was the villain of Brigadoon, thought that everyone was against him. He never was happy but just wanted to be loved by a local girl, but unfortunately this local girl chose someone else. Harry Beaton is more of a dancing part. Robert's dancing is incredible, my favourite part of the show had to be the 'Sword Dance and Reel' doing the Scottish jig was amazing. The Scottish accent was spot on.

I wish I could of stayed in NYC to see this production a couple more times. I really did enjoy this show. 

Matthew Morrison in Concert at the London Hipprodrome 16th May 2017

This person needs no introduction, first Broadway star, TV star then Film star. 

I have just one question, when you going to be a West End star?

If you haven't guessed already, yes, it's the one and only amazingly talented Matthew Morrison. 

I was lucky enough to attend one of his London concerts at the London Hippodrome. 

I was very excited and couldn't wait to see what Matthew had in store for us Brits but didn't he do the British people proud.

Matthew was amazing singing songs from his Broadway catalogue to Elton John, songs from his own albums and Glee. Making jokes along the way and telling stories. 

Matthew came across a cheeky chappy who loves to have fun and enjoys performing on stage. 

His dancing was great too. 

Stage is definitely the place for Matthew. 

My favourite part of the night seeing I'm a musical theatre fan was when Matthew sang Stronger from Finding Neverland, oh my goodness my jaw dropped, that voice where did it come from absolutely stunning! 

I was singing along.

I was also lucky enough to see Matthew on Broadway in the show too. 

At the end of the show Matthew received a well deserved standing ovation. 

I wish Matthew would do more concerts here in London as it's been an amazing experience seeing him in concert as I also went to his last London concert too where I was lucky enough to have a meet and greet and Matthew really is a lovely guy to meet and I was star struck. 

Thank you for making me smile Matthew and bravo once again on your concerts. 

An American In Paris London April 2017

An American In Paris is based on the 1951 film starring Gene Kelly and Leslie Caron.

The music and lyrics written by George and Ira Gershwin.

An American In Paris first came to my interest when my friend and I were planning a trip to NYC, as we were only there for a long weekend we wanted to see a Broadway show every night. An American In Paris was on the list of shows to see, but we never got round to seeing it.

Now An American in Paris has arrived in London's West End I couldn't not go to see it so here I am writing a blog about the show.

An American In Paris is a story of finding love, happiness and a new look on life.
The show is set in Paris as it emerges from the shadows of World War 2.
An American veteran and an aspiring painter Jerry Mulligan is still stumbling from the war when he discovers the girl of his dreams Lise Dassin, a young dancer at the ballet. Jerry falls in love with Lise then she quickly vanishes.
They are soon reunited at a ballet rehearsal where Jerry has come to visit his friend, Adam Hochberg the ballet company's composer.
Whilst there Jerry catches the eye of a Milo Davenport, an American heiress.
But to add more confusion there is a love triangle Lise is already engaged to a wealthy businessman called Henri who dreams of being a performer. But does Lise truly love Henri, or is Jerry the American stranger that Lise is meant to love?
I will leave the rest in your imagination.

The show features songs, I've Got Rhythm, Liza, I've got beginners luck, S Wonderful, Shall We Dance, Fidgety Feet, Ill build a stairway to paradise, They cant take that away from me and more.

The West End cast stars Robert Fairchild as Jerry Mulligan, Leanne Cope as Lise Dassin, Haydn Oakley as Henri Baurel, Zoe Rainey as Milo Davenport and David Seadon-Young as Adam Hochberg.

In my opinion there were only two members of the cast the stood out to me and that was Robert Fairchild and Leanne Cope.

Leanne Cope portrays Lise Dassin.
Leanne is fantastic in the role. A fantastic ballet dancer. There is a big ballet routine in the show and I was amazed how much energy Leanne had to perform that piece.

Robert Fairchild portrays Jerry Mulligan.
Robert is absolutely fantastically amazing in the role. My eyes were glued to watching Robert throughout the show. What an great singer and dancer. Loved the way Robert played Jerry as a confident and flirtatious kind of guy with a lot of cheekiness to go with it. My favourite songs that Robert sung were 'I've got beginners luck' and 'Liza'.

Both Robert and Leanne danced well together.

I have seen this musical twice and first time I went to see the show I came out the theatre thinking I loved that, was also smiling throughout the show so I just had to see it again. I am looking to go back for a 3rd visit soon.

Currently showing at London's Dominion Theatre on Tottenham Court Road. If you are in London then An American in Paris is a definite must see.