Marguerite - cast

[AddisonMizner]

Don't know if anyone knows about this, but I have just found out that the Tabard Theatre are doing a new production of "Marguerite" that was first seen at the Theatre Royal, Haymarket a couple of years ago with Ruthie Henshall, Julian Ovenden and Alexander Hanson. They say that it will feature a brand new book, a new seven-piece orchestration as well as new Michel LeGrand songs. I am presuming that this is a professional production?

More info on the Tabard Theatre website. Click on the "What's on" section and then "Marguerite":

http://www.tabardtheatre.co.uk/


I never got the chance to see the original production but absolutely adore the score. Have actually been re-listening to it a lot lately, just by chance. I will see if it is possible for me to get to London for this.

[bob8rich]

I loved Michel Legrand's score for Margueritte but thought that the Book for the West End production needed work. Hopefully the new book will have overcome the weaknesses.

I've just booked my ticket for October 6th - really looking forward to it. Certainly looking forward to hearing the glorious Legrand melodies, especially as new songs have been written for the new production.

Will be very interested to see announcements about casting.

[mallardo]

Yes, the score is gorgeous. But I don't know how much they can improve the book when the heroine is a Nazi collaborator. It's the concept that's bad.

[06s091]

Marguerite to Receive Revised London Fringe Staging; Casting Announced

Marguerite, the 2008 musical that features music by Michel Legrand and was co-written with Alain Boubil, Claude-Michel Schönberg and Herbert Kretzmer, is to receive a revised production at London's fringe Tabard Theatre in Chiswick. It will begin performances Oct. 3 prior to an official opening Oct. 9, for a run through Oct. 27.


Set in 1942 in Nazi Occupied Paris, the French are torn in two: collaborating safely or dangerously resisting the German rule. At its heart is Marguerite, an ageing chanteuse and the kept mistress of a German General, who falls hopelessly in love with a member of the resistance only half her age. Marguerite re-tells Alexandra Dumas' romantic novel "La Dame aux Camelias."

This revised staging features a new book, co-written with Guy Unsworth with the involvement of Boublil. Unsworth also directs, with choreography by Cressida Carré. It will feature a reworked seven-piece acoustic orchestration, under the musical direction of Alex Parker, as well as brand-new Michel Legrand songs.

The cast includes Yvette Robinson in the title role (originally played by Ruthie Henshall), as well as Zoe Doano, James Darch, Alastair Knights, James Meunier, Nadim Naaman, Daniel Oliver, Michael Onslow, Jessica Parker, Jennifer Rhodes and Mark Turnbull.

written by Mark Shenton


http://m.playbill.com//news/article/169782-Marguerite-to-Receive-Revised-London-Fringe-Staging-Casting-Announced

[CATSNYrevival]

Is it terrible of me to hope that they add some type of power ballad? I didn't get to see the show so I can't comment on the book. The only thing I don't really like about the cast recording is that we never get to hear Ruthie Henshall belt out a big showstopping song, which is something I was sort of expecting and anticipating from this writing team.

Maybe it's not appropriate. I don't know.

[DeNada]

You're never going to get a power balled out of Michel Legrand. Boublil and Schonberg were only involved in writing the book in the first place - and that's the bit that no-one likes!

While of course it made sense to market it on B&S as few people remember who Legrand is, it was never going to be like their previous shows.

[Phantom of London]

I loved the show, book too, when I saw this at the Haymarket, n and Ruthie Henshall, Julian Ovenden and Alex Hanson were irresistible. Definitely will be making my way up to the Tabard.

[luke-h***]

Ooh I hope I get to see this! Missed it at the Haymarket; but I have a signed copy of the recording from the Dress Circle signing. Love the score - not entirely convinced by the artwork, but hey ho!