JEKYLL - The Happy Thread

[tori2210]

Happy (late) New Year everyone!

Drove to Wellington today, and already just walking around the CBD I think I like it better than Auckland. Even with the absolutely redonk wind. Dad got a cheap deal for two nights at the Ibis so we've got a little bit of time here to explore. Already my younger sister and I have acted like little children on the giant lighthouse slide on the waterfront.

Also noticed a poster on the Opera House door advertising Wellington Musical Theatres upcoming production of Phantom. Inj, do you know much about these guys? It looks to be the premiere of the new show design because the website states "From the Producers of Cats and Les Miserables, see The Phantom of the Opera like you’ve never see it before in a stunning new design making its international debut in Wellington."
Interesting.

[Injeanious]

Happy new year to you too Tori and also to Fredus - we are like the Three Musketeers aren't we. Tori the Wellington Musical Theatre is an amatuer company. I have seen some of their productions years ago - Oklahoma was one - and they are quite good but after having seen "the best in the world" as Phantom, I won't be going to see the Wellington production. I would compare everything with the Australian production! Apparently they haven't held auditions yet so they had better get a move on. And - I have to ask although no-one will know the answer - why on earth change the design of the show when the original is so successful. There is one man in the WMT who is a fantastic singer (or was as it is so long since I saw him) but even he would struggle to be a good Phantom.

That slide on the waterfront is very popular - I remember my grandson going on it when he was small. I think the wind was some of the worst I have ever experienced - I was sure my house roof was going to lift off.

[Fredus]

Happy new year! I've been a little slow, sorry...

At least we stalwart three are still carrying on a conversation! It'll be good when more people return, but it's still nice to have a quiet chat to you both.

I always wonder why they change things that aren't broken! It's like George Lucas 'fixing' Star Wars, when everyone who grew up watching it just wishes they'd fixed the sound and film quality, but otherwise left it exactly how it was.

[tori2210]

Glad I've been able to help hold down the fort. It's also nice being able to chat to you both, as there aren't too many people I know that can have a good chinwag about musicals.

Re Phantom:
This is an excerpt from Cameron Mackintosh's blurb in the UK Tour synopsis. The original show is still on the West End.

Over the last 25 years, Phantom has become the most phenomenal success of all time, breaking box office records worldwide in countless sell-out productions. Since 1986, only the original version has been presented around the world (with the exception of Poland and Hungary, which were non-replica productions) and its brilliant design by Maria Björnson has become synonymous with Andrew’s sensational score. Just before Maria died at a tragically early age, she and I had started discussing a different set design involving more lush stage life that would allow this musical to play in theatres unable to accommodate the original production.

Andrew and I also felt that it was time to give Phantom a fresh look, so, about three years ago, I approached theatre and opera designer Paul Brown to see if he was interested in taking over the baton from Maria to bring his own style and vision to our notion. It turned out that Maria had a special place in Paul’s life as, at the beginning of his career, he had been a young assistant to her at the Royal Opera House. The result of Paul’s long developed ideas for this project is a new version of the Phantom that is a visual feast and will give audiences the chance to see their favourite musical all over again through new eyes, and one which the creative team all hope will aspire to the soaring heights of theatrical magic achieved by Hal Prince and Gillian Lynne’s brilliant original.

All of this fresh look nonsense aside, it does look like the new design serves a functional purpose. It'll give the show a greater reach into places with smaller theatres (suppose that's why Wellington has picked it up), and seeing as they could barely fit into the Civic, I suppose it's a good thing. But on the other hand, Phantom is such a big show that a shrunk version might not turn out too well. While I love it, I do think that it needs a certain degree of 'BIG' to hold it's appeal.

[Injeanious]

Interesting Tori - I too think it needs a certain degree of big. I see on the ads that they are stating something about cast, costumes and scenery will be different to the photos shown.

Fredus - I hope that your town is safe from the bushfires. And that everyone else from our group here is safe too. Sounds as though today is going to be a dreadful one for NSW.

[tori2210]

Oh goodness I hope that everyone and their friends are okay too. Those fires look absolutely terrible. And I hope everyone is doing okay in the hot weather. According to one news report it reached 47 in a town in NSW. I think I'd die.

[Fredus]

Tori, it was 47 degrees on Sunday where Marie-Cris's parents live, and their air con had broken down. I actually agree that I literally think that I might not survive that situation. My body handles heat so badly; that heat for that long, I think everything would just shut down. Where we are, we've had a few 42/43 degree days. Fortunately we've got an air con (of sorts) and even though it wasn't working too well at the peak heat, it kept us relatively cool. Which is definitely important with young kittens in the house! Didn't want them to frizzle.

And thanks for the fire concern. Fortunately, none of my family is affected areas, although my Dad has been panicking about their house while they've been away, as they have bushland within about 50 metres of their house. And Marie-Cris and I probably fairly well out of it. We're on the edge of town, but even if there was fire close to us, I think it'd only be grassfire, so we'd be safe.

Scary for all the people that are affected though! I do know a few people that are in fire affected areas, but it doesn't sound like anyone's having major issues yet. A few people have evacuated their horses and stuff, just in case, but... well, hopefully everything will work out. Bushfires are just way too scary.

[tori2210]

Glad to hear you all are relatively safe from fire. Though those temperatures... I can't even begin to imagine. I think the hottest I've ever felt is about 40, in Tahiti. The news here says it's gonna reach 50 at some point.

I hear Victoria is catching fire too. I've got my eyes on Ballarat. If there is a fire there I might just cry.

[Fredus]

It's too hot for me! My body just isn't designed for heat. I feel sorry for Marie-Cris on hot days, because she has to put up with me glumping around feeling sick.

The fires are always scary, but it happens every year. It's just that the last too summers weren't so hot, and we had lots of rain over the winters, so that now there's a lot of growth and the heat had dried it out. It's dangerous, but it's one of the unfortunate facts of life over here. I do hate the people who set fires though; they need to be rather severely punished.

[tori2210]

They say it only got to 26 where I am currently in Hamilton today, but I call bullsh*t, it felt like 30 at least. My Aunts parents from Canada are visiting, and my great uncle wasn't impressed with the heat. I'd hate to send him to Australia.

Which brings me to a real Jekyll post for once, today was such a great day. I'm currently in Hamilton having a big catch up with a lot of family that I haven't seen in so long. Like I mentioned, my Aunts parents are out from Canada. They're not blood relatives, but they're such great people to be around and I haven't seen em for about two years. Also got to catch up with another uncle who I haven't seen in ages.

Best of all though was probably seeing my cousin who's 18. Him, another cousin and I were really close growing up but we've drifted over the past year or two. It was them who raised me on video games and such as I never had brothers. I get to see the other cousin at a massive family barbecue tomorrow. We all agree that it's been far too long since we last saw each other (even living in neigbouring cities) and hopefully we'll all do better at staying in contact now.

[Injeanious]

The fires every where are dreadful - I feel so sorry for the people who have lost their homes in Christchurch. Today is once again wet here in Wellington but at least the temperature is reasonable - about 19 which is what I love. I am a cold weather person really - although I do love the sun but only in spring or autumn when it is not too hot.

See Hugh Jackman won a Golden Globe for Les Mis - fantastic. All you Australians must be very proud of him.

[Fredus]

.... yes. Very prous. But would this be a bad point to mention that I didn't even know he'd won it until you mentioned it? I'm a terrible recluse sometimes!

[tori2210]

Still haven't got round to seeing Les Mis yet... any of you gone yet? Got back this afternoon from a week long camping trip up near Whangarei. Looks like my summer holidays are finally winding up and I can get started on my last year of school.

Also found out that my Aunt, Uncle, toddler, and baby cousin are all visiting us from New York in February. I haven't met the baby yet so I can't wait!

[Injeanious]

That will be exciting for you Tori. Always nice meeting new babies.

I found out on Monday that my nephew in Melbourne has got engaged and the wedding is late this year, so yay a trip to Aussie!

How are the cats/kittens Fredus? And how is Marie-Cris - haven't seen her in here for ages.

[Fredus]

I met a new baby yesterday, come to think of it! My brother, his wife and their five week old son came down yesterday morning, spent the night in a hotel and went home today. It was awesome to meet little Jamie.

And the kittens have finally managed to get over the kitten proof barricade. In fact... I'll put the picture up, if it's willing to let me load it today. They were balanced on the gate into their room this morning, so we lifted back into the room, but about twenty minutes later, I was strolling through the lounge room and noticed the dog was getting excited about something that, on closer inspection, was a kitten. They explored for a bit and then got freaked and sprinted back to their mum. We won't be able to keep them separated for much longer though. I think they'll be seven weeks tomorrow, so not much longer before we'll be able to try to find them new homes.

And Marie-Cris is fine! She just... actually, I don't know why she hasn't come in. I think she's been getting distracted with online comics and similar forms of entertainment.

Edit: Kittens balancing on the 'kitten proof' gateway.

[tori2210]

Those kittens are so cute Fred! The one on the left looks like Ninja when she was a baby, before her fur grew long.

I went to my first Laneway Festival today. I'm still too young to get in so I climbed a tree and looked over the fence. Got a clear view of the stage, and saw the full set of one of my fave bands. Also got spectacularly sunburnt, but it was worth it.

[Fredus]

I think these guys are going to have long fur... or at least poofy fur. They just seem a bit too fluffy in comparison with the short hair kittens at the cat rescue.

Heh, climbing a tree to go to a festival. Naughty, naughty! :XD And watch out about getting sunburnt! Very dangerous!

[tori2210]

Long haired kittens are so cute! We're lucky Ninja doesn't shed.

The tree was in a public playground, perfectly legal. We didn't get INSIDE. Just looked over the fence. Can't wait to be 18 dangit.

Went back to school for admin stuff today. I've got great teachers this year, but not many friends in my classes. It's probably a good thing, great teachers and no distractions will best set me up for University. Tomorrow they have a traditional Powhiri (welcoming ceremony) for all of the new students, including new students. My little sister is starting this year. Shall be interesting.

[Injeanious]

My younger daughter is very happy. She put her house on the market and it sold in a week. She would have liked more money of course, like everyone, but at least it has sold and they can now start building their house down on Karen's farm. I hoped to have mine ready for sale by the end of Feb but it doesn't look like it will happen that quickly, so maybe sometime in March. Glad the temperatures have cooled down a bit here - in the early 20's is fine with me!

[Fredus]

In a week! That's awesome, Inj!

And lucky you for having coolness! Our air con is still not working from when it blew up before my birthday. My Dad has been staying here since yesterday and has spent the whole visit thus far going on and on about how we should be ringing the estate agent every day and nagging them until it's fixed... which is so not going to work. It's a little frustrating though, i was intending to ring them to get an update on what's going on, but after all this nagging I just don't feel like doing what he tells me to do...

[tori2210]

Been back at school for just under two weeks now, and so far it's going pretty good. My History class is going to watch Les Mis on Monday. I also got asked to co-manage our production of Grease this year, as well as design lights. It's not my fave musical, but having the extra responsibility will be a great experience.

And I met my cousin! He is the cutest thing ever! They flew out on the 6th and are here for three weeks. I'd love to go back to NY with em, but ah well.

So overall, things have been good. However one of my best friends is also moving to Dunedin tomorrow, to attend University. I'm pretty sad cause I've known her for half my life now and I'm scared we'll lose contact. Ah well, we'll see.

[Injeanious]

I can't believe the cost of fares to New York. I was mucking around yesterday thinking I would love to go to Perth to see the FINAL ever Jersey Boys Australia show and then fly on to NY to see John Lloyd Young in the Frankie Valli role in NY but the cheapest airfare was $2891!!! And it was going to take 21 hours from Sydney to NY so that was the end of that bright idea!

Lovely you have your little cousin for 3 weeks. My nephew is coming over from Melbourne on Sunday for a week so it will be good to see him again. (This is the one who is getting married late November).

[tori2210]

Have you tried looking for fares from Auckland too? Sometimes our own Air New Zealand does a pretty good deal.

[Fredus]

Off topic from the current air fare discussion... but Wicked is coming back to Australia next year! Via New Zealand, apparently. I am so going to see it more than once this tour...

[tori2210]

Feb 14, 2013 16:30:42 GMT 9.5 Fredus said:

Via New Zealand, apparently.

SDKHSAGKHFGHKSDFJKLSD

www.wickedthemusical.com.au/news/news.html
It's true!!!

Jersey Boys, Mary Poppins, and now Wicked!? Auckland's getting right back in it again.

[Fredus]

Gah, I hate when I post something and the internet dies so I have to type it again. *sigh*

What I said was something along the lines of:
Awesome, is it not? I couldn't see it more than once during the last tour but, come hell or high water, I'll see it more than once this time! If nothing else, it's much easier to reach Melbourne from here. As long as I can coerce my parents into pet-sitting the horde.

[tori2210]

I'm saving already. I'm pretty sure I'll only get to see it once, but if I can afford twice I will. We get it September this year and then it reaches Aussie next year I think. I really can't wait to go. I missed out on Mary Poppins so it's been incredibly long since I've seen a gigantic professional show. I'd love to come to Aussie to see it and meet all of you, but that is incredibly far outside my price range.

Also, saw Les Mis today. I thought it was pretty good. If you're going to convert a musical to screen, this is how to do it.