Orphans and Trains

Wednesday, April 23, 2025

For some reason, I didn't set an alarm last night, so when I woke up it was 10:30am.  Guess I needed to sleep

I got myself out of bed and head out the door.  I wanted to get a ticket for Oliver, so I headed to the theatre.  I got there and was told the box office didn't open until noon, so I ended up finding a coffee place, getting some coffee and buying a ticket online.  I then headed back to the direction of the theatre and began to write yesterdays blog.  

Oliver - definitely a British Classic, remains one of my favorite shows.  I've worked on several productions.  It's a hard show, believe it or not.  And while the title suggests that it's a lovely show for kids, it really is not.  I often wonder how the kids in the audience reacted to the adult themes in this show.  Particularly a murder. I'll leave that there in case any reader doesn't know the story, wouldn't want to give it away.  This particular production started life in 1994 at the London Palladium at the time where the English Mega-Musical was heading for a downturn.  Big sets, costumes, overly orchestrated score (still amazing) etc.  It was a big success in 1994.  However, it never came to the the US.  It may have played in Canada if my memory serves me correctly.  A production inspired by this production toured the US in 2023 - however, Broadway has never seen it.  I guess there are reasons that I won't bore anyone with - especially me -  but it's a pity that it hasn't graced the BROAD-way.  The Palladium production was revived in 2009 and now again in 2024.  There's a reason why it keeps coming back.... it's SO good.  For me, I think the hardest part of the show is the last 10 minutes.  Like any musical of its time, the plot is wrapped up in the last moments of the show, and in this case, there are many chases, 2 murders, and plot turns.  All underscored, which can be a musical directors nightmare.  However, it was very well done and executed just how it should be.  The show moves swiftly, it's sung well, acted well, etc.  This was a good choice.  I've always been curious about this production, it was worth the wait.

It's also quite long - as Oliver is and when it was over I looked at my watch and realized I had to hightail it out of that area to get to my next show.  Starlight Express,  which was in Wembley Park.  So I boarded the train - appropriately - and headed out.  Ugh... commute time.  That's all I'll say about THAT.  I got there in plenty of time for some dinner and much needed breathing time.

Starlight Express - what can I say?  When I heard the CD in 1991, I was like - "What the heck is this".  But it was Andrew Lloyd Webber.  And what I didn't know at the time as I was just getting into musical theatre and there wasn't the internet yet, was that I was totally  missing out on something special.  I was totally into the music and I remember in 1993, they re-vamped the show and some new music was released which was fantastic.  (still no internet)  I finally saw a production in 2004 - it was a touring production that played in San Jose.  I remember that we had 3D glasses to watch the race sequences on a screen.  You can imagine what a downer that was.  But the music was great, I can't remember the staging and looking back, I can't imagine how the show was staged for a tour.  When the London production opened in 1984 or so, there was a sit-down production that opened in Bochum, Germany - where a theatre was built especially for the production.  The design was much like the original London.  In 2014, on my first solo trip to Europe, I made a stop in Bochum just to see Starlight Express - I've been back 2 more times. Both times with my longtime friend, John, who's always had a love for the show (having seen the original in London) and has passed that love on to me for sure.  It didn't matter if the show was sung in German, it was still Starlight Express and if you didn't know the plot by now....  The German production has been tweeked several times, thus making it re-watchable and fresh.  That's brilliant.  

When it was announced that Starlight Express was being revived in London, I had to see it.  That is pretty much why I'm here.  It did not disappoint.  The show was fresher than ever.  New music, new staging, new characters, some new story aspects - but it's still Starlight Express.  There are so many great things to say about this production.  It was slick, colorful, well staged, skated, sung, and so much energy.  

I actually recorded the mega-mix as we were allowed to, but it's too big to post here.  However, here is a youtube video of the same thing

I wish I could see it again as I don't know what the fate of this production is.  I hear it has to close at some point because they want to knock down the theatre its in, but I don't know.  I may have to come back and see it when we find out.

What a day!

Oh - I plan to do a proper blog about the shows themselves at some point.  

Mattei 

A Walk in the Park and a few shows

Tuesday, April 22, 2025

Up early today.  Slept most of the night, but woke up at 5:30am.  I’ll take it!  Today began with a fairly odd bucket-list item.  I took the train to Holland Park, a few train stops away letting off at Kingsington High Street.  My reason was two-fold.  One was to meet up with Val as she was going for a run, the other was just to walk in Holland Park while listening to one of my very favorite Michael Ball songs that he recorded way back in the 90’s (before he was THE Michael Ball) - Holland Park.  Here’s the youtube link for the song.  

Holland Park

I listened to it on repeat for a while. I met with a lot of doggies, even a few schnauzers, but no bulldogs in pants. Some beautiful flowers, a Japanese Garden and miles of paths.  Odd Bucket-list item accomplished.  Of course, I’d go back.  I met up with Val and we walked and walked - and talked.  We ended up walking in Holland Park, through High Kensington and into Kensington/Hyde Park.  It’s hard to tell where the line is that separates Kensington and Hyde Parks.  We saw lots of swans, and more dogs - many dogs.  Dogs are always welcomed.  We commented to each other on just how well dogs are behaved here.  My 2 would not last a minute with all the other dogs around.  But I guess they would get used to it if they had to.  We had walked through the park, through the Italian Gardens and ended up on the other end of Kensington park about 3 blocks from my hotel.  We said our goodbyes for now and went our separate ways.  That was a great walk.  A great way to start the first “real” day in London.

Pictures of the walk can be found HERE

I got back to the hotel and showered and got ready for the day.  I headed out to the tube and towards Oxford Circus.  I had some looking around to do for a dinner spot on Thursday - failed mission - and I had some idea of what I wanted to do with my day.

On the way to wherever I was going - still didn't know where- I stumbled about Soho Square.  Particularly look for people selling flowers and dropping "H's" everywhere.  I asked a random gentleman "You sir, did you go to school" and he promptly replied "What do you tike me for, a fool" - I walked away sighing and thinking no one taught him "take" instead of "tike".  So, I shoved on.

I ended up near the Phantom theatre and stopped a bit because I needed some coffee so I found a Cafe Nero - got some coffee and took the laptop out to check out some matinee choices for Wednesday and Thursday if I decided to do that.  As I was poking around, I saw that The Curious Case of Benjamin Button had a Tuesday 1:30pm matinee.  I had heard that it was a great show, some people coming here just to see it, so I got a ticket and was on my way.  I really hate google/apple maps for walking.  My favorite phrase is “continue on the path” and I’m like “WHAT PATH”  - that happened a LOT in Holland Park this morning as I was trying to figure out how to get to a certain spot to meet Val.  Literally walked in circles - but I digress…..

I got to the theatre and found my seat, which was sort of a box at the back of the Stalls (Orchestra section in the USA)   There were 4 seats in this “box” and eventually was surround be 3 wonderful English ladies.  At intermission, we talked about the show, the lady on my right said “to be honest, I’m having a hard time staying awake” I told her that I totally understood what she was talking about.  I was so excited to see a show that afternoon, that after I purchased a ticket, I suddenly realized how not really awake I really was.  Still adjusting to London time AND a long walk, I was still in sort of a “chill” mode and could probably sleep as soon as you put me in front of a TV or even live theatre.  So, I was hoping for the best, and I think I did OK.  Can’t say I didn’t zone a few times, but I’m pretty sure I didn’t miss much.   

After the show, I stopped in a Pret for some water and a snack and then head out to meet Val, Joe and Autumn for dinner before we were all seeing The Phantom of the Opera.  Dinner was fun.  It was at a restaurant called “Americana” which was “American” food.  Food was good, and the conversation was sparkling,   I was the only one at the table that had seen The Phantom of the Opera in ANY form.  Before tonight, Joe’s musical tally was 2 - Hamilton and Back to the Future - the Musical.  OK - I guess if you have only seen 2 in your life until now, those we two good ones to see.  Our restaurant was across the street from His Majesty’s Theatre, so after we finished dinner, we headed over to the theatre.  Our seats were in the second balcony in the second row.  London theatre are small, so even from the second balcony, the views were great and for t a show like Phantom, sometimes its better to be able to see everything.  It was worth it when the chandelier rose pretty much in our faces, and the view at the end of the first act was fantastic.  Joe had asked “why is this theatre called “His Majesty’s Theatre” and the guy in front of us said (without missing a beat) “Because she died”.  I explained that the name of the theatre used to be “Her Majesty’s Theatre” but when the queen died, they changed it.  I felt that my inner theatre-snob was showing. Talk about inner-theatre snob, at the intermission, Val asked about the accents and if they were always the same.  I explained that the show takes place in Paris - and all 3 were like “What?.  Oy….   I then went on about the novel by Gaston Leroux and how while the dropping of the chandelier is mentioned in the novel - which was semi-based on real life situations - it was actually a stage weight that fell from the ceiling.  And yes, the Phantom was a real person and I explained how he came to live in the Paris Opera House.  It was at that point where I knew my inner-theatre geek was showing for sure.  We had a lot of fun and the show was top-notch.  I did some quick math and realized that this was my 23rd viewing of the show.  20th with the original design and 3 with that crappy designed “New” national tour that came out almost 10 years ago.   

After the show, we had dessert at Cafe Concerto and we talked about the show.  Joe told us that out of the 3 musicals he had seen in his life, he liked Phantom better than Hamilton.  But he liked Back to the Future for the action.  I was happy to hear that he felt that way.  Phantom is an odd duck that it is written in an operatic style which is harder to listen to for some people and I was worried that it would effect their experience.  But they all loved the show.  

We said our goodbyes - I took the tube home and crashed.  What a day! 

Travel naps and German Meats

Virgin Atlantic is really the best airline when flying to Europe.  I had a bulkhead seat (no seats in front and plenty of room to move around without disturbing the other people - the best seat on the plane, really), sitting with a lovely English couple.  All three of us sat down together, the guy looked at me and said something, "I may have to use your shoulder if I fall asleep" - quite funny.  

Why a bulkhead seat?  This picture tells all

So, we settled in for our almost 10 hour flight.  All was well until I pulled out my headphones to listen to some music and PANIC AT THE DISCO!

No, not the group... I have wired headphones when I travel to Europe because I'm constantly listening to music and part of this is a second step - always have a dongle that will connect my headphones with the phone as Apple discontinued a headphone jack to make people use their new-fangled Air Pods <eye roll>  When I put my headphones in my bag, I made sure I saw the white dongle   Well..... when I took it out, I realized it was not the right connector.  I panicked, no music for 10 hours??  I sat there for a while trying to think of a solution.  The only solution was to check the ziplock bag of connectors I threw together at the last minute (that's a whole different story) - so I got into the overhead bin -

Can we stop a minute and talk about overhead bin space on this Virgin Atlantic Flight?  SO MUCH BIN SPACE.  No one was asked to check their bags because there wasn't enough space - SO MUCH BIN SPACE.

Anyway - I pulled my backpack down and grabbed the bag and low and behold, there was the correct dongle!  My flight was saved!

Virgin Atlantic always has good food, but I feel like I've had this chicken and rice dish before.  It's not their best work - the other option was a vegetarian pasta which I just wasn't in the mood for.  The salad was good, the cheese and crackers are always welcome and the chocolate mousse thing was good.  After the dishes were cleared, I settled in for a nap or whatever was going to happen.  Quick trip to the loo, a few gumnies to aid in my sleep (Thanks to Rae for hooking me up at the last minute) and I listened to some music and closed my eyes.  Eventually, the lights went down, but unfortunately, the activity around my seat did not.  There was a busy dad that was up out of his seat every few seconds to make sure his family was good - and this older lady which I thought was his mom, but she got off the plane without them - so I guess he adopted her for the flight.  In hindsight, it was beautiful.  Anyway, he was out of his seat with his phone light on to check on things, then he dropped something and was on his hands and knees (with the phone light) looking for it.  I swear, every time I opened my eyes, and I looked left -  there with his back to me talking to his wife (W 34 L 32)   I must say, he always had a smile on his face and was quite friendly.    Unlike the person behind me, which I thought was a child as they were constantly kicking my seat - which I never recline so he had all the room he needed) to find out, it was a grown man who really wanted that flight to be over as he pretty much was pushing his way out and running through the terminal - and it wasn't like he was trying to make a connection because I saw him later with his bags, etc.  There's always one.  I slept on and off for a few hours, feeling rested.  I have a tradition when I fly.  For the last 2 hours of the flight, I listen to Sunset Blvd from beginning to end, and if I time it right, it ends when we land.  Well, I timed it right, but I'm not sure when it ended because I fell alseep and woke up as we landed and the album had ended   

I have my my preparation for landing, and so does Virgin Atlantic.  I loved how the lights slowly came up in the cabin, it took a while - it was like a sunrise.  Some airlines just turn the lights on and BOOM it's bright, this was quite the slow transition.  Very cool.  We were also served breakfast - a croissant  sandwich, yogurt and fruit, and coffee or tea.  I actually asked for a diet coke and while she didn't have any on the cart, she brought me 2 small cans when she was done serving.  That is service.  The breakfast was great.

Upon landing, we disembarked on to the tarmac and took a bus to the terminal.  Customs was easy, getting the luggage was easy, to find the handle on my suitcase is missing a screw.  This will be the last outing for this suitcase.  I felt like a local when I was approached answer questions about the Heathrow Express and other Tube lines with ease.  I am thankful for markings on the side of the platforms.....

The train ride to Paddington Station was easy, and getting to my hotel was easy as well.  My hotel, The Royal Eagle, is in the Paddington Neighborhood.  I like it here because it's close to Paddington Station and the Heathrow Express to the airport.  My room is quite tiny, but will work just fine.  Here is a video of the room

I laid down on the bed and woke up 3 hours later.  I guess getting up on Sunday at 5:30am and then sorta sleeping on the plane, etc, caught up with me.  When I got my bearings, I took a shower and headed out into the neighborhood.   My hotel is on Craven Street, always reminds me of "The Secret Garden"

I headed to the nearest Cafe Nero to start this blog, but not before I stopped and picked up 2 converters for my room.  I'm all set now.  As I was writing this blog, Joe popped in and we chatted and then decided to start walking in the general direction to wear the restaurant was for dinner.

My cousin Valerie and her daughter and her husband Joe just happened to be vacationing in London the same time I am.  No, it wasn't planned, but we just so happened to plan a week or so get away at the same time.  So, that was really cool.  

Joe and I walked a little until we came to The Churchill Bar and Terrace where we stopped for a drink and a cigar.  What a way to begin a vacation.   

We had our drinks and cigars and talked.  Then we headed to meet Val and Autumn at  the German Gymnasium for dinner.  The food was amazing - so many meats!!!! The conversation sparkling, and the tea was spilt.  So much fun.  We all shared everything, so good.

We said our goodbyes and headed to our respective neighborhoods for tomorrow is another exciting day.  First show tomorrow and I'm bringing the gang with me as we visit.... well.... If I tell you, you'll need to keep your hand at the level of your eyes, beware of the Punjab lasso. 

Mattei 

So long, fare thee well Pip! Pip! Cheerio! We'll be back soon

 I finally got logged into blogspot, and they start announcing the boarding process.   

I really hope I have everything.  

I'm off for a week in London.  Shouldn't be surprising to anyone who reads this.  Why London AGAIN?  Well, I think the real reason for this trip is the new production of Starlight Express.  I'm very excited to see this revival.  I guess while I'm there I'll see some other things - definitely a visit to His Majesty's Theatre to check on the Phantom.  

I got a new digital camera to take some pictures and not always using my phone.  Too many temptations when the phone comes out of your pocket.  So we'll see.  If anything can't wait for the blog, it will get posted.  

This morning (Easter) started at 5:15am when the alarm went off and I immediately began my day with a text from Kennan with a link to Sandi Patty's "A Morning Like This" - which was a perfect way to start the day.  I went to work, and 7 1/2 hours later, I was home for the homestretch.  Gotta walk the boys, last minute packing - making sure I have everything - and not really caring if I don't, I guess.

I'm off for a week away.  A week that is supposed to keep my sanity at bay as I'm about ready to lose it if I stay around the bay area any longer.  

I will do my best to take picture and remember anecdotes for the blog.  I haven't blogged on a trip in a while, I'll try to do better.  I even brought a laptop!

Mattei