Absolutely! Stex was intended to be a spectacle and just a pretty show! The plot is not anything special and that’s okay because not all theater has to be serious and not everything has to be perfect!
Fun fact: U.N.C.O.U.P.L.E.D is based on the song D.I.V.O.R.C.E by Tammy Wynette. It's probably common knowledge but when i found out it makes Dinah's southern personality and outfit so much sense. I'm kind of sad about the loss of her accent! It made her unique :(
Same goes for Greaseball. Diesel trains completely replaced Steam trains in the 1950s which totally made sense for Greaseball and Dinah to be American and for Greaseball to have an Elvis vibe about him and his songs. I agree that the gender roles needed to be addressed in this production and I think that was largely done well but Greaseball and Dinah lost a lot of their charm for me. The cast were phenomenal but the production was disappointing imo. Probably astounding if you're a kid but not if you know the OG well.
My sisters and I have been avid Starlght fans since being little children. Overall we still thought there was a lot of magic in last Saturday's show, despite not having the amazing choreography & jaw dropping stunts of the previous version. We thought the child's dream scene gave clarity to the whole show, and we really loved the softening prescence of Mama thoughtout - a very positive change. But we were incredibly disappointed with the cartoon costumes and the space settings - we felt they confused the story and didn't enhance the train theme. We also felt the continual interruption of the child to be distracting - this spolit the flow of the show, and we felt it was too much pressure on a little child, we would strongly suggest aftet the dream scene the child does not appear again. But we really liked the introduction of Hydra & the technological projections, bringing the show up to date!
Fun fact: The thing in front of a train is called a cowcatcher. A cowcatcher is the device mounted at the front of a locomotive to deflect obstacles on the track that might otherwise damage or derail it or the train.
I find it so strange listening to the OLC knowing that it's only about 2/3rds of the show. Once you know to listen out for it, you can hear the joins where massive great chunks have been skipped. I saw it on Wednesday, and it's so different from the show I fell in love with in 1999 that I couldn't really compare them, and didn't hate it. The set is cute(with a rising platform that looks inspired by the Japan tour set, watch the promotional documentary from 1990 if you haven't - yes, it's all in Japanese, but it's still riveting), though it really looks like they had much grander plans for it than they were ultimately able to realise. The platform barely lifts at all, it certainly can't serve as a race gate, and it could really do with a smaller circle in the middle as a trap so that Electra could enter the stage with some dignity. I'm also pretty sure that the model box had a stalls track for the races, which isn't there in the theatre, which really restricts what they can do with the races. Everything is very shiny and sparkly and colourful, to greater and lesser effect; the starfield that descends for the "Starlight Sequence" is just gorgeous, but the costumes are so overwhelmingly holographic that you can't really see them properly, which may be something of a mercy. It seems that a conscious effort has been made to not take human anatomy, or how to flatter it, into consideration. The irony is that the _Six_ costumes look like better _Starlight Express_ costumes than these ones do. Electra was always bisexual, why not nonbinary as well? Makes perfect sense to me. It strikes me though that it pretty much requires you to have in-depth knowledge of multiple prior versions across four decades to make sense of it, otherwise you might as well not bother. It's like a layered collage of stickers - they keep slapping new ones on top, sometimes they scrape bits of old ones off, but it's so disjointed and piecemeal, and full of load-bearing references back to things that are no longer there, that all you can expect most people to do is shrug off any attempt to parse out a story and just enjoy the sparkly costumes and flashing lights. This is sad, when it used to - and could still - have things to say. Johnie Pitts wrote an excellent article in the Guardian more or less to this effect that I recommend reading. It was far, far better than my worst fears. I still have a lot of problems with it, that I think could largely have been solved by getting a dramaturg in: It makes no sense for Momma to sing the "I Got Me" melody pre-race just because that's the girl tune, when she has nothing in common with the coaches who sing that song and one of them's not a girl anyway; "I Got Me" is in the wrong point of the show, it's very clearly a creative rewrite of "Rolling Stock: reprise" and not a replacement for "A Lotta Locomotion"(which is _not_ to be confused with "Whole Lotta Locomotion" which was seemingly written to fit the Las Vegas costumes) and if we're trying to elevate the women in the cast, how about putting back the number where the two less prominent coaches get to show off? Let us actually see what they're fed up with and refusing to stand for any more for more than 30 seconds before they proclaim that they're fed up and not going to stand for it any more. Also it doesn't introduce the coaches properly, we don't really know who they are from it; Can you use Jim Steinman's lyrics like that, just substituting a couple of words, in the middle of a song that does thematically match them, but to a tune so striking and evocative that it sticks out like a sore thumb that this is the only time we hear it? I assume it's a loving tribute to a deceased collaborator, but without weaving it into the score anywhere else it's a bizarre blip; Slick Oil, by not having Caboose's established arc - Nicest Guy you could ever hope to meet>comforting Dinah when she's down>volunteering to help Rusty when he's in a tight spot>heel turn oh my god he's a serial killer - does not earn "Wide Smile" because we have no reason to care about them proclaiming that actually they're bad and also they're not a brake van so the lyrics don't make sense; The other Freight really don't get to say to Rusty that they've been cheated by the system too when _they were the ones pouring oil on the track to derail him_ although that little bit of recit would recycle nicely into an alternate introduction to "Right Place, Right Time"; "There's Me" having been excised from the score with surgical precision explains why Caboose's "Just for me, I'm in it just for me, I'm in it just for me" in the prelude to the Downhill Final couldn't remain in its previous form, but there are other melodies in "Wide Smile" that could sub in. The absence of that vocal line sucks at the ears; Stars are made of hydrogen, Hydra allows Rusty to be powered by hydrogen, maybe in a show where he believes in something called the _Starlight_ Express we could connect these ideas together and actually _say_ that the power of the Starlight Express is the stuff from which stars are made; "But I Do" has a pretty introduction then is a dirge which needs at least a second draft of the lyrics, maybe some that are relevant to the characters singing them and the situation they're in and perhaps even rhyme; All the songs sung by women in roles that were originally male are hostile to their vocal ranges, forcing them to leap up and down the octaves and contort their vocal cords to try to fit, as if to deliberately signal that they shouldn't be playing those roles in the first place when they could have been accommodated instead, the songs transposed to where they're comfortable and actually allow the performers to take ownership of their material; Dinah still spells out "bastard" at the end of UNCOUPLED, are there no not specifically masculine insults that she could spell out instead?; Dinah still takes Greaseball back at the end despite the supposed message of female empowerment and while Greaseball's been toned down a _lot_ from the earliest incarnation("But he beats you all the time, he gives you hell/he two-times you and he likes to kiss and tell"), this still sits uncomfortably in a world where we know that abusers will play nice and grovel after an incident of abuse only to turn nasty again in the future. Greaseball is still emotionally abusive to her, even if not physically. That said, my goodness, the cast are amazing. I don't think it's fair that Al Knott has to leap up and down and all around the octaves to sing her songs, but bloody hell she has the pipes to do it. Eve Humphrey's performance of UNCOUPLED was quite possibly the funniest I've ever seen, in a good way, and I was not expecting that at all. Jeevan Braich(17, it makes one very aware) impressed me from the start, holding a single note while gliding down that terrifyingly steep slope on the side of the stage, and Kayna Montecillo is so adorable as Pearl(despite the costume that looks like she's wearing granny pants sticking out from under a leotard because her mum said "There's no way any daughter of mine is wearing a thong") that you almost take for granted how very talented she is. I'm sorry this was such a wall o'text. I get a bit fired up about this show.
I saw this production yesterday and oh my gosh, I ADORE IT. Just so perfectly staged. It was the first show I ever saw on its first UK Tour, and I've now come full circle!
I am so excited for this. When I tell people about this show, they don't believe me. But its just so fun and campy. I really hope this comes to Broadway. I'm a little sad CB isn't in it because his song is fun, but the new character sounds cool. Honestly I'm just happy the show is getting a second chance outside of Germany
Great review MickeyJo. You really know the show inside out and you go into a lot of detail. I agree with nearly all of your points but not all. I am an obsessed Starlight Express fan and have been since a child and have seen it multiple times from the original in the Apollo to touring. I went to Wembley on 22/6/24 to see the long anticipated latest version along with my sister's and we were dressed as retro Rusty, Electra and Greaseball which attracted a bit of attention! But this meant we had a few encounters with several people and got to share opinions with those new to Starlight Express and hardcover fans who had seen it as children. The newbies absolutely loved it. The established fans including myself were a lot more critical. It had to change but changes are sometimes hard to accept. I have read a lot of the comments and reviews about the show and some of them are very very harsh. Starlight is deeply nostalgic for me and a lot of people but we were not going to get an exact replica of our childhood dreams. We have to remember a lot of the actors are very young and making their debut and they will be reading the feedback. They have very big shoes to fill. Starlight Express is an extremely demanding show to be in as an actor. It could not remain as it was. It had to be made more appealing to the widest possible audience and attract and connect with young people new to theatre. It also had to be safer, too many injuries had been sustained in previous versions. Some things were better and done beautifully. Some aspects were not right or diluted too much. Starlight Express is a musical, a stunt show and a sporting event with races all rolled into one. It is entirely unique. I wonder what the impact will be on the German version in Bochum? It is on my bucket list to visit. I sense there is a bit of worry there from reading comments. I am currently checking out transport options to get there asap. I had to get over my youthful memories and look forwards. Was it still magical? Yes Did I cry my eyes out when the Starlight Express arrived? Yes Have I been thinking about it none stop for the last 10 days? Yes Did I stand up and clap at the end with everyone else? Yes Would I go again? Yes
I saw it last week, and the moment I heard the opening bars to Starlight Express I started welling up. By the time we got to the full song the nice man next to me had to comfort me I was such a mess crying! Its possible that I was more emotionally invested in seeing the show again than I realised. I loved it. I'll try to avoid too many spoilers. I was a bit worried before it started that it would have changed a lot, but I basically sung along to 90% despite not seeing it in 30 years. I've got zero issues with the gender swaps, they are trains at the end of the day and as an 8 year little girl I used to love singing 'Pumping iron' and wishing I could be an engine. So it's nice that kids can do that now and not worry about if it is for girls or boys. I thought the various changes made sense for the modern world. I was surprised by how many of the cast were having their professional debuts. They did a fantastic job. If I was being really picky then some voices were a little weak but I think they will get stronger very quickly as they get more used to the material and the skating. I was sat on the raised seating to the side. You are right next to the action (high fives at the end) and you can see the whole track, but I would pick a seat facing straight on towards the stage next time. And there's only one entrance to a row and hardly any room to squeeze past, so there was a lot of getting up and coming out of the row to let other people in. As a funny side note. I was delayed getting to the theatre because of trespassers on the line. I only appreciated the irony later.
I saw it twice, once at the beginning of July and once at the beginning of August and already some of the weaker voices had improved. To be clear nobody was ever bad, but you can't expect new graduates who also have to skate up and down ramps for 2 hours to have developed a really full professional sound yet. I trained in MT but since went into straight plays and opera because I just couldn't handle the movement element- such respect for every one of these performers.
@@forbeartheatre yeah, I fully expected voices to get stronger as I saw it within its first few shows. It's like all cast changes, a cast will always be stronger the longer into the run they are. And it was really impressive that so many were having their professional debut, maybe a sign of willingness to learn skating!
Great summary. I saw the original west end production and although I don’t recall all the details, I thought the skating had been faster. The new show did feel more family orientated, but the fun factor remained. I loved the new set and particularly enjoyed the intimacy of the smaller space. Had a great time.
Fun fact, in some of the original runs of the show, the actors were skating so fast at times that andrew lloyd webber had to speed up some scores to follow them
We saw the production last weekend and we all loved it (Me, my wife, 2 teenage children and 2 younger children). he kids haven't stopped singing it since! I have seen many incarnations of the show starting back in the 80's with the original run. If I lived in London I would definitely love to see it again, maybe after a few months when the cast have really gained their confidence on the skates. Bravo Starlight Express - loved it!
I just took my kids to see this when we were in London last week, and we all LOVED it! I remember seeing the original production in the 90s, and this was a great update. Like you said; it's a story about singing trains, so I don't think it would benefit from taking itself more seriously. Rusty, Mama and Hydra were our standout performers too (apart from the shunt scooterers, who were my 10yr old son's favourite!) :D
Loved this review, just booked tickets to see it in March-used the theatre vouchers me and my gf had for ages! Starlight Express is the musical I have seen the most times. I have seen it 26 times in total- first as a little kid when I was 5 in Summer of 1986 and begged my mum/dad to take when seeing the adverts for it on TV, posters in the high street, buses/train stations, reading reviews for it on Teletext/Magazines etc Saw it 11 times in London, once on Broadway/once in Vegas, 6 times in Germany where it still play as you prob know. Once in Australia + once inJapan + 4 times on UK Tour, and once in Norway! Yea the Bill Kenwright Tours were ok with half set size + 3D glasses, but this is how it should be done esp UK Tour when they did it in Arenas/Stadiums like: Milton Keynes Bowl which I saw in 2004! Shame it isn't as big as the one in London used to be or the one that still plays in Germany. Whereabouts in UK you from-I'm in Kent 😎 When it was announced with Andrew and Arlene etc. They said it would be like the German production yet when I then heard/read a few months before it opened in June of last year said the iconic rotating bridge wouldn't be there and couple of songs being replaced etc 🤷🏻♂ Looking forward to it though!
I haven't seen it yet, but you've managed to put into words how I feel about a lot of what I have seen and heard about it. Really good review and overview.
"No bo dy can do it like a steeeeeeeam traaaaa-" wait. This is a commercial. Can Starlight Express be the next drag ball production except this one is hosted in a leather bar so the costumes totally work?
I've been waiting for this video. I'm doing to see it next week, so excited! I've only seen it on tour where the races were on screen, can't wait to see the races live.
I think the smaller overall space was great because no spectator is too far away from any of the action. We were 2nd row in the back section and don't think we missed a thing. Vocally I found them all strong. My theory is there that from a very talented wetted pool of actors they will hav enough problems to find a cast who can sing. Even if you limit it to the people who can skate. Momma stood out to us vocally. And I didn't mind any of the gender changes. As you said, they are trains. Pearl and Rusty are possibly the only ones that are fixed. The only bit that I found weird was having control on stage. A bit like having Michael Douglas in a chorus line visible in the movie while the role was voiced only on stage.
The original production relied heavily on archetypes - every character, major or minor, had a strong recognisable type. Flat-top, for example, is a cheeky punk kid finding something to rebel against. Greaseball used to be "Rock'n'Roll Bad Boy", the sum of all toxic masculinity, so his numbers were heavy on the rock'n'roll. The new production almost entirely removes any use of archetypes, in characterisation or in costume. This is what divorces the musical styles from the characters, gives us costumes that are bright and shiny but quite hard to tell apart, gives us characters who all seem very similar in personality. I can understand not wanting to fall into harmful stereotypes, for sure, but Starlight is not a book heavy show with plenty of room to develop well rounded personalities that defy types. We used to meet three Boxers- muscle heads tackling life one punch at a time, a cheeky punk kid, the shy overweight guy, and the creepily smiling guy who's too keen to be friends. Now we meet the red one, the blue one, the yellow one and the green one. the others don't like the green one. Overall I'm just confused by most of the artistic choices. Why lean so heavily into the Space theme INSTEAD of toy trainset... why deny the retro cool 1980s vibe... Why cut so much choreography... I love experimenting with new ideas but I hate change for changes' sake. If it's not better than the old version, don't take it?
@@BellePullman well said... At the end of the day, all good storytelling relies on archetypes and character development! Whether it's neverending story, Tron, Coppola's the conversation, doctor who, Sergio Leone films and/or once upon a time in Hollywood or star wars... You remove the storytelling mechanisms, you derailed the train before it leaves the station! Cinema, theatre & ancient fables rely on characters, motivations, plot details & the presentation of philosophical negatives as a direct means to draw a reaction (albeit sometimes an uncomfortable one) to the audience in order to highlight a message! The world can be a really ugly place. Shelter our kids from that and we are just doing them a disservice! "No point in complaining Rusty Saying that the systems mean They keep us down by fighting dirty You can't win if u fight back clean!"
@@danteorfei4815 Yes! You have to show the conflict to be able to show the resolution, and teach kids that they can come out better in the end. We need to equip kids to deal with the bad stuff, have confidence they can overcome it, and make it better. Even in, especially in fun, silly stories like Starlight where the threats aren't overwhelming, the stories are so important! That's actually my single biggest issue with the original show, that Greaseball has treated Dinah so bad yet she takes him back... I've seen too many friends in abusive relationships who accept a "S.O.R.R.R.Y" on face value and fall back into bad places. That's one story the show should be teaching better, "Don't get back with your ex, it's not cute, it's not romantic, it's manipulation", *ahem* anyway, that's not the point... Starlight has the opportunity to mean something, to gently reinforce positive messages, to tell good stories. But that's not a priority in this new production, it's about being bright and shiny. And now the message seems to be "take performance enhancing substances to win!" LOL
@@BellePullman to answer your final questions... It's quite clear that many of the production team were awarded jobs based on their recent "notoriety" rather than their knowledge, familiarity &/or fascination to explore: A.) "Railroadiana," whether it be the side devoted to the study of Trains (the history, technical designs, folklore surrounding &/or their multiple abilities to induce magical appeal to many) OR the side focused on the tremendous attraction of the scaled down model/toy counterparts to folks from little kids to the elderly (as a way to channel back to nostalgic memories). For years I heard incipid arguments about cutting characters because they portrayed prototypical pieces of equipment that may no longer be relevant! It is a ridiculous argument because the magic of model railroads/ toy trains IS that they ARE NOT bound by the rules of realistic railroad operations! In the world of toy trains, the operator or control can run steam, diesel & electric simultaneously! They can also create a lash-up of a futuristic high speed European/Asian electric inspired locomotive with an American bay window caboose! Toy trains are fascinating because they allow fantasy and reality to coexist on the same layout. B.) The expansive history of the show, it's origins, multiple plot narratives throughout the years (including which ones the fanbase has been begging for returns to & those that alienated them). It's essentially the same disastrous logic employed by Kathleen Kennedy & Co with the incredibly underwhelming Star Wars sequel trilogy and the complete anthesis of the strategies of Jon Favreau & Dave Filoni in providing the equivalent of Star Wars film trilogy that old fans were yearning for but captivated new fans (to not only watch but also go back and research unfamiliar throwbacks) with the first 2 seasons of the Mandalorian (which were actually considered to be presented as film trilogy at one point*** see note). I read some post on Facebook that said something to the effect of, "kids in the UK have no idea what a caboose is and neither do I!" Well my response was, "all the more reason to give them a character that will spark their interests to do a Google search and WANT to LEARN something new!" The "empire strikes back," dies not consistently win the title of fan favorite star wars installment because it is the narrative that audience members (many of which were children when they first saw it) wanted or imagined they would see, but rather it did what GREAT ART does, it inspired a range of emotions upon the viewer! I think it is somewhat ridiculous that high performance trains are not represented in this new version (because folks were too lazy to write out stereotypical tropes that were employed as cartoonish comedic devices that crept into the show at some point after 86 when I first saw it and every national phone was simply presented as another mean machine. However, this current production provides costuming that actually make the "notion" of a "Pearl Twirl" hard to get off the mind, especially for someone who would rather enjoy a ride with buffy, ashley or belle! I obviously am referring to my affection for vintage rail cars! 🤫😉
I posted above - Starlight Express lends well to elaborate and fancy leather/metal wear. It'd be an awesome drag ball. Greaseball as a muscle daddy on skates. And then all of what MJ refers to as "the coupling and un-coupling" of the trains...
hahaha I thought about that as well. In the 90's when Madonna and Janet Jackson were at the top of the game, I remember them being in talks for the movie version but it never happened.
JUSTICE FOR C.B.!!! I am so unbelievably upset that his characters has been torn to shreds and now completely erased! The red Caboose was one of the most depthful, fun, and interesting parts of SE. It is really upsetting to see him go from primary to obsolete in the past years, I really hope in the future there’s a prediction that reinstates his characters, and HIS TWO SOLOS. C.B is such a fun solo and twist and There’s Me adds so much depth to Dina, GB, and CB’s characters JUSTICE FOR THE RED CABOOSE
Pearl: “Ain’t gonna smoke, ain’t gonna drink…” Other coaches: “What are you gonna do?” Pearl: “Waddaya think?” *silliest synth glissando ever* I really loved the original Starlight Express, and someone really needs to stop Sir Andy from tinkering with his shows!! Ok, I have too many thoughts. So I’m going to rant about one of them, and leave the rest for the next Starlight Express comment. IT WAS BETTER WHEN IT WAS SEXY. Trains are sexy - they hook up, it’s literally called coupling! And some of the best songs in the original were about sex or relationships: A Lotta Locomotion, AC/DC, He Whistled At Me, U.N.C.O.U.P.L.E.D., that one about keeping it going all night. Trains come in two types: pullers, and the pulled; the pulled come in two types as well: freight, and passenger. Making it a sex (as opposed to gender) thing makes sense, and is an easy way to get more variety of songs and stories. But it was never *just* a sex thing, as all the engines also regularly pulled “male” freight cars. What it was, was fun! Before it became self-consciously camp in the last “new & improved” version, it was silly, camp, ostentatious spectacle. The songs were great, with lots of innuendo and silly jokes, the suggestion of assorted positive messages, and a good time had by all. Also the only song from the show I’ve ever heard in another context is There’s Me. Justice for CB.
Before anyone @s me, I am a hardcore Starlight fan and have been for years. Honestly, I loved it. It was loud, silly, bright and fast like it always has been. The singing was top notch and the cast worked incredibly hard to bring the story to life. Highlights for me - loved the new Hydrogen/eco angle, loved the enhancing of the existing queerness of the story, loved that it was brought right up to date. All of the negative reviews I've seen so far have been either a) sad things changed - it's a revival, things won't stay the same or b) upset that the new production is now "woke" - in which case, they're bigots. It's a great production. Is it your 1980s Starlight Express? No. But let's be honest, you're remembering that one with nostalgia goggles anyway and it was never supposed to be. Seriously arguing about changes to a child themed train musical just shows a lot of you never grew up!
After 40 years I was so excited to be revisiting the new version of the musical “Starlight Express” first time for me was at the original in 1984. As the original was a very long time ago I tried not to have any expectations and even though I was excited i kept an open mind, times have changed and I heard that it was quite different. The original for me was full of excitement , full of joy and I had many goosebump moments when the songs touched me deeply, I remember the incredible emotion of the singers and how the music was memorable and profound, the original build up to the races were thrilling. Definitely these factors are why the musical had such a large following as it still resides in many people hearts to this day On entering the venue at Wembley I found the whole experience underwhelming, soulless building, main reception area reminded me of some modern day bowling alley, felt the wrong vibe. I did however like the vibe of the auditorium and it is definitely designed for an immersive experience which is what I remember to be from the original production. I sat next to a lady of a similar age and when we spoke, it was clear she was looking for that same magical experience she had with the original years ago. Listening to people in the interval, I found that the younger audience enjoyed how different and up-to-date Starlight Express was, It was also evident that some adults in their 40s, 50s and 60s felt slightly disappointed in how woke the production was trying to be, how the spirit of the original wasn’t apparent and how underwhelming the rearranged songs and the singing was. The character “hydrogen” was a new addition, the characters song was repeated over and over and over again to the point of being very repetitive and annoying. The whole production I felt was lacking in the heartfelt moments of the original. The cast were very energetic and appear to enjoy performing this iconic musical. The last 10 minutes of the musical for me was the best, it was fast-paced and slightly resembled the excitement of the original. For me overall a Disappointment!
Eh? What part of it was woke? We sat next to two German mega fans who have seen the Bochum show many times. They couldn't help themselves, they were singing and dancing, going for high fives, smiles all around. I can't see how you could watch this and not have a smile on your face. Perhaps nostalgia ruins enjoyment?
I absolutely loved it! I've decided I hate all the bootleg recordings on youtube because they do something weird to the audio. I do wish they'd move I am Me to the second act though as I think it doesn't make much sense where it is. I saw it with my 13 year old stepdaughter and I think the lack of exposition and easy character references really confused her. They had to replace blue lightning due to a crash and we were all like "who is that". But the singing and skating was soooo good! And I'm very hard to impress. We sat in first class carriages and the skating felt very fast. My partner sat in locomotives and had a great view of the whole thing but said the skating felt slower from where he was. I want to go and see it again for sure. Also we had Arabella Stanton as our control and she was incredible, but they didn't give her her own curtain call which really bummed us out. She stole the show!
I still have huge nostalgia for the "New" Starlight Express show that I saw in 2000 when I was 12. It's the only show I've seen on the West End as an American. I've always found it odd that "A Lotta Locomotion" is not on that version's album, but a line of it is sung in the Megamix. I still love the blues and father figure of Poppa, the Elvis type for Greaseball from The U.S. of A., and Rusty proving himself by teaming up with the other outcast Dustin the Big Hopper, so overcoming fat shaming. If this newer version comes to Broadway I'm not sure I'll see it.
the 1993 Album is kinda meant to be supplementary to the 1984 recording, so the songs skipped are scenes that didn't really change. It's such a shame that Lotta Locomotion did get left out but that's bound to happen to some numbers on a 1 CD highlights!
Awesome video! You're right on track with your train puns! I *really* really want to go and see this production, but due to multiple factors (including living in america) I probably won't ever get to, so I really appreciate your descriptions of what's changed! I wouldn't mind it if you spoiled the plot some more XD As someone who's been an intense fan of Starlight Express for only a few years, I tend to prefer what I've seen of the older versions, but I don't really have any nostalgia for them. I have mixed feelings about this new production, but overall I'm super glad it exists! From what you've said, it seems like it's accomplishing what it set out to do. This show already gets changed so much every time it's put on, none of these changes really seem that wild to me in comparison. Electra being nonbinary isn't even a new concept, it's just more explicit and specific in this version than it has been before. I also really love your comparison to Steven Universe to explain how pairing up for races has romantic connotations, even if it isn't always *necessarily* romantic. I've been watching pretty much every recording of the Megamix on youtube and all the actors' voices sound incredible. It's a shame this new Megamix has fewer songs than it used to, because I'd really love to see One Rock n Roll Too Many show up in it.
Spoilers for plot of the new version below: I wish they had fleshed out Slick more. In ye olde original show C.B. was introduced as a really sweet brake truck who's super friendly Its shown in 'Frieght', 'Theres Me' and 'The Rap'. So when, plot twist, hes actually a train killer, its a big shock. When Slick is like "Oh yeah btw I'm a criminal!" Its like "....Okay? You've barely had much of a presence in the musical until now so you revealing this information does not make me feel any strong emotion." I also find it funny that despite her joining with Rusty for the race, its not even her doing the sabotaging, because of course she cant be releasing oil behind Rusty, that wouldn't sabotage him at all. I just felt if they were where gonna do C.B. they could adapt the story for it to make sense with Slick (have her not connected to Rusty when she sabotages the race) or just cut out the third antagonist altogether. Personal opinion! And I do think the overall musical was still really good!
I couldn't agree more. I will never understand why so many productions have cut out or butchered C.B.'s character, he's a perfect example of a twist villain that works! I thought Slick was okay but yeah, I'm not sure that Wide Smile worked as well for her as for C.B.
when was that? It wasn't there when I lived there. I did see Phantom while it was at Caesar's palace (I think! it's been quite awhile now!) I don't recall if Startlight was there. But i haven't lived there for 10+ years now.
27:30 I was someone who was into both at different stages of my childhood, but regardless of that, I think alot the connection is just taking from "starlight" and like "dreaming" and what not so it's like feeding into the whole dream sequence/ bedtime setup
I saw while I was London and I absolutely loved it!. I thought the cast many of whom where making their professional debut where amazing. I really loved their voices. I would love a cast album from this run. I only knew what it was about, never heard the music, and I was really surprised how much I enjoyed it. I can see the valid point that I've heard online that as far as the skating goes, compared to what is on Germany is not at the same level, but I still thought it was great. And what I got out of the space vibe, was that it was transporting the action into a dream state/ inside the control's imagination.
ALW shows aren't usually about plot. They are about spectacle. A recent revival tour of Cats left us cold, because what had been a spectacle was reduced, seriously, to something I'd expect from the local dinner theater (I love my local dinner theater, but they don't charge Broadway prices.) If they deliver spectacle for S.E., then I may just cross the ocean (again) to see it.
Oh my god Hey! I have seen this show, I never saw the 1980s version but have always loved the soundtrack, I did see the 90s touring version and enjoyed that very much. Did I enjoy it? Well by the time of the interval I had already decided I wanted to come back and as soon as act 2 finished I rebooked , I will be back for more. I had a platform seat so I did feel immersed somewhat in the action, but to back up, before entering the theatre I loved the foyer experience, the huge campness of the mirror ball ceiling and the disco instrumental versions of past Starlight Express songs (Including the much missed Next Time You Fall in Love) just added to the excitement and created such a buzz. Highlight for me, 2 moments, firstly the performance of I DO, I love this song, a fabulous addition and one that I have been excited to see included in a production. The other highlight and a total wow moment was the Starlight Sequence. Love the addition of Hydra, embraced the gender switch up from Poppa to Mamma and Greaseball is certainly a standout character. This show for me was fun, escapism, entertainment. What more could I have wanted. Is this still Starlight Express? I'm gonna say yes.
After booking I read about the changes and was worried as I loved the original! But it was fun and so different that I could accept and enjoy it. Just a pity about the moving seats we booked for that hasn’t happened! Quite annoying!
I saw it last week and I’m still not sure what I think. It was the most bonkers thing I’ve ever seen and although it was definitely a spectacle I’m not sure I feel like it was a particularly good show. Although will say I still have “it’s not a matter of if, it’s a matter of when, for Hydro-gen” stuck in my head days later so repeating it a million times worked.
I've only recently gotten into starlight express after my director for The Drowsy Chaperone mentioned it because the character Robert Martin has a small scene where he is blindfolded with rollerskates, and also hearing a small clip of Pumping Iron and finding it really cool, and so I mentioned singing Pumping Iron for my spring voice recital to my voice teacher and we sung through that and Ribbons Down My Back from Hello Dolly, but now I am thoroughly obsessed with the London Revival specifically
We went to London from America specifically to see this show. We caught the preview on 20 June, and bought tickets for the 22 June show at the interval, because we wanted to see it again. I never saw the original in London, and I've never seen the Bochum version. So my only experience was the Vegas version in '96 and the US tour in '03, along with the original cast recording. In short -- I loved it. The updates fix some (not all) of the problems with the show. I missed A Lotta Locomotion and He Whistled at Me, but I understand why they were cut. Crazy is a catchy "new" song that fits well. I struggle with the Pearl character. She's another ALW helpless female character who can't think for herself (like Christine). And if the sexual/romantic motivations are removed (or at least de-emphasized), she doesn't really have any motivation to race at all. In general, the coaches are much more two-dimensional in this version. And if you interpret it as still being sexual, that raises another problem. I like Hydro. As you mentioned, it fixes the science stuff. But "it's not a matter of if, it's a matter of when" is problematic if the attractions between the locomotives and coaches are sexual, because then he becomes a gay predator. I feel like Mama should die after her race, and her spirit motivates Rusty in the second act. It's ambiguous, but she DOES show up for LATEOTH, so she must still be alive. The blues song has always been one of my favourites, and I'm thrilled that they kept it in despite having no real purpose. The guy sitting next to me also loved the show, but was a bit disappointed in how much they scaled back the skating. They really don't do tricks like they used to; the skating is all pretty basic. That will hopefully cut down on injuries, but it's less exciting for the audience. I'll also note that this cast is ADORABLE. We stage doored both times, and talked to about 2/3 of the cast. They're all new to this, and they're not used to talking to fans. They're so enthuiastic about the show and just feeling so grateful to be doing this. Their enthusiasm is contagious.
"He becomes a gay predator" is...a massive leap! Maybe he becomes briefly bisexual - but he's clearly talking about hydrogen technology when he sings "if/when".
The original pearl lyric was.. My names Pearl Im the brand new girl, My springs still bounce my fans still whirl. Aint gonna smoke, aint gonna drink What are you gonna do? Whatdya think! Yup... the 80s
Did you know that this isn't the first time the character Control has appeared on stage in any production of *Starlight Express*? The earliest version I’ve heard of was an American ice skating tour called *Starlight Express on Ice,* from 1997 to 1998. In this production, the musical was performed on ice skates rather than roller skates. Unfortunately, the ice show struggled to find its audience and was short-lived. Personally, I believe this 2024 revival works much better with Control performed live on stage, especially since the story is about toy trains magically coming to life in a child’s dream. I find roller skating to be far more relevant than ice skating for this theme.
Just saw the Bochum version and it blew my mind! Huge set and the skating is phenomenal; full of jumps/tricks and all at VERY high-speed. London misses this USP… without the adrenaline, heart-in-mouth skating the revival feels like “Starlight Lite.”
#1) I have an enormous amount of respect that you obviously spend a lot of time and effort to make these videos which obviously are intended to benefit, inform &/or better folks, other than yourself. So if I make a negative comment, it has absolutely nothing to do with you. So if a remark I make seems crabby: Pleas know it really has to do with you #2) I want that shirt!!! Not yours, but I love the simplicity of it. I actually had a tshirt from the Apollo Victoria that I miss grwatly😢😢... It was black and simply had StEx in😢the original artwork font (however the the letters were striped in yellow and red, similar to a candy cane!.. One of the sleeves that the locomotive constellation in red and yellow. Simple. But to the point!
Phone was dying... Sorry for the interruption... #3) People throw the term original production quite frequently with StEx, but more times than not, never really clarifiy &/,or specify what time period or version of the show they are intending to refer to. The show ran at Apollo Victoria for almost 18 years, but there were several versions with very specific production characteristics performed in that window of time! I personally refer to the original production as the pre-broadway incarnation performed at AV from 84 - 87... That's the amazing, completely jaw dropping, kinda creepy, sci-fi-ishly surreal, high speed version that will go down in my childhood top 5, along with being snuck onto Space Mountain at DisneyWorld @ age 4 and accidentally waking up on Xmas and "hearing" and briefly getting a glimpse of 'Santa' hard at work (story for another time). Digressing, no other following version I saw ever soared as high! And it s not because it was more enchanting to be first time, but rather because the show had begun to morph into another narrative with another video by the second time I saw it in the US. It no longer had the intriguing interest with a side of intensity & intimidation, but rather started to become less of a high speed dream with creepy mechanical train people that came to life, but rather, a kiddie story with a plot that was stripped of its complexity. It went from something akin to the "Neverending Story to how to train your dragon..." To be continued
Loved this! So I was in London for work and I’ve been wanting to see this and finally did - and I knew nothing about it going in and I absolutely loved it and plan to go back a few times! The only song I actually knew was “locomotion” because I’m a huge Jane Krakowski fan and had seen a boot leg of her doing it. I was sad that was cut - in hindsight having a fun intro number for the three coaches would have been good and putting “I am me” in act 2 would have been a powerful character development moment. I thought this entire cast was extremely talented but the ones that stuck out for me were Hydra, Rusty, Greaseball, Belle (may have been a swing not sure but she was in constantly in character and fun to watch), and Dinah. But the entire cast was incredible and I’ve been listening to the cast album ever since, I saw the matinee on November 28th and spent wayyy to much money at the souvenir stand lol. I haven’t had the urge to skate since I was a child but leaving the theatre made me sad I didn’t have four wheels on the bottom of each of my dress shoes! Loved your review over all and glad I found you’! I’ll have to look up your podcast :)
Also loved the costumes - having never seen the original I was obsessed with the costumes, set, and lighting. From the moment you walk in the door you were transported into the world of Starlight
I was sad that Dinah wasn't a Southern American Dolly Parton-esque. Uncoupled sounded so weird in a British accent to me, but that is purely my opinion. I also found Greaseball's singing quite jarring, it felt like a bit bad Alanis Morisette karaoke, despite the fact the actor was incredibly talented. Maybe I just have a soft spot for the tape I had on repeat as a kid. I did absolutely love it though. Although I will say, being 8 months pregnant and knowing the toilets were off limits was a struggle, but that's a me problem 😂😂
My biggest gripe with what I've seen from the show is the costumes really don't exactly represent trains... Like I am so confused and couldn't pick any specific characters out. Also, the megamix just seems... really jumpy? Like the Bochum production's megamix just flows so well, unlike this new London production.
Great review! Saw the show today and it was the first time I'd ever seen it and I enjoyed it a lot! Just wanted to ask if in the future you could maybe link in the description any other videos you mention in your review? It would have been amazing if the Wait in the Wings video was linked there just for making things easier, I've thought this in the past too. Just something I thought might be a nice idea.
Howling at 'this isn't strong enough'. Fantastic review of a bonkers show which I had the pleasure to see a couple of weeks ago, being a fan of the 'sort of' original (but there have been so many iterations) Really enjoyed the show but couldn't bear Hydra and Control should be out of sight out of mind. Absolutely bonkers and ALW must have been on good stuff writing this. Total escapism though which we all need.
Huge fan of the original (93 and 01) so excited it’s back. Thought I was gonna have to go to Bochum (2025 trip for that) Excited and kinda nervous as I have read about changes, songs dropped etc Birthday treat was a ticket from a fried for last week) Apprehensive I ventured to Wembley Park. Trackside 1-FF-24 was my ticket. Great view although ticket stated restricted view. Not so Sadly seat 24 is at the end of the row and not the best leg room for a big old bear. Sitting fave on was so uncomfortable Thankfully the two seats next to me were a no show so was able to take middle seat and man spread. Will have to check other seats for next visit but despite the space it was a great view. Missed the National trains, the helmets of trains, I get it that it’s a new version Costumes were better up close and loved the Irn Bru train 😅 News songs are good Absolutely love I Am Me (been singing it ever since, well what I remember) Missed some of the old familiar songs though. Found myself comparing them would get lost in the new and the moment ! It was an absolute delight and so glad it’s back It was always a bit camp and gay. I was the G of LGB before all the other letters were added I get it, we move on. Touted for children but go kids need to have lesbian trains or non gender fluid carriages? I don’t think so Greaseball was a male engine (although new incarnation didn’t do a bad job) Momma instead of Poppa worked, she has a belter of a voice. Lots of plot add ons and I kinda lost the plot at few points Sounded amazing Looked amazing Cast were brilliant Will go back (different seats) Great music Great humour Absolutely loved it But some changes not needed but that’s my opinion. There was space to keep older songs National trains missed Helmets missed Too many new gender stuff added Miss the smiling car and Rocky (1,2 and 3) Disappointed with my seat, not sure who would have fitted in there, but great view No programmes T shirts don’t cater for larger sizes, an XL am not! Sadly they lost about £100 on merch that day No cast soundtrack, an opportunity missed, hopefully that will follow soon. Maybe a dvd (certainly would have loved one of the original) On the whole 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Is it a good show - Yes. Is it as good as the Apollo versions - No. Does it meet the hype that lead up to it - err not really. I grew up in the New starlight era and I think this show just missed with what it could have been. Costumes, Once you are outside the main cast and coaches, they sort of loose their identity. Can you honestly say which of electra's components are which? The other engines just look like the baddie from lazy town in different colours. When they come to a race its Greaseball, electra, ow and the green and blue one to fill the race. As you said they are singing Trains, the older costumes and the Bochum ones have wheels and pads that look like trains that this doesn't. Biggest thing I thought was missing is the helmets. They were introduced as Trains, then took their helmets off to know who they were, but then put them back on to race. This production just has a glorified skate helmet. The theatre is small so can't get any real speed up so the races are more slow and plodding along, plus whats the fight about with greaseball and electra? They fight, rusty wins, they skate off, then minutes later they come back 'tangled' for one rock and roll. That made no sense. Originally they crashed, lost the race, then came back on all tangled. Lighting- Yes on the whole good. The tracking and changing the set colour I only really noticed during Hydras song. The Auto followspots work great at concerts etc over the last decade or something, but when we saw it, they kept up as they moved but once stopped 9/10 they only lit from the neck down, light the tracker is on their lower back. Also if they moved slightly as you do on skates they would jump future than needed. Set - Within the limitations of the space, I think it was OK. Could have done with a high level round the back of everyone or something to add more space to gain speed. That said the aesthetics of the auditorium I loved. Foyer I loved it was simple but the disco style music was cool. I think the walkway between the 2 was just bland. Newsies tried to dressed it up to make it look like the set with hammocks etc. A tin of paint to add some train tracks would have just added something or some of the signals on the walls.
I really enjoyed the show saw it last week. Never saw the original but knew the original music. Curious to hear your thoughts about the replacement of the love song with Rusty and Pearl as I really liked ‘Next time you fall in love’ and of course this has been replaced.
I saw it last Friday & was blown away. Very immersive & lots of fun. I did see the original at Apollo Victoria. I think the races are not quite as thrilling in this update due to the smaller space.
I think the “Starlight Express” was always thought of as a celestial/spiritual being/body/entity so the link to stars and planets is in my opinion not such a far reaching concept.
As someone who came into it blind I struggled to follow everything in the story and ended up googling a bit after, I came out with these two main questions: - What is starlight express other than a song they liked - Why did money suddenly get involved, I didn't remember any mention of money before or after After googling and seeing the different revisions, both of these seemed to be far clearer in the past and have more grounding. I just wonder if the people adapting the musical knew the story so well they didn't think to make sure it made sense to a newbie
Having seen the original West End production, the revised West End show, and the 2012 touring production, I love this version too. The changes, on the whole, work and things like gender swaps from previous versions really didn't impact on things and are more reflective of the modern society and will resonate more with new audiences. However, that is not to say that there are not things that I would like to change: 1) I don't think there is much difference in the freight trucks' costumes, and they are a little too similar to those of the engines. The coaches' costumes reflect their personalities/functions yet Lumber, Porter, Slick Oil, and Hydra all look fundamentally the same. Their colour schemes also suggest they are linked to a specific engine, which is not correct. 2) I am not sold that having a physical representation of the child/control adds anything. We are supposed to be immersed in a world where toy trains are actually real, but yet we have a constant reminder that they are just the playthings of a child. Surely as the trains increase in size from the toys to the actors on skates, then control should change too - that is if a physical presence is required at all. 3) Finally more of a wish then anything... it could be really cool if when Greaseball says "now see me rock" that she is handed a guitar and then plays a solo herself. But overall it is still a great show, and I am already booked in to see it again!
i laughed so much at your description of how you felt about the previous steam conversion in the original story because honestly same, like we get it! the starlight is god and steam's "Second Coming" definitely doesn't have Evangelical vibes to it at all, no sirree, (/sarcasm) so it's nice to hear that vibe is... Less now lmao (edit: re the hard lean onto space visually, i wonder if this this also their attempt to shy away from the vague xtian connotations mentioned above because god knows a lot of people have commented on this over the years, and being very explicit that hey! the starlight is inspired by the kids love of space would certainly do that?))
Just seen it Today with at Least 4 covers, including, Scott Hayward as rusty, Asher Forth as Electra, Red ironically as the green arrow, Lara Vina Uzcatia who was the standout of show for me. Either way you won’t be disappointed
I saw starlight last week and I saw it in back in 99 in the west end from 10 quid standing tickets I preferred this version, at the interval we were saying that we could see this get lots of technical noms at awards next year but definitely nothing for its book 😂 ie it looks great but plot what plot I've still got the hydrogen song stuck in my head 5 days later
What annoys me about the costumes, except not looking like trains, is how they massacred the cool fits and colours when they updated Bochum, then they turn around and punch us in the face with these garish things. Which one is it to be? People say the costumes make sense because they are supposed to be toy trains, but they don't even match the actual toy trains in Control's room
I think what we're failing to realize here is that this is set in a kid's imagination. Not everything has to make sense. Kids don't have that kind of logi that we as adults do. If they want bright colors, they're going to have bright colors. It doesn't have to make sense. Also, I think with people saying that the love relationships between the characters is weird because it's in the imagination of a child. Children have relationships and they're playing all the time . Oh that's the mom, he's the dad and I'm the kid! So I think from the standpoint of child logic it all makes sense in a weird way.
We call the front of the train a 'cowcatcher'. I guess it's really known as a 'pilot'. I found out train people don't want us to call it a 'cowcatcher'. In the UK, it might be called life-guards, rail gruards, or guard irons. I've never heard those terms used.
Thoughts on any of the character’s real life influences in either the older versions or this modern version? i.e. Greaseball was very Elvis but perhaps not now? In this production Pearl was so Ariana Grande, I like how you threw in that Electra gave off some Lady Gaga energy, and Hydra reminded me of YungBlud
A steam train can definitely be powered by hydrogen. A steam train can run on anything that produces heat -- technically, nuclear power is steam power. Pardon my pedantry, I'll see myself out......
It’s a shame that Starlight has lost its verticality. Multiple levels are a massive gap in set, story and energy. As is the bridge structure connecting the levels, the stage and the spectacle of character arrivals, race starts and changing track configuration is sadly missing and holds back what were the thrilling highlight of the original show which exposes the uneven weaknesses in the score.
I grew up listening the OST. and then Saw the Opening night of the 1988 production in Australia. It was such a huge arena production. from what I've seen of this production it seems small. I just wish there were some good videos available of the original, the Australia, the German and the new production. Here in Australia I don't know when or if we will ever see a production again.
Went to see this show today! We had seen the early 90s version with Greg Ellis as Rusty and John Partridge as Electra. In comparison, I preferred that version but realise shows sometimes have to change to appeal to a wider audience. I felt Pearl was more timid than originally; some male characters changed to female actors didn't work quite as well; as seems usual with shows some music was a little loud and distorted and the whole production was a bit "smaller" - maybe the Troubador theatre is smaller than the original Apollo Victoria. Overall though, we all thoroughly enjoyed the spectacle with fantastic lighting and race sequences.
I didn't see this show in person, and never have but I always wanted to. I love the performers in this version, the soundtrack is amazing and I love how colorful it looks. There are negatives for me unfortunately, and I am going to list them off. And before anyone says anything, I know Starlight Express is and has always been a progressive show, and there have been numerous changes to the characters by name and look, sometimes together. Some changes work, others don't. What I disliked: 1. Hydra and the fuel trucks replacing the freight trucks. Not a fan at all. The freight trucks were all so charming and lovable, feeling like something out of a cartoon show and I loved them! Flat-Top being a punk rocker while Dustin was the shy but friendly and helpful coal hopper. I LOVE those guys! And we can't forget the evil toy soldier/trucker CB the Caboose! Replacing them with fuel based characters for an environmentalist subplot just doesn't fit the narrative of Starlight Express. I know "Light at the End of the Tunnel" sort of had that kind of message, but it was about steam being timeless and the best compared to diesel or electric. And Hydra just came off as a snob. A friendly snob, but a snob all the same and I just didn't like that. Dustin was much better as a "best friend" character. 2. The environmentalist subplot. Continuing on from my last point, I personally agree with the message of using different fuels for the environment. But Starlight Express is not the place for that message in my honest opinion. Want to tell a story about that? Make a new show. Make it about semi trucks or cars or something and do roller-skates for that one as well if you want an environmentalist show! Starlight Express is about a little boy's toy trains coming to life and proving that one can win if they believe in themselves. I get Hydra's message about the environment, but his suave and boastful personality about how he is the best just rubs me the wrong way and it makes me want Dustin back. Dustin was adorable. 3. The costumes. This was my biggest gripe of the whole show. The train motif is why I fell in love with this show in the first place, and you can't really see it when looking at the characters in this version of the show. They may have SOME train qualities, but not enough. If I was a kid and I saw these costumes, I would not have gotten the train theme at all. That is what the Broadway show improved upon. Do the performers wear helmets during the races? If so, what do they look like? I get they wanted to capture the "spirit" of the trains, but that was a poor direction to go in. They look more like robots/androids than trains. The lights on the costumes are fine, and the colors are cool and all, but they do not say "train" to me, and the costumes are one of my favorite aspects of this show. I'm disappointed with them. If they had just a few more obvious train bits on the costumes like wheels and windows, or even smokestacks, I wouldn't be as bummed out. You can't just sell me on roller-skates alone and make me think trains unless you add more touches. What I DO like: 1. The songs: I love the songs! They sound like the original versions with some updated takes, as if musicians from today were singing them. Greaseball being a pop-star as opposed to Elvis was a clever idea. 2. The futuristic angle: Not a fan of the costumes again, but the stage and set design looking all futuristic was a neat idea. I don't mind a sci-fi look to the show, but the costumes and characters themselves are what I am there for, and those stuck out like a sore thumb. But the message of steam being the engine of the future...when I heard that, I was just like "Wow, I never thought of that. That is a neat idea!" Of course Hydra replacing Dustin kind of soured the mood on that point. 3. The colorful angle. The Starlight Express logo looks like the original with more color added, and I LOVE that! That makes me want to go see the show. And while I am not a fan of the costumes (Sorry I keep bringing that up), I do like the new color schemes that they have. The 40th anniversary show overall was a mixed bag for me. There are aspects that I did like, but there were others that just didn't appeal to me. I love to HEAR the soundtrack and picture the trains for myself with my own vision, but since I saw the costumes before hearing the music, I don't want to see it in person. I'd rather go to Bochum and see it there, because their version didn't change visually. At least, not the train part.
My experience with starlight express is real strange icl. It’s my mother’s least favourite musical, she saw the original version at some point in the 80s. I also vividly remember someone singing “Make up my heart” at a primary school talent show and it occasionally popped into my head. I started uni this year and am doing a German module and found the German version of the show and uhhh am kinda obsessed with it. I will say that I’ve not seen either (but will see the London version in April and the German version later). But the London version seems to be more starlight than express and the Bochum is more express than starlight yk. I am also very sad that the trains seem not to beat eachother up during the races like they do in the Bochum version.
Was I expecting Mickey Jo's take on Salt N Pepa? No. Am I mad? No lol Have tickets in a few weeks and I can't wait. I first heard about Starlight Express from The Babysitters Club many many years ago. Since i've been in a position to indulge and experience my live theater obsession, it is one of those shows i've always been sad I missed it in its heyday.
Hello Mickey Joe. Starlight Expressed closed in London's West End 22 years ago. I saw it several times in a proper theatre (Apollo Victoria), not in an old TV studio with no atmosphere. OK I have not seen this new show, only seen several posted YT videos of the finale. What strikes me is the lighting is very TV, No feeling to it at all. If I pay £100 to see a show, I want to see it in a theatre and get a full theatrical experience. This show looks to be designed towards people who watch a lot of TV. I can't see it paying for itself.
@@fp30e for what it's worth, the production is reported to have advance sales of £14 million - the sound and lighting in the Troubadour is really top notch and the sight lines far better than most traditional theatres 🙂
@@MickeyJoTheatre Hello Mickey Joe, Thank you for your kind reply. I hear what you say and you make excellent points, and you know what you are talking about. From all of the videos I have seen and the comments I have read, it looks like a stage show itv would do. The lighting is not theatrical at all despite the "top notch" up-to date lighting technology. It reminds me of "An Audience With" on itv. Re: sightlines. It's an old TV studio!. I am surprised the local council has allowed those front pods of people who are essentially trapped in their areas during the show. What would happen if a skater slipped at speed, He/She would crash into the seating area, or an audience member needed to use the bathroom. I'm sure Westminster Council would have been concerned has the show been put on in the West End. £14m advance ticket sales is not a lot. The show is a far cheaper and more modern version of the original. It probably cost in ther range of £6-10m to stage (based on the original West End Staging cost). There is a huge cast in this production. Then all the back stage staff, rent of the theatre, it will be lucky to turn in a profit. I will be delighted to see it still in a place a year on without any major slimming down.
Nice, rounded review, thanks. I have tickets for October but having seen the photos and some snippets I'm not sure if I will be going. As a new production for a new generation I get that I am not their target audience. I love the rock 'n' roll, heavy industrial, massive set combo of the previous productions. The more poppy, clubby version (like the mid-2010s Bochum rewrite) doesn't float my boat and the Manga vibes I'm not digging. It also feels like a reduced-budget version which is trying really hard not to offend anyone and as a result strips so much of the character and humour from the show. I'll try to keep an open mind, go and try and enjoy it as its own thing and if it gets too much I'll close my eyes and remember the Apollo Victoria!
Don't wanna be too pedantic - but having seen (I guess) all of your videos about Starlight as well as the ones about your trip to Hamburg, I wonder if you really can't pronounce Bochum (they way we would) or if it actually is pronounced "Bockum" in English? I guess you know how to pronounce Lock (as in Loch Ness) - the Scottish/UK way, not the US way (which would be Lock Ness, I guess) - then just think Lochum and change the L for a B😉 And then you need to come and see Starlight here!!! Just been again with my nephews last winter (almost exactly 10 years after I'd taken them to see Starlight for the 1st time) - and still had a great time. BoCHum itself is boring - but Cologne (my home town - with a German and thus rather weird version of Moulin Rouge...) and Düsseldorf are nearby!
I know - but I've found that the other native (English) speakers often suddenly "get it" when I tell them that "it's just like in loch". Or in "Ach!" - where many (or most) get this guttural "ch" after dark vowels right as well😊
As someone who only recently got into Starlight Express (and wasn't around during the 80's) I don't think it's just a matter of nostalgia. I much prefer the original over this revival. I haven't seen either of the shows in person, so I can only judge from the soundtracks and bootleg clips, but it just doesn't seem to have the same spark to it. The original is not politically correct by today's standards, but a lot of the misogyny, as unfortunate as it is, added a lot of tension to the show. I'm glad they tried to get rid of it, but they didn't replace it with anything interesting, so it just kind of becomes a more watered down version of the original. Most of my other problems with it are just products of the 2018 revamp, like Electra's costume shift from bright colors to silver, the removal of "Whole Lotta Locomotion", changes to Caboose's motives (in this case Slick). I also don't like the new space aesthetic. I don't think it was done poorly, but like you said, I don't see the correlation with trains. And I don't like the new costumes, but I also don't like the costumes in Six, so that's just my preference ig. My favorite version of Starlight Express is the original london version. I wish ALW didn't keep tinkering with it so much. Most of the songs he added are just not as good musically as the ones they were meant to replace. Lesbian Greaseball is cool though. Lmao
I may be a serious lover of musicals myself but it’s always good to have shows that are FUN and not necessarily serious in that matter!
Agreed 👍
I agree as well. I know folks who go to Bochum every 1-2 years to watch Starlight Express to get a fix of their childhood again. Such a fun show.
Absolutely! Stex was intended to be a spectacle and just a pretty show! The plot is not anything special and that’s okay because not all theater has to be serious and not everything has to be perfect!
Fun fact: U.N.C.O.U.P.L.E.D is based on the song D.I.V.O.R.C.E by Tammy Wynette. It's probably common knowledge but when i found out it makes Dinah's southern personality and outfit so much sense. I'm kind of sad about the loss of her accent! It made her unique :(
To be fair, I like that they kept a reference to that will slipping into that accent briefly for the second verse.
Same goes for Greaseball. Diesel trains completely replaced Steam trains in the 1950s which totally made sense for Greaseball and Dinah to be American and for Greaseball to have an Elvis vibe about him and his songs. I agree that the gender roles needed to be addressed in this production and I think that was largely done well but Greaseball and Dinah lost a lot of their charm for me. The cast were phenomenal but the production was disappointing imo. Probably astounding if you're a kid but not if you know the OG well.
Justice for Hydra! The nerve pearl had getting on that podium with Rusty 😡 🛼
For real though! I always cheer so loud for Hydra.
My sisters and I have been avid Starlght fans since being little children. Overall we still thought there was a lot of magic in last Saturday's show, despite not having the amazing choreography & jaw dropping stunts of the previous version.
We thought the child's dream scene gave clarity to the whole show, and we really loved the softening prescence of Mama thoughtout - a very positive change.
But we were incredibly disappointed with the cartoon costumes and the space settings - we felt they confused the story and didn't enhance the train theme.
We also felt the continual interruption of the child to be distracting - this spolit the flow of the show, and we felt it was too much pressure on a little child, we would strongly suggest aftet the dream scene the child does not appear again.
But we really liked the introduction of Hydra & the technological projections, bringing the show up to date!
Fun fact: The thing in front of a train is called a cowcatcher. A cowcatcher is the device mounted at the front of a locomotive to deflect obstacles on the track that might otherwise damage or derail it or the train.
the family guy reference killed me omg i bet that was so satisfying
I find it so strange listening to the OLC knowing that it's only about 2/3rds of the show. Once you know to listen out for it, you can hear the joins where massive great chunks have been skipped.
I saw it on Wednesday, and it's so different from the show I fell in love with in 1999 that I couldn't really compare them, and didn't hate it.
The set is cute(with a rising platform that looks inspired by the Japan tour set, watch the promotional documentary from 1990 if you haven't - yes, it's all in Japanese, but it's still riveting), though it really looks like they had much grander plans for it than they were ultimately able to realise. The platform barely lifts at all, it certainly can't serve as a race gate, and it could really do with a smaller circle in the middle as a trap so that Electra could enter the stage with some dignity. I'm also pretty sure that the model box had a stalls track for the races, which isn't there in the theatre, which really restricts what they can do with the races. Everything is very shiny and sparkly and colourful, to greater and lesser effect; the starfield that descends for the "Starlight Sequence" is just gorgeous, but the costumes are so overwhelmingly holographic that you can't really see them properly, which may be something of a mercy. It seems that a conscious effort has been made to not take human anatomy, or how to flatter it, into consideration. The irony is that the _Six_ costumes look like better _Starlight Express_ costumes than these ones do.
Electra was always bisexual, why not nonbinary as well? Makes perfect sense to me.
It strikes me though that it pretty much requires you to have in-depth knowledge of multiple prior versions across four decades to make sense of it, otherwise you might as well not bother. It's like a layered collage of stickers - they keep slapping new ones on top, sometimes they scrape bits of old ones off, but it's so disjointed and piecemeal, and full of load-bearing references back to things that are no longer there, that all you can expect most people to do is shrug off any attempt to parse out a story and just enjoy the sparkly costumes and flashing lights. This is sad, when it used to - and could still - have things to say. Johnie Pitts wrote an excellent article in the Guardian more or less to this effect that I recommend reading.
It was far, far better than my worst fears. I still have a lot of problems with it, that I think could largely have been solved by getting a dramaturg in:
It makes no sense for Momma to sing the "I Got Me" melody pre-race just because that's the girl tune, when she has nothing in common with the coaches who sing that song and one of them's not a girl anyway;
"I Got Me" is in the wrong point of the show, it's very clearly a creative rewrite of "Rolling Stock: reprise" and not a replacement for "A Lotta Locomotion"(which is _not_ to be confused with "Whole Lotta Locomotion" which was seemingly written to fit the Las Vegas costumes) and if we're trying to elevate the women in the cast, how about putting back the number where the two less prominent coaches get to show off? Let us actually see what they're fed up with and refusing to stand for any more for more than 30 seconds before they proclaim that they're fed up and not going to stand for it any more. Also it doesn't introduce the coaches properly, we don't really know who they are from it;
Can you use Jim Steinman's lyrics like that, just substituting a couple of words, in the middle of a song that does thematically match them, but to a tune so striking and evocative that it sticks out like a sore thumb that this is the only time we hear it? I assume it's a loving tribute to a deceased collaborator, but without weaving it into the score anywhere else it's a bizarre blip;
Slick Oil, by not having Caboose's established arc - Nicest Guy you could ever hope to meet>comforting Dinah when she's down>volunteering to help Rusty when he's in a tight spot>heel turn oh my god he's a serial killer - does not earn "Wide Smile" because we have no reason to care about them proclaiming that actually they're bad and also they're not a brake van so the lyrics don't make sense;
The other Freight really don't get to say to Rusty that they've been cheated by the system too when _they were the ones pouring oil on the track to derail him_ although that little bit of recit would recycle nicely into an alternate introduction to "Right Place, Right Time";
"There's Me" having been excised from the score with surgical precision explains why Caboose's "Just for me, I'm in it just for me, I'm in it just for me" in the prelude to the Downhill Final couldn't remain in its previous form, but there are other melodies in "Wide Smile" that could sub in. The absence of that vocal line sucks at the ears;
Stars are made of hydrogen, Hydra allows Rusty to be powered by hydrogen, maybe in a show where he believes in something called the _Starlight_ Express we could connect these ideas together and actually _say_ that the power of the Starlight Express is the stuff from which stars are made;
"But I Do" has a pretty introduction then is a dirge which needs at least a second draft of the lyrics, maybe some that are relevant to the characters singing them and the situation they're in and perhaps even rhyme;
All the songs sung by women in roles that were originally male are hostile to their vocal ranges, forcing them to leap up and down the octaves and contort their vocal cords to try to fit, as if to deliberately signal that they shouldn't be playing those roles in the first place when they could have been accommodated instead, the songs transposed to where they're comfortable and actually allow the performers to take ownership of their material;
Dinah still spells out "bastard" at the end of UNCOUPLED, are there no not specifically masculine insults that she could spell out instead?;
Dinah still takes Greaseball back at the end despite the supposed message of female empowerment and while Greaseball's been toned down a _lot_ from the earliest incarnation("But he beats you all the time, he gives you hell/he two-times you and he likes to kiss and tell"), this still sits uncomfortably in a world where we know that abusers will play nice and grovel after an incident of abuse only to turn nasty again in the future. Greaseball is still emotionally abusive to her, even if not physically.
That said, my goodness, the cast are amazing. I don't think it's fair that Al Knott has to leap up and down and all around the octaves to sing her songs, but bloody hell she has the pipes to do it. Eve Humphrey's performance of UNCOUPLED was quite possibly the funniest I've ever seen, in a good way, and I was not expecting that at all. Jeevan Braich(17, it makes one very aware) impressed me from the start, holding a single note while gliding down that terrifyingly steep slope on the side of the stage, and Kayna Montecillo is so adorable as Pearl(despite the costume that looks like she's wearing granny pants sticking out from under a leotard because her mum said "There's no way any daughter of mine is wearing a thong") that you almost take for granted how very talented she is.
I'm sorry this was such a wall o'text. I get a bit fired up about this show.
will never forgive them for removing my beloved caboose😢
I saw this production yesterday and oh my gosh, I ADORE IT. Just so perfectly staged. It was the first show I ever saw on its first UK Tour, and I've now come full circle!
I am so excited for this. When I tell people about this show, they don't believe me. But its just so fun and campy. I really hope this comes to Broadway.
I'm a little sad CB isn't in it because his song is fun, but the new character sounds cool. Honestly I'm just happy the show is getting a second chance outside of Germany
The uncoupled song is a reference to a famous Tammy Wynette country song called D-I-V-O-R-C-E , that’s why there’s the genre shift into country.
Which made sense when Dinah was a Southern Belle archetype.
@@Seal0626Mate it's a musical about trains played by humans on roller skates, we can live with the intricacies varying
Great review MickeyJo. You really know the show inside out and you go into a lot of detail. I agree with nearly all of your points but not all.
I am an obsessed Starlight Express fan and have been since a child and have seen it multiple times from the original in the Apollo to touring.
I went to Wembley on 22/6/24 to see the long anticipated latest version along with my sister's and we were dressed as retro Rusty, Electra and Greaseball which attracted a bit of attention! But this meant we had a few encounters with several people and got to share opinions with those new to Starlight Express and hardcover fans who had seen it as children.
The newbies absolutely loved it. The established fans including myself were a lot more critical.
It had to change but changes are sometimes hard to accept. I have read a lot of the comments and reviews about the show and some of them are very very harsh. Starlight is deeply nostalgic for me and a lot of people but we were not going to get an exact replica of our childhood dreams.
We have to remember a lot of the actors are very young and making their debut and they will be reading the feedback. They have very big shoes to fill. Starlight Express is an extremely demanding show to be in as an actor.
It could not remain as it was. It had to be made more appealing to the widest possible audience and attract and connect with young people new to theatre. It also had to be safer, too many injuries had been sustained in previous versions.
Some things were better and done beautifully. Some aspects were not right or diluted too much.
Starlight Express is a musical, a stunt show and a sporting event with races all rolled into one. It is entirely unique.
I wonder what the impact will be on the German version in Bochum? It is on my bucket list to visit. I sense there is a bit of worry there from reading comments. I am currently checking out transport options to get there asap.
I had to get over my youthful memories and look forwards.
Was it still magical? Yes
Did I cry my eyes out when the Starlight Express arrived? Yes
Have I been thinking about it none stop for the last 10 days? Yes
Did I stand up and clap at the end with everyone else? Yes
Would I go again? Yes
I saw it last week, and the moment I heard the opening bars to Starlight Express I started welling up. By the time we got to the full song the nice man next to me had to comfort me I was such a mess crying! Its possible that I was more emotionally invested in seeing the show again than I realised.
I loved it. I'll try to avoid too many spoilers. I was a bit worried before it started that it would have changed a lot, but I basically sung along to 90% despite not seeing it in 30 years. I've got zero issues with the gender swaps, they are trains at the end of the day and as an 8 year little girl I used to love singing 'Pumping iron' and wishing I could be an engine. So it's nice that kids can do that now and not worry about if it is for girls or boys. I thought the various changes made sense for the modern world.
I was surprised by how many of the cast were having their professional debuts. They did a fantastic job. If I was being really picky then some voices were a little weak but I think they will get stronger very quickly as they get more used to the material and the skating.
I was sat on the raised seating to the side. You are right next to the action (high fives at the end) and you can see the whole track, but I would pick a seat facing straight on towards the stage next time. And there's only one entrance to a row and hardly any room to squeeze past, so there was a lot of getting up and coming out of the row to let other people in.
As a funny side note. I was delayed getting to the theatre because of trespassers on the line. I only appreciated the irony later.
I saw it twice, once at the beginning of July and once at the beginning of August and already some of the weaker voices had improved. To be clear nobody was ever bad, but you can't expect new graduates who also have to skate up and down ramps for 2 hours to have developed a really full professional sound yet. I trained in MT but since went into straight plays and opera because I just couldn't handle the movement element- such respect for every one of these performers.
@@forbeartheatre yeah, I fully expected voices to get stronger as I saw it within its first few shows. It's like all cast changes, a cast will always be stronger the longer into the run they are. And it was really impressive that so many were having their professional debut, maybe a sign of willingness to learn skating!
Great summary. I saw the original west end production and although I don’t recall all the details, I thought the skating had been faster. The new show did feel more family orientated, but the fun factor remained. I loved the new set and particularly enjoyed the intimacy of the smaller space. Had a great time.
Fun fact, in some of the original runs of the show, the actors were skating so fast at times that andrew lloyd webber had to speed up some scores to follow them
The fact that Jeevan is 17! Outstanding performer
We saw the production last weekend and we all loved it (Me, my wife, 2 teenage children and 2 younger children). he kids haven't stopped singing it since! I have seen many incarnations of the show starting back in the 80's with the original run. If I lived in London I would definitely love to see it again, maybe after a few months when the cast have really gained their confidence on the skates. Bravo Starlight Express - loved it!
I just took my kids to see this when we were in London last week, and we all LOVED it! I remember seeing the original production in the 90s, and this was a great update. Like you said; it's a story about singing trains, so I don't think it would benefit from taking itself more seriously. Rusty, Mama and Hydra were our standout performers too (apart from the shunt scooterers, who were my 10yr old son's favourite!) :D
Loved this review, just booked tickets to see it in March-used the theatre vouchers me and my gf had for ages!
Starlight Express is the musical I have seen the most times. I have seen it 26 times in total- first as a little kid when I was 5 in Summer of 1986 and begged my mum/dad to take when seeing the adverts for it on TV, posters in the high street, buses/train stations, reading reviews for it on Teletext/Magazines etc
Saw it 11 times in London, once on Broadway/once in Vegas, 6 times in Germany where it still play as you prob know. Once in Australia + once inJapan + 4 times on UK Tour, and once in Norway!
Yea the Bill Kenwright Tours were ok with half set size + 3D glasses, but this is how it should be done esp UK Tour when they did it in Arenas/Stadiums like: Milton Keynes Bowl which I saw in 2004!
Shame it isn't as big as the one in London used to be or the one that still plays in Germany. Whereabouts in UK you from-I'm in Kent 😎
When it was announced with Andrew and Arlene etc. They said it would be like the German production yet when I then heard/read a few months before it opened in June of last year said the iconic rotating bridge wouldn't be there and couple of songs being replaced etc 🤷🏻♂
Looking forward to it though!
Sounds like a fun show! Must be a fun challenge to be part of. Any of the clips Ive seen are very intriguing.
I haven't seen it yet, but you've managed to put into words how I feel about a lot of what I have seen and heard about it. Really good review and overview.
"No bo dy can do it like a steeeeeeeam traaaaa-"
wait. This is a commercial.
Can Starlight Express be the next drag ball production except this one is hosted in a leather bar so the costumes totally work?
I've been waiting for this video. I'm doing to see it next week, so excited! I've only seen it on tour where the races were on screen, can't wait to see the races live.
Ps. "Get a train there if you like trains so much" 😂 I'm actually considering it 🛼
I think the smaller overall space was great because no spectator is too far away from any of the action. We were 2nd row in the back section and don't think we missed a thing.
Vocally I found them all strong. My theory is there that from a very talented wetted pool of actors they will hav enough problems to find a cast who can sing. Even if you limit it to the people who can skate. Momma stood out to us vocally.
And I didn't mind any of the gender changes. As you said, they are trains. Pearl and Rusty are possibly the only ones that are fixed.
The only bit that I found weird was having control on stage. A bit like having Michael Douglas in a chorus line visible in the movie while the role was voiced only on stage.
The original production relied heavily on archetypes - every character, major or minor, had a strong recognisable type. Flat-top, for example, is a cheeky punk kid finding something to rebel against. Greaseball used to be "Rock'n'Roll Bad Boy", the sum of all toxic masculinity, so his numbers were heavy on the rock'n'roll.
The new production almost entirely removes any use of archetypes, in characterisation or in costume. This is what divorces the musical styles from the characters, gives us costumes that are bright and shiny but quite hard to tell apart, gives us characters who all seem very similar in personality. I can understand not wanting to fall into harmful stereotypes, for sure, but Starlight is not a book heavy show with plenty of room to develop well rounded personalities that defy types. We used to meet three Boxers- muscle heads tackling life one punch at a time, a cheeky punk kid, the shy overweight guy, and the creepily smiling guy who's too keen to be friends. Now we meet the red one, the blue one, the yellow one and the green one. the others don't like the green one.
Overall I'm just confused by most of the artistic choices. Why lean so heavily into the Space theme INSTEAD of toy trainset... why deny the retro cool 1980s vibe... Why cut so much choreography... I love experimenting with new ideas but I hate change for changes' sake. If it's not better than the old version, don't take it?
Loved the original. Saw it on Bwy
@@BellePullman well said...
At the end of the day, all good storytelling relies on archetypes and character development!
Whether it's neverending story, Tron, Coppola's the conversation, doctor who, Sergio Leone films and/or once upon a time in Hollywood or star wars...
You remove the storytelling mechanisms, you derailed the train before it leaves the station!
Cinema, theatre & ancient fables rely on characters, motivations, plot details & the presentation of philosophical negatives as a direct means to draw a reaction (albeit sometimes an uncomfortable one) to the audience in order to highlight a message!
The world can be a really ugly place. Shelter our kids from that and we are just doing them a disservice!
"No point in complaining Rusty
Saying that the systems mean
They keep us down by fighting dirty
You can't win if u fight back clean!"
@@danteorfei4815 Yes! You have to show the conflict to be able to show the resolution, and teach kids that they can come out better in the end. We need to equip kids to deal with the bad stuff, have confidence they can overcome it, and make it better. Even in, especially in fun, silly stories like Starlight where the threats aren't overwhelming, the stories are so important!
That's actually my single biggest issue with the original show, that Greaseball has treated Dinah so bad yet she takes him back... I've seen too many friends in abusive relationships who accept a "S.O.R.R.R.Y" on face value and fall back into bad places. That's one story the show should be teaching better, "Don't get back with your ex, it's not cute, it's not romantic, it's manipulation", *ahem* anyway, that's not the point... Starlight has the opportunity to mean something, to gently reinforce positive messages, to tell good stories. But that's not a priority in this new production, it's about being bright and shiny.
And now the message seems to be "take performance enhancing substances to win!" LOL
@@BellePullman to answer your final questions...
It's quite clear that many of the production team were awarded jobs based on their recent "notoriety" rather than their knowledge, familiarity &/or fascination to explore:
A.) "Railroadiana," whether it be the side devoted to the study of Trains (the history, technical designs, folklore surrounding &/or their multiple abilities to induce magical appeal to many) OR the side focused on the tremendous attraction of the scaled down model/toy counterparts to folks from little kids to the elderly (as a way to channel back to nostalgic memories).
For years I heard incipid arguments about cutting characters because they portrayed prototypical pieces of equipment that may no longer be relevant! It is a ridiculous argument because the magic of model railroads/ toy trains IS that they ARE NOT bound by the rules of realistic railroad operations! In the world of toy trains, the operator or control can run steam, diesel & electric simultaneously! They can also create a lash-up of a futuristic high speed European/Asian electric inspired locomotive with an American bay window caboose!
Toy trains are fascinating because they allow fantasy and reality to coexist on the same layout.
B.) The expansive history of the show, it's origins, multiple plot narratives throughout the years (including which ones the fanbase has been begging for returns to & those that alienated them).
It's essentially the same disastrous logic employed by Kathleen Kennedy & Co with the incredibly underwhelming Star Wars sequel trilogy and the complete anthesis of the strategies of Jon Favreau & Dave Filoni in providing the equivalent of Star Wars film trilogy that old fans were yearning for but captivated new fans (to not only watch but also go back and research unfamiliar throwbacks) with the first 2 seasons of the Mandalorian (which were actually considered to be presented as film trilogy at one point*** see note).
I read some post on Facebook that said something to the effect of, "kids in the UK have no idea what a caboose is and neither do I!"
Well my response was, "all the more reason to give them a character that will spark their interests to do a Google search and WANT to LEARN something new!"
The "empire strikes back," dies not consistently win the title of fan favorite star wars installment because it is the narrative that audience members (many of which were children when they first saw it) wanted or imagined they would see, but rather it did what GREAT ART does, it inspired a range of emotions upon the viewer!
I think it is somewhat ridiculous that high performance trains are not represented in this new version (because folks were too lazy to write out stereotypical tropes that were employed as cartoonish comedic devices that crept into the show at some point after 86 when I first saw it and every national phone was simply presented as another mean machine.
However, this current production provides costuming that actually make the "notion" of a "Pearl Twirl" hard to get off the mind, especially for someone who would rather enjoy a ride with buffy, ashley or belle!
I obviously am referring to my affection for vintage rail cars! 🤫😉
@@BellePullman well said. Fear of offence/stereotyping/representation means that good messaging is also lost.
Oh, please give this the Cats treatment. Bottle of wine and roller skates, what could go wrong?
I posted above - Starlight Express lends well to elaborate and fancy leather/metal wear. It'd be an awesome drag ball. Greaseball as a muscle daddy on skates. And then all of what MJ refers to as "the coupling and un-coupling" of the trains...
I was thinking that too! I am forever telling people that Cats DOES have a plot, and Mickey Jo explains it! hehe
As a stage manager, that’s a HARD NO😭💀 too many hazards
hahaha I thought about that as well. In the 90's when Madonna and Janet Jackson were at the top of the game, I remember them being in talks for the movie version but it never happened.
@@scottdavis7730 Scott Davis it’s your understudy from Cats Graham. Hope life is treating you and Lucy well xx
Listening to this while I’m in the tube. 🙌
JUSTICE FOR C.B.!!! I am so unbelievably upset that his characters has been torn to shreds and now completely erased! The red Caboose was one of the most depthful, fun, and interesting parts of SE. It is really upsetting to see him go from primary to obsolete in the past years, I really hope in the future there’s a prediction that reinstates his characters, and HIS TWO SOLOS. C.B is such a fun solo and twist and There’s Me adds so much depth to Dina, GB, and CB’s characters JUSTICE FOR THE RED CABOOSE
Pearl: “Ain’t gonna smoke, ain’t gonna drink…”
Other coaches: “What are you gonna do?”
Pearl: “Waddaya think?”
*silliest synth glissando ever*
I really loved the original Starlight Express, and someone really needs to stop Sir Andy from tinkering with his shows!!
Ok, I have too many thoughts. So I’m going to rant about one of them, and leave the rest for the next Starlight Express comment. IT WAS BETTER WHEN IT WAS SEXY. Trains are sexy - they hook up, it’s literally called coupling! And some of the best songs in the original were about sex or relationships: A Lotta Locomotion, AC/DC, He Whistled At Me, U.N.C.O.U.P.L.E.D., that one about keeping it going all night. Trains come in two types: pullers, and the pulled; the pulled come in two types as well: freight, and passenger. Making it a sex (as opposed to gender) thing makes sense, and is an easy way to get more variety of songs and stories. But it was never *just* a sex thing, as all the engines also regularly pulled “male” freight cars. What it was, was fun! Before it became self-consciously camp in the last “new & improved” version, it was silly, camp, ostentatious spectacle. The songs were great, with lots of innuendo and silly jokes, the suggestion of assorted positive messages, and a good time had by all.
Also the only song from the show I’ve ever heard in another context is There’s Me. Justice for CB.
Before anyone @s me, I am a hardcore Starlight fan and have been for years.
Honestly, I loved it. It was loud, silly, bright and fast like it always has been. The singing was top notch and the cast worked incredibly hard to bring the story to life.
Highlights for me - loved the new Hydrogen/eco angle, loved the enhancing of the existing queerness of the story, loved that it was brought right up to date.
All of the negative reviews I've seen so far have been either a) sad things changed - it's a revival, things won't stay the same or b) upset that the new production is now "woke" - in which case, they're bigots.
It's a great production. Is it your 1980s Starlight Express? No. But let's be honest, you're remembering that one with nostalgia goggles anyway and it was never supposed to be.
Seriously arguing about changes to a child themed train musical just shows a lot of you never grew up!
After 40 years I was so excited to be revisiting the new version of the musical “Starlight Express” first time for me was at the original in 1984. As the original was a very long time ago I tried not to have any expectations and even though I was excited i kept an open mind, times have changed and I heard that it was quite different. The original for me was full of excitement , full of joy and I had many goosebump moments when the songs touched me deeply, I remember the incredible emotion of the singers and how the music was memorable and profound, the original build up to the races were thrilling. Definitely these factors are why the musical had such a large following as it still resides in many people hearts to this day
On entering the venue at Wembley I found the whole experience underwhelming, soulless building, main reception area reminded me of some modern day bowling alley, felt the wrong vibe. I did however like the vibe of the auditorium and it is definitely designed for an immersive experience which is what I remember to be from the original production. I sat next to a lady of a similar age and when we spoke, it was clear she was looking for that same magical experience she had with the original years ago. Listening to people in the interval, I found that the younger audience enjoyed how different and up-to-date Starlight Express was, It was also evident that some adults in their 40s, 50s and 60s felt slightly disappointed in how woke the production was trying to be, how the spirit of the original wasn’t apparent and how underwhelming the rearranged songs and the singing was. The character “hydrogen” was a new addition, the characters song was repeated over and over and over again to the point of being very repetitive and annoying. The whole production I felt was lacking in the heartfelt moments of the original. The cast were very energetic and appear to enjoy performing this iconic musical. The last 10 minutes of the musical for me was the best, it was fast-paced and slightly resembled the excitement of the original. For me overall a Disappointment!
@@marksharks2235 woke?
Eh? What part of it was woke? We sat next to two German mega fans who have seen the Bochum show many times. They couldn't help themselves, they were singing and dancing, going for high fives, smiles all around. I can't see how you could watch this and not have a smile on your face. Perhaps nostalgia ruins enjoyment?
Hmmm young people like it but older people know better? Ok lol
I absolutely loved it! I've decided I hate all the bootleg recordings on youtube because they do something weird to the audio. I do wish they'd move I am Me to the second act though as I think it doesn't make much sense where it is. I saw it with my 13 year old stepdaughter and I think the lack of exposition and easy character references really confused her. They had to replace blue lightning due to a crash and we were all like "who is that". But the singing and skating was soooo good! And I'm very hard to impress. We sat in first class carriages and the skating felt very fast. My partner sat in locomotives and had a great view of the whole thing but said the skating felt slower from where he was. I want to go and see it again for sure. Also we had Arabella Stanton as our control and she was incredible, but they didn't give her her own curtain call which really bummed us out. She stole the show!
I’m flying over to England in Sept and seeing Starlight Express on the 4th. I can’t wait
I still have huge nostalgia for the "New" Starlight Express show that I saw in 2000 when I was 12. It's the only show I've seen on the West End as an American. I've always found it odd that "A Lotta Locomotion" is not on that version's album, but a line of it is sung in the Megamix. I still love the blues and father figure of Poppa, the Elvis type for Greaseball from The U.S. of A., and Rusty proving himself by teaming up with the other outcast Dustin the Big Hopper, so overcoming fat shaming. If this newer version comes to Broadway I'm not sure I'll see it.
the 1993 Album is kinda meant to be supplementary to the 1984 recording, so the songs skipped are scenes that didn't really change. It's such a shame that Lotta Locomotion did get left out but that's bound to happen to some numbers on a 1 CD highlights!
I’ve been waiting for this video for 3 weeks 😂😂
Awesome video! You're right on track with your train puns!
I *really* really want to go and see this production, but due to multiple factors (including living in america) I probably won't ever get to, so I really appreciate your descriptions of what's changed! I wouldn't mind it if you spoiled the plot some more XD
As someone who's been an intense fan of Starlight Express for only a few years, I tend to prefer what I've seen of the older versions, but I don't really have any nostalgia for them. I have mixed feelings about this new production, but overall I'm super glad it exists! From what you've said, it seems like it's accomplishing what it set out to do. This show already gets changed so much every time it's put on, none of these changes really seem that wild to me in comparison. Electra being nonbinary isn't even a new concept, it's just more explicit and specific in this version than it has been before.
I also really love your comparison to Steven Universe to explain how pairing up for races has romantic connotations, even if it isn't always *necessarily* romantic.
I've been watching pretty much every recording of the Megamix on youtube and all the actors' voices sound incredible. It's a shame this new Megamix has fewer songs than it used to, because I'd really love to see One Rock n Roll Too Many show up in it.
Spoilers for plot of the new version below:
I wish they had fleshed out Slick more.
In ye olde original show C.B. was introduced as a really sweet brake truck who's super friendly Its shown in 'Frieght', 'Theres Me' and 'The Rap'. So when, plot twist, hes actually a train killer, its a big shock.
When Slick is like "Oh yeah btw I'm a criminal!" Its like "....Okay? You've barely had much of a presence in the musical until now so you revealing this information does not make me feel any strong emotion."
I also find it funny that despite her joining with Rusty for the race, its not even her doing the sabotaging, because of course she cant be releasing oil behind Rusty, that wouldn't sabotage him at all.
I just felt if they were where gonna do C.B. they could adapt the story for it to make sense with Slick (have her not connected to Rusty when she sabotages the race) or just cut out the third antagonist altogether.
Personal opinion! And I do think the overall musical was still really good!
I couldn't agree more. I will never understand why so many productions have cut out or butchered C.B.'s character, he's a perfect example of a twist villain that works! I thought Slick was okay but yeah, I'm not sure that Wide Smile worked as well for her as for C.B.
Starlight Express also ran in Las Vegas at the Hilton casino for over 5 years. Incredible staging and the set was incredible.
when was that? It wasn't there when I lived there. I did see Phantom while it was at Caesar's palace (I think! it's been quite awhile now!) I don't recall if Startlight was there. But i haven't lived there for 10+ years now.
27:30 I was someone who was into both at different stages of my childhood, but regardless of that, I think alot the connection is just taking from "starlight" and like "dreaming" and what not so it's like feeding into the whole dream sequence/ bedtime setup
9:00 “nobody can do it like a steam train” is still a “that went over my head c. 2000” line.
I saw it Saturday I am proper obsessed with the musical now since seeing it I really want to see it in Bochum
big respect for posting this so so fast!!!
I saw while I was London and I absolutely loved it!. I thought the cast many of whom where making their professional debut where amazing. I really loved their voices. I would love a cast album from this run. I only knew what it was about, never heard the music, and I was really surprised how much I enjoyed it. I can see the valid point that I've heard online that as far as the skating goes, compared to what is on Germany is not at the same level, but I still thought it was great. And what I got out of the space vibe, was that it was transporting the action into a dream state/ inside the control's imagination.
I didn’t see the original but I loved this musical ❤
The "come and bite my burgers" line was Buffy (the buffet car) who tbh was always pretty similar to Dinah (the dining car).
You are right!
ALW shows aren't usually about plot.
They are about spectacle.
A recent revival tour of Cats left us cold, because what had been a spectacle was reduced, seriously, to something I'd expect from the local dinner theater (I love my local dinner theater, but they don't charge Broadway prices.)
If they deliver spectacle for S.E., then I may just cross the ocean (again) to see it.
Oh my god Hey! I have seen this show, I never saw the 1980s version but have always loved the soundtrack, I did see the 90s touring version and enjoyed that very much. Did I enjoy it? Well by the time of the interval I had already decided I wanted to come back and as soon as act 2 finished I rebooked , I will be back for more. I had a platform seat so I did feel immersed somewhat in the action, but to back up, before entering the theatre I loved the foyer experience, the huge campness of the mirror ball ceiling and the disco instrumental versions of past Starlight Express songs (Including the much missed Next Time You Fall in Love) just added to the excitement and created such a buzz. Highlight for me, 2 moments, firstly the performance of I DO, I love this song, a fabulous addition and one that I have been excited to see included in a production. The other highlight and a total wow moment was the Starlight Sequence. Love the addition of Hydra, embraced the gender switch up from Poppa to Mamma and Greaseball is certainly a standout character. This show for me was fun, escapism, entertainment. What more could I have wanted. Is this still Starlight Express? I'm gonna say yes.
After booking I read about the changes and was worried as I loved the original! But it was fun and so different that I could accept and enjoy it. Just a pity about the moving seats we booked for that hasn’t happened! Quite annoying!
Loved it want them the release a new cd version of the musical
I saw it last week and I’m still not sure what I think. It was the most bonkers thing I’ve ever seen and although it was definitely a spectacle I’m not sure I feel like it was a particularly good show. Although will say I still have “it’s not a matter of if, it’s a matter of when, for Hydro-gen” stuck in my head days later so repeating it a million times worked.
I've only recently gotten into starlight express after my director for The Drowsy Chaperone mentioned it because the character Robert Martin has a small scene where he is blindfolded with rollerskates, and also hearing a small clip of Pumping Iron and finding it really cool, and so I mentioned singing Pumping Iron for my spring voice recital to my voice teacher and we sung through that and Ribbons Down My Back from Hello Dolly, but now I am thoroughly obsessed with the London Revival specifically
We went to London from America specifically to see this show. We caught the preview on 20 June, and bought tickets for the 22 June show at the interval, because we wanted to see it again.
I never saw the original in London, and I've never seen the Bochum version. So my only experience was the Vegas version in '96 and the US tour in '03, along with the original cast recording.
In short -- I loved it. The updates fix some (not all) of the problems with the show. I missed A Lotta Locomotion and He Whistled at Me, but I understand why they were cut. Crazy is a catchy "new" song that fits well.
I struggle with the Pearl character. She's another ALW helpless female character who can't think for herself (like Christine). And if the sexual/romantic motivations are removed (or at least de-emphasized), she doesn't really have any motivation to race at all. In general, the coaches are much more two-dimensional in this version. And if you interpret it as still being sexual, that raises another problem.
I like Hydro. As you mentioned, it fixes the science stuff. But "it's not a matter of if, it's a matter of when" is problematic if the attractions between the locomotives and coaches are sexual, because then he becomes a gay predator.
I feel like Mama should die after her race, and her spirit motivates Rusty in the second act. It's ambiguous, but she DOES show up for LATEOTH, so she must still be alive. The blues song has always been one of my favourites, and I'm thrilled that they kept it in despite having no real purpose.
The guy sitting next to me also loved the show, but was a bit disappointed in how much they scaled back the skating. They really don't do tricks like they used to; the skating is all pretty basic. That will hopefully cut down on injuries, but it's less exciting for the audience.
I'll also note that this cast is ADORABLE. We stage doored both times, and talked to about 2/3 of the cast. They're all new to this, and they're not used to talking to fans. They're so enthuiastic about the show and just feeling so grateful to be doing this. Their enthusiasm is contagious.
"He becomes a gay predator" is...a massive leap! Maybe he becomes briefly bisexual - but he's clearly talking about hydrogen technology when he sings "if/when".
The original pearl lyric was..
My names Pearl Im the brand new girl,
My springs still bounce my fans still whirl.
Aint gonna smoke, aint gonna drink
What are you gonna do?
Whatdya think!
Yup... the 80s
Did you know that this isn't the first time the character Control has appeared on stage in any production of *Starlight Express*? The earliest version I’ve heard of was an American ice skating tour called *Starlight Express on Ice,* from 1997 to 1998. In this production, the musical was performed on ice skates rather than roller skates. Unfortunately, the ice show struggled to find its audience and was short-lived. Personally, I believe this 2024 revival works much better with Control performed live on stage, especially since the story is about toy trains magically coming to life in a child’s dream. I find roller skating to be far more relevant than ice skating for this theme.
Just saw the Bochum version and it blew my mind! Huge set and the skating is phenomenal; full of jumps/tricks and all at VERY high-speed.
London misses this USP… without the adrenaline, heart-in-mouth skating the revival feels like “Starlight Lite.”
#1) I have an enormous amount of respect that you obviously spend a lot of time and effort to make these videos which obviously are intended to benefit, inform &/or better folks, other than yourself.
So if I make a negative comment, it has absolutely nothing to do with you. So if a remark I make seems crabby:
Pleas know it really has to do with you
#2) I want that shirt!!! Not yours, but I love the simplicity of it.
I actually had a tshirt from the Apollo Victoria that I miss grwatly😢😢...
It was black and simply had StEx in😢the original artwork font (however the the letters were striped in yellow and red, similar to a candy cane!..
One of the sleeves that the locomotive constellation in red and yellow.
Simple. But to the point!
Phone was dying... Sorry for the interruption...
#3) People throw the term original production quite frequently with StEx, but more times than not, never really clarifiy &/,or specify what time period or version of the show they are intending to refer to.
The show ran at Apollo Victoria for almost 18 years, but there were several versions with very specific production characteristics performed in that window of time!
I personally refer to the original production as the pre-broadway incarnation performed at AV from 84 - 87...
That's the amazing, completely jaw dropping, kinda creepy, sci-fi-ishly surreal, high speed version that will go down in my childhood top 5, along with being snuck onto Space Mountain at DisneyWorld @ age 4 and accidentally waking up on Xmas and "hearing" and briefly getting a glimpse of 'Santa' hard at work (story for another time).
Digressing, no other following version I saw ever soared as high!
And it s not because it was more enchanting to be first time, but rather because the show had begun to morph into another narrative with another video by the second time I saw it in the US.
It no longer had the intriguing interest with a side of intensity & intimidation, but rather started to become less of a high speed dream with creepy mechanical train people that came to life, but rather, a kiddie story with a plot that was stripped of its complexity.
It went from something akin to the "Neverending Story to how to train your dragon..."
To be continued
Loved this! So I was in London for work and I’ve been wanting to see this and finally did - and I knew nothing about it going in and I absolutely loved it and plan to go back a few times! The only song I actually knew was “locomotion” because I’m a huge Jane Krakowski fan and had seen a boot leg of her doing it. I was sad that was cut - in hindsight having a fun intro number for the three coaches would have been good and putting “I am me” in act 2 would have been a powerful character development moment.
I thought this entire cast was extremely talented but the ones that stuck out for me were Hydra, Rusty, Greaseball, Belle (may have been a swing not sure but she was in constantly in character and fun to watch), and Dinah. But the entire cast was incredible and I’ve been listening to the cast album ever since, I saw the matinee on November 28th and spent wayyy to much money at the souvenir stand lol. I haven’t had the urge to skate since I was a child but leaving the theatre made me sad I didn’t have four wheels on the bottom of each of my dress shoes!
Loved your review over all and glad I found you’! I’ll have to look up your podcast :)
Also loved the costumes - having never seen the original I was obsessed with the costumes, set, and lighting. From the moment you walk in the door you were transported into the world of Starlight
I listened to this on the podcast, commenting here to feed the algorithm.
I’m REALLY looking forward to his review of Great Comet! I just saw it was announced for its UK premiere.
I was sad that Dinah wasn't a Southern American Dolly Parton-esque. Uncoupled sounded so weird in a British accent to me, but that is purely my opinion. I also found Greaseball's singing quite jarring, it felt like a bit bad Alanis Morisette karaoke, despite the fact the actor was incredibly talented. Maybe I just have a soft spot for the tape I had on repeat as a kid. I did absolutely love it though. Although I will say, being 8 months pregnant and knowing the toilets were off limits was a struggle, but that's a me problem 😂😂
My biggest gripe with what I've seen from the show is the costumes really don't exactly represent trains... Like I am so confused and couldn't pick any specific characters out. Also, the megamix just seems... really jumpy? Like the Bochum production's megamix just flows so well, unlike this new London production.
Great review! Saw the show today and it was the first time I'd ever seen it and I enjoyed it a lot! Just wanted to ask if in the future you could maybe link in the description any other videos you mention in your review? It would have been amazing if the Wait in the Wings video was linked there just for making things easier, I've thought this in the past too. Just something I thought might be a nice idea.
Woaa, I love the rainbow effects around the edge, how did you do it?
Such a satisfying review!! 😊
My TikTok algorithm is sure starlight express is my next obsession… and I fear it is correct.
Howling at 'this isn't strong enough'. Fantastic review of a bonkers show which I had the pleasure to see a couple of weeks ago, being a fan of the 'sort of' original (but there have been so many iterations) Really enjoyed the show but couldn't bear Hydra and Control should be out of sight out of mind. Absolutely bonkers and ALW must have been on good stuff writing this. Total escapism though which we all need.
Huge fan of the original (93 and 01) so excited it’s back. Thought I was gonna have to go to Bochum (2025 trip for that)
Excited and kinda nervous as I have read about changes, songs dropped etc
Birthday treat was a ticket from a fried for last week)
Apprehensive I ventured to Wembley Park.
Trackside 1-FF-24 was my ticket. Great view although ticket stated restricted view. Not so
Sadly seat 24 is at the end of the row and not the best leg room for a big old bear. Sitting fave on was so uncomfortable
Thankfully the two seats next to me were a no show so was able to take middle seat and man spread. Will have to check other seats for next visit but despite the space it was a great view.
Missed the National trains, the helmets of trains, I get it that it’s a new version
Costumes were better up close and loved the Irn Bru train 😅
News songs are good
Absolutely love I Am Me (been singing it ever since, well what I remember)
Missed some of the old familiar songs though.
Found myself comparing them would get lost in the new and the moment !
It was an absolute delight and so glad it’s back
It was always a bit camp and gay. I was the G of LGB before all the other letters were added
I get it, we move on. Touted for children but go kids need to have lesbian trains or non gender fluid carriages? I don’t think so
Greaseball was a male engine (although new incarnation didn’t do a bad job)
Momma instead of Poppa worked, she has a belter of a voice.
Lots of plot add ons and I kinda lost the plot at few points
Sounded amazing
Looked amazing
Cast were brilliant
Will go back (different seats)
Great music
Great humour
Absolutely loved it
But some changes not needed but that’s my opinion.
There was space to keep older songs
National trains missed
Helmets missed
Too many new gender stuff added
Miss the smiling car and Rocky (1,2 and 3)
Disappointed with my seat, not sure who would have fitted in there, but great view
No programmes
T shirts don’t cater for larger sizes, an XL am not!
Sadly they lost about £100 on merch that day
No cast soundtrack, an opportunity missed, hopefully that will follow soon.
Maybe a dvd (certainly would have loved one of the original)
On the whole 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Is it a good show - Yes. Is it as good as the Apollo versions - No. Does it meet the hype that lead up to it - err not really.
I grew up in the New starlight era and I think this show just missed with what it could have been.
Costumes, Once you are outside the main cast and coaches, they sort of loose their identity. Can you honestly say which of electra's components are which? The other engines just look like the baddie from lazy town in different colours.
When they come to a race its Greaseball, electra, ow and the green and blue one to fill the race.
As you said they are singing Trains, the older costumes and the Bochum ones have wheels and pads that look like trains that this doesn't. Biggest thing I thought was missing is the helmets. They were introduced as Trains, then took their helmets off to know who they were, but then put them back on to race. This production just has a glorified skate helmet.
The theatre is small so can't get any real speed up so the races are more slow and plodding along, plus whats the fight about with greaseball and electra? They fight, rusty wins, they skate off, then minutes later they come back 'tangled' for one rock and roll. That made no sense. Originally they crashed, lost the race, then came back on all tangled.
Lighting- Yes on the whole good. The tracking and changing the set colour I only really noticed during Hydras song. The Auto followspots work great at concerts etc over the last decade or something, but when we saw it, they kept up as they moved but once stopped 9/10 they only lit from the neck down, light the tracker is on their lower back. Also if they moved slightly as you do on skates they would jump future than needed.
Set - Within the limitations of the space, I think it was OK. Could have done with a high level round the back of everyone or something to add more space to gain speed. That said the aesthetics of the auditorium I loved. Foyer I loved it was simple but the disco style music was cool. I think the walkway between the 2 was just bland. Newsies tried to dressed it up to make it look like the set with hammocks etc. A tin of paint to add some train tracks would have just added something or some of the signals on the walls.
I really enjoyed the show saw it last week. Never saw the original but knew the original music. Curious to hear your thoughts about the replacement of the love song with Rusty and Pearl as I really liked ‘Next time you fall in love’ and of course this has been replaced.
I saw it last Friday & was blown away. Very immersive & lots of fun. I did see the original at Apollo Victoria. I think the races are not quite as thrilling in this update due to the smaller space.
I think the “Starlight Express” was always thought of as a celestial/spiritual being/body/entity so the link to stars and planets is in my opinion not such a far reaching concept.
As someone who came into it blind I struggled to follow everything in the story and ended up googling a bit after, I came out with these two main questions:
- What is starlight express other than a song they liked
- Why did money suddenly get involved, I didn't remember any mention of money before or after
After googling and seeing the different revisions, both of these seemed to be far clearer in the past and have more grounding. I just wonder if the people adapting the musical knew the story so well they didn't think to make sure it made sense to a newbie
MickeyJoeTheatre may not be MickeyJoeTrains..
But he sure is on his way to be 😂❤
Having seen the original West End production, the revised West End show, and the 2012 touring production, I love this version too.
The changes, on the whole, work and things like gender swaps from previous versions really didn't impact on things and are more reflective of the modern society and will resonate more with new audiences.
However, that is not to say that there are not things that I would like to change:
1) I don't think there is much difference in the freight trucks' costumes, and they are a little too similar to those of the engines. The coaches' costumes reflect their personalities/functions yet Lumber, Porter, Slick Oil, and Hydra all look fundamentally the same. Their colour schemes also suggest they are linked to a specific engine, which is not correct.
2) I am not sold that having a physical representation of the child/control adds anything. We are supposed to be immersed in a world where toy trains are actually real, but yet we have a constant reminder that they are just the playthings of a child. Surely as the trains increase in size from the toys to the actors on skates, then control should change too - that is if a physical presence is required at all.
3) Finally more of a wish then anything... it could be really cool if when Greaseball says "now see me rock" that she is handed a guitar and then plays a solo herself.
But overall it is still a great show, and I am already booked in to see it again!
i laughed so much at your description of how you felt about the previous steam conversion in the original story because honestly same, like we get it! the starlight is god and steam's "Second Coming" definitely doesn't have Evangelical vibes to it at all, no sirree, (/sarcasm) so it's nice to hear that vibe is... Less now lmao
(edit: re the hard lean onto space visually, i wonder if this this also their attempt to shy away from the vague xtian connotations mentioned above because god knows a lot of people have commented on this over the years, and being very explicit that hey! the starlight is inspired by the kids love of space would certainly do that?))
Just seen it Today with at Least 4 covers, including, Scott Hayward as rusty, Asher Forth as Electra, Red ironically as the green arrow, Lara Vina Uzcatia who was the standout of show for me. Either way you won’t be disappointed
I saw starlight last week and I saw it in back in 99 in the west end from 10 quid standing tickets I preferred this version, at the interval we were saying that we could see this get lots of technical noms at awards next year but definitely nothing for its book 😂 ie it looks great but plot what plot I've still got the hydrogen song stuck in my head 5 days later
I never saw the original Broadway production, but my older sister did, and she dressed as one of the characters for Halloween that year.
What annoys me about the costumes, except not looking like trains, is how they massacred the cool fits and colours when they updated Bochum, then they turn around and punch us in the face with these garish things. Which one is it to be? People say the costumes make sense because they are supposed to be toy trains, but they don't even match the actual toy trains in Control's room
I think what we're failing to realize here is that this is set in a kid's imagination. Not everything has to make sense.
Kids don't have that kind of logi that we as adults do. If they want bright colors, they're going to have bright colors. It doesn't have to make sense.
Also, I think with people saying that the love relationships between the characters is weird because it's in the imagination of a child. Children have relationships and they're playing all the time . Oh that's the mom, he's the dad and I'm the kid! So I think from the standpoint of child logic it all makes sense in a weird way.
I am also a Disney adult
In my fact Disney and musical theater are my two autistic special interests😀❤️
We call the front of the train a 'cowcatcher'. I guess it's really known as a 'pilot'. I found out train people don't want us to call it a 'cowcatcher'. In the UK, it might be called life-guards, rail gruards, or guard irons. I've never heard those terms used.
Thoughts on any of the character’s real life influences in either the older versions or this modern version? i.e. Greaseball was very Elvis but perhaps not now? In this production Pearl was so Ariana Grande, I like how you threw in that Electra gave off some Lady Gaga energy, and Hydra reminded me of YungBlud
A steam train can definitely be powered by hydrogen.
A steam train can run on anything that produces heat -- technically, nuclear power is steam power.
Pardon my pedantry, I'll see myself out......
And stars are made of hydrogen.
I need a cast recording of this production I looooove the new songs "I am me" and "I do" sooo catchy! 🎶
It’s a shame that Starlight has lost its verticality. Multiple levels are a massive gap in set, story and energy. As is the bridge structure connecting the levels, the stage and the spectacle of character arrivals, race starts and changing track configuration is sadly missing and holds back what were the thrilling highlight of the original show which exposes the uneven weaknesses in the score.
Any idea how much it would cost to re-create that original show today?
I grew up listening the OST. and then Saw the Opening night of the 1988 production in Australia. It was such a huge arena production. from what I've seen of this production it seems small. I just wish there were some good videos available of the original, the Australia, the German and the new production. Here in Australia I don't know when or if we will ever see a production again.
Went to see this show today! We had seen the early 90s version with Greg Ellis as Rusty and John Partridge as Electra. In comparison, I preferred that version but realise shows sometimes have to change to appeal to a wider audience. I felt Pearl was more timid than originally; some male characters changed to female actors didn't work quite as well; as seems usual with shows some music was a little loud and distorted and the whole production was a bit "smaller" - maybe the Troubador theatre is smaller than the original Apollo Victoria. Overall though, we all thoroughly enjoyed the spectacle with fantastic lighting and race sequences.
LOVE the nod to Family Guy😂
I didn't see this show in person, and never have but I always wanted to. I love the performers in this version, the soundtrack is amazing and I love how colorful it looks.
There are negatives for me unfortunately, and I am going to list them off. And before anyone says anything, I know Starlight Express is and has always been a progressive show, and there have been numerous changes to the characters by name and look, sometimes together. Some changes work, others don't.
What I disliked:
1. Hydra and the fuel trucks replacing the freight trucks. Not a fan at all. The freight trucks were all so charming and lovable, feeling like something out of a cartoon show and I loved them! Flat-Top being a punk rocker while Dustin was the shy but friendly and helpful coal hopper. I LOVE those guys! And we can't forget the evil toy soldier/trucker CB the Caboose! Replacing them with fuel based characters for an environmentalist subplot just doesn't fit the narrative of Starlight Express. I know "Light at the End of the Tunnel" sort of had that kind of message, but it was about steam being timeless and the best compared to diesel or electric. And Hydra just came off as a snob. A friendly snob, but a snob all the same and I just didn't like that. Dustin was much better as a "best friend" character.
2. The environmentalist subplot. Continuing on from my last point, I personally agree with the message of using different fuels for the environment. But Starlight Express is not the place for that message in my honest opinion. Want to tell a story about that? Make a new show. Make it about semi trucks or cars or something and do roller-skates for that one as well if you want an environmentalist show! Starlight Express is about a little boy's toy trains coming to life and proving that one can win if they believe in themselves. I get Hydra's message about the environment, but his suave and boastful personality about how he is the best just rubs me the wrong way and it makes me want Dustin back. Dustin was adorable.
3. The costumes. This was my biggest gripe of the whole show. The train motif is why I fell in love with this show in the first place, and you can't really see it when looking at the characters in this version of the show. They may have SOME train qualities, but not enough. If I was a kid and I saw these costumes, I would not have gotten the train theme at all. That is what the Broadway show improved upon. Do the performers wear helmets during the races? If so, what do they look like? I get they wanted to capture the "spirit" of the trains, but that was a poor direction to go in. They look more like robots/androids than trains. The lights on the costumes are fine, and the colors are cool and all, but they do not say "train" to me, and the costumes are one of my favorite aspects of this show. I'm disappointed with them. If they had just a few more obvious train bits on the costumes like wheels and windows, or even smokestacks, I wouldn't be as bummed out. You can't just sell me on roller-skates alone and make me think trains unless you add more touches.
What I DO like:
1. The songs: I love the songs! They sound like the original versions with some updated takes, as if musicians from today were singing them. Greaseball being a pop-star as opposed to Elvis was a clever idea.
2. The futuristic angle: Not a fan of the costumes again, but the stage and set design looking all futuristic was a neat idea. I don't mind a sci-fi look to the show, but the costumes and characters themselves are what I am there for, and those stuck out like a sore thumb. But the message of steam being the engine of the future...when I heard that, I was just like "Wow, I never thought of that. That is a neat idea!" Of course Hydra replacing Dustin kind of soured the mood on that point.
3. The colorful angle. The Starlight Express logo looks like the original with more color added, and I LOVE that! That makes me want to go see the show. And while I am not a fan of the costumes (Sorry I keep bringing that up), I do like the new color schemes that they have.
The 40th anniversary show overall was a mixed bag for me. There are aspects that I did like, but there were others that just didn't appeal to me. I love to HEAR the soundtrack and picture the trains for myself with my own vision, but since I saw the costumes before hearing the music, I don't want to see it in person. I'd rather go to Bochum and see it there, because their version didn't change visually. At least, not the train part.
Just got back from NY PRIDE. You and Aeron have to experience this at some point in time.
My experience with starlight express is real strange icl. It’s my mother’s least favourite musical, she saw the original version at some point in the 80s.
I also vividly remember someone singing “Make up my heart” at a primary school talent show and it occasionally popped into my head. I started uni this year and am doing a German module and found the German version of the show and uhhh am kinda obsessed with it. I will say that I’ve not seen either (but will see the London version in April and the German version later). But the London version seems to be more starlight than express and the Bochum is more express than starlight yk. I am also very sad that the trains seem not to beat eachother up during the races like they do in the Bochum version.
Was I expecting Mickey Jo's take on Salt N Pepa? No. Am I mad? No lol
Have tickets in a few weeks and I can't wait.
I first heard about Starlight Express from The Babysitters Club many many years ago. Since i've been in a position to indulge and experience my live theater obsession, it is one of those shows i've always been sad I missed it in its heyday.
I would 100% go see "My Fair Lady" on skate. It might be the only way I'd go see it again.
Hello Mickey Joe. Starlight Expressed closed in London's West End 22 years ago. I saw it several times in a proper theatre (Apollo Victoria), not in an old TV studio with no atmosphere. OK I have not seen this new show, only seen several posted YT videos of the finale. What strikes me is the lighting is very TV, No feeling to it at all. If I pay £100 to see a show, I want to see it in a theatre and get a full theatrical experience. This show looks to be designed towards people who watch a lot of TV. I can't see it paying for itself.
@@fp30e for what it's worth, the production is reported to have advance sales of £14 million - the sound and lighting in the Troubadour is really top notch and the sight lines far better than most traditional theatres 🙂
@@MickeyJoTheatre Hello Mickey Joe, Thank you for your kind reply. I hear what you say and you make excellent points, and you know what you are talking about. From all of the videos I have seen and the comments I have read, it looks like a stage show itv would do. The lighting is not theatrical at all despite the "top notch" up-to date lighting technology. It reminds me of "An Audience With" on itv. Re: sightlines. It's an old TV studio!. I am surprised the local council has allowed those front pods of people who are essentially trapped in their areas during the show. What would happen if a skater slipped at speed, He/She would crash into the seating area, or an audience member needed to use the bathroom. I'm sure Westminster Council would have been concerned has the show been put on in the West End. £14m advance ticket sales is not a lot. The show is a far cheaper and more modern version of the original. It probably cost in ther range of £6-10m to stage (based on the original West End Staging cost). There is a huge cast in this production. Then all the back stage staff, rent of the theatre, it will be lucky to turn in a profit. I will be delighted to see it still in a place a year on without any major slimming down.
If it helps any the £30 seats all have great sightlines, so you don't need to spend £100!
Why don’t you go to Europe for theatre? Good review Mr Jo
I'm currently in France!
'My Fair Lady' The On Wheels Tour coming soon to a live theater near you!
Nice, rounded review, thanks. I have tickets for October but having seen the photos and some snippets I'm not sure if I will be going. As a new production for a new generation I get that I am not their target audience. I love the rock 'n' roll, heavy industrial, massive set combo of the previous productions. The more poppy, clubby version (like the mid-2010s Bochum rewrite) doesn't float my boat and the Manga vibes I'm not digging. It also feels like a reduced-budget version which is trying really hard not to offend anyone and as a result strips so much of the character and humour from the show. I'll try to keep an open mind, go and try and enjoy it as its own thing and if it gets too much I'll close my eyes and remember the Apollo Victoria!
I saw it when it was just out side of london Victoria thats going back nearly 30 years ago .
Don't wanna be too pedantic - but having seen (I guess) all of your videos about Starlight as well as the ones about your trip to Hamburg, I wonder if you really can't pronounce Bochum (they way we would) or if it actually is pronounced "Bockum" in English? I guess you know how to pronounce Lock (as in Loch Ness) - the Scottish/UK way, not the US way (which would be Lock Ness, I guess) - then just think Lochum and change the L for a B😉
And then you need to come and see Starlight here!!!
Just been again with my nephews last winter (almost exactly 10 years after I'd taken them to see Starlight for the 1st time) - and still had a great time. BoCHum itself is boring - but Cologne (my home town - with a German and thus rather weird version of Moulin Rouge...) and Düsseldorf are nearby!
I think it's an English thing as I've heard other English speakers say it like that too
Scottish people pronounce loch properly, but most English people find that sound very difficult, as it doesn’t appear in English really.
I know - but I've found that the other native (English) speakers often suddenly "get it" when I tell them that "it's just like in loch". Or in "Ach!" - where many (or most) get this guttural "ch" after dark vowels right as well😊
10:59 You can become Mickey Jo Trains if you do a crossover episode with a transit RUclipsr!
As someone who only recently got into Starlight Express (and wasn't around during the 80's) I don't think it's just a matter of nostalgia. I much prefer the original over this revival. I haven't seen either of the shows in person, so I can only judge from the soundtracks and bootleg clips, but it just doesn't seem to have the same spark to it.
The original is not politically correct by today's standards, but a lot of the misogyny, as unfortunate as it is, added a lot of tension to the show. I'm glad they tried to get rid of it, but they didn't replace it with anything interesting, so it just kind of becomes a more watered down version of the original. Most of my other problems with it are just products of the 2018 revamp, like Electra's costume shift from bright colors to silver, the removal of "Whole Lotta Locomotion", changes to Caboose's motives (in this case Slick).
I also don't like the new space aesthetic. I don't think it was done poorly, but like you said, I don't see the correlation with trains. And I don't like the new costumes, but I also don't like the costumes in Six, so that's just my preference ig.
My favorite version of Starlight Express is the original london version. I wish ALW didn't keep tinkering with it so much. Most of the songs he added are just not as good musically as the ones they were meant to replace.
Lesbian Greaseball is cool though. Lmao