★★★★★ I Wish My Life Were Like A Musical
Wit, style, intelligent comedy and knock-out performances are
all in joyous abundance in Alexander Bermange’s brilliantly chic revue, I Wish
My Life Were Like A Musical currently playing at The Crazy Coqs, an intimate Art
Deco-inspired cabaret venue within Corbyn and King’s Brasserie Zedel in the
heart of London’s West End.
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| Crazy Coqs at Brasserie Zedel |
I Wish My Life Were Like A Musical, returns for a two week run
after tremendous success earlier this year. The revue presents ‘everything you
could possibly want to know about being a musical theatre performer… if only
any would dare to admit it’. Shamelessly there are several, myself included,
who would love to learn the secrets and last night’s show was a complete
masterclass! Everything from opening numbers, auditions, dancing, guest spots,
life as a cover, to ultimately being a diva and not being able to end a show
without an encore. All these anecdotal songs are beautifully drawn from clear
first-hand experiences in the beautiful business known as show! I am only
surprised that Mr Bermange has not turned his musical incisiveness on to
critics – hopefully coming soon!
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| Alexander Bermange at piano with Suzie Mathers |
Bermange’s music and lyrics have many cuttingly knowledgeable
references to the great musicals – Les Mis, Chicago, and Wicked to name just a
few – which add tremendous fun to the particular parts of the show, especially
if you are in the know as to provenance. I particularly enjoyed the comic
references to Wicked, as it is a one-song show that I’m not particularly fond -
heresy to admit but hey ho!
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| Lucas Rush |
I Wish My Life Were Like A Musical, deftly directed by Derek
Bond, has a stellar cast. Madalena Alberto (Evita, Piaf, Les Miserables), Suzie
Mathers (Wicked, Company, Mamma Mia), Cedric Neal (Motown The Musical, King,
Porgy and Bess) and Lucas Rush (American Idiot, Thoroughly Modern Millie and
soon Rock of Ages), who have been there, experienced the various topics of the
show and, in Lucas Rush’s case, clearly got the T-shirt! I would add that
Alexander Bermange (Composer/Lyricist, Musical Director/Pianist) is on-stage
throughout keeping a beady eye on proceedings, adding pertinent quips and
ensuring his score is always on point.
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| Madalena Alberto |
This joyous, super-talented ensemble all sing and dance with
consummate skill and dexterity but also have a wonderful sense of comedy and
timing, the ultimate prerequisite to exploit the depth, nuance and wit of the
songs, smart lyrics and situations.
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| Cedric Neal |
I Wish My Life Were Like A Musical is a very welcome addition to
the West End landscape, and Fane Productions should be applauded for their
vision in giving musical enthusiasts and aficionados alike such an enjoyable
experience and breathing life into the concept of the intimate revue.
Let’s hope that I Wish My Life Were Like A Musical and future
incarnations have found a permanent home at The Crazy Coqs as I feel sure that
there is a voracious appetite for a revue that gives so much pleasure with its
uncompromising wit, intelligent comedy and heavenly performances – clearly I
enjoyed it!
Overall Performance Schedule
I WISH MY LIFE WERE LIKE A MUSICAL
Music and Lyrics by Alexander S. Bermange.
Directed by Derek Bond.
Musical Arrangements by Alexander S. Bermange and Jerome van den Berghe.
Cast: Madalena Alberto, Suzie Mathers, Cedric Neal, and Lucas Rush
Monday 13 August – Sunday 19 August and Tuesday 21 August - Sunday 26 August 2018
(full schedule below)
(full schedule below)
Crazy Coqs, 20 Sherwood Street, London W1F 7ED
Running time: 85 mins
Tickets: £25 (£20 preview performances on Monday 13th and Tuesday 14th August)
Overall Performance Schedule
Monday 13 August at 7pm (preview)
Tuesday 14 August at 7pm (preview)
Wednesday 15 August at 7pm (press night)
Thursday 16 August at 7pm
Friday 17 August at 7pm and 9.15pm
Saturday 18 August at 7pm
Sunday 19 August at 7pm
Tuesday 21 August at 7pm
Wednesday 22 August at 7pm
Thursday 23 August at 7pm and 9:15pm
Friday 24 August at 7pm
Saturday 25 August at 7pm and 9:15pm
Sunday 26 August at 7pm
Book online at www.liveatzedel.com
Social media: @LiveAtZedel #CrazyCoqs
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