Category Archives: Music

EDINBURGH FILM REVIEW: ‘The Edge of Love’

Posted on June 18, 2008 by admin

By Ray Bennett EDINBURGH — A poet, a warrior and their two lovers form a complicated quartet in John Maybury’s “The Edge of Love,” a story of wartime romance in which fidelity and trust are put to the strictest test. … Continue reading →

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THEATRE REVIEW: ‘Dickens Unplugged’

Posted on June 13, 2008 by admin

By Ray Bennett Sometimes all you want at the theater is a good time, and that’s just what’s on offer with “Dickens Unplugged,” a witty and agreeable show from one of the founders of London’s long-running spoof “The Complete Works … Continue reading →

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THEATRE REVIEW: Michel Legrand’s ‘Marguerite’

Posted on June 7, 2008 by admin

By Ray Bennett LONDON – Singing Nazis are a tough sell unless its Mel Brooks producing laughs. So when the German officer in love with the title character in the new musical “Marguerite” starts to sing about his broken heart, … Continue reading →

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MUSIC REVIEW: Duffy at the Shepherds Bush Empire

Posted on June 6, 2008 by admin

By Ray Bennett LONDON — Aimee Anne Duffy, who goes by just her last name, showed why she’s the latest hot young British singer-songwriter with a chance to build a lasting career with a sold-out first gig Wednesday at the … Continue reading →

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‘Gone With the Wind’ musical to close

Posted on June 1, 2008 by admin

By Ray Bennett LONDON — To no one’s great surprise, Trevor Nunn’s West End production of a new musical version of “Gone With the Wind” will soon be just that and plans for a New York production have been shelved. … Continue reading →

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Sydney Pollack on film music and Dave Grusin

Posted on May 27, 2008 by admin

By Ray Bennett Director Sydney Pollack, who has died aged 73, was a filmmaker who really knew what to do with music in his pictures and his longest collaboration with a composer was with the great Dave Grusin. The filmmaker, … Continue reading →

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CANNES: Woody goes Spanish for ‘Barcelona’ soundtrack

Posted on May 18, 2008 by admin

By Ray Bennett CANNES – As usual, Woody Allen has scored his new movie, “Vicky Cristina Barcelona” (which stars Penelope Cruz, left) with synch tracks but instead of the American standards that accompany his Manhattan movies, this time he’s gone … Continue reading →

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THEATRE REVIEW: Trevor Nunn’s ‘Gone With the Wind’ musical

Posted on April 23, 2008 by admin

By Ray Bennett LONDON – Tomorrow is another day for Scarlett O’Hara but how long that will remain true for the new musical “Gone With the Wind” is another question. Three-time Tony-winning director Trevor Nunn has delivered a long-winded show … Continue reading →

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THEATRE REVIEW: Ringwood players’ ‘Follies’

Posted on April 20, 2008 by admin

By Ray Bennett To stage a Stephen Sondheim musical gives pause to the best in the business so top marks to the Ringwood Musical & Dramatic Society in Hampshire for tackling “Follies” and carrying it off with flourish. One of hundreds … Continue reading →

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‘Carmen’ casts a spell at the Royal Opera House

Posted on March 29, 2008 by admin

By Ray Bennett A long overdue visit to London’s Royal Opera House Friday was a revelation. The vast gorgeous white complex, overhauled in the 1990s, is breathtaking even before you enter the beautiful auditorium. The prices are jaw-dropping but when … Continue reading →

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