The A STAGE KINDLY New Musical Theatre Initiative are proud to present the UK Premiere production of SLAY IT WITH MUSIC the hilarious new American Musical Comedy by Paul Katz and Michael Colby about a diva's return to the silver screen... In a slasher movie!!
July-Sept 2011 at The Space and The Greenwich Playhouse
STARRING
Enid - Andrea Miller
Marcy - Ellen Verenieks
Rosemarie - Helen Kelly
Rosemarie - Candice Palladino
Jill - Charlotte Stevenson
Jill - Gemma Rook
Zachary - Sofokolis Kostoulas
Zachary - Andrew Hayler
Chad - Mark Lawson
Ensemble - Hayley Sheldon
Ensemble - Sarah Nightingale
Ensemble - Kimberly Blake
Ensemble - Nick Whitfield
The Stage says Touching as it is silly
The British Theatre Guide says Frightfully Fun
NewsShopper says A Wicked Treat
The London Magazine says To Die For
Slay it With Music Review by Paul Vale for The Stage
This new musical from the pen of Michael Colby and Paul Katz draws on several cult movies for influences and plot lines including Sunset Boulevard and What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? Both of these movies have been turned into musicals already with varying degrees of success and Slay it With Music has much to commend it. Paul Katzs music celebrates the Grand Guignol with a richly textured, though ultimately light-hearted score, whilst Michael Colbys book is in places as touching as it is silly. Andrea Miller and Ellen Verenieks as sisters in celluloid Enid and Marcy relish the opportunity to over act, mostly appropriately, and there are some genuinely touching moments between them. The plot tends to lose focus a little in the second act but there are some interesting secondary performances from Candice Palladino as Marcys adoring number one fan Rosemarie and Charlotte Stevenson as the slightly deranged child, Jill.
Slay It With Music Review by Johnny Fox for The Public Reviews. 3/5 stars.
Would Bette Davis be seen dead on the Isle of Dogs? Could the East India Dock Road ever be confused with Sunset Boulevard? Only in the curious conjunction of Michael Colbys comedy thriller musical with the slightly creepy, faintly gothic converted chapel which is The Space theatre in Londons Docklands. The two combine in an oddly atmospheric evening of schlock and parody in which a once-great film star is reduced to making a slasher picture to make ends meet, via a remarkably high body count inside her own mansion. In a mash-up of Sunset Boulevard, Whatever Happened to Baby Jane and Psycho, Colbys piece is a broad-brush portrait of two feuding actresses and the men who come, and die, between them. As such its less well-scripted than, say, Bette and Joan although there are some good laugh-out-loud one-liners,and the songs are momentarily catchy if a bit declamatory. Even the score of Sunset Boulevard wouldnt be best-served by one piano in a church hall acoustic, but a future revival might benefit from more varied orchestrations and a small band. Theres an extractable number (I mean one which could be sung outside the context of the show) in the second act when Andrea Miller in a strong and attacking performance as the reclusive star Enid Beaucoup sings about My Second Chance and introduces real pathos and warmth of feeling into whats otherwise written as something of a cartoon figure. The supporting cast inhabit their oddball characters with enthusiasm, Ellen Verenieks is effective as Enids TV-star sister in a well measured transition from strident to vulnerable across the evening, Helen Kellys powerful voice and Brooklyn accent makes the audience identify with tour guide Rosemarie and genuinely sorry when she becomes another body in a trunk. For a low-budget production, the effects are surprisingly good, with a busy lighting plot and at least one genuine scream from an audience member at the dispatch of a victim.
Extracts from a review of Slay It With Music by Matthew Partridge for RemoteGoat. 3/5 stars.
As the title implies, Slay it With Music is a musical homage to horror movies. Enid (Andrea Miller), a faded movie star, attempts to make a comeback by appearing in a horror film. At the same time, her sister Marcy (Ellen Verenieks) arrives at Enid's mansion to tell her that, since her television show has been cancelled she can no longer pay the bills for Enid's mansion. Marcy's leg gets "accidentally" broken, confining her to Enid's house. Other important characters include Chad (Mark Lawson), Marcy's ex-husband, Rosmarie (Candice Palladino), a tour guide, Zachary (Sofoklis Kostoulas), Enid's Butler, and Jill (Charlotte Stevenson) as a nosy brat. Kostoulas, Stevenson and Verenieks were by far the best performers. Not only did Kostoulas inject the right amount of camp into his acting. but he performed his own solo effort "I'm in love" with considerable verbal dexterity. Verenieks masterfully communicated the transition from driven television star to vulnerable captive. Although the original casting notice requested an actress who could portray Jill as "Wednesday Addams/Village of the Dammed", Stevenson's interpretation of her as an ordinary child was more effective. Hayley Sheldon and Sarah Nightingale, who appeared throughout during crowd scenes, should (along with Director/Choreographer Joseph C. Walsh) also be commended for their cameos as young Marcy and Enid in "Anything", one of the highlights of the evening. Lawson and Palladino also gave solid performances, although Nick Whitfield's appearance as Enid and Marcy's dad was could have been toned down. Helen Kelly, Gemma Rook and Andrew Mayler are the alternates for the roles of Rosemarie, Jill and Zachary respectively. Overall, it is definitely worth going to see this performance, especially when it transfers to the Greenwich Playhouse in early September ... Slay it With Music clearly has the potential to be a four, or even five-star, experience.
Extracts of a review by Simon Sladen in The British Theatre Guide
After a successful run at The Space earlier this year, Slay it with Music transfers to the Greenwich Playhouse where audiences who didn't catch it the first time round can enjoy a production best described as a musical killer thriller. Poor old Enid. Once the brightest star in the sky, she's since fallen on hard times, relying upon her sister's fame to finance her and butler Zachary. An incident which saw her hairdresser get the chop - literally - didn't help things and when sister Marcy's TV soap opera Poughkeepsie gets axed, things seem to go from bad to worse. That is, until one day Enid is approached to rekindle her career in a new slasher movie. Determined that it will bring no good, goody two-shoes sister Marcy demands Enid turn it down, but showbiz is in Enid's blood and others would kill for such a chance... As Enid, Andrea Miller delivers a captivating performance. An experienced actress, she appreciates the subtleties of her text and ensures that every word has meaning. Not only a strong performer, her singing too is equally impressive and there is great partnership between her and Andrew Hayler as butler Zachary. Enid's sister, Marcy, played by Ellen Verenieks, is one of those frightfully annoying characters who always end up the victim. Verenieks plays her well and, along with Miller, camps it up good and proper when required. Slay it with Music parodies titles such as Sunset Boulevard, The Bad Seed, What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? and mixes them with a hint of Little Shop of Horrors and the Rocky Horror Show. The director Joseph C Walsh has done a sterling job keeping the show alive. In various roles Candice Palladino, Gemma Rook, Mark Lawson, Hayley Sheldon and Nick Whitfield erupt with energy and engage with the audience in the intimate surroundings of the Greenwich Playhouse. A well thought out set by Ric Lipson helps transform the studio theatre and, with James Cleeve on piano situated in the corner, A Stage Kindly prove that the Playhouse is the perfect venue for musicals as well as plays Thanks to the sterling efforts of the cast it still constitutes a frightfully fun night out. It is just such a shame that with the Edinburgh Fringe currently in full flow, those north of the border won't get to sample this UK premiere this year.
Review of Slay It With Music by The London Magazine
The current production, Slay it With Music, is the UK premiere of an off-Broadway show. It tells the story of a faded Hollywood star, Enid Beaucoup, who lives just down the road from Gloria Swanson and shares a case of sibling rivalry to match Baby Janes. Enids sister Marcy is a daytime soap star and isnt keen on Enids comeback in a slasher movie entitled Chop Chop. She fears that the film will remind the world about the sisters infamous love triangle with a hairdresser, their paramour coiffure, which resulted in his bloody murder. With tongues firmly in cheek, Joseph Walshs cast have plenty of fun in Slay it With Music. Given that it would be almost impossible to ham it up too much they are on safe ground. Walsh is also the choreographer and ensures the proceedings are sharp as a knife. Taking the star role, Andrea Miller is the unhinged, pearl-bedecked Enid. Every sentence becomes an exclamation and her evil laugh is as camp as one might wish for. Ellen Verenieks shows admirable comedy skills as Marcie and Andrew Hayler does especially well as the butler Zachery as waspish as they come; his devotion to the former musical star is a trait astute musical theatre lovers might recognise in their more obsessive compadres. In a murder mystery musical who knows where such obsession will lead us? Writer Michael Colby is certainly smart enough to supply us with a twist. Slay it With Music is a tender send-up, a hommage from a fan who knows his stuff. It teems with references - so much that Paul Katz music seems somewhat swamped. This is very much an evening for aficionados potentially overwhelming if you dont get the joke. But if you are in the know its to die for.
Review of Slay it With Music by Matthew Jenkins in the News Shopper. 4/5 stars.
After enjoying a hit run in Docklands The Space theatre, new comedy musical Slay It With Music has jumped over the river to entertain audiences at Greenwich Playhouse. The show has had a bumpy start at its new home with opening night being cancelled because of the riots and subsequent simmering tensions keeping audiences away. The cast overact and ham it up something rotten (perhaps that was the point?) A Stage Kindlys bright and breezy brand of camp silliness is good fun and its played with a knowing nod and a wink. Andrea Miller plays washed up Hollywood horror star Enid a cross between Bette Midler and Ruby Wax. After years in the wilderness and with only her creepy butler Zachary ((Sofoklis Kostoulas) for company, she hopes to make a comeback in new slasher flick Chop Chop. But when her more successful sister Marcy (Ellen Verenieks) knocks on her door in time to witness Enid committing what looks like a brutal murder, a bizarre story of blackmail, torture and unlawful imprisonment unfolds. Theres good chemistry between the two sisters, with the pair locking horns in a battle of bitchy one-liners and sibling rivalry Millers husky vocals are enjoyably powerful, particularly during her solo showstopper Thats a Wrap Best enjoyed after a glass of wine or four, Slay It With Music is a wicked treat for anyone in the mood for a slice of musical silliness.
Time Out website users rate the show as 5/5 stars.
An ageing film-star attempts to make her comeback in a gory horror film in this UK premiere for Paul Katz and Michael Colby's tongue-in-cheek 'musical chiller'.
Review of Slay It WIth Music in The Fringe Review, 4/5 stars. Michael Colbys book and lyrics emulate the genre he tries to parody well, but it still does seem stilted in parts, with a few numbers overly long and out of place, and not appearing to escalate the plot at all. Some of the references are possibly only noticed by movie buffs or the over 40s and probably even then only by an American audience. The music by Paul Katz isnt what could be regarded as overly memorable but has familiar overtones and is pleasant. Indeed the score is rather too nice at times evoking no menace whatsoever. Joseph C Walshs direction is not as tight as his choreography with some beautiful sequences, particularly in the Chic To Chic flashback. A selection of spooky sounds sets the scene for this entertaining, visually engaging musical. With torches waving and a chorus of wails, its clear this is going to be high camp and indeed the cast do not disappoint. The harmonies envelop this small space well and James Cleeves musical direction is flawless. His vocal arrangements were glorious at times and its clear he worked hard with the cast on these. Andrea Miller excels as the faded 1940s movie star Enid Beaucoup. Her ability to wave a knife around with gay abandon and run the gamut of emotions with more ham than a pig farm and a suitably sinister laugh, is a joy to observe. A poignant solo, Thats a Wrap, proves her versatility. Solidly supporting Enid is her sweet sister, Marcy, played superbly by Ellen Verenieks. She taunts us with just enough physical comedy so as to avoid the slapstick but its clear that they relish playing their parts. Sisters is a lyrical number in which both harmonise perfectly which strengthens their evident bond and vocally they are equally strong although Verenieks shines in her solo Find A Way Out. Andrew Hayler as Zachary, the devoted butler, has a manic glare at times (think Hitler crossed with Nosferatu - this serves its purpose well, for he is a talented actor and thoroughly captivating. His shtick is a delight to watch. Mark Lawson is particularly dashing as Chad, Marcys ex-husband, and has excellent vocal control. Candice Palladino as the avid tour guide is most competent throughout and delivers a truly showstopping solo More Than Just a Fan with true pluck and pizzazz. Charlotte Stevenson as Jill, the neighbours grand-daughter, is certainly sweet of voice and sickly sweet of character but the red balloon, more of a red herring, hides the true nature of this deranged girl. The rest of the ensemble do a great job of moving things along.
Director // MD // Assistant Dir. Biographies
Joseph C. Walsh who Directed and Choreographed Slay It With Music is originally from Boston, USA, but has spent seven years living and working in London. He holds a BFA in Theatre Production/Management from Emerson College and a Masters in Directing from Goldsmith's College, University of London. Joseph has recently directed the award winning UK Premiere of The Temperamentals, the Irish premieres of Jason Robert Brown's The Last Five Years and Songs For A New World and a critically acclaimed Irish national tour of The King And I. In the West End he served as Resident Director on When Harry Met Sally and Assistant Director on Coyote On A Fence. He is currently the Touring Director for White Horse Theatre. His other directing credits include The Laramie Project, The Laramie Project: Ten Years Later (reading), the European Premieres of Listen To My Heart: The Songs Of David Friedman and Zanna Dont!, the World Premiere of Twisted: The Annie Ross Story, The Anniversary, Bent, Kiss Of The Spider Woman, Man Of La Mancha, Once On This Island, Burke And Hare, I Am Star Trek and Annie Warbucks. As a performer Joseph appeared in Side Show and Joseph. He also toured North America for two years with Feld Entertainment performing in Anastasia On Ice and Pocahontas On Ice and appeared with World Champion Michelle Kwan in the television special Reflections On Ice which was broadcast worldwide.
James Cleeve who is delighted to join A Stage Kindly as Musical Director for the UK premiere of Slay it with Music. MD credits include: Newsrevue (Canal Café Theatre), Mad About the Musicals (National Tour), Waterloo (National Tour), Shakin All Over (National Tour), School Ties (Catford Broadway), Feral (Oval House Theatre), Tommy (Edinburgh Fringe Festival) and numerous professional pantos with Jordan Productions, including Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin. Additionally, James has MDd at many other venues including the Bridewell, Cochrane, Kings Head and Goldsmiths, and has recently started working as a musical director with the West End Gospel Choir. Keys credits include: Cabaret (UK Tour - Bill Kenwright Ltd), Singin in the Rain (International Tour - UK Productions) and Jesus Christ Superstar at the Minack Theatre. This production won the coveted Minack Trophy for Best Production 2010. In addition to musical direction, James freelances as a music leader, repetiteur, vocal coach and composer. Recent projects include work with English National Opera, English Touring Opera, Glyndebourne Festival Opera, P&O Cruises and the Southbank Centre. As a choir leader he has conducted at the Royal Festival Hall, and has coached singers for performances including The Ancient Mariner and Bernsteins Mass (both Southbank Centre) and Hotel Follies (Arts Theatre West End).
Brendan Matthew Murphy the Assisant Director of Slay It With Music - Brendan trained in musical theatre at the Royal Academy of Music and as a dancer/ choreographer at the Doreen Bird college of dance. Recent professional credits as an actor include Gareth in Howard Goodall's 'Girlfriends' (Rose and Crown theatre), 'The Boy Friend' (Her Majesty's), the Olivier award winning 'La Boheme' (Soho theatre), Herbie in the Off West end award winning 'Me and Juliet' (Finborough theatre), Edmund in 'High Society' (Upstairs at the Gatehouse). Directing credits include 'Grease', 'Pippin', 'Oliver' (Artemis Studios). As an associate director and choreographer, credits include 'Fantastic mr Fox' (Edward Allen Theatre), 'Dracula', 'Stepping Out', 'Saucy Jack and the Space Vixens', 'The Blue Room', 'You're a Good Man Charlie Brown', 'Elegies for Angels, Punks and Raging Queens', (South London
