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| September 29th: A Brief Encounter. Hope springs eternal that one day I too will see this piece that everyone rants and raves about, and also chuckles, giggles, laughs and then applauds enthusiastically for everytime it is performed. It is my good fortune to have friends in London who are compassionate to my plight and upon arriving home, each filled me in on the night's performance. My dear friend Mandy wrote up this mini-review to share with all of us unable to attend, though we were certainly there in spirit. >>The Dance Umbrella 25th Anniversary Gala closed with excerpts from Matthew Bourne's hilarious homage to men's underwear advertisements, SPITFIRE, first performed at Dance Umbrella's 10th Anniversary Gala in 1988. To the marvellous melodies of Minkus and Glazunov, the six strutting supermen posed and preened and we all fell about laughing. The dancers, Adam Cooper, James Leece, Neil Penlington, Arthur Pita, Ewan Wardrop and Richard Winsor wear a variety of vests and short or long underpants, and they take themselves very 'seriously', with that smug, supermodel pout while swaggering along, hand on hip looking out at the audience. There was plenty of 'real' dancing, with lifts, leaps, excellent partnering and ensembles, and handstands (yes handstands!), but we were so busy laughing at each bicep curl that the quality of the dancing was perhaps taken for granted. A trip round Marks and Spencers men's department will never be quite the same again!<< Thanks Mandy for bringing it home to us. Now if only she had smuggled in a little mini-cam! September 24th: Where the Boyz Are. George Piper Dances pulled in the first of what, no doubt will be, many glowing reviews as they opened at Sadler's Wells last night. Ballet.co has launched a GPD Talk forum in their honor and it will be one of three terrific dance sites to check out all incoming reviews and articles, as well as chat it up with other GPD fans. Be sure to check out Mandy's review, especially if you are not able to make a performance; at least you will feel a bit like you've been there. Also check out criticaldance.com as they've had a long running thread on the 'Boyz' with reviews and chat as well, and they are a great dance site that covers both the US and UK extensively. Another wonderful dance site on top of GPD coverage is londondance.com. This Friday, Michael and Billy will be online for a chat with them. If you miss it, there will be a transcript soon afterwords. You won't want to miss checking it out because, as most of you already know, they are a cheeky pair and always as entertaining as they are brilliant at their craft. So lots of places to fill up, if that is possible, on the 'Boyz'. We would like to take this time to let ballet.co, criticaldance and londondance know how much we truly appreciate all their hard work, their dedication and their fabulous content. They've made our job much easier, as well as being great places to hang out and enjoy the incredible art of dance. September 23rd: It remains to be seen. According to a spokesperson in the Stratus Film office, production on 'Remains of the Piano' has been delayed at least another four weeks with no comment on what may happen beyond that. This will put the film about two months behind in its shooting schedule. It makes you wonder how many of the original cast will still be able to stay on board as this may well create scheduling conflicts due to previous commitments. It is indeed a great ensemble cast and we'd hate to see any of them have to move on, especially Will, whose character Leonard Bastard, just conjurs up so many interesting images. And with Will's incredible ability to get into a role and make it his own in such a memorable way, no doubt he'll be stealing every scene he is in. So we hope it all works out for him and of course, for all of us who would love to see him spoof it up big time. September 22nd: The Royal Opera House has opened up booking for this year's production of Wind in the Willows. They are expecting a sell out run after last year's successful and critically acclaimed production delighted and enchanted both children and adults alike. Though they haven't announced the cast, they did indicate that many of last year's 'distinguished original cast' would be back. In as much as Will has repeatedly said he wants to be in the production, we are just simply going to think positively that he will be. And that goes for our adorable Matt Hart as well, who undoubtedly cannot wait to get back into that mad little car of Toad's once again. Not sure about Mr. Cooper returning, as he appears to be somewhat busy the month of December. For a look at last year's production, take a peek back at the programme....and Will with short hair!!!! Hmmm. Wonder what 'do' the debonair Ratty will sport this time around. We'll be following this one closely for a cast announcement, so stay tuned and keep those fingers crossed. September 18th: A couple more Van Helsing tidbits to share. We've another piece on the Helsing TV spin-off from FilmForce. And Kate Beckinsale talks a little VH over at comingsoon.net. We also have two more pocket-size Will Kemps from the Seabiscuit premiere. They just keep surfacing....and we will take every one we can get. Earlier this week we spotlighted New Adventures. Now we would like to do the same for George Piper Dances. With GPD's permission, we've posted a copy of the recent newsletter that goes out to member/supporters. As you know, the 'Boyz' and company are making quite a name for themselves in the UK, but they are also hoping to do the same over here in the US as well, thus the upcoming tour. Further good news is they are planning to come back to the US again in 2004. Chicago and St. Louis are listed as well as a return to the east coast. Nothing is firm mind you, but it's a good sign indeed. We will keep you posted and as soon as GPD's website has completed renovation early this fall, you will be able to check in there as well. In the meantime, read-up on the newsletter and check out some promo shots, including one with Matthew Bourne from GPD's Critic's Choice, in rehearsal with Matt Hart and Michael Nunn to Bourne's 'Dearest Love'. Great photo. Also, there was a fabulous write-up on GPD in the Financial Times. Do not miss it. Do not miss them. See one performance and you will wish we were writing up more about them. If you would like more info on the Boyz or would like to get on their mailing list or become a supporter, please email info@gpdances.com. To everyone here on the east coast waiting out Isabel, be careful, be safe. September 17th: Van Helsing the soap opera? Seems network television is already counting on Van Helsing the movie to be a gigantic hit. NBC and Universal have reached an agreement for a 'character-driven soap opera' inspired by the movie. You can get the whole story over at comingsoon.net. Universal has also signed a licensing agreement for boy toys.....uh, that would be toys for boys, based on the Van Helsing characters. September 14th: These Men In Whites have got the Men In Black beat by a long shot in our books. Matthew Bourne has just announced his cast for the Dance Umbrella Gala performance of "Spitfire" being held on September 28th at Sadler's Wells. It's a sterling cast of favorite Bourne dancers and yes, a swoonworthy lot they are. So who are these hotties in yfronts? We suggest you proceed with caution. Okay, so many of you are saying, but it's in London, what about us?? Yes, some of us are in that same boat - it's like living on the dark side of the moon. But good times are slowly headed our way....well certainly if you live in the USA. We told you earlier that Play Without Words is being negotiated for tours in New York and Tokyo. Well, it appears now that Swan Lake is headed out of town as well. It will be in Paris in March and drum roll....on US tour fall of 2004. Break out the champagne. It's back. But wait, don't forget we also told you a long time ago about Nutcracker! possibly coming to the US Christmas of 2004. Negotiations are still underway for all these stellar productions (well what Bourne production isn't?). But you can only feel optimistic about it all. The thought of one production in America had us giddy. But possibly three? You'll spoil us Matt.....and don't stop! Speaking of Mr. Bourne, he was recipient of this year's Hamburg Shakespeare Award for the Arts, which is awarded to prominent British artists. Matt is one of only two dance artists to have ever received this prestigious award. We hope he has several fireplaces in his home, because with all the awards he's won, he really does need a lot of mantel space. Check out ballet.co for a press release on more of New Adventures' incredible 2003/2004 season. It just keeps getting better and better for Matthew, for New Adventures and definitely for we fans. Of course, the icing on the cake, the ultimate high of highs would be to see Will dance in one of these productions. We'd say all of them, but we're not greedy.......well...... September 9th: When my already perfect trip ended in conversation with Will Kemp, I didn't need United Airlines to fly me home because I felt like I could pretty much do it on my own. Honestly, my feet still have not touched the ground. Simply put, Will is every bit the wonderful and genuine person I had been told he was. Easy to talk with, charming, sweet, and well, just a very nice guy. It was an absolute joy to listen to him as he talked about his work. Well, frankly, he could have read the newspaper to me and I would have been just as enthralled. In any case, he clearly loves what he is doing. He also loves what he is doing at this very moment and that is just spending some down time at home, as 'Remains of the Piano' continues on indefinite hold due to the illness of Geoffrey Rush's wife. There are, of course, projects to be considered for the future and he is kept busy enough with all the possibilities there, as well as keeping dance a part of his life. He is also well aware that things may change drastically for him in the coming year. In talking with him about this, I did get a strong sense of how well grounded he is about it all, both personally and professionally. For one thing, he has a keen determination not to let outside influences interfere with what he feels is best for him or what he feels he is capable of achieving. Anyone suggesting he cannot be true to both his love of dance and his desire to make films had better think twice. And while it will not always be an easy fit, schedule wise, it is something you just know he will find a way to make work. It's quite apparent he has a remarkable head on his shoulders and a great deal of integrity. To say I came away impressed with Will Kemp as a person, is indeed an understatement. We talked about many things and he even turned the tables on me a few times with questions of his own. The whole experience still has me feeling a little incredulous. It's also one of those experiences that does not feel right to splash too broadly across a webpage. So I hope you will understand if I bow out gracefully on any other comments about our conversation. To Will, thank you for sharing your time with me and for your encouragement and kind wishes in regards to this website. The pleasure and honor of supporting both you and your work remain mine. Now, lest you think that was the only dream come true on my trip, I do have a couple more stories to share. First, Matthew Bourne. What is it about him that renders me so goofy? He is as nice as can be, very down to earth, very approachable and yet I could barely remember my name when I met up with him, not once but twice. A bad case of starstruck! In any case, as good luck would have it, about a week before my trip, Friends of New Adventures scheduled some time for members who had contributed to the New Works Fund to attend a workshop for Highland Fling, one of Matt's and AMP's earlier productions (1994). The purpose of the workshop was to take a look at the original choreography, see what still works, what doesn't and try some new movements as the production is due to be revived in 2005. The six dancers present for this were Scott Ambler, Etta Murfitt, Neil Penlington, Richard Winsor, Valentina Formenti and Michela Meazzi. After watching bits of video from the original production, Matt and the company basically took it apart step by step and put it back together again in different ways. Watching them all work together, with a loose, comfortable comraderie, but still serious about the task at hand, was just a fascinating experience for me. Clearly, one of the reasons dancers are keen to work with Matt is that he enjoys their individuality and encourages their input, their observations and opinions. Scott and Etta, in particular, are a marvel to watch as well as being quite funny. And Matt is just, well, brilliant. After the workshop was over we got to meet the dancers and needless to say they were all quite friendly. I also got to meet Matt's mum, June, who is absolutely adorable. I would tell you about my conversations with Matt, except I've blocked them out!! Do over please. By the way, Matt's busy as can be not only with workshops, but auditions for next year's Swan Lake, rehearsals coming up for the Gala performance of Spitfire on September 28th and rehearsals for Nutcracker! and Play Without Words. He also has Mary Poppins and Edward Scissorhands around the corner. I'm exhausted just typing his schedule. I don't know how he does it all. Thanks to Friends for the workshop invite. To Matt - I will try to remember to breathe in between sentences next time I meet you, and putting together a coherent sentence might be a good thing for me to try as well. Thanks to you and the company for a great experience. Not done yet. First off, I would like to thank Fern in George Piper Dances office as well as Michael and Billy for granting me permission to sit in on one of their rehearsals. I am completely indebted to you for this. Now, I figured whatever they were working on, I would love. But when I found out it was Mesmerics, I could barely contain my excitement. Mesmerics, by the way, is one of the pieces they will be performing at Sadler's Wells in a couple weeks. It will also be performed on the US tour. Billy and Michael take my breath away...literally. I'm quite sure they are habit forming. Though I have seen painfully little of them due to my home port, I feel completely addicted to them already. Sitting there watching them rehearse I kept having to fight the urge to stand up and applaud everytime they did something. But to really make the experience out of this world, Mesmeric's choreographer, Christopher Wheeldon showed up. My friend and I just looked at each other when he sailed into the room and pretty much mouthed the same thing, "OMG". Mesmerics is such an intimate and yes, mesmerizing piece, perfect for Billy and Michael in particular, as they are already a hypnotic duo to begin with. They are not alone in their captivating style however. Also in the company are Oxana Panchenko, who is so beautiful and fluid you can barely take your eyes off of her; and two new members, ex-Royal Ballet Soloist, Hubert Essakow, who is taking Matt Hart's place, and ex-Royal Birmingham Ballet Principal, Monica Zamora. By the way, you can watch a clip of GPD in one of the other pieces they will be performing at Sadler's; Russell Maliphant's Critical Mass. Again, thanks GPD. See you next month here in Washington. Okay, on to Adam Cooper and On Your Toes. Well, I really can't expand much more on all the glowing reviews for this production. It really was lots of fun, wonderfully entertaining and had some very catchy song and dance tunes that made me want to run home and turn on an old Astaire film or maybe take up senior's tap lessons. Okay, I'm not that old, but, I am getting there. On Your Toes and Slaughter on Tenth Avenue are still rattling around in my head. In fact, it's a good thing the seat next to me on the plane home was empty as I am pretty sure I was humming those tunes (badly) most the way back. The entire cast was grand. And I was glad I got to see it twice. Oh, and Adam in a loin cloth.....um.....it was ALOT smaller than a loin cloth folks. Oh that Adam. Always thinking of his fans! So, as you can see, I really did win the lottery. I still can't believe it all really happened. I guess I need to get out from behind this computer more often. I must add a couple things before I end this. It wasn't just meeting the 'big names' that made this trip so incredible. It was meeting up with people who have become my friends by virtue of wk.org and ballet.co that made the trip so special. Most importantly, hugs and kisses to my website cohort, Mandy, who has become a dear and invaluable friend; also to Jane and Karen from Adam-Cooper.com who have taken me under their wing and have kept me laughing with their tales. Best of all, I finally got to meet my friend, Roy Tan. I won't embarrass him by saying how much his friendship has meant to me over the past year, but I would like to thank him a million times for the million things he has done for me. He is one of a kind and I count myself lucky to be his friend. Okay, my opus is finished. I think I kept it quite short all things considered. So, word of warning. Expect some even longer intervals between updates for a good while since Will is playing the role of happy homebody right now. Hopefully now and then, until things pick up, I will be able to come up with some bits of news and a photo here and there to let you know our incredible Mr. Kemp is alive and well and about to make dance or movie history somewhere. And of course, since Will doesn't mind sharing his site with his buddies, I will also continue to be on the look out for New Adventures news while Mandy keeps us up to date on Mr. Cooper. And there is always a new Swoon to uncover. Indeed, rumor has it that we will be inducting our first solo lady Swoon in the next month or so. Good things are definitely ahead. But right now jet lag has set in. To Will, my thanks again. September 1st: Happy Birthday willkemp.org. Well, I am a couple weeks early with those wishes, but I couldn't think of a better way to celebrate a one year anniversary than to go to London. So I am off in just a few hours with a dream come true itinerary lined up. If all goes as planned, I will not only meet many of the wonderful friends I have made since getting into this crazy website business, but I will also be meeting some of the brilliant people whose names have graced this site. I am superstitious so I won't name names, but suffice to say, for me, it will be like winning the lottery. Before I let you go, I will scoot you ovet to wireimage one more time as Al Ortega has added more photos. These are from the Hulk premiere. He must be getting a good response for photos since that premiere was a while back and he is just now adding these in. Keep 'em coming Al. And I have not forgotten you Cooper fans. Thanks to both Mandy and Roy for the heads up on this review and photo. On Your Toes wraps up a successful run this Saturday. I am glad I bought my tickets early, as apparently, Adam swings across the stage on a rope wearing nothing but a loin cloth. Count that as part of my lottery winnings! Next update will not be until Tuesday, September 9th. Have a terrific week. I hope to have lots of great stuff to share with you when I return. Look out London! Here's one more for the road. |
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