MUSICALS
Here read about Nigel’s family musical ‘Magic’ and black comedy musical ‘Rock Heaven’.
"Magic"
is based on Nigel’s
children’s story ‘Magic in Ravenswood’. See BOOKS page, where there is a synopsis. Encouraged by the
composer BB Cooper www.bbcooper.com Nigel turned it into a musical. He wrote the
book and the lyrics. BB Cooper wrote the music.
photographs
by Mike Eddowes
"Magic" had a successful showcase
performance at the Bridewell Theatre. The performers included
Cheryl Kennedy, Ian Lavender, Toni Palmer and Derek Smith. It
was featured in the Greenwich Musical Futures Festival at the
Greenwich Theatre in 2001.
It had its world premiere, directed by Pat
Garrett, at the New End Theatre, Hampstead, London NW3 between
17 December 2002 and 11 January 2003.
Back then the musical was called ‘Goblins don’t scare us’.
It was performed in Delaware, USA, in November 2008.
Press Comments:
CRITICS' CHOICE The Times
this beguiling tale of bewitchment set
in the distant kingdom of Ravenswood is certainly welcome in
the midst of Cinderellas, Aladdins and Dick Whittingtons. It
is refreshing to find a show inhabiting a more unfamiliar world.
This one, based on Nigel Osners childrens book Magic
in Ravenswood , which the author has adapted himself for
this stage version - is captivatingly conjured. Mark Shenton
The Stage.
The most important factor in judging
any Christmas show like this is of course the kids verdict.
This show succeeded in keeping a class of eight-year-olds quietly
gripped, with the occasional genuine burst of laughter.
Roland Lloyd Parry The Hampstead and Highgate Express
His show, with music by BB Cooper, has
been delighting children, telling the story of a prince trying
to judge the difference between right and wrong. In
the wings, Camden New Journal
Main characters in
order of appearance
Percival, an unimpressive
looking pigeon
Tristan, a lonely Prince
Madame Minette, an elegant
French cat
Theodosius, a tawny owl
and a distinguished lawyer
The Witch, who lives in
the forest
Dr Bolgin, the Prince's
unusual tutor
The Black Talon, the leader
of a gang of ravens
Other characters include footmen, soldiers, goblins and ravens
The action takes place one November in a distant kingdom
some time ago "Magic"
ROCK HEAVEN:
THE NEW ROCK/SWING
MUSICAL
http://www.rockheavenmusical.com/
A mixture of black comedy and fairy tale - with a moral: 'We don't always get what
we want, but we often get what we deserve!' Michelangelo Smith is a sensitive but unstable gourmet
and sculptor. He makes models of Hollywood legends - such as Garbo,
Betty Grable and Tyrone Power - out of icing sugar. In comes Lucrezia
Leech, aged 60 but looking 35 through extensive plastic surgery.
She wants Michelangelo to make models for her new restaurant,
Rock Heaven, which is a tribute to all the great dead rock stars.
But her plans are delayed. The Hollywood models are damaged by
two wannabe chorus boys, who sing the first song in the musical,
‘Life’s such a bitch’. Michelangelo goes mad.
In the asylum he meets the charismatic Soho Slicer, a serial killer,
who wishes to make amends by giving some chosen victims his version
of eternal life. This meeting has sensational consequences. Michelangelo
discovers a liking for cannibalism. Lucrezia falls in love with
the Slicer. A lot of young people disappear. Rock Heaven opens.
But are the performing models of dead rock legends exactly what
they seem? And how do these events affect one vegetarian rock
singer, one groupie with studs in interesting places, one over
the hill lady detective superintendent and one young detective
sergeant with appalling dress sense? Find out as it all comes
together in the outrageous and sensational finale.
Nigel developed the story with Marc Urqhuart, the actor and director.
Nigel wrote the book and lyrics. The music was composed and arranged
by Scarlett G Antaloczy www.lifesoundz.com.
Rock Heaven
has been showcased with sparkling success at the CAA in Covent
Garden and at the Pizza on the Park. 'Still Human where it counts' from Act 2 was featured in 'Bravo', a 2009 revue of
songs from new musicals by A Stage Kindly www.astagekindly.com . The song got a great reception and some nice reviews:
'From time to time, a gem such as Still Human Where It Counts appears - a truly innovative and exciting number from
Rock Heaven by Scarlett Deva Antaloczy & Nigel Osner.' Nov 09 Fringe Report
'The group songs are also well-balanced, the pick being Still Human Where It Counts, from musical-in-development Rock
Heaven.' WHAT'SON STAGE.COM
Main
characters in order of appearance
Poppy
Love, (19) an aspiring groupie, hoping to find
love
Gavin, (mid 20's) a chorus boy, looking for
stardom
Craig, (mid 20's)
a chorus boy, looking for stardom
Michael - 'Michelangelo' - Smith,
(25-35) a gifted chef and modeller, owner of a failing
suburban restaurant, looking for a lover and for recognition
Lucrezia Leech, (mid
50's but looks much younger) a rich and powerful performers'
manager, interested in being even richer and more powerful
Throb, (28-30) a cool
and self adoring American rock star,hoping to get a real
life
The Soho Slicer, (late
40's) a serial murderer and anatomist, looking for moral
and sexual gratification
Detective Superintendent Cyd
Stalwart, (mid to late 40's) a middle aged
detective, who feels that her career is coming to a dead
end, looking for fulfilment
Detective Sergeant Bill Eager,
(25-30) a keen young policeman, looking for
someone to take care of him
Other characters include models of Hollywood stars, clubbers
and cyborgs
The action takes place a few years in the future
MUSICALS