Den Hvite Dame Trailer

Watch the trailer for the new musical I’m working on in Halden, Norway. Den Hvite Dame (The White Lady) premiers 4 August 2016 with book and lyrics by HANNE HAGERUP, music by AASMUND KALDESTAD and additional music by myself!

 

Den Hvite Dame Music Workshop

After numerous trips to Norway for script development and workshops, last week we had a music workshop where the cast got to sing the music from the show for the first time. The workshop was held in Halden, Norway where the show will premier in August.

Den Hvite Dame is a family musical being performed in Norway’s top tourist attraction during August, Fredriksten Festning. It’s based on the legend of The White Lady (Den Hvite Dame), the ghost that reportedly haunts the grounds of the fortress.

I started working on the project last year as musical supervisor with composer Aasmund Kaldestad, writer Hanne Hagerup and director Tomas Glans. The musical is being produced by Marita Rognøy.

My work has involved working on the conception of the musical, developing the musical material with Aasmund and providing the orchestrations and additional music. I am also thrilled to have Jonny Martin on board as Associate Musical Director. Jonny will be opening the show in August.

A few weeks ago we recorded a ‘radio version’ of one the songs with the White Lady herself, Nina Hammarklev. The song has recently been released for promotion in Norway.

We have also done the recordings for an EP to be released next month featuring six of the songs from the show.

New Estill Honours

Earlier this year I was pleased to gain my Advanced Testing Privileges from Estill Voice International under the mentorship of Mary McDonald Klimek, Vice President of Estill Voice International. This enables me to help candidates through examinations to become Certified Course Instructors for Estill Voice International.

I first gained my masters licensure (now called Certified Course Instructor) in 2003 having worked with Gillyanne Kayes in London, and Julie Fortney, Kerrie Obert and Mary McDonald Klimek at Mars Hill College, North Carolina and then Ohio State University. So I’m also thrilled that I have also now been awarded with Service Distinction recognising the time now I have been licensed to teach the model.

There are only two other Certified Course Instructors with Advanced Testing Privileges and Service Distinction in the UK, Paul Farrington and Anne-Marie Speed.

Musical Theatre Masterclass in Leeds

I had a great time on Sunday teaching a masterclass for Tom Ball Live Academy in Leeds. The day focussed on singing technique for those interested in pursuing a career in performing arts and musical theatre. The students were very welcoming and threw themselves into the exercises. Many of the students are about to start auditioning for drama schools and professional training. As well as looking as fundamentals of vocal function, we also explored techniques for acting through song and connecting with the text. Can’t wait to go back!

More information about Tom Ball Live Academy.

Into The Woods – Edinburgh News, Scottish Advertiser and All Edinburgh Theatre Reviews

Backed by Sondheim’s enchanting score (orchestrated to pin-precision by Matthew Reeve), the music is another key character. Under Peter Corry’s canny direction and with Louise Ferrier’s choreography, Sondheim’s masterpiece also has the right amount of pathos, energy and subtlety to affect everyone who sees it.

Barry Gordon, 3 August 2015, Edinburgh News

http://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/what-s-on/theatre/review-into-the-woods-1-3848117

There are excellent performances all round from the soloists, but Corry and his musical director Matthew Reeve have found some real future stars for the biggest roles. … A big, although sometimes overheavy, production which more than gets to grips with big piece of musical theatre, not least in its rendition of a score which is often as complex as the plot.

Thom Dibdin, 2 August 2015, All Edinburgh Theatre

http://alledinburghtheatre.com/into-the-woods-summer-on-stage-review/

The overall production quality of the show is so high is a tribute to all the performers and the production team. These include (amongst others) Adam Knight (Producer and also Edinburgh Playhouse General Manager), Peter Corry (Director), Matthew Reeve (Musical Director) and Louise Ferrier (Choreographer).

Tom King, 31 Friday 2015, Scottish Advertiser

http://www.southsideadvertiser.biz/intothewoods.htm

Into The Woods

Not long now until rehearsals start for Into The Woods at Edinburgh Playhouse. I’ve been up to Edinburgh a few times now to do some preliminary rehearsals with the principal cast. There’s lots to do. I’m currently reworking the original orchestrations by JONATHAN TUNICK for the live orchestra and working with director PETER CORRY on how to adapt the piece for the huge Stage Experience cast.

For more information and tickets visit http://www.atgtickets.com/shows/into-the-woods/edinburgh-playhouse/.