Whats On Production Amadeus (2005)
4th September


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Amadeus (2005)

Directed By
Brandon McGuire

Producer
Jane Martin
Production Type
Nomads Production

Production Location
Main Theatre


Genre: Drama Turnout: 78%

User Rating: (5/5 with 5 votes)

Flier Summary:

Box Office Line: 01483 284747

In Vienna in 1823, Salieri looks back over his successful career as Court Composer, his hatred of Mozart, and how he conceived the young composer's demise. With an obnoxious personality totally incongruous with his musical genius, Mozart died neglected and impoverished while the mediocre Salieri lived in a blaze of fame and praise.

"A gripping, intriguig study of the roots of envy and the haphazard nature of genius... It is stuffed full of exquiste visual effects and those soaring snatches of Mozart's music that combine to make this a great theatrical occasion."

This muti-award winning play is brought to you by established director Brandon McGuire and promises to entertain, enthral, educate and make you laugh.



Production Dates & Prices:
(Please note Booking Information)

 Date
Time
Price
 
 Tuesday 22nd November 2005
8:00pm
£8.50
 Wednesday 23rd November 2005
8:00pm
£8.50
 Thursday 24th November 2005
8:00pm
£8.50
FULL HOUSE
 Friday 25th November 2005
8:00pm
£8.50
FULL HOUSE
 Saturday 26th November 2005
8:00pm
£8.50
FULL HOUSE


Cast: (in programme order)
Nick Williams ... Mozart

Crew: (in programme order)
Brandon McGuire ... Director
Francis Pindar ... Stage Crew
Jane Martin ... Producer



Official Review:
the review
Reviewer: Tony Flook
I see `Amadeus' not so much as an historical record but as an allegory. Mozart is shown as the flawed genius he certainly was but Salieri, his rival, cast as the resentful representative of mediocrity was probably too harshly treated by playwright, Peter Shaffer.

However it's viewed, 'Amadeus' is great theatre. It should not, though, be attempted by amateur societies unless they can cast the central and, ideally, key peripheral roles without compromise. This production, directed by Brandon McGuire, had quality written throughout.

The play explores the personalities of two men locked in battle - one to maintain his position and self-respect as court composer in Vienna in the late 18th century, the other for sheer survival. It was possible to relate to and, surprisingly even, to some extent, sympathise with them both.

Ian Nichols showed Salieri as a devout man who turns against God for denying him the talent he recognises in Mozart. The character is barely off stage and the actor's presence was evident in every episode, whether in conversation with other players, giving a narrative monologue or, occasionally, as an observer of events. The quality of his voice modulation was evident in the way he held attention in his long addresses to the audience. His change of appearance, stance and voice when he shed more than 30 years after the first scene (and when he, again, appeared as a haunted old man at the end) were particularly impressive.

Where Salieri was pedestrian, Mozart was brilliantly inventive and mercurial. Nick Williams was convincing as the foul-mouthed, often infantile virtuoso who maintains his naive, misguided faith in his adversary, right to the end. His athletic interpretation of the role could be faulted only by being, perhaps, too hyperactive throughout when there is scope for at least a little more variation of pace. It was easy to see why Mozart fell for and married Constanze, against his father's wishes.

Anna Langridge brought out all the characteristics he might have looked for in a wife - coarsely seductive but totally loyal and even prepared to commit adultery to help her husband.

Phill Griffith and Steve Nankervis shared some sharp, perfectly timed interchanges as Salieri's acolytes. Barry McCann conjured up a strong image of the none-too-bright emperor, Joseph II.

The set, designed by the director, made full use of the Nomad Theatre's revolving stage to ensure that a wordy, generally static, play never stagnated. It was a long evening at the theatre - but this production made it worth every minute.

Tony Flook


Related News:
Oct 2005 BOX OFFICE: Amadeus
Sep 2005 AUDITIONS: Amadeus
Sep 2005 BOX OFFICE... BOX OFFICE...
Aug 2005 Amadeus
Aug 2005 AUDITIONS: Amadeus
Aug 2005 BOX OFFICE: Amadeus


Recommendations:
Amadeus -- Director's Cut 2-Disc Special Edition [1985]
Amadeus [1984]
Amadeus: A Play by Peter Shaffer
Amadeus [Soundtrack]
Amadeus [Soundtrack]


User Reviews:
Brandon the genius
26th November 2005
Reviewer: Francis Pindar
Ok i'm involved with the show but listening to people from the audience after the show you can see people who have been visably moved by the show.

Some quotes I heard:

"Its the best show I have seen the Nomads ever put on"

"It stired such strong emotions that I was crying after the show"

When Salieri talks about listening to Mozarts music for the first time, just perfect... amazing acting to the leads Nick and Ian!!
 

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