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Elisabeth das Musical

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Post  ML6 Tue Jan 26, 2010 7:14 pm

I'm bringing this here because this is something that was carried off topic in the 'How Did You Become a Fan' topic.

Yeah. I love Elisabeth. It's my second favorite musical next to Phantom of the Opera. Yes, I like Uwe Kroeger in the role of Der Tod, and its perhaps the only role I enjoy him in. I think Pia owns Elisabeth. (But recently, I've taken into liking other Elisabeth's.) My favorite version is the Essen version, but I do enjoy bits and pieces from the Vienna one (including some of the sets and costumes).

Okay. That's enough about me, what about you people?
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Post  Miss von Krolock Tue Jan 26, 2010 11:45 pm

Someone else who's into German musicals yeay! cheers

Elisabeth is definitely in my top 10 favourite shows list! I've been a fan since I bought the original cast recording back in 2001. I also have the Vienna DVD and have "seen" other stuff...
Recently I finally saw the show live, during my holiday in Germany, while the current touring production was playing in Munich. Annemieke van Dam was stunning as Elisabeth - gorgeous voice and brilliant acting, much more appealing to me than Pia. Very good cast and production overall, except for Der Tod's appalling costumes and wig. Still, Oliver Arno was great as Tod, if sometimes a little stiff in his movements. I was told he had an injury though...
I think my favourite Tod is still Mate Kamaras, though. He brought the rocky edge to the role and it totally worked, in my opinion. He also seemed to show much more energy on stage than any of the others I've seen so far.
I think the Essen production might also be my favourite overall, because I think the sets were a bit more elaborate and Tod's costume was definitely the best there, but I think the Vienna one was pretty good too.
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Post  ML6 Tue Jan 26, 2010 11:49 pm

Miss von Krolock wrote:Someone else who's into German musicals yeay! cheers

Recently I finally saw the show live, during my holiday in Germany, while the current touring production was playing in Munich. Annemieke van Dam was stunning as Elisabeth - gorgeous voice and brilliant acting, much more appealing to me than Pia. Very good cast and production overall, except for Der Tod's appalling costumes and wig. Still, Oliver Arno was great as Tod, if sometimes a little stiff in his movements. I was told he had an injury though...

I LOVE Annemieke! She's so amazing. Next to Pia, she's my other favorite Elisabeth! Smile In one of the commericals, she brings a little tear during "Ich Gehoer Nur Mir" and I found myself so overwhelmed.

As for Oliver, he's a REALLY good Der Tod. But, those costumes are dreadful... They look like business suits. But, yes, the Essen musical had the most loveliest of costumes. Esp. for Der Tod. And do not forget, we also had Jesper Tyden!
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Post  Miss von Krolock Tue Jan 26, 2010 11:56 pm

Yes, I have "seen" Jesper as Tod and I was VERY impressed Wink Glad to know we basically share the same opinion then Very Happy
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Post  ML6 Wed Jan 27, 2010 12:08 am

Miss von Krolock wrote:Yes, I have "seen" Jesper as Tod and I was VERY impressed Wink Glad to know we basically share the same opinion then Very Happy

Jesper is ADORABLE. Oh god, his pleading in "Wenn Ich Dien Speigel Waar" is so believeable. Martin Pasching does a good job at it too. And so does Lukas Perlman! Oh god, let us not forget how awesome Lukas is in the role! As for Jesper's Der Tod, he's okay, from what I've seen. But, I always like his Rudolf more.

Who's your favorite Franz Joseph? That's always a difficult question because everyone seems to dislike him.
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Post  Miss von Krolock Wed Jan 27, 2010 12:30 am

ML6 wrote:Who's your favorite Franz Joseph? That's always a difficult question because everyone seems to dislike him.

I think I'd have to say Markus Pol simply because he's the only one I've seen live and I really enjoyed his performance - he didn't come across boring like others. Though Christian Alexander Müller seemed to be very good too, judging by the tidbits I've seen.
Do people actually dislike Franz-Joseph?
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Post  ML6 Wed Jan 27, 2010 12:50 am

Miss von Krolock wrote:
ML6 wrote:Who's your favorite Franz Joseph? That's always a difficult question because everyone seems to dislike him.

I think I'd have to say Markus Pol simply because he's the only one I've seen live and I really enjoyed his performance - he didn't come across boring like others. Though Christian Alexander Müller seemed to be very good too, judging by the tidbits I've seen.
Do people actually dislike Franz-Joseph?

Apparently people dislike Franz. Which is sad, because he seems to get so much hate (like Raoul in Phantom). But, it also depends on who plays him (quite like on who plays Raoul). Once again, I really liked MSL. I thought he was adorable in the role. Very childish when need be, but very strict too.

I haven't heard many others that I'd like. But Christian is good? I love his Phantom!
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Post  Miss von Krolock Fri Jan 29, 2010 3:43 pm

I agree with you. I think Franz Joseph and Raoul are similar roles when it comes to appreciation. Maybe because they are less appealing (and also less exciting?) than their opponents (Der Tod and Phantom), they tend to be overlooked, unless the actor playing them is really good and stands out. But I don’t hate Franz. I just find him a bit dull... Razz
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Post  Elisabetta611 Thu Feb 04, 2010 2:42 am

Ah, I'm late! Laughing

Well, Elisabeth is one of the greatest shows ever and surpasses POTO in many ways IMHO. (More innovative, better director, more themes and a better original cast, except for Steve Barton) Musically it's a "drama musical" rather than a Broadway show, it features little to no dancing, no flashy costumes (The Essen production broke with that tradition which IMO did not make sense) but the stage techniques used were and are most advanced, the story concise yet multi-faceted and the music is unlike any musical I have ever heard. I first saw it live in December 1992, 3 months after its world premiere. The original production, played at POTO's former Austrian home the Theater an der Wien, is still unsurpassed in my opinion. (And I've seen them all) Featuring a young Uwe Kröger in his vocal zenith and a blossoming Pia Douwes whose performance was so intense, it caused her to quit after 1 1/2 years... Treasured memories. I also saw the casts that followed but none grabbed me like the original did. The Dutch/Essen production featured too much Sissi kitsch for my taste, while the Vienna revival, though brilliantly cast, was too flashy compared to the stylish and intense original. Both productions were merged in the recent Berlin production (Now on tour) and the result is magnificent. (Our current Elisabeth, Annemieke van Dam screeches too much for my taste however. Esp. that horrid D in "Ich gehör nur mir".)
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Post  ML6 Fri Feb 05, 2010 1:32 am

Elisabetta611 wrote:Ah, I'm late! Laughing

Well, Elisabeth is one of the greatest shows ever and surpasses POTO in many ways IMHO. (More innovative, better director, more themes and a better original cast, except for Steve Barton) Musically it's a "drama musical" rather than a Broadway show, it features little to no dancing, no flashy costumes (The Essen production broke with that tradition which IMO did not make sense) but the stage techniques used were and are most advanced, the story concise yet multi-faceted and the music is unlike any musical I have ever heard. I first saw it live in December 1992, 3 months after its world premiere. The original production, played at POTO's former Austrian home the Theater an der Wien, is still unsurpassed in my opinion. (And I've seen them all) Featuring a young Uwe Kröger in his vocal zenith and a blossoming Pia Douwes whose performance was so intense, it caused her to quit after 1 1/2 years... Treasured memories. I also saw the casts that followed but none grabbed me like the original did. The Dutch/Essen production featured too much Sissi kitsch for my taste, while the Vienna revival, though brilliantly cast, was too flashy compared to the stylish and intense original. Both productions were merged in the recent Berlin production (Now on tour) and the result is magnificent. (Our current Elisabeth, Annemieke van Dam screeches too much for my taste however. Esp. that horrid D in "Ich gehör nur mir".)

Hey hey, I like Annemieke. I think she's okay! She's no Pia (who I think is my fav) but she does a fair job, and she's younger. But, I'll admit - Pia made the role. Here's a question I *do* have for people in Europe, though it just maybe a personal taste thing: Why was the Vienna one so good? I mean, was it the costuming and staging, and the overall fact that Der Tod was more in resemblence of the poet that Elisabeth liked? It may be because I'm just not getting the culturalism of Germany out of it, but I liked the Essen one because the costumes were really lovely. Where as the Vienna one I didn't care for because I didn't like the vines on the dress.

You're the first person I found on the net that actually enjoys the staging of the Berlin tour. Then again, this goes back to my earlier question of why the Vienna version is so well liked. I'm not being mean anything, but I am just so curious and Elisabeth is a musical I love (but I'm not resourceful in my knowledge like Phantom). But the fact you saw the original cast, I thought to ask you. Smile
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Post  Elisabetta611 Sat Feb 20, 2010 1:03 pm

Why was/is the Vienna production regarded to be the best so far? Well, here are my thoughts. Director Harry Kupfer (World famous director in the opera biz) went for symbolism rather than razzle dazzle. This production with its eerie atmosphere, most advanced stage techniques and concise concept broke with many Bway traditions and IMO in a good way. The vines on the dresses are actually symbols of death and decay. (I didn't realize that at first either) Some of the Essen costumes I actually preferred were the Hungarian coronation dress and the varying black dresses the Empress wears in the last act (In Vienna there was only one). I hated the costumes they got for Death however, the Viennese costumes were spot on IMO. (I loathed the changes they made in 2003, ugh) It was and is a production that made me discover new details every time I went to see the show. I miss it dearly.
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Post  ML6 Sat Feb 20, 2010 2:46 pm

Ah! Thank you for explaining to me! Smile ... lol, I love Der Tod's outfit in Essen/Stuttgart. I could do without the black gloves though.

I was watching some making of's when it came to the new tour (or the specials they had on TV) and where as I do like the costumes for the tour, I think the staging is still a little wonky. :\
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Post  IamErik771 Sat Jul 17, 2010 9:15 pm

I'm an "Elisabeth" fan as well... I've never gotten to see it onstage; just video clips here and there, plus the complete performance from the 2005 Vienna cast. Plus, I've heard a few of the cast recordings including Essen, Hungary, Netherlands, Viennese revival, and a couple of the ones from Japan. (Still looking for the original Vienna, though.) I love the story and the music, and I admire many of the performers who've been in it. I admit Pia and Uwe aren't my favorites in their respective roles, but hey... that may change when I hear them in the original production.
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Post  ML6 Sun Jul 18, 2010 5:26 pm

IamErik771 wrote:I'm an "Elisabeth" fan as well... I've never gotten to see it onstage; just video clips here and there, plus the complete performance from the 2005 Vienna cast. Plus, I've heard a few of the cast recordings including Essen, Hungary, Netherlands, Viennese revival, and a couple of the ones from Japan. (Still looking for the original Vienna, though.) I love the story and the music, and I admire many of the performers who've been in it. I admit Pia and Uwe aren't my favorites in their respective roles, but hey... that may change when I hear them in the original production.

You haven't heard the original? Or you haven't found the original? Sometimes, SoundofMusic.de has some awesome deals where a certain musical and all it's cast recordings gets marked down either for the same price or half the price. The Vienna one is REALLY good. Everyone is top notch. Though, I'm not a fan of Andreas Bieber - but he's better than Fritz Schmid from the 2005 DVD.

But. It's interesting, every CD I've heard of Elisabeth (even the Takarazuka casts), they all sound so lovely. It's like Phantom - it has a lot of cast recordings, and each of them sound really good.
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Post  IamErik771 Mon Jul 26, 2010 5:47 pm

ML6 wrote:
IamErik771 wrote:I'm an "Elisabeth" fan as well... I've never gotten to see it onstage; just video clips here and there, plus the complete performance from the 2005 Vienna cast. Plus, I've heard a few of the cast recordings including Essen, Hungary, Netherlands, Viennese revival, and a couple of the ones from Japan. (Still looking for the original Vienna, though.) I love the story and the music, and I admire many of the performers who've been in it. I admit Pia and Uwe aren't my favorites in their respective roles, but hey... that may change when I hear them in the original production.

You haven't heard the original? Or you haven't found the original? Sometimes, SoundofMusic.de has some awesome deals where a certain musical and all it's cast recordings gets marked down either for the same price or half the price. The Vienna one is REALLY good. Everyone is top notch. Though, I'm not a fan of Andreas Bieber - but he's better than Fritz Schmid from the 2005 DVD.

But. It's interesting, every CD I've heard of Elisabeth (even the Takarazuka casts), they all sound so lovely. It's like Phantom - it has a lot of cast recordings, and each of them sound really good.

Yeah, I hadn't gotten a chance to find and listen to the original... but that situation has been remedied! I finally have a copy... and I think Pia and Uwe both sound a LOT better than in more recent recordings/productions. Have to admit Uwe's still not my favourite Der Tod, but I now get why so many people loved him. (His "Der Letzte Tanz" had me a bit taken aback because he sounded really different from just about everything else I've heard him in; his trademark "Uwe-isms" weren't there, and IMO, the track was better for it.)

And I agree; all the casts I've heard have their strong points, and even if I'm not fond of the performers in certain roles, the music always wins me over. Though there are two recordings I wouldn't recommend buying unless you're a HUGE fan of the performers (and maybe not even then) -- the Toho cast albums from Japan. One is modeled after the pre-Essen productions, and the other is post (so it includes "Wenn Ich Tanzen will" and such). Unlike the Takarazuka casts, these feature both male and female performers, and they both have Yuichiro Yamaguchi (1988 Raoul, 1992 Phantom) as Der Tod. I liked him all right in POTO, but for Der Tod, he's just not right... at all. Nearly all his songs had to be transposed into lower keys, and he's simply not a rockish singer in any way. I'm not fond of many of the other performers, either; the only saving grace for me is the lyrics, which were quite well-translated. Plus the fact that some of the songs are more complete than in the Takarazuka versions.
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Post  Titania** Sat Feb 25, 2012 10:32 pm

Why was/is the Vienna production regarded to be the best so far? Well, here are my thoughts. Director Harry Kupfer (World famous director in the opera biz) went for symbolism rather than razzle dazzle. This production with its eerie atmosphere, most advanced stage techniques and concise concept broke with many Bway traditions and IMO in a good way. The vines on the dresses are actually symbols of death and decay. (I didn't realize that at first either) Some of the Essen costumes I actually preferred were the Hungarian coronation dress and the varying black dresses the Empress wears in the last act (In Vienna there was only one). I hated the costumes they got for Death however, the Viennese costumes were spot on IMO. (I loathed the changes they made in 2003, ugh) It was and is a production that made me discover new details every time I went to see the show. I miss it dearly.

I agree with much of what you said. Smile I also love the Viennese version of Elisabeth. Even if I must admit that I ADORE the Wien Revival and its cast also happens to be my favourite (Maya Hakvoort as Elisabeth in particular). Laughing

But since you seem to be well informed about the interpretation of the symbolism in Elisabeth (and you already cleared one of my greatest doubts: what the vines on the dresses are supposed to mean) I shall ask you a question: which interpretation do you give to the ending of the Viennese version of Elisabeth? (Death kissing Eliabeth and then letting her body in the hands of the Angels of Death) Do you think it means that Elisabeth in the end was actually free to be with her lover ecc... or did she just die and so did all her desires of freedom?

Hope I've been clear enough Smile and please, forgive any grammatical mistake (I'm not a native speaker).
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