Newsnight Review of Gone With The Wind the Musical

[Charmedfan2010]

While I agree this was a terrible idea, I must point out to the people who are saying the English shouldn't have done this because they don't understand America and the Civil War, Vivien Leigh was an English woman who flawlessly brought Scarlett to life on screen. Hell- she WAS Scarlett.

[castalbumload]

One word - Ouch.

[dobyrulestheworld]

English people should definitely not try to make such an epic story about southern America. they just dont get it. and that southern accent was just awful...:/

[mrkittyisthedevil]

clearly, the british don't understand the south, let alone america, and i'm not just talking about the civil war and the south, but how gwtw is not a morality tale taking sides on issue. it's about a woman hell bent on protecting her home and family, from her sick family members, to her children, her servants, her mammy, and the red earth that rules her world. the celtic pagan overtones are prominent themes throughout and subversive. remember, it was written during the era of jim crow, not now

[TheConciseStatement]

@mrkittyisthedevil

You never know - could be revenge for Match Point. Christ, what an abomination. Every critic on both sides of the Atlantic who praised that rubbish, needs to be shipped off to Poland and gassed. (Two stars.)

[ouihotpot]

I am sooo glad that the show got canceled and that I got a refund before I went to see it!

[dawnzone]

Look the french musical!

[ConcertInTheSquare]

DARIUS IN CHARITY CONCERT

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See Darius perform live on Sat 6th March 2010 in London. He will be singing at Concert In The Square (@SquareConcert on Twitter) to help raise much needed money for Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research.

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[SweenysLover]

He's a little harsh. Great cast, bad script. Plain and simple

[Treblemaker09]

I love musicals-they are on my top 10 or so of my favorite things EVER. But so is GWTW. The book and the movie. But trying to make a musical out of the greatest book/movie masterpiece OF ALL TIME just. can't. work.

[LikeToTryToBeGood]

Wow this musical had to be more than crap, these guys told a lot of bad things... and the last sentence is.. too sad, i like the movie

[stumpy457]

Their Southern accents are fairly awful...but I suppose we mangle British accents when we give a go at English shows and works...! XD

[SweeneylovesLovett]

I like the idea of a play version Gone with the Wind, but yes the music isn't memorable.

[webluva198]

It was more like a play with music. It was probably a mistake to promote it as ...the musical.

I would love to see this version of Gone With The Wind revived and performed with all the cut scenes restored, in 2 parts like Nicholas Nickelby.

[summerandsmoke]

These people obviously don't know the beautiful French musical of "Autant En Emporte Le Vent," based on "Gone With the Wind." Anyone here know that show? If not, look it up. Beautiful music, wonderful sets, gorgeous costumes etc. Need I say more?

[valorie179]

I saw " autant en emporte le vent la comédie musical" and I agree, the guy who play Rhett, Vincent Niclo (or Niclot) was reaaaaallllyyy sexy.

[OohcoolProductions]

I saw the entire show (On youtube somewhere.)

I loved their sets and acting, but the music was a little too modern for my tastes.

They also changed a little too much for me to enjoy it.

But the sets/costumes were eyecandy!!

[dawnzone]

@OohcoolProductions Do you know the musical French? I think it is much better ... Musically already. And the costumes seem to be replicas of those of the french show.

[OohcoolProductions]

@dawnzone I think this one (The London one) is better than the french one. I mean, the French one took a good stab at it, but they just skimmed over too much for me to enjoy it, and changed a lot of things. Also, they got the entire war wrong, as viewed in the opening song. The music just did not fit at all. good music? Sure. Gone With The Wind worthy? No, not at all.

The London one wasn't perfect, but at least they got everything correct and got into the core of the book.

[PurushaDesa]

Oh God, it's every artist's nightmare, the worst type of review - it's terrible, and yet not even terrible enough to be joyously terrible.

[patriciazoeburke]

Ahhh, Darius Danesh was an excellent choice for Rhett... I'm just afraid that Gone With The Wind will never translate well onto the stage. That's a shame, because it's SUCH a wonderful, moving story with AMAZING characters... and I'll tell you right now, if there's one role I'd want to play, it'd be Scarlett... *sigh*

[xsketic]

This is appalling it shoudlnt be aloud they've ruined a classic in 2 minutes :|

[RyanDrummoud1234]

the movie sucks ass

[webluva198]

Each to his own. I saw the show 3 times and really enjoyed it and there was a standing ovation at all 3 performances.

The video clips shown here are from the dress rehearsal before the previews.

These critics make a lot of a few lyrics they don't like and some irksome narration but politics of racism seems the underlying moan.

At least they praise the cast and David Aaronovitch agrees that Darius has a wonderful voice and accent. Clark Gable singing is a fair compliment.

[gabrielpinvid]

horrible horrible show worst thing in my life, so glad it closed!

[daffodilsunshine]

Gone With the Wind is my favorite book and movie. I was in London when this opened and had to admit I was a little curious at just how this was going to be pulled off. The story and the characters just don't seem right for singing and dancing. I really am glad I went to see Phantom instead. If I had gone to see this, it might have ruined my love for all things GWTW. Now that it's closed, I can just pretend this musical never happened.

[carbine125]

dont listen to these critics i went to see the play it was great they got a standing ovation so i ask you to make up your own minds. so maybe to book was better but why do we have to go see somethin and immediatley contratict it to the book i thought it was quite faithful if you love the book so much then go and read it if you love plays then go and watch this

[RubyCosmos]

Morbid curiosity leads me to want to see the 'Fiddler on the Roof' scene.

[byrnegirl141]

Rhet Butler is Spanish in this version?

[PurpleKnight08]

This is rubish, I liked the film but the musical is rubbish, god it has failed so much

[summerandsmoke]

I hate to say it - but it kinda makes sense that it failed. First of all: it's all American themes (they might have had a better chance opening in New York.) British people aren't going to have sympathy and understanding for the torment and torture of the Civil War. And second, Margaret Martin has never written a play before - and they put her first play on the West End? You have to walk before you can run!

[ritchiegang]

saw this musical lasot half price tickets (prob because of reviews) dress circle was upgraded and therfore stayed empty. No i would not rush back and see it, but i did enjoy it, songs were not catchy but cast were very good

[countrygirltori]

omg I cannot imagine this on Broadway. My curiosity is getting the best of me and I kinda want to see it tho. haha they mention humpty dumpty?

[jarts220]

This is bullshit...It is the best musical I have seen in London! We Will Rock You on the other hand...now there's a winner. I hope it comes to Broadway. It will be widely successful.

[ZachHonkUgly]

I couldnt agree more?