Search - Andrew Lloyd Webber, Ben Elton :: The Beautiful Game (Original 2000 London Cast)

A beautiful game, a beautiful show. It is missed in USA.

thinkingoutloud | Columbus, Ohio United States | 10/02/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The was one of the last shows I saw in England in the summer of 2001 - pre 9/11. I suggest the previous reviewer go back and listen to the words of wisdom when love triumphs over hate (and vice versa).I believe this to be the most simplistic of Webber & Co.'s musicals and to me, it really works. Twenty people, a bare stage and boundless energy in the singing and dancing give this musical its edge before you start thinking about its politics. It reminded me of how youth is wasted on silly stuff, much in the way WEST SIDE STORY did a two generations ago.We are not a soccer country. Many Americans know no more about Ireland than what happens on St. Patrick's Day (Green beer?). But we do understand sport, love, sex, loyalty, betrayal and internicine strife. Just image white and black instead of English and Irish, and you might get the picture.Did I mention that the music is wonderful? Lyrical? Did I mention that the music was "singable" (people left the theatre singing)? Sometimes, we need a little sparkle without the glitz. If I could get away directing this musical with Palestinians and Israelis -- and still make it work (because it would), I would choose this one to direct in any university in America. The London production was that good. The music is that good. The book is that good.Take back the fangs and listen to the music. Be innocent again, and listen to a simple musical with straightforward motives. I hear that it will never come to the US. Unfortunate. It is surely needed.If you like musical theatre, buy the CD. If you are inspired when soccer players defy gravity, then imagine such deftness of foot in a musical and buy the CD. If you are curious about England and Ireland, buy the CD. If you want to be conscientious about world events aesthetically recreated, but still want to enjoy something soooo beautiful in its intent and execution, buy the CD. It is worth every cent."