Summary of Podcast Episode: Andrew Lloyd Webber's New Musical: THE ILLUSIONIST | Everything We Know About the Upcoming Show

Podcast Information:

• Title: MickeyJoTheatre
• Host/Author: MickeyJoTheatre (Micky Jo)
• Episode: Andrew Lloyd Webber's New Musical: THE ILLUSIONIST | Everything We Know About the Upcoming Show
• Release Date: October 28, 2024

Introduction

In this episode of MickeyJoTheatre, host Micky Jo delves into the exciting announcement of Andrew Lloyd Webber's upcoming musical, "The Illusionist." Transitioning from an unexpected topic, Micky Jo shares insights into the new production, exploring its development, creative team, and what audiences can anticipate from this highly-anticipated show.

The Big Announcement

Micky Jo begins by recounting how the announcement of Andrew Lloyd Webber's new musical altered his planned content for the day. He expresses his enthusiasm and cautious optimism about the project:

"Andrew Lloyd Webber has a brand new musical. Oh my God." ([00:00])

He highlights the significance of Lloyd Webber unveiling a new show, especially through an exclusive with Deadline, underscoring the production's high profile in the theatre community.

Production Details

Title and Scope:

• Title: The Illusionist
• Planned Locations: West End and Broadway

Micky Jo emphasizes the dual-platform release strategy, comparing it to Lloyd Webber's previous successes like Cinderella and Sunset Boulevard. This approach ensures that the musical reaches a broader audience, regardless of its performance in London prior to Broadway.

"Andrew Lloyd Webber has unveiled his new West End and Broadway musical. They're calling it a West End and Broadway musical... it has plans to happen on both continents." ([Transcript Reference])

Creative Team:

• Director: Jamie Lloyd (known for his work on Sunset Boulevard)
• Producer: Michael Harrison
• Book Writer: Chris Terrio (Oscar-winning screenwriter)
• Lyricist: Bruno Major, a contemporary British singer-songwriter

Micky Jo discusses the collaboration between Lloyd Webber and Jamie Lloyd, noting the director's shift from reviving classic plays to developing new musical works. This partnership is seen as a fresh dynamic that could breathe new life into Lloyd Webber's compositions.

"It is going to be directed by Sunset Boulevard's Jamie Lloyd. This is huge news..." ([Transcript Reference])

The Musical's Concept and Inspirations

Setting and Inspiration:

• Based on: Partially inspired by the 2006 film "The Illusionist," which in turn was based on a novella by Stephen Milhouser.
• Setting: Vienna, 1900

Micky Jo explains that while the musical draws inspiration from the film, it aims to transcend a mere adaptation by integrating historical elements from Vienna's vibrant cultural scene at the turn of the century.

"The production's partially inspired, partially by the 2006 movie of the same name... based on a novella called the Illusionist." ([Transcript Reference])

Themes:

• Magical Romance: The story revolves around Edouard Eisenheim, an illusionist, and his love for Sophie, set against the backdrop of a society grappling with the thin line between illusion and reality.
• Historical Context: Incorporates elements from the era, including influences from Sigmund Freud’s psychoanalytical theories and Arnold Schoenberg's revolutionary music techniques.

"He points to the cultural, societal and psychological breakthroughs involving, for instance, Sigmund Freud and his psychoanalytical theories and Arnold Schoenberg's revolutionary music techniques." ([Transcript Reference])

Musical Score and Songs

Micky Jo shares exclusive insights into the early drafts of the musical's score, revealing three key numbers:

1. "Invincible"

   • Theme: A powerful ballad sung by the protagonist after facing familial rejection.
   • Comparison: Reminiscent of the beginning of the film Coco.

2. "I Only Came to Say Goodbye"

   • Theme: A sweeping love song with a haunting melody.
   • Insight: Lloyd Webber balances contemporary influences with his classic compositional style.

3. "Always Everything to Me"

   • Theme: A passionate love anthem, highlighted as the standout piece of the draft.
   • Host's Commentary: "It's a classic," says Harrison, breaking the silence. True, I can forever boast." ([Transcript Reference])

"Lloyd Webber performed an early draft of his score to Jamie Lloyd earlier this year... shared that Deadline has an exclusive preview of three of the several numbers he has so far scored." ([Transcript Reference])

Integration of Illusions

A significant aspect of "The Illusionist" is its incorporation of magical illusions:

• Key Illusion: The ability to make a person disappear in front of the audience.
• Other Elements: Several coup d'état magical moments that are crucial to the narrative.

Micky Jo discusses the importance of designing these illusions from the outset, ensuring they enhance the storytelling without overshadowing the dramatic elements.

"There is an illusion, Lloyd Webber divulges, where we can literally disappear somebody in front of the audience." ([Transcript Reference])

He speculates on potential illusion designers who might be involved, mentioning John Bellade and Jamie Harrison, both renowned for their work in theatre magic.

Creative Collaboration and Dynamics

The partnership between Lloyd Webber and Jamie Lloyd is a focal point of the discussion. Micky Jo highlights the potential for this collaboration to redefine Lloyd Webber's creative output:

"This creative collaboration, I think, is going to push both of them in the directions I would like to see them pushed." ([Transcript Reference])

He expresses optimism that Lloyd Webber, at 76, can infuse youthful energy into the production, while Jamie Lloyd brings a flair for color, illusion, and spectacle.

Historical Context and Story Development

Micky Jo delves into the historical backdrop of the musical, emphasizing Vienna's role as a melting pot of ideas and innovations in 1900. This setting provides a rich tapestry for the narrative, intertwining romance with societal upheaval.

"The musical will conjure up a fascinating period of history where the city was this melting pot... implementations, ideas, everything." ([Transcript Reference])

He also touches upon character development, particularly the expansion of Sophie’s role, making her a catalyst for the plot’s progression.

"He and Terrio have expanded the Sophie character. We've made her very much in the second act, the catalyst of everything that happens, which is quite different from the movie." ([Transcript Reference])

Challenges and Future Prospects

While expressing excitement, Micky Jo also acknowledges the challenges ahead:

• Timing: No confirmed opening date, though a workshop presentation is anticipated.
• Venue Selection: Uncertainty about whether the show will premiere in London or New York.
• Creative Integration: Ensuring the score complements the narrative and illusions effectively.

Despite these uncertainties, the host remains optimistic about the collaboration's potential to produce a standout musical.

"I am, I will say it again, cautiously optimistic and excited." ([Transcript Reference])

Conclusion and Reflections

Micky Jo concludes by reflecting on the broader theatre landscape, advocating for support of emerging writers and diverse creatives alongside established figures like Lloyd Webber. He underscores the importance of nurturing new talent to enrich the industry.

"This is what we like to hear, Andrew says Lloyd Webber... having a new Lloyd Webber musical to look forward to in the West End and on Broadway." ([Transcript Reference])

He invites listeners to share their thoughts on the upcoming musical, emphasizing community engagement and anticipation for future updates.

"Let me know in the comments section down below. Do we think this is worth getting really excited over? Do we think, I mean, it's early days yet, but do we think this is going to be a big hit?" ([Transcript Reference])

Notable Quotes:

• "Andrew Lloyd Webber has a brand new musical. Oh my God." – Micky Jo ([00:00])
• "It is going to be directed by Sunset Boulevard's Jamie Lloyd. This is huge news..." – Micky Jo ([Timestamp])
• "This is the theatrical partnership that British theatre has been needing." – Micky Jo ([Transcript Reference])

Final Thoughts

Micky Jo's detailed exploration of Andrew Lloyd Webber's "The Illusionist" offers listeners a comprehensive understanding of the musical's inception, creative direction, and the potential impact it may have on modern theatre. His balanced perspective, combining enthusiasm with critical insights, provides a nuanced view of what promises to be a significant addition to Lloyd Webber's illustrious portfolio.