"The Critics Speak"

I really should have posted this sooner, but better late than never I suppose. Here is Neil expressing his thoughts on the show, along with his delight for the reviews. Courtesy of neilsedaka.com.

THE CRITICS SPEAK!
04.14.10

Neil is totally knocked out by the continued positive response Laughter in the Rain is receiving. Neil is equally enthralled by the entire cast, especially Wayne Smith's portrayal of Neil. Here is what the critics think.
"What made this production a standout was that the trials and tribulations of his life were slipped in effortlessly without the audience feeling that it was any old excuse for a song." - Gordon Clayton - EdinburghGuide.com

“Even the true fans in the audience could find nothing to complain about in the way in which Wayne Smith put across favorite numbers like Oh! Carol, Solitaire, and Laughter in the Rain.” – Gerry Parker – Crackerjack

“This is a great show with slick, seamless performances by all of cast. Not to be missed for entertainment value; Loads of fun, great cast and brilliant music.” – Lynda Ford – behindthearras.com

“As this show goes on, you wonder how it can get any better...and it does.” – Geoff Billingsley – theatreworldinternetmagazine.com


“Laughter in the Rain” is a smashing night out and a fine tribute to a man who brought fun and melody to the charts. – Richard L. Lewis - Nowt2Do.Com

"Wayne Smith's Sedaka is remarkably convincing and charming." - Josie Balfour - Edinburgh Evening News

NEIL SEDAKA RUNS AWAY WITH THE CIRCUS

Well not really, but topping the previous entry has been proving to be difficult, and to be evidently still is.

What I am waiting for is some exclusive news or content which has been previously unseen or unpublished..BUT heres a little something to keep you occupied in the meantime. You only have FOUR DAYS to listen to this but is well worth it.

BBC RADIO 2 - FROM BROOKLYN TO BRILL

Neil Sedaka in Carmen?

Yesterday I blogged about an old friend of Neil's possibly writing a short piece about him, and I woke up to a lovely tribute to Neil from them.

"I met Neil in high school . . Abraham Lincoln HS in Brooklyn. I was a senior; Neil was a junior. We were putting on our senior class play; a take-off on Carmen. We needed a musical accompaniment and Neil was the best! Neil was the nicest, sweetest, modest young man who took total command of the 88's! At the tender age of 13, he composed some of the most beautiful love songs.Neil was a quite a talent."

So there we have it- Neil Sedaka at school! I didn't think that the blog would reach quite so many people, and its amazing that out of all this I got a wonderful account of Neil Sedaka from an Old School friend! Quite amazing!!

I'm not sure how I'm going to top this post but fear not I will keep working to do so...watch this space....

Neil performing with the cast in Bromley

As promised heres the footage of Neil performing with the cast on opening night in Bromley. The footage is take by the directors wife, so we are very forutnate to have it for this blog!!!

From bygone years...

I was contacted today by an old School friend of Neil Sedaka's, who said he was a "very sweet, likeable person" I have asked her to write a tribute to Neil telling us all about what he was like in his school days, and also asked if she ever saw him play, and if so what was it like?! Hopefully she will get back in touch soon and we can get a fascinating insight into what it was like to be around Neil when he was a youngster.

However, I cannot guarantee that she will do this for me, but the contact I have had with her got me thinking about life before Laughter In The Rain - specifically what the wonderful cast were up to before the tour began! Enjoy these snaps from memory lane....


Wayne Smith (Neil Sedaka) as the Pharoh in Joseph



Ed Handoll (Howie) as Buddy in Buddy Holly



Keiran Brown (Elton John/ Tony Christie) in a Kilt



Jody Crosier (Seymour/Professor/Barry Manilow) as Prince Charming



Julia Farino (Eleanor Sedaka) as Cosette in Les Miserables




Alistair Natkiel (Don Kirshner) as Grand Duke Dimitri in Rasputin



Caroline Dennis (Aunt Ann/Mrs Grenfield/Mrs Strassberg) as Liza Minelli



Jade Sampson (Ronnie Sedaka) performing with 7th Wonder



Charlie Adams (David/Stoller/Messenger) as Ugly Sister in Cinderella



Carla Freeman (Aunt Molly/Connie Francis/Cynthia Weil) as Maria Elena Holly in Buddy

Eddie Cochran: A Tribute

Edward Ray Cochran (October 3, 1938 – April 17, 1960) As we approach the 50 year anniversary of the death of Eddie Cochran, it seems only right that a blog with content such as our own should pay tribute to such a great musician. So enjoy the clip below, probably his greatest hit- "Summertime Blues".

How Exciting! Just when I thought today was going to be an unsuccessful days blogging I recieve an email from Bill Kenwrights office, with their official promotional footage for my blog!!!!

They are really excited about the online following that has emerged surrounding the show and keen to provide me with more material for the site- including some footage of Neil Sedaka on stage with the performers, filmed by the show's direcotr's wife!! Watch this space for that- in the meantime, enojoy some of the highlights of Laughter In The Rain!