Reviews/opinions about "Sailor - The Musical Journey":
" Georg Kajanus:
"I've experienced a great many emotional events during my career: from the wondrous to the hideous; from the ecstatic to the tragic. What I experienced on the evening of the 3rd of July, 2006, in a place called Dunfermline, Scotland, was one of the most tender and exciting moments to date. It was the world premiere of Bill Blenman's: 'Sailor - The Musical Journey'.
A couple of years ago, Bill contacted me with the idea of using songs that I had previously written for SAILOR as a kind of road map for the story of his musical. On opening night, I was confronted with an enormously enthusiastic cast of some considerable size pouring themselves into their parts as if they had become the very characters they were playing. Bill had managed to realize his dream through the heart warming and romantic story of his book, and against all odds, had found the finance to stage this imaginative production for a six night run for charity at the well-known Carnegie Hall.
Considering this was an amateur production, I was very impressed with the quality of the acting, directing, singing, dancing, musical arrangements and the set and costumes.
Georg Kajanus"
" Bill Blenman:
"'Sailor - The Musical Journey' is now finished, its World Premiere run, and by all accounts has been acclaimed as a success. The energy and enthusiasm of the cast grow ten fold as the week progressed. 'Sailor - The Musical Journey' has in some respect recreated SAILOR in a new form. The songs that Georg wrote all those years ago now have a new life and are as visual as well as they are brilliant pieces of music.
To see the sheer joy on Georg's face at the end of the show is a memory that will live with me forever. To also see the dedicated SAILOR fans enjoy their favourite music in a new form, show that this was a long but rewarding task. It has been said by many that this show has to be done again but on a bigger stage. Then to that extreme I hope that someone out in the theatre world thinks the same. I know that Georg and Steve Morris think the same and I believe that they will try and promote the show. But what ever happens 'Sailor - The Musical Journey' will be talked about for a long time.
To all that supported this show you have my heart felt gratitude.
We are at the minute in dry dock, till we sail again.
Bill Blenman, Author and Producer 'Sailor - The Musical Journey'"
" "We sailed (well, flew) the long way from Germany via Frankfurt, London and Southampton to see the opening night on Monday and really have to say that the world premiere was an absolutely MARVELLOUS experience. Congratulations to Bill Blenman and the whole cast and crew for getting such an incredible show with all the great songs that we know and love together with such a wonderful story for the world to see. This Musical doesn't just keep the music of SAILOR alive, it opens up a whole new horizon... Everybody go out and see it if you can! It's an impressive show that has been put together with a lot of love, enthusiasm and dedication!"
(Katrin Wagner)
" "Just got home from a great night out at 'Sailor - The Musical Journey' at the Carnegie Hall, Dunfermline. What a great show! Songs and cast were fantastic. Well done to all involved." (Barclay)
" "Caught the show tonight and I must congratulate everyone on all the hard work they've put into mounting the show - really interesting to see a completely new show."
"
" "Good to see something new and something performed with such enthusiasm."
" "What Bill Blenman got going there is a real delicacy for every SAILOR fan. The warm welcome at the opening night and also after the second show (Turesday) in the middle of all the actors turned the whole thing into a very special experience for me." (Richard Rummel)
" "Champagne for everyone!
Something truly remarkable happened in Scotland last week when the long-awaited 'Sailor - The Musical Journey' finally made it to the stage. What has been created is something which can stand proudly alongside any other modern musical and I can only hope that there will be someone out there in the world of theatrical promotions who will find a way of bringing this amazing piece of work to a wider audience.
For Eileen and myself, our journey started early on Saturday morning. When we arrived in Dunfermline we quickly located the Carnegie Hall and took our first few pictures. After meeting up with Susanne from Germany, we spent the day being tourists (Edinburgh is currently full of cow parade cows!!) before getting ready for the show. Dunfermline itself is a fairly small town but it has a wealth of history and is well worth exploring.
As you would expect, we arrived early at the theatre and were warmly greeted by Bill Blenman. It is his vision and determination which has created this show and it is wonderful to find a man who never lost sight of achieving his dream. This was the final night and, being Saturday, there was a good turn out in the theatre. From the opening number of 'The Old Nickelodeon Sound' I was swept away into a world of sailors, bars, ladies of the night and a touching story of one man's struggle to be reunited with the woman he loves. The order in which the songs have been placed works so well in providing the perfect soundtrack for this heart-warming story. It is amazing how well SAILOR's songs work as show tunes. Obviously that is down to the fact that these are great songs in the first place but it also reflect the hard work of people like Alan Gibson, the Musical Director, in adapting the music so effectively for this show.
This was a large cast, made up entirely of local people with limited experience but bags of enthusiasm. This enthusiasm and energy was evident in every moment throughout the show. This was performance number six and I suspect, like most shows, the performers had got better and better as the week progressed. From where I sat in the second row, Saturday's performance was faultless and the enjoyment of the cast in performing it was clearly there throughout. The two new songs, 'Bumpety Bump' and 'A Woman Like Me' were perfect for the show and as strong as anything else Georg has written. It would be unfair to anyone in the cast to single out personal highlights and to be honest, I'm not sure I can. The truth is I loved ever moment from start to finish - you were all brilliant!!
After the cast had taken their bows, Bill came on stage to say a few personal thank you's to the cast and to all those people backstage who had made this project possible. Emotions were running high and there were plenty of tears (mine included) but everyone deserved their moment in the spotlight. Bill also mentioned Susanne, who had seen the show several times during the week and, like me, was amazed by what this local group of people had achieved.
We were kindly invited along to the after-show party at the King Malcolm Hotel where the cast, quite rightly, enjoyed a few drinks to celebrate a successful run. There was a touching moment when the DJ was asked to stop playing modern dance music and start playing SAILOR tunes instead. We were then treated to the sight of the cast recreating their dance routines from the show on the dance floor. This was no longer for the benefit of an audience but was for the pure enjoyment of doing it for themselves. It was quite extraordinary to witness just how this cast seemed to have taken to the whole feel of SAILOR music to their hearts. If ever the band now play Dunfermline, they should get an exceptional welcome.
This was a fantastic production and an amazing tribute to the work of a band that I have followed for over 30 years. I understand that Georg Kajanus has already let Bill and the cast know just how good he thought their production was. To be honest, that is the only tribute necessary and any words from me or anyone else therefore seem rather superfluous. However, for the record, I loved it!!! More importantly, there is now a real musical in existence based around the songs of SAILOR and, looking forward, this could just be the very best way of ensuring that SAILOR's music is brought to the attention of new generations of fans.
WELL DONE to everyone involved - you are all stars. Thank you for making it happen!!"
Malcolm Knowles
What can I say, where do I start?
If you are involved in the Amateur theatrical scene it can be difficult not to constantly analyse all the many aspects that go into putting any production you go and see, our audiences that go to shows and have no other involvement aside from being patrons have the advantage of not over 'thinking' about the show, they are able to simply enjoy the evenings entertainment, maybe enjoy a particular Friend/family members performance. Not us, that is the great sacrifice we make when we embark on an amateur 'career' so it is a rare thing when I encounter a production which allows me that two hours of total escape, one which lets me enjoy it for what it was and to let myself journey along into the story without knowing where it will end.
Last night I went to see 'Sailor-A Musical Journey'
Last night I saw one of the most enjoyable pieces of theatre I have ever seen
Today I have nothing but admiration for the sheer volume of work put in by all involved and I unreservedly applaud them one and all.
It is all too easy for the embittered in our environment to pick fault with productions for whatever reason but would any of them have the bravery to mount a production of this scale? I don't think so.
This was a production which dared to be different and did so with resounding success. This was a production of sheer originality, a premiere inspired by a long standing body of work by a band from foreign shores which struck a chord with a local man, a man who had never before written anything but who felt compelled enough and empowered enough to follow his dream and take that risk that his dream would be shared by others. It was.
To Bill Blenman I offer my sincere congratulations. You did it Bill, you have lived the dream and from someone who doesn't have your bottle I salute you! You deserve to sleep for a year but i know you wont. I know this journey will continue for you.
To Alan & Theresa & Irene, well done, you should be proud of your work on this, it was a long time in the melting pot but it was worth it in the end.
To the Company, You gave every last drop of your beings to that performance, as I'm sure you gave done all week. You should all be very proud of your achievement.
This story will continue I have no doubts about that, as with any work it will change and improve even further and It will be performed again, and it deserves to, it is new and daring and how could those of us outside that company do anything other than offer our support to it. I will leave the in depth reviews to others who are paid to offer their opinions and those others who may be to small minded to accept that this has broadened the horizons of amateur theatre.
I am disappointed that more of the public have not deemed this endeavour worthy of their attendance as it benefits two great causes but I know it's success will continue. I am sure Georg Kajanus is extremely proud of your work. You have certainly inspired me to investigate the works of Sailor.
CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU ALL!
Logged
________________________________________
"If all the world is a stage......Where are the audience sitting?"
mark@scottishtheatreforum.com
WWW.GRIEVEWORLD.com
" Georg Kajanus:
"I've experienced a great many emotional events during my career: from the wondrous to the hideous; from the ecstatic to the tragic. What I experienced on the evening of the 3rd of July, 2006, in a place called Dunfermline, Scotland, was one of the most tender and exciting moments to date. It was the world premiere of Bill Blenman's: 'Sailor - The Musical Journey'.
A couple of years ago, Bill contacted me with the idea of using songs that I had previously written for SAILOR as a kind of road map for the story of his musical. On opening night, I was confronted with an enormously enthusiastic cast of some considerable size pouring themselves into their parts as if they had become the very characters they were playing. Bill had managed to realize his dream through the heart warming and romantic story of his book, and against all odds, had found the finance to stage this imaginative production for a six night run for charity at the well-known Carnegie Hall.
Considering this was an amateur production, I was very impressed with the quality of the acting, directing, singing, dancing, musical arrangements and the set and costumes.
Georg Kajanus"
" Bill Blenman:
"'Sailor - The Musical Journey' is now finished, its World Premiere run, and by all accounts has been acclaimed as a success. The energy and enthusiasm of the cast grow ten fold as the week progressed. 'Sailor - The Musical Journey' has in some respect recreated SAILOR in a new form. The songs that Georg wrote all those years ago now have a new life and are as visual as well as they are brilliant pieces of music.
To see the sheer joy on Georg's face at the end of the show is a memory that will live with me forever. To also see the dedicated SAILOR fans enjoy their favourite music in a new form, show that this was a long but rewarding task. It has been said by many that this show has to be done again but on a bigger stage. Then to that extreme I hope that someone out in the theatre world thinks the same. I know that Georg and Steve Morris think the same and I believe that they will try and promote the show. But what ever happens 'Sailor - The Musical Journey' will be talked about for a long time.
To all that supported this show you have my heart felt gratitude.
We are at the minute in dry dock, till we sail again.
Bill Blenman, Author and Producer 'Sailor - The Musical Journey'"
" "We sailed (well, flew) the long way from Germany via Frankfurt, London and Southampton to see the opening night on Monday and really have to say that the world premiere was an absolutely MARVELLOUS experience. Congratulations to Bill Blenman and the whole cast and crew for getting such an incredible show with all the great songs that we know and love together with such a wonderful story for the world to see. This Musical doesn't just keep the music of SAILOR alive, it opens up a whole new horizon... Everybody go out and see it if you can! It's an impressive show that has been put together with a lot of love, enthusiasm and dedication!"
(Katrin Wagner)
" "Just got home from a great night out at 'Sailor - The Musical Journey' at the Carnegie Hall, Dunfermline. What a great show! Songs and cast were fantastic. Well done to all involved." (Barclay)
" "Caught the show tonight and I must congratulate everyone on all the hard work they've put into mounting the show - really interesting to see a completely new show."
"
" "Good to see something new and something performed with such enthusiasm."
" "What Bill Blenman got going there is a real delicacy for every SAILOR fan. The warm welcome at the opening night and also after the second show (Turesday) in the middle of all the actors turned the whole thing into a very special experience for me." (Richard Rummel)
" "Champagne for everyone!
Something truly remarkable happened in Scotland last week when the long-awaited 'Sailor - The Musical Journey' finally made it to the stage. What has been created is something which can stand proudly alongside any other modern musical and I can only hope that there will be someone out there in the world of theatrical promotions who will find a way of bringing this amazing piece of work to a wider audience.
For Eileen and myself, our journey started early on Saturday morning. When we arrived in Dunfermline we quickly located the Carnegie Hall and took our first few pictures. After meeting up with Susanne from Germany, we spent the day being tourists (Edinburgh is currently full of cow parade cows!!) before getting ready for the show. Dunfermline itself is a fairly small town but it has a wealth of history and is well worth exploring.
As you would expect, we arrived early at the theatre and were warmly greeted by Bill Blenman. It is his vision and determination which has created this show and it is wonderful to find a man who never lost sight of achieving his dream. This was the final night and, being Saturday, there was a good turn out in the theatre. From the opening number of 'The Old Nickelodeon Sound' I was swept away into a world of sailors, bars, ladies of the night and a touching story of one man's struggle to be reunited with the woman he loves. The order in which the songs have been placed works so well in providing the perfect soundtrack for this heart-warming story. It is amazing how well SAILOR's songs work as show tunes. Obviously that is down to the fact that these are great songs in the first place but it also reflect the hard work of people like Alan Gibson, the Musical Director, in adapting the music so effectively for this show.
This was a large cast, made up entirely of local people with limited experience but bags of enthusiasm. This enthusiasm and energy was evident in every moment throughout the show. This was performance number six and I suspect, like most shows, the performers had got better and better as the week progressed. From where I sat in the second row, Saturday's performance was faultless and the enjoyment of the cast in performing it was clearly there throughout. The two new songs, 'Bumpety Bump' and 'A Woman Like Me' were perfect for the show and as strong as anything else Georg has written. It would be unfair to anyone in the cast to single out personal highlights and to be honest, I'm not sure I can. The truth is I loved ever moment from start to finish - you were all brilliant!!
After the cast had taken their bows, Bill came on stage to say a few personal thank you's to the cast and to all those people backstage who had made this project possible. Emotions were running high and there were plenty of tears (mine included) but everyone deserved their moment in the spotlight. Bill also mentioned Susanne, who had seen the show several times during the week and, like me, was amazed by what this local group of people had achieved.
We were kindly invited along to the after-show party at the King Malcolm Hotel where the cast, quite rightly, enjoyed a few drinks to celebrate a successful run. There was a touching moment when the DJ was asked to stop playing modern dance music and start playing SAILOR tunes instead. We were then treated to the sight of the cast recreating their dance routines from the show on the dance floor. This was no longer for the benefit of an audience but was for the pure enjoyment of doing it for themselves. It was quite extraordinary to witness just how this cast seemed to have taken to the whole feel of SAILOR music to their hearts. If ever the band now play Dunfermline, they should get an exceptional welcome.
This was a fantastic production and an amazing tribute to the work of a band that I have followed for over 30 years. I understand that Georg Kajanus has already let Bill and the cast know just how good he thought their production was. To be honest, that is the only tribute necessary and any words from me or anyone else therefore seem rather superfluous. However, for the record, I loved it!!! More importantly, there is now a real musical in existence based around the songs of SAILOR and, looking forward, this could just be the very best way of ensuring that SAILOR's music is brought to the attention of new generations of fans.
WELL DONE to everyone involved - you are all stars. Thank you for making it happen!!"
Malcolm Knowles
What can I say, where do I start?
If you are involved in the Amateur theatrical scene it can be difficult not to constantly analyse all the many aspects that go into putting any production you go and see, our audiences that go to shows and have no other involvement aside from being patrons have the advantage of not over 'thinking' about the show, they are able to simply enjoy the evenings entertainment, maybe enjoy a particular Friend/family members performance. Not us, that is the great sacrifice we make when we embark on an amateur 'career' so it is a rare thing when I encounter a production which allows me that two hours of total escape, one which lets me enjoy it for what it was and to let myself journey along into the story without knowing where it will end.
Last night I went to see 'Sailor-A Musical Journey'
Last night I saw one of the most enjoyable pieces of theatre I have ever seen
Today I have nothing but admiration for the sheer volume of work put in by all involved and I unreservedly applaud them one and all.
It is all too easy for the embittered in our environment to pick fault with productions for whatever reason but would any of them have the bravery to mount a production of this scale? I don't think so.
This was a production which dared to be different and did so with resounding success. This was a production of sheer originality, a premiere inspired by a long standing body of work by a band from foreign shores which struck a chord with a local man, a man who had never before written anything but who felt compelled enough and empowered enough to follow his dream and take that risk that his dream would be shared by others. It was.
To Bill Blenman I offer my sincere congratulations. You did it Bill, you have lived the dream and from someone who doesn't have your bottle I salute you! You deserve to sleep for a year but i know you wont. I know this journey will continue for you.
To Alan & Theresa & Irene, well done, you should be proud of your work on this, it was a long time in the melting pot but it was worth it in the end.
To the Company, You gave every last drop of your beings to that performance, as I'm sure you gave done all week. You should all be very proud of your achievement.
This story will continue I have no doubts about that, as with any work it will change and improve even further and It will be performed again, and it deserves to, it is new and daring and how could those of us outside that company do anything other than offer our support to it. I will leave the in depth reviews to others who are paid to offer their opinions and those others who may be to small minded to accept that this has broadened the horizons of amateur theatre.
I am disappointed that more of the public have not deemed this endeavour worthy of their attendance as it benefits two great causes but I know it's success will continue. I am sure Georg Kajanus is extremely proud of your work. You have certainly inspired me to investigate the works of Sailor.
CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU ALL!
Logged
________________________________________
"If all the world is a stage......Where are the audience sitting?"
mark@scottishtheatreforum.com
WWW.GRIEVEWORLD.com
Sailor The Musical Journey.was a one off production based on the music and lyrics of Georg Kajanus
At present the musical devised by Bill Blenman from his original story is now under the workig title of "JOSEPHINE", New music is being written on the theme of a rock musical,
The rights for the music and lyrics by Georg kajanus in 'Sailor The Musical Journey' by Bill Blenman are not available for future performances. The script remains an original by Bill Blenman
At present the musical devised by Bill Blenman from his original story is now under the workig title of "JOSEPHINE", New music is being written on the theme of a rock musical,
The rights for the music and lyrics by Georg kajanus in 'Sailor The Musical Journey' by Bill Blenman are not available for future performances. The script remains an original by Bill Blenman
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