November 3rd, 2016.
This is a bit of a 'semi-unsanctioned' journal, as I was actually working (*not paid) as a freelancer on behalf of Broadway World for this event. Whether that means I can post these photos, or if so how many, or to what extent I shouldn't is not entirely clear, but for now I'm comfortable with the fact that this website has about as many views as a random five pence piece left in a gutter before it's picked up by somebody worthy.
Also, here's the OFFICIAL website link to my photos in high(er) Rez, plus legitimate commentary by an actual professional. You should totally go there and see real fans of theatre and get real credible information rather than hypothetical cynical commentary.
That said - Theatre! Also - Bat Out Of Hell! Also - MEATLOAF!!
Here's how it went down:
Bat out of Hell. From a time when the only way a man could tell a woman he loved her was a 9minute power ballad and a video clip featuring exploding jeeps, demons and a helicopter chase. My era, in other words :)
Shiny authentic wristband gives me not just access to a pen alongside the stage, but also free drinks afterwards. However, the requirements of an early morning wakeup tomorrow at my Real Job, and my own inherent lack of coolness mean I do not indulge in the drinks offer. Also : I'm an idiot.
"No, nothing special is going on here, mate. I always carry this around with me. It's like your equivalent of having an iPhone on you in case you want to take a photo of something"
"The view from up here is GREAT! Also... can somebody toss me a can of coke?"
Meanwhile on the opposite window : "Dear Mum. What's for dinner. Don't say Meatloaf. That's not funny."
"Ummm... I hope "BAT LOW" is a reference to the event, not my camera.... otherwise my editor is going to be REAL displeased"
Insert youtube link to the videoclip to "I'd Life For You And That's The Truth" Right Here....
Just press play already!
Mesmerised by the video clip. Agrees it needs more helicopter gunships and motorbikes... but not that many more.
I believe this is Michael Cohl, the play's producer. (edited to add : confirmed)
"I know you've come to see Meatloaf and hear electric guitars and smell motorbike fumes.... so I won't keep you from that : but see the play when it starts - it's awesome"
"No, I don't regret being in 'Spiceworld'. I only regret that there wasn't a sequel to 'Fight Club' I could have also been in" - ladies and Gentlemen : MEATLOAF!!
"I just watched 'The Exorcist' again recently and I think I got how this works..."
"R'n'B is the devil's music! It's playing in all the elevators in hell right now, people!!"
"and they're playing Nirvana in heaven's cloakrooms...."
And then, as prophecied / promised, the cast came out to perform three songs from the musical. And, yeah, I am a fan.... enough so that when I learned after coming home that I'd missed a premiere at Curzon Mayfair for "A Streetcat Named Bob" tonight, I wasn't as disappointed as I thought I'd be....
(also I'm keeping the shots mostly black'n'white and with photos different and in lower rez than Broadway Magazine)
"You're all wearing sunglasses, we hope?"
Dramatic! Pose!
(sadly I don't currently have time to acquire an 'alas, poor Yorick' skull I could photoshop into this image)
"No way : I haven't brushed my hair since last March and I'm not about to start now that I've made it into this musical!"
"I'd lie for you and that's...... assuming you're a moral person who wouldn't require it of me"
"I would do anything for love... including a whole lot of anger and spiteful recriminations!!"
"You all know the words : stop air-guitar-ing and SING already!!!"
"Contrary to popular belief, we're actually the cool kids in school!"
Their ongoing domestic argument has hit its 8th minute.... but it's totally rock'n'roll and it's awesome.
"No,. I didn't forget the words : sometimes you just need a dramatic pause. Also... anyone here have a mobile phone I can use Google on quickly?"
Blurry therefore art, I always say.
"This fur scarf is amazing... and even when the temperature drops a few more degrees I won't need this singlet. Just the scarf"
"Genie, I know I wasted my first two wishes on trivial frivolities, but right now I have one wish left and it's either World Peace or a Motorbike.... And I really want a Harley Davidson, genie..."
"He wished for a Harley and now we're all Doomed,
That we'd do the same in his place may be Assumed"
"Do you mind if I stop singing for a moment and ask you all whether you've got an appropriate level of home and contents insurance? Cause my man Wallis is over there and he can set you up with something pretty groovy for a surprisingly low fee of which my commission is almost entirely adequate..... Okay, now back to the song!"
"LIKE a CAT in a WELL I'll be.... oh, wait. This is fully authorised and we can sing the 'Bat' version of the lyrics without getting sued? Awesome!"
"I've got the girl and leather jacket too...
... now please don't make me choose just one of the two"
"I don't know how that thing got up here, but we're going to have to stop the concert until we can convince it to come down. Sorry"
"Fine. It's past most of our bedtimes anyway..."
So.... that was that. If you've stumbled across this little journal, hope you liked it. If not, don't tell anyone!
But feel free to bask in the official use of my photos on a legitimate site here
Until next time!
ps. if you want to know whenever I post a (fully sanctioned) journal, feel free to follow me on facebook at premieresdotco, and/or on twitter @berndt2_photo, or just find me and get me a wristband to cool events and that'd be great too.