I'm a huge fan of these Euro/British mega-musicals as that's what I grew up with. That being said, they're just not as successful anymore outside of their originating areas. Rebecca certainly has a lot of great earworms (or Ohrwürmer as is the case in Vienna), but there is a huge disconnect between the musical style and the time period. I know that it's purposefully written in the pop vernacular, but I can't quite put my finger on why I don't buy it. I have no problems with shows like Jesus Christ Superstar, Les Mis, Phantom or even Levay & Kunze's own Elisabeth or Mozart!. Rebecca just irks me a bit. That's not to say that I don't enjoy bits of the score, but I don't see it going over well in the UK or the US.
One one hand, it seems like a great idea to retool this piece since it's a bit old-fashioned, even though it only premiered 16 years ago. On the other hand, after Tanz der Vampire's rewriting and ultimate fate on Broadway, I think it may be best just to leave Rebecca alone. I do not in any way, shape or form mean to imply that Rebecca comes anywhere near the original Tanz der Vampire's brilliance (it's damn fun theatre), but things could go from bad to worse in a hurry if they start futzing with Rebecca.
I understand that the musical's original source novel is the reason why Rebecca has been the chosen show to be produced in English-speaking countries, but I do wish that Elisabeth had been given the same opportunity. It is far more inventive and developed, plus the score is a stunner, pop music or not. |
