Adam Baboolal 10.10.2006 15:04 |
Well... today I had a bit of a shock as I read my theatre newsletter. I whisked through the lines and thought I saw Rock You. I glanced up and there it was... My youth theatre is going to be putting on a WWRY show this coming March! They've bought a blooming license to put it on. I swear I had no idea as I was going to leave after this Xmas' panto. But damn... I'm gonna have to rethink staying for this!! However, I'm having some niggling thoughts about the situation that could arise, e.g. not enough good singers in the group, inferior lighting and possibly no live band. I'd fight for the last part as my older brother used to have a tribute band a few years back and would be able to put something together again. And I really wouldn't want them to get the backing track stuff cause a live band would be awesome. Anyone else in a group that is possibly up for the chance to perform their own amateur production of WWRY? What would your own thoughts be about it? Adam. |
john bodega 11.10.2006 09:57 |
Damn! I wish someone around here would consider such a thing! |
Wiley 11.10.2006 11:38 |
I am actually considering buying a license and putting up a WWRY production next year here in the Monterrey Institute of Technology in Monterrey, Mexico. My sister and some friends produced a student version of the Dance of the Vampires last year and it was great. I want to have some of that staff to make something like WWRY. Someone in Monterrey, Tech, Campus Guadalajara already made a production called "Ensamble" with excerpts from We Will Rock You, but it was not the whole show. They even have clips on YouTube under the name "Ensamble X" or something like that. I might do it in Monterrey next year but I have many things to sort out before that. And the fact that it has to be a non-profit event kinda collides with the fact of me being unemployed and wanting to get a job at the moment (I just finished my masters degree). So... I'd like to do it, I've talked to some actors, singers and musicians, but there's nothing written in stone still. See ya, Wiley |
Adam Baboolal 11.10.2006 12:11 |
Nice one. Very interesting to hear that Wiley. Obviously you guys (Ensamble X) are really good at what you do as I can see in the Youtube videos. The theatre I'm in is a youth group with folk from 6-to-25 years old folk. And it's usually very difficult to put the effort and energy in because these kids have less enthusiasm for working at the shows. Baffles myself and a few others, but thankfully we have a pro team in the music, dance and direction dept. this year and it's going to be really well done. But still those darn kids..! Anyway, the license is £120 and that gives you 8 performances over an 18 month date and also the score, scripts and the help/advice from the London group. I'm going to grill my comittee on the details when I get back on the 23rd Oct. Adam. |
Wiley 11.10.2006 14:26 |
Ensamble X (as in 10th Ensamble) was made in Campus Guadalajara and I studied in Campus Monterrey. I don't know anyone from Campus Guadalajara but I just saw this on YouTube and noticed they were from my University (ITESM) but a different campus. Actually, "Ensambles" in Monterrey are usually better than what you saw in YouTube but this happens when they are organized by the institute's Cultural Difusion Department because they have lots of talented people, they can use the theater for free, they have the crew, etc. I will try to suggest someone at that deparment to consider doing the musical but if it is not possible, we'll try to do it as a student group, just like my sister's friends did Dance of the Vampires. With pretty much no budget at all, they borrowed costumes from the theater, someone's dad provided the robotic lights for illumination, lots of enthusiast musicians and everyone did it for free. Yet the production was great. |
Adam Baboolal 17.12.2006 12:18 |
Audition time. Yup, time is upon us for the WWRY show to begin, so wish me luck tomorrow folks. The auditions are on around 6pm and we're going to be singing solo, bit of dancing (yikes! Not my thing!!) and I think maybe running through a scene or two. Unfortunately I missed last week's runthrough on what would be happening for this coming audition as my GF bought tickets for (shock) the touring Mamma Mia show! Actually, it was pretty good. Lots of fun and great laughs, too. But now, after going through the panto with the new pro group, I have no reservations about their presentation of the show. The lighting was great, the dancing was much more varied than usual and the show proved far better than in previous years. They even pulled some good singers out of the fold! I'm sure this will be a goodun'! It's great that they're actually trying to teach us all about proper techniques in putting together a show, rather than just giving a script out, practicing and then putting it on stage. I'm very happy with them for getting the results! Although, I just wish they'd consider some kind of band idea for WWRY. I almost laughed when the guy said a backing track would be better because you couldn't get anyone to play all those riffs, etc. I just looked at my buddy's with a, "what the..?!!" look on my face. I wish I'd brought my guitar and amp in to show him otherwise!! Though, I have heard the backing track and it does sound pretty cool. Still think I could put something better together! The guitars sounded kinda odd. I mean, they did use Brian's type of equipment, didn't they? Adam. |
Deacon Fan 17.12.2006 13:05 |
I've written my own version to be performed privately here in my bedroom for my cat. Didn't even need a license! Rehearsals start next week! Woohoo! |
Adam Baboolal 18.12.2006 17:20 |
Well, it went pretty well. The dancing wasn't too bad, but heck, that wasn't why I was there, so that's cool. Then came the singing/acting auditions... As soon as I walked into the room, they director said, "right, we'll start with Bohemian Rhapsody." Shit! Then he said to try I Want To Break Free and after that, he put on CrazyLTCL. No real problems, except BoRhap at the mama ooh-ooh-ooh-oooh.. bits was pretty hard. I just didn't want to screw up, so didn't go for it. He was surprised and said my singing was really good and thought I had the right voice for the part. Probably because the last time I auditioned in front of him, I was dire! Really bad. Anyway, then I left the room and hung around a little longer to see a mate off. Another guy who I talked to had also gone for the lead part and only sang two of the tracks. which made me feel pretty good! So, I was gonna ask... Is there anyone near the Hamilton, Scotland area? Just letting you know that this is where the show will be. Anyway, I think it went really well. Just think since I'm the oldest, I won't be considered for the lead. But heck, that's what I auditioned for, so if not, nothing lost. I gave it a go. Adam. |
Adam Baboolal 08.01.2007 17:30 |
Well... I GOT THE LEAD PART!!! WOOO HOOOO!! It's also started selling tickets even before we've got a rehearsal in! I'll ask again, is anyone near the town who would make an appearance? Anyway, I have a question. The director said it'd be the first performance of the show in Scotland. Is this true? One of the other girls said her friend was doing something in a neighbouring town, so who knows?! Adam. |
falsetto 08.01.2007 21:08 |
aww fuck. i'd love to be involved in something like that but you people are too far away what songs did you get to sing? i hope it's not stone cold crazy :O |
YourValentine 09.01.2007 04:12 |
Good luck with the shows, Adam. I am sure you will have a lot of fun. I have seen the musical but I do not remember which songs "Galileo" sings. The role also requires some acting skills, so you must be good :) Any chance that someone videotapes the show, so we can all see you? |
Adam Baboolal 09.01.2007 07:40 |
falsetto wrote: aww fuck. i'd love to be involved in something like that but you people are too far away what songs did you get to sing? i hope it's not stone cold crazy :OEhm... I did the same as at the first audition, except in a different order - Started with Break Free then Bo Rhap and finally Crazy Little Thing. Then the director rushes through the doors (we're in the foyer singing this stuff!) into the hall where everyone's doing harmonies on I Want It All (!) and he comes back with the two girls who must've been up for the Scaramouche role! I swear I didn't have a clue I'd got it until later when he lined myself up with a girl and my m8 up with another girl (his GF no less) and thought I might not get it cause he'd want a younger bunch. But then he revealed he had Galileo, Scaramouche, Meat and Britney. I'm more confident about these folk cause I know them and they're good singers. The director even got me thinking when he said he's going to have scaffolding up at the sides of the stage just like it was a concert! I'm really glad this guy came into the theatre. Just a shame I'm gonna leave after this show. He really knows what he's doing. Something I wish had been in-place years ago. Adam. |
Adam Baboolal 09.01.2007 16:49 |
YourValentine wrote: Good luck with the shows, Adam. I am sure you will have a lot of fun. I have seen the musical but I do not remember which songs "Galileo" sings. The role also requires some acting skills, so you must be good :) Any chance that someone videotapes the show, so we can all see you?Acting skills..? Erm.. better than they used to be, so I'm happy. The script's massive and probably won't be done in full. But the songs Galileo does are: ====Act One==== I Want To Break Free Under Pressure Headlong Crazy little Thing Called Love (just a bit) ====Act Two==== Who Wants To Live Forever Hammer To Fall Headlong (A little bit while scene changes) We Will Rock You We Are Champions Bohemian Rhapsody I think that's the running order of tracks I'll be involved in. There are still those amongst us that can play instruments that would like a real band rather than backing tracks, myself included. Though, from what I've heard, they're not that bad. Still, I think the guitars could be meatier sounding. Adam. |
dogwithabone 09.01.2007 17:32 |
Hi Adam. Wish you all the best in this once in a lifetime opportunity. Depending on when the show is I might even come to cheer you on! Keep us posted on developments. |
Adam Baboolal 09.01.2007 17:47 |
Thanks and will do on the updates when necessary. I'd like to point out that there are two shows in the one day (March 22nd). The first is a matinee in the afternoon and the 2nd is later at night. I'm curious about the next rehearsal for an interesting reason. I've offered my amp to the musical director at the next rehearsal because her keyboard was very quiet. It's my Vox Ad50vt! So.. ahem.. I'm also taking along my Brian May guitar to have some fun before rehearsal begins! Hee hee!! *gets looks* Oh come on... you'd do the same thing! lol Adam. |
Adam Baboolal 13.03.2007 19:23 |
Alright folks. Here we are... Next Thursday is the show date. We've had our troubles, but we're getting into show mode for next week. Really looking forward to it now. Just one thing I need to ask though. For anyone who has seen the show, you'll know who plays guitar at the end. Yeah... about that part. For some reason, and don't ask me whyyyyy cause I really don't know and think it's weird, Galileo, can suddenly play at the end. Hmm... I don't like it cause it's not supposed to be Galileo. Anyway, the question is this, do you think this is a mistake? A bad change? It's not sitting well in my mind and I want to gauge the reaction to this change here. Of course, the upside to the change is that I may be able to bring my equipment down and play some bits live at the very end. Thoughts please..! Thanks, Adam. |
The Real Wizard 14.03.2007 00:54 |
Who says you have to replicate it exactly? I'd definitely welcome your changes to the show, as long as it still flows well. Best of luck, Adam! |
bigV 14.03.2007 03:52 |
Just out of curiousity - how much does it cost to purchase a license to put up WWRY? V. |
Adam Baboolal 14.03.2007 07:04 |
Thanks for that. The license, I believe, costs about £120. Adam. |
bigV 14.03.2007 07:39 |
Thanks for the info, Adam :) Now if only I could get a school here in Bulgaria to put up WWRY... and cast me as Britney... :D Er... nevermind. V. |
JoxerTheDeityPirate 14.03.2007 15:44 |
Al Gore is manipulating the weather wrote: I've written my own version to be performed privately here in my bedroom for my cat. Didn't even need a license! Rehearsals start next week! Woohoo!so will you be Performing Bubbles Frightened Pussy next week? :-] |
Adam Baboolal 22.03.2007 06:41 |
Okay. Last night we did a full run with lights and sounds and it was cool. Unfortunately, the director has decided I'm not playing guitar for real. So I have to mime like a loony and he thinks stupid air guitar moves will look better. What a tool. Bit annoyed at that to be honest. But I still went out and kicked some ass. But from my perspective, Queen fans want to hear the fabled guitar for real. Not some recording of it. Hopefully, tomorrow I'll have some good audio/video to show you. Don't know if I'll get any put up on the web anytime soon though. Will just have to see how things move with the cameras and audio recordings tonight. Anyway, while we didn't have an audience, we all felt it came together. Can't wait to experience the crowd tonight!! But there's just one last runthrough this afternoon, then...we wait. Adam. |
The Real Wizard 22.03.2007 13:39 |
Adam Baboolal wrote: Unfortunately, the director has decided I'm not playing guitar for real. So I have to mime like a loony and he thinks stupid air guitar moves will look better.What? This was decided on the day of dress rehearsal? What kind of idiot are you working for? Besides, wasn't this entire WWRY thing your idea in the first place? |
Adam Baboolal 22.03.2007 20:37 |
First of all. I'm back from our official Scotland premiere and it seriously rocked! The audience were pretty incredible and that really boosted us all into it! Now SirGH, you think the guitar playing thing being removed was bad, get this... They decided NOT to use my Red Special and used some crappy strat copy! Weird ass shit, if you ask me. Something about it maybe getting damaged. But I couldn't see that happening. I'm sure I heard some slight murmers in the audience when I brandished that one to the audience! Real shame I didn't have mine up there cause I'd ordered some new plastics to make it look slightly more authentic and even stuck a sixpence on the headstock! lol I was all set to get it setup for the show. Oh well... Anyway, the most important thing in the end is that I got to sing those fantastic songs for an audience and got some great reactions. I hope to share some kind of audio/video. Unfortunately, I couldn't get the soundboard mix. :( But at least I have some video and an audience recording. Adam. |
The Real Wizard 22.03.2007 23:50 |
Good job, Adam. Looking forward to hearing something from it. Have you changed it much from the London version, or did you stay true to the original? |
Adam Baboolal 23.03.2007 08:40 |
Here's audio hot off the press! I want to break free - link If you wanna hear anything specific, let me know. Adam. |
The Real Wizard 23.03.2007 15:58 |
Sounds good! I can't tell if the guitar tone is close to Brian's, because the recording isn't pristine... but overall, it's great! Is the music done live? |
Adam Baboolal 23.03.2007 16:21 |
Nah, the music isn't live. It was all backing track stuff provided with the WWRY license. The guitar bits sound, mostly, good. Sometimes I didn't like little things like the borhap solo cause it's not quite 100% or the guitar in One Vision cause it sounded really thin. Wish we'd had the cash to get a band but it cost a lot to get things running with set, etc. This August, when we come back for 2 more shows, I'll make sure and push my guitar in place this time. It just has to be there next time! It will be mine..oh yes..! I'll see if I can get some video up somewhere soon. I'll hopefully capture the vids tonight. Adam. |
Adam Baboolal 02.04.2007 12:25 |
Well, I've progressed past scene 2 in my editing and thought I'd start uploading bits to my Youtube account. Here's I Want To Break Free - link Adam. |
Adam Baboolal 10.08.2007 06:05 |
Wow, that 5 months gap really passed by...not! Folks, next Friday is our WWRY show in Hamilton, up in Scotland. If you can make it, please come along. It's probably the last time we'll get to do it. 2 shows spanning 5 months...what a waste of a license! But it's a great experience! I've also bought hi-def cameras to capture the show and then I'll put together the definitive dvd. Looking forward to that alone. We're starting rehearsals back tomorrow, so cross your fingers it'll be ok for us! Anyway, there are still a few tickets left and it'd be nice to have some extra support. Adam. |
Adam Baboolal 18.08.2007 05:21 |
Report! It was a damned good show. I really enjoyed it and even got the red special involved. That was cool. There were plans for me to play it, but because of some crappy lights causing noise through my amp, we had to axe it. Stupid lights!! There were a few audio tech bugs in the show due to a new guy behind the audio desk. Methinks I should put it for being the replacement audio guy at the hall!! Seriously... *contemplates* Anyway, got some hi-def footage and I'll try putting something up here soon. Adam. |
IllusionalGirl 21.08.2007 16:22 |
I heard about the WWRY for schools last year. Sounded like a great idea to me. But my school sucked so they performed Grease instead. How original ¬.¬ |
Adam Baboolal 21.08.2007 17:52 |
I think I said something about our group when I first read about the idea. Basically, I didn't think we had the singing talent amongst our group. However, that was a premature thought because even the director didn't know I could sing the way I could. And once we got a cast together, it was obvious that there were a good few people there that really could sing. I was impressed. Something I couldn't have said before about many people in our theatre group. A very nice surprise. Anyway, I'm sad to see the show go. Such a shame we couldn't do anymore shows. It's been a real dream to live and breathe Queen songs on-stage in a show like that. I'm really gonna miss it. There ain't another show like it. Adam. P.S. I'll try and get some video up on youtube soon. Just have to see when... |
Adam Baboolal 06.09.2007 09:11 |
Some promo shots: link - Caught by the fuzz link - Look what I found! link - Me n the gang Adam. |
YourValentine 06.09.2007 10:53 |
I would like to view the pics but when I click on them I am directed to the myspace.com main page and asked to create an account. |
its_a_hard_life 26994 06.09.2007 10:56 |
Adam Baboolal wrote: Some promo shots: link - Caught by the fuzz link - Look what I found! link - Me n the gang Adam.I see the pictures! Wow, you look great with the Red Special! :D |
Adam Baboolal 06.09.2007 14:24 |
YourValentine wrote: I would like to view the pics but when I click on them I am directed to the myspace.com main page and asked to create an account.I've uploaded them somewhere more accessible: link link link link link I've also added some extra snaps from my camera footage. Adam. |
YourValentine 06.09.2007 15:14 |
Thank you, Adam looks like a lot of fun:) |
Adam Baboolal 10.10.2007 21:31 |
link Am starting to upload videos again. Here's our Under Pressure rehearsal bit. Adam. |
GeorgeDrums 21.11.2007 19:22 |
Adam. First of all congratulations for this production. It look pretty good, and your singing sounded very good. Now the thing is, I would love to do a local production of WWRY in my hometown (Guadalajara-Mexico). I saw the WWRY Toronto production and totally blew me away, it was more than awesome...!!!. The roblem is I haven't been able to find the license info, to get in touch with. Could you please, please share your info...?. You can post it in here, or send it to my e-mail address: jorgeatanasio@hotmail.com Thanks in advance for your help. |
Adam Baboolal 21.11.2007 19:35 |
link |