Latest news with #LloydWebber
Hypebeast
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hypebeast
LW Entertainment and Qubic Pictures Have Plans To Turn ‘The Phantom of the Opera' Into an Anime
Summary LW Entertainment has revealed plans to develop an anime adaptation ofThe Phantom of the Operamusical, joining forces withQubic Picturesto reimagineAndrew Lloyd Webber's celebrated stage production. The project appears to be part of LW Entertainment's broader portfolio of adaptations and cross-media ventures, which also includes film and publishing initiatives based on Webber's works. Qubic Pictures, headed by veteran producer Justin Leach – known for projects such asStar Wars: VisionsandNetflix'sEdenandLeviathan– will collaborate closely with LW Entertainment on the adaptation. While specific details, including production timelines and creative teams, remain under wraps, the partnership reflects a strategic push to expand the reach of classic theatrical titles through diverse storytelling formats. Inspired by Gaston Leroux's 1910 novel, Webber's musical has enjoyed a remarkable 38-year Broadway run, acclaimed for its sweeping score, lavish staging and enduring romantic tragedy. This project would mark the first major animated interpretation of the musical, offering an opportunity to present its characters, settings and themes through the expressive and visually dynamic lens of animation.
Telegraph
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
Sir Tim Rice: I would consider using AI to help write songs
Sir Tim Rice has said he would consider using artificial intelligence to help write songs. The award-winning songwriter, 80, is best known for writing the hit musicals Evita and Jesus Christ Superstar alongside Lord Lloyd-Webber. Sir Tim told Times Radio he has not yet used artificial intelligence (AI) to help write music but was not opposed to it. He said: 'I'd certainly consider it. I hadn't ever used it. Perhaps I should. 'I was doing a cricket speech at lords and AI had only just come to the attention of the public. I asked it to write a quick Shakespeare sonnet on cricket, which was really quite good. 'So, perhaps I should try it for one or two songs. I've never used it seriously.' When asked whether he had concerns around the use of AI in the arts, he said: 'If I'm honest, no, I'm not sure. 'Nobody quite knows what it will do. I mean, it might create more jobs. Don't ask me how, but these things could happen. It's a bit like saying in 1979, do you think the mobile phone will cause a lot of hassle? And it's got great benefits but also great disadvantages and I wouldn't begin to know that. 'The other thing is, I'm getting on a bit, and I'm not going to [be here] in 20 years' time. I'm not going be too worried about AI unless they can bring me back to life.' The lyricist also praised actress Rachel Zegler for her performance of Eva Peron in the West End production of Evita, a musical that follows the story of Peron as she rises from poverty to become the most powerful woman in Latin America. The 24-year-old has made headlines this summer for singing the musical's most popular number, Don't Cry For Me Argentina, from a balcony outside the London Palladium theatre. Directed by Jamie Lloyd, the artistic choice means passers-by are able to be part of the production and witness the live rendition while ticketed audience members watch the number from a screen inside the theatre. Sir Tim said: 'The cast are excellent. Rachel Zegler is a force of nature, I believe is the cliché best applied. 'She sings it beautifully and the idea of having her going out onto the balcony, into the real street is a work of genius and great work of PR and I enjoyed it.'
Metro
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Andrew Lloyd Webber shares safety fears over Rachel Zegler's Evita stunt
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Andrew Lloyd Webber has weighed in on the row surrounding Rachel Zegler's balcony performance in Evita. The Hollywood star is currently starring as Eva Perón in Jamie Lloyd's new production of Evita at the London Palladium, but one of the most iconic scenes of the show has sparked controversy. A highlight of the musical – which is based on the real life of the Argentine political leader Eva, the second wife of Argentine president Juan Perón – sees Eva sing Don't Cry For Me Argentina as she addresses the crowds from the balcony of the Casa Rosada. In this version of Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's show, Zegler has been belting out the ballad on a balcony outside the Palladium, with theatregoers inside watching on a screen. Now, theatre icon Lloyd Webber has addressed the drama, and admitted he has some concerns about the backlash rather than the artistic choice itself. 'Rachel Zelger is absolutely amazing in it. I'm only a little bit worried that it might get out of hand,' he said on Friday's Good Morning Britain. 'The crowds now turning up outside the Palladium, now the audience in the theatre sees the crowd outside, and it's kinda like the real deal,' he added. Fans have pointed out that Jamie Lloyd's production choice actually mirrors Eva's kinship with the poor people in Argentina. With so many people gathering each night now to catch the unique West End moment, Lloyd Webber is worried that there could come a point where they need to stop. He said: 'But, I don't know, you just hope it doesn't become such a big thing that we're not allowed to do it.' To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video The balcony stunt has caused uproar among some attendees, who have expressed how 'disappointed' they would be after paying to see the show, only to not actually see one of Evita's pivotal scenes in the flesh. Theatrewithmaila wrote on Instagram: 'So excited to see her, but not sure how I feel about paying £££ and one of the most iconic songs performed isnt even on stage. (sic)' Others said they were 'very unimpressed' and 'fuming' by the decision, arguing that Zegler wouldn't receive 'her biggest applause' from the audience because of it. However, some people pointed out the decision was a smart move given the nature of the show. Pebbles The Radbbit wrote: 'Genius promo. You watch it as a 'peasant' on the street and then go and see it as a rich person. More Trending 'People saying 'I'd be fuming' as if they couldn't go and see it the other 364 days of the year on the street – if anything it's making it MORE accessible.' Meanwhile, Metro's music expert Danni Scott got a first hand experience of the balcony performance and admitted it changed her mind. 'As a child, I only saw one West End show; had that been this production of Evita, I'd have been devastated to miss out on the big number,' she wrote. 'However, having seen Rachel perform Don't Cry For Me Argentina on the balcony of the London Palladium, my feelings have changed. I realised it was exactly people in my position growing up that she was singing for.' Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Met Police deploying dedicated patrols to protect women and girls at concerts this summer MORE: Christian group threatens Westminster Council over 'indoctrinating' pride flags MORE: £20 Pan-Indian feast from a Michelin-starred chef: 10 unmissable Time Out deals
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First Post
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- First Post
Snow White star Rachel Zegler serenades the crowd for free in a new London production of ‘Evita'
News has spread quickly since the show began previews this week, and hundreds have gathered outside the historic venue in London's West End theaterland to enjoy the free serenade by the 'Snow White' star. read more In a new production of 'Evita,' one of the biggest moments isn't on the stage. Midway through the show, Rachel Zegler, playing Argentine first lady Eva Perón, emerges onto an exterior balcony at the London Palladium and sings 'Don't Cry for Me, Argentina,' to whoever is passing by below. The performance is streamed back on video to the audience inside. News has spread quickly since the show began previews this week, and hundreds have gathered outside the historic venue in London's West End theaterland to enjoy the free serenade by the ' Snow White ' star. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The show's composer, Andrew Lloyd Webber, said that it makes for 'an extraordinary moment' in his musical about a woman who rose from poverty to power and was adored by the masses. 'Within the theater, it's really exciting because suddenly you see her with a genuine huge crowd, which you can't do onstage,' Lloyd Webber told The Associated Press on Thursday. 'I think there will be people who are disappointed that she hasn't sung it live in the theater, but I think it's goinag to be greatly outweighed by the theatricality of using film in that way.' The decision by director Jamie Lloyd has sparked some grumbling from ticketholders who paid up to 245 pounds ($330) for a seat, only for the musical's most famous number to be sung offstage. It's a technique Lloyd has used before. He had a character in 'Sunset Boulevard' perform a song while walking down the street outside the theater, and his production of 'Romeo and Juliet' saw star Tom Holland play a key scene on the theater roof. Theater blogger Carl Woodward told the BBC that he could understand why some theatregoers who'd forked out for a ticket felt 'a bit aggrieved,' since 'a trip to the theater for some is really a once-a-year occasion.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD But Lloyd Webber cited an opinion piece in The Times of London noting that the gesture is 'kind of what Eva Perón would have wanted — that people are actually experiencing her big anthem, as it were, for free.'
San Francisco Chronicle
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- San Francisco Chronicle
Rachel Zegler serenades the crowd for free in a new London production of 'Evita'
LONDON (AP) — In a new production of 'Evita,' one of the biggest moments isn't on the stage. Midway through the show, Rachel Zegler, playing Argentine first lady Eva Perón, emerges onto an exterior balcony at the London Palladium and sings 'Don't Cry for Me, Argentina,' to whoever is passing by below. The performance is streamed back on video to the audience inside. News has spread quickly since the show began previews this week, and hundreds have gathered outside the historic venue in London's West End theaterland to enjoy the free serenade by the 'Snow White' star. The show's composer, Andrew Lloyd Webber, said that it makes for 'an extraordinary moment' in his musical about a woman who rose from poverty to power and was adored by the masses. 'Within the theater, it's really exciting because suddenly you see her with a genuine huge crowd, which you can't do onstage,' Lloyd Webber told The Associated Press on Thursday. 'I think there will be people who are disappointed that she hasn't sung it live in the theater, but I think it's goinag to be greatly outweighed by the theatricality of using film in that way." The decision by director Jamie Lloyd has sparked some grumbling from ticketholders who paid up to 245 pounds ($330) for a seat, only for the musical's most famous number to be sung offstage. It's a technique Lloyd has used before. He had a character in 'Sunset Boulevard' perform a song while walking down the street outside the theater, and his production of 'Romeo and Juliet' saw star Tom Holland play a key scene on the theater roof. Theater blogger Carl Woodward told the BBC that he could understand why some theatregoers who'd forked out for a ticket felt 'a bit aggrieved,' since 'a trip to the theater for some is really a once-a-year occasion.' But Lloyd Webber cited an opinion piece in The Times of London noting that the gesture is 'kind of what Eva Perón would have wanted — that people are actually experiencing her big anthem, as it were, for free.' ___ Lizzie Knight contributed to this report.
