Playbill reports that the Houdini musical The Impossible Man made its world premiere at the Ariston Theatre in Sanremo, Italy. The play was performed in English. Producers are hoping to open a full run of the show on October 31, 2026, marking the centennial of Houdini's death.
The musical features Ryan Silverman as Houdini, Alice Mistroni as Bess, and Lewis Griffiths as Theo. The show is written and directed by Federico Bellone, with music by Giovanni Maria Lori. More than 20 stage illusions were devised by Paolo Carta. Choreography is by Gillian Bruce.
It looks so goooooood!! *crying* - Abby Martin
ReplyDeleteWhen they posted some sample songs a few years back, I really liked what I saw. But I confess I don't love what I'm seeing in this video. "I'm proud to be a symbol of hope for those willing to realize their dreams." Gak!
ReplyDeleteYeah… it is kinda showing him as the arrogant meathead that many people perceive him as. d’Illusion did the same thing kinda. I still liked it… except for Theo kissing Bess. What was that about? Lol. But I’m still excited! 😆 ❤️One thing you need to know about me is that I love musicals! I’ll keep an open mind anyway even if the portrayal kind of irks me. Cause I know in the back of my mind, I’m coming in as a fan and someone who loves Harry deeply. - Abby Martin
DeleteAlso for d’Illusion, why did they make Harry’s dad such a jerk? I didn’t like that either! 😭 Wasn’t he supportive of his sons bringing in any income for the family at the time? Guess to heighten the drama? I dunno. - Abby Martin
DeleteYeah, that's the old trope of the rabbi disapproving of his showbiz son. It's right out of The Jazz Singer. Makes for easy conflict. Of course, in real life, it was Rabbi Weiss who took Ehrich to see his first magician (allegedly).
DeleteI also like musicals, and I think the stage is the right place for Houdini's story. Theo kissing Bess... That can go back to the fact that it was Theo who first dated Bess, but she threw him over for his charismatic older brother. That's kinda good for drama. Back in the before times, I pitched a "Brothers Houdini" movie to Oliver Stone's company, believe it or not, and Dash's unrequited feelings for Bess was part of the story.
DeleteDo you think in an alternate universe Bess and Theo would’ve actually ended up together? 🙃 Asking for no particular reason whatsoever. (ahem… fanfiction things… ahem) - Abby Martin
DeleteAnything is possible in an alternate universe. :)
DeleteAnother thing that throws me in this video is the actors who play Houdini and Theo look exactly the same to me. I can't tell who's kissing who! Maybe just me.
DeleteThey are brothers, just saying
DeleteThey need to add some freaking curls to those dudes hair dang it! I’ll be the happiest girl alive if they give Harry and Theo distinct curly hairstyles like I did in my comic. At least so I’m not confused! 😂
DeleteI had Harry have black hair with his curls parted at the back on the sides and Theo has a tuff of hair at the front and he has kind of a curly top going on and his hair is more brown in my comic. They are brothers and they look similar but at least I drew them to tell them apart. It’s what I love about character design. Now that you bring that up John, this is going to bother me. 🤣 - Abby Martin
I wish I could show you pictures on here so I can show you what I mean but you can find my comics on my Instagram to find them. - Abby Martin
DeleteMy feeling is this video is all about drawing backers for a U.S. run, and as Ryan Silverman has Broadway cred, I think they want him to be very recognizable here. If the play happens, I expect he'll be made up to resemble Houdini more.
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