This seems to be premiering on 25th January 15 in Aberdeen
http://www.rbwf.org.uk/events/robert-burns-the-musical-premiere/
Robert Burns The Musical is a new musical by Tish Tindall based upon an idea by David Gest & Michael Jackson and the life and works of Robert Burns.
The World Premiere of Robert Burns The Musical (starring David Gest, Tish Tindall and an undiscovered Scottish cast) will take place in Aberdeen at the Tivoli Theatre on 25th January 2015.
This project started in Hollywood – you may have seen some mention of it in the national press:
“After years of rumour about their actual existence Hollywood producer David Gest has rediscovered the original recordings of
12 songs adapted from the poems of Robert Burns which were produced by himself and Michael Jackson over 20 years ago. The recordings composed by Paul Allan Johnson were created to be part of a live stage musical written by George Rosie entitled “Red Red Rose” which starring John Barrowman was performed once in Holland in 1996. It was intended for the stage musical to continue under the direction of Hollywood legends Gene Kelly and Anthony Perkins but unfortunately before the project got underway, both gentleman died and the musical has been on hold ever since.”
David wanted somebody to breathe new life into the project so
Tish Tindall or The Rock Academy of Performing Arts(RAPA) gave it a new life all together…wrote a brand new show and auditioned people from all over Scotland to be part of this ‘once in a lifetime’ opportunity.
Tish and Diane knew that this story, the story of a real person – the story of a man who’s weakness is as much of a USP as his genius – had to be told by real people. It had to be told by undiscovered, hard working people with a pride of worth.
This new show; Robert Burns The Musical, has been described by those involved as sitting somewhere between Blood Brothers & Les Miserables. I just think it works! It is a combination of the words of a National Hero and
the words, arrangements and melodies of a Lassie who was born in Glasgow, brought up in Aberdeenshire and now lives and works on the Moray Coast running Rock Academy Performing Arts (RAPA) with Diane Aspinall.
RAPA is the North of Scotland’s Leading Performing Arts College with part-time, full-time, HNC, HND, bespoke, evening and weekend courses. Rock Academy Performing Arts in Lossiemouth is the only Private College north of the Central Belt of Scotland to be offering SQA approved HNC & HND full time courses in Musical Theatre and Professional Dance Performance. Students study the technique and performance of Acting, Choreography, Dance and Singing whilst gaining an essential knowledge and understanding of the social and historical context of each art form. This kind of training combined with endless local and national performance opportunities and the international connections RAPA has worked hard to secure has been developed by RAPA specifically for Moray so that our ‘talented hopefuls’ do not have to upstick to the ‘Big Smoke’ to gain a foothold onto the ladder of success.
Testimonials: In a statement from BBCs ‘The Voice UK’, a spokesperson for the show’s production team commented: “The Rock Academy introduced us to some brilliant singers last week ahead of our open auditions in summer. Tish Tindall and her team are providing singers of Moray with an excellent opportunity”. Peter McKay, PR Consultant and Owner McKay Media, Inverness stated: “Having worked closely with Tish and Diane for almost 3 years, I have seen the rapid progress made at RAPA. Due to their tireless work guiding and inspiring students of all ages, RAPA now has a solid and well-deserved reputation throughout the UK as a Centre of excellence in the performing arts. Tish especially has concentrated on building contacts and relationships in Scotland, London and beyond which are now starting to pay real dividends for those she cares so passionately about – her students.” Richard Smith, London based Event Producer & Agent commented: “The work of Tish, Diane and Rock Academy is grabbing the attention of TV & Radio producers all over. Incredible as they are based so far north. I want them to move down here but at the moment they are far too stubborn and passionate about creating opportunities for Moray. My advice to you all is use them or lose them because we want RAPA down here!”
The crowning moment in the show’s development to date, came with a statement made by Alison C Tait, CEO of the Robert Burns World Federation after she took the time to venture up to Lossie’ to watch rehearsals:
The Robert Burns World Federation is delighted to support the Rock Academy’s production of Robert Burns the Musical and we look forward to working closely with Tish Tindall, Diane Aspinall and her team to progress this amazing piece of contemporary work based on the life of Robert Burns. Every year something new comes forward about Robert Burns – sometimes a letter, sometimes a manuscript, sometimes music, but the Rock Academy production is the most innovative, exciting and dynamic news we have had for many years and moves it emphatically from a “should see” to a “must see” category unlocking Robert Burns from the 18th century to the 21st. Alison C Tait CEO RBWF
This show is a “MUST SEE” for so many reasons. The most dedicated undiscovered cast, David Gest* in a cameo role in as Tam ‘o’ Shanter, and Robert Burns – living now! Robert Burns The Musical will touch the heart of the nation. It is made in Scotland and I believe will very soon, become one of Scotland’s greatest exports.
https://www.facebook.com/robertburnsthemusical
Tickets can be booked via The Rock Academy of Performing Arts
Tel: 01343 813111
Doors open: 7:15pm
But I have also seen this:
*Due to clashing commitments, Gest will not be in the show as originally planned, but may join at a later date in a cameo role.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
HIGH-profile celebrity has pulled out of the world premiere of a new musical dedicated to the life of Robert Burns which is to debut in Aberdeen later this month.
“Robert Burns The Musical”, which puts a modern spin on the Bard’s life, is due to have its premiere at the Tivoli Theatre, Aberdeen, on Burn’s Night (January 25).
Producer David Gest, who was once married to Liza Minnelli, was due to appear in the show, in a small cameo role as Tam O’ Shanter.
The initial idea came about when music superstar Michael Jackson offered Gest, 61, use of the family recording studio in California in the 1990s.
They put together the soundtrack for the original musical, Red Red Rose, based on Burns’s life. It featured songs adapted from 12 poems of the Bard.
Twenty years later, Gest revisited the idea, and the show was to be called One Fond Kiss, but was renamed Robert Burns The Musical in pre-production stages.
The musical rooted in the north-east is being performed by Lossiemouth-based Rock Academy.
However, due to clashing commitments, the former I’m A Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here contestant says he will now be unable to perform in the show.
The Inverurie-born writer of the musical Tish Tindall, who also stars in it, insisted Gest’s withdrawal would not affect the show.
Ms Tindall, who will act as narrator during the performance, said: “When he [David Gest] asked me if he could be in the show, we decided a cameo role would be the best because of his busy schedule.
“He is planning on joining us at a later date, but we have not announced any further performances as yet.
“People all over the world have asked me about the show, it will bring Robert Burns into the 21st century.
“For a wee lassie from Inverurie to be involved in taking forward something which started off as their idea is just unimaginable.
“I really did fight to keep the premiere in the northeast.”
A spokesman for Mr Gest said: “David has made every effort to move his filming commitment but unfortunately the TV company have a very strict schedule to adhere to which they are unable to change.
“David would like to wish the rest of the cast every success with the production and is looking forward to appearing with you at a later stage in the production.”
http://www.scotsman.com/what-s-on/t...lls-out-of-robert-burns-the-musical-1-3651114