Review of Jeff Wayne's Musical Version of The War of the Worlds: Live (2006) by Francis L — 17 Feb 2012
WOW...if only Spielberg's version had the special effects this stage production used. Since I first heard the album (Jeff Wayne's musical adaptation) I've been hooked. And now, seeing the live performance, with a full orchestra, I'm convinced this is possibly one of the best musicals I've ever seen.
From the eerie opening voice-over by Richard Burton (though I could do without the 'floating giant head'), to the hit single "Forever Autumn", to the stunning "Thunder Child" strains, to the finale, this just grips the viewer/listener.
An added benefit is sticking with the novel's time-frame and setting (none of the "let's put it in modern-day Los Angeles", or so-called re-imagining how the aliens have been here all along (ala the Spielbert/Cruise tripe).
The special effects used in the background imagery is just amazing. My only real regret: there's no United States tour planned any time soon - to my knowledge. If you like Science Fiction, or great music, or spectacular visuals (or better yet, a combination of all three) you simply need to check this out.
This review of Jeff Wayne's Musical Version of The War of the Worlds: Live (2006) was written by Francis L on 17 Feb 2012.
Jeff Wayne's Musical Version of The War of the Worlds: Live has generally received very positive reviews.
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