What a treat it was to see the first preview of a 'new' musical (the tunes were old, the lyrics were new). The latter were clever, witty, and occasioned smiles and chuckles rather than riotous outbursts. Tunick's arrangements of Strauss's material was inventive and masterly, and the pit was well-balanced. The ensemble singing was always accurate, and it was magical to witness the vocal power and perfect comic timing of Broadway stars Patinkin and Kaye. The intimate environs of the venue are ideal for this show, but the lack of adequate air conditioning will continue to be a problem. Familiar Prince directorial touches were in evidence, as was strong choreography from Stroman (it's not dance-heavy show). It purports to be based on a true story, but the old-fashioned musical comedy nature of the piece made it seem like a waste of the considerable energies expended on it. But you will rarely get the chance to see such a talented and stellar group of performers so up-close and personal.

Did I see the same show as P. Nash at the Menier last Sunday? It purported to be the result of work-shopping in the USA. It should have stayed there. Rip-offs of Strauss ( Fledermaus as the "Bat" brothel - Wiener Blut is "Feeling good") with poor pastiche musical arrangements filling the gaps. A contrived plot provided very ordinary lyrics and mildly amusing dialogue (I think the audience laughed quietly more from politeness to our American visitors than genuine amusement). A set from a closed-down department store's window displays and costumes that came out of the dressing-up box kept for charades. The cast did what they could with commendable professionalism despite being miked (in the Menier for Heaven's sake?) and Many Patinkin's strangulated delivery suddenly acquired new balls in the second half. Direction? By Harold Prince? Whatever happened to him? Has he lost it? What price Broadway? The Menier is not going to maintain its incredible success rate with this rubbish