Park Theatre
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On a very basic level, the story is about banking. Mayer Rothschild initially owns a shop in the Ghetto in which he is confined , along with other "Jews and Aliens of Frankfurt". He raises his sons to be good bankers and the family eventually works for Prince William of Hesse. Throughout the Napoleonic War the 5 sons are scattered across Europe, collecting debts owed to the Prince and then reinvesting the money in goods in London. Becoming highly influential they fund the British Army in the War and are, in return, promised help in giving freedom to Jewish people across Europe. When this promise fails to materialise some awfully clever bargaining, complete with all the banking jargon, takes place until the family gets what they want.
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Looking back, the actual story on the surface is, in my opinion, not particularly interesting. And yet never once during the production was I bored in the slightest. The musical deals very interestingly with the situation of Jews in Europe at that time, confined in ghettos, forced to wear armbands emblazoned with the Star of David. It illustrates the journey of Mayer Rothschild who is determined that he can make more of his life than being spat on by the members of the public that he has to bow down to. A man who is set on becoming rich so that he can ensure a safer life for his family and for all Jews. He fights against society and risks so much in the hope that he will be able to take the walls of the ghetto down, physically and metaphorically, one brick at a time. Ultimately, what he and his sons achieve is the beginning of freedom for the Jewish People across Europe - a monumental step forward. It is what is beneath the surface that makes this musical so interesting and important.
The set was very bare, relying only on projections and lighting to indicate where the actors were and set the mood. It was helped enormously by the costume design, the outfits of the Rothschilds subtly changing throughout the piece to show their gradual increase in wealth.
The score is by the legendary partnership of Sheldon Harnick and Jerry Bock, the pair behind Fiddler on the Roof. This musical perhaps does not have songs so catchy as 'If I Were A Rich Man', but nonetheless, all of the songs are wonderfully crafted, with some moments of humour and some of sheer beauty. Being in a small theatre, and as a result so close to the actors, is thrilling. You can really read their facial expressions and feel totally immersed in the action. The music becomes very powerful in such an intimate setting.
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There are excellent performances throughout the musical, especially from Gary Trainor as Nathan Rothschild and Robert Cuccioli as his father Mayer.
The audience appeared to be delighted by the production - I am sure there would have been a standing ovation had their backs allowed (I was the youngest person in the audience by about 100 years!) I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it.
The audience appeared to be delighted by the production - I am sure there would have been a standing ovation had their backs allowed (I was the youngest person in the audience by about 100 years!) I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it.
The Young Patrons scheme, for 16-26 year olds, has £10 tickets, and under 16s can get tickets for just £15! I also was lucky enough to go the Q&A, which I would definitely recommend listening to (I'm the last question!) The link for the podcast is: http://www.terripaddock.com/rothschildpodcast/