Starlight Express

Donald Trump and Jane Krakowski in her costume as Dinah the Dining Car, the role she originated, in 1987

It is, strangely (though maybe not), a huge hit in Germany.

I saw the touring version in Orlando. I sort of knew about the show, but since it was playing across the street from my hotel, I bought a ticket. It was silly, but enjoyable.

I’ve never seen such a train wreck.

I Am The Starlight

So is she basically Jenna Maroney?

Saw it in London. It was fun.

J-KRAK

Siouxsie Sioux?

“What show is that?”

My sister saw it in London when it first debuted and said people were walking out left and right.

I assume it's the Ice Capades on wheels.

It had a lot of trashy sexual innuendo.

Ouisa Kittredge didn’t like it. From about the 28 to 57 second mark.

I worked on the show for FIVE YEARS in Las Vegas. OMG, what stories…..it was a good gig, but it scarred me for life…..

I saw it in London when the show first opened. My bf and I walked up to the box office just before showtime and they had just released some house seats. The whole row in front of us was empty until just before curtain when Miss Ross and her family walked in and sat down.

R16 here again…..maybe because of being Vegas or maybe the bartenders that served during the show (!!) or that it was the 90 minute version no intermission, we had the craziest audiences each night….lots of celebs as well as tourists- one of those shows, like Cats, which relates to non english majors as there was basically no plot just spectacle….a hard show on the talent, injuries ever night, lots of dislocated shoulders, broken hands, concussions…we had 19 Swings backstage and most performances had at least 5 onstage- sometimes all 10- due to crashes….local paramedics on constant call….

R18 I'm very impressed. Did any of the Broadway cast come to see the show?

I saw the London production when it first opened. Still one of the worst things I’ve ever seen.

I saw her in previews for Xanadu - before she dropped out because 30 Rock. I was amazed how well she could skate. Now I know why.

truly horrid

R16 was Randy W. the PSM?

Perhaps Lloyd Webber's greatest abomination.

Jane Krakowski originated the role on Broadway which gives her a royalty for every paid production.

The Painful Spectacle of Starlight Express

Andrea McCardle was in the original cast too. As a kid I was surprised that a big "star" like that was just there in a rather small role.

didn't Joan Rivers used to say this was her favorite musical ever? I guess she was just trying to be outlandish and needle the Broadway snobs.

It was pure torture, imo. LOUD and boring as fuck with a cast given the worst material ever and endless skating!

An artistic and musical disaster. I consider it one of the worst musicals I'd ever seen.

I remember it was a big scandal when its best element (the scenic design) wasn't even nominated for a Tony. The designer John Napier still won anyway for Les Miz but made a point to scold the nominating committee for excluding Starlight.

[quote]Jane Krakowski originated the role on Broadway which gives her a royalty for every paid production.

Lol, what?

That is not how Broadway works...ever. Where are you getting this shit?

Saw it in London where the show was all over the Apollo Victoria. Amazing spectacle but it still boils down to 'The Little Engine That Could'

[quote]Jane Krakowski originated the role on Broadway which gives her a royalty for every paid production.

Trust me, it doesn't work that way.

Engine of Love / Earl & the Steam Team

Starlight Express was a fun novelty show with a handful of pleasant songs.

I like both Only You and I Am the Starlight.

I walked out of it.

Some good clips of the original Broadway cast:

R18 I have a copy of the final night.

R18 Know them?

Fuck, try again.

Act One.

Seth MacFarlane throws the right shade on the book.

I saw it here in London too. One of the three worst musicals I’ve ever seen. My friend and I decided it was like being raped by an unwashed Andrew Lloyd Webber.

Starlight Express opening night was thirty-seven years ago today

I enjoyed it in London. It is what it is. It's great spectacle with catchy songs - nothing more.

NY. It's still the worst show I've ever seen.

The summer after the fifth grade, 10 of us from the divisional honor choir and musical theatre program got asked to be the children’s ensemble for the national tour stop in our city of a “greatest hits of Andrew Lloyd Webber” revue show. Our two numbers were Joseph’s Coat and Starlight Express - and whenever I hear either song I can still remember most of our backup harmonies. Marin Mazzie (RIP) was one of the featured leads who we were singing with.

I saw the show in London and loved it. It was pure, fun and camp on roller skates. I cannot imagine what a battle zone that track really it. I mean in the Victoria theater, the track went into the audience and up to the balcony and down again. If you were sitting on the first row of the balcony, skaters flew right by you at top speeds. It was sporty excitement.

Agreed r48.

I saw it in London. Awful.

We walked out. I’m not sure we even made it to the intermission.