July 2009

Jazz Dance Company - London Studio Centre

Peacock Theatre Portugal Street
Holborn, WC2 - July, 2009

The Jazz Dance Company was established in 1994 to provide students at the London Studio Centre with an opportunity to present a short season of evening-long programmes of jazz dance.

The company returns with a vibrant programme of works ranging from the sensuality and lyricism of contemporary jazz to modern street dance and the rhythmic complexity of tap.

Works by leading choreographers from today’s dance and theatre scene are featured, including Lee Alexander, Kevan Allen, Gail Davies, Mavin Khoo, David Leighton and Paul Roberts. The influence of jazz in musical theatre is demonstrated in an exuberant number staged by choreographer Lizzi Gee and musical director, Phil Bateman. http://www.sadlerswells.com/show/Jazz-Dance-Company-09

January, 2009

Asuka II - Holiday Show 'Holy Night'

CBG'S most recent production onboard Asuka II, specially created for the Christmas season. A mixture of Christmas music and popular Japanese songs make up this elegant and whimsical collage celebrating the holiday season. CBG has been extended for another two years aboard the Asuka II and will begin production of three news shows in January.

October, 2008

MUSICAL REVIEW: On Eagle's Wing
The thrilling story of the Scots-Irish emigration to the New World

'Three great cultures: Scotland, Ireland, America. Forged together in the fire of history.' So says Peter Corry, the powerful vocalist who plays the lead character of Andrew, a brave family man in search of a better life, in the superb piece of musical theatre that is On Eagle's Wing.

Most of you will no doubt be familiar with the national emblem of the United States of America, that of the bald eagle, apparently chosen for its strength, majesty and long life, and thought to symbolise freedom.

America hailed itself as the land of the free, a place where people could seek a better life, filled with opportunities and free of famine, fear or persecution. And a place devoid of feuding Kings.

Throughout history, Irish and Scottish emmigrants fled there in their thousands. When a small 17th century sailing ship "Eagle Wing" set sail from the harbour in Groomsport, County Down in 1636, it signaled the start of a surge of emigration of Scots-Irish across the Atlantic.

On Eagle's Wing tells the story of a people on the move from Scotland to Ireland and on to the New World. A story filled with music, dance, tragedy, passion and humour.

The show takes off in an airport setting and feels very modern. The music that follows is a bit Disney: "Do You Know Who You Are?" But the message is about tracing your family tree - as our initial characters presume to do.

Producer and composer John Anderson points out in the programme that 'deep down, most of us want to know where we come from. The family line, however humble, obscure, revealing or even sometimes surprising is becoming of more and more interest to us all in this transient society'.

The next scene takes us back in time with Corry playing a convincing Highlander (or should that be Lowlander?) with tartan abounding as we enter the Scottish Lowlands in 1682.

We witness spectacular Scottish dancing and get our first taste of the outstanding dance routines that prevail in this production. All the frivolity comes to an end, however, with a gunshot from an English redcoat. Tragedy ensues and after experiencing famine and religious persecution itxs off to Ireland.

On arrival in the Emerald Isle, the audience is greeted with a contemporary dance scene from a cast clad in peasant clothing. 'You Don't Belong Here' is a supercharged, rocky, feisty performance that mixes dance, fighting, flashing lights, weaponry and song, delivering one hell of a spectacle. Highlander meets Thriller! as choreographer Gail Davies delivers another accomplished set piece.

As the story unfolds, act two lacks the frivolity of the previous act. A wedding, a tragedy, a revolution and a white house reception. But the best is yet to come. And what a finale! Bring on the dancing girls and boys.

What follows is perhaps some of the best modern dance sequences I have ever seen in a stage production. Young men enter in kilts, accompanied by girls in tight black outfits and cheerleaders strutting their stuff. Cowgirls and cowboys light up the stage all in white, delivering mesmerizing moves. The energy, exuberance and talent in this troupe take the breath away.

Throughout the show, Corry gives a convincing and engaging performance and proves he can act as well as sing, carrying off all kinds of wonderful hairstyles in the process. There are also some great comedy moments from Paddy Jenkins and Marty Maguire, who play affable drunks. The cast as a whole cannot be faulted.

This show has the potential to soar to great heights. On Eagle's Wing is piece of locally produced musical theatre that has all the ingredients of a powerful West End production.

Whatever side of the fence you sit on, the view from On Eaglexs Wing is an uplifting and entertaining one. So, open your mind, spread your wings and get out your kilt! The Eagle has landed.

Anne-Marie Marquess
Catch On Eagles Wing at the Millennium Forum, Derry, Tues 14 Oct - Sat 18 Oct 2008

The Opening Night Experience
Directed and Choreographed by Gail Davies

The Eagle has taken flight. Irish composer John Andersonxs original composition returns. The stunningly beautiful, historic Grand Opera House in Belfast is the host to this story of struggle, hope and ultimately the realization of a dream. There were many technical concerns upon moving into the venue the day before the show opened. The creative team, cast and crew poured their hearts into the production in the final 24 hours and simply curtailed sleep. Their goal was to mount Andersonxs highly anticipated return of On Eagle's Wing as a theatre piece which was rewritten and rearranged from it's prior incarnation as a stadium show. More dialogue was added and additional original music compositions to fully flesh out the journey across the Atlantic to which 17 U.S. Presidents can trace their ancestry.

The exhausted cast, running on pure adrenalin, had the first technical run through in the Grand Opera House on September 29, in the late afternoon. The run through finished at 7:10 pm. The house was miraculously transformed in 20 minutes and the audience was granted entry to find their seats. At 8 pm, executive producer Michael Durkin walked center stage to welcome the audience and prepare them for a fantastic voyage. For the next 2.5 hours, the cast delivered their lines flawlessly, the dancers executed the dances with strength and elegance, and the backstage crew conspired to ensure the scene changes, props and technical issues were executed safely and on time. This effort was rewarded with a unanimous standing ovation.

The creative team, headed by director and choreographer Gail Davies, proved to be a masterful ensemble. Sam Hiller, most recently resident director of Phantom on the West End, was a tremendous asset as assistant director. Emma Poole was the assistant to the choreographer, as well as performing as a dancer in the show. Emma's value goes way beyond this production as she is Gail's personal creative assistant in all of CBG's productions. David Munro, the musical director, sifted through thousands of tracks from the previous incarnation to focus in on the score. Niek Kortekaas designed a clever dual staircase set which functioned as everything from the airport scene, to the highlands of Scotland, the White House and even the famed title ship, lit by Remko Van Wely. Bonnie Bryg and David Tate researched the costuming, which represented an accurate portrayal of the times. Script consultant Ross Stenhouse added some dialogue to add continuity and chronology to the story. Davies, in her dual role as director and choreographer proved to be a seaworthy captain. Providing authentic dance and movement, as well as masterful stage direction, the actors, singers and dancers all realized the maximum impact of their scenes.

Where to next? Perhaps it is a journey that only Eagles dare. The only certainty is that they have a hit show on their hands. Perhaps it will follow the same journey to America and Broadway, or perhaps to Londonxs West End. Wherever it goes, may the wind be at their backs.

April, 2008

On Eagle's Wing

On Eagle's Wing brings to life the history of the Scots/Irish in the 1600's in their quest to find Zion in the new world called America. This original musical, composed by John Anderson, was first mounted in 2004. It has gained momentum with a new production company that has big plans for the musical. It will begin in Belfast and continue to Dublin in late September.

Gail will be directing and choreographing this large scale production musical. "This musical is a huge undertaking," says Gail, "and it is important that the dance styles match the era." "Also it will be a challenge to stage such a large scale dance show and at the same time direct the actors, lighting cues, music and fight scenes as well."

John Anderson was with Gail in London in April auditioning for the cast. Nearly 100 people auditioned for the cast of 30. Many from the oiginal 2004 cast will return, such as Peter Corry, famous for his years of playing Inspector Javert in Les Miserables. Corry is looking forward to the new production, which has an updated script, promising more audience intimacy and excitement.

Rehearsals begin at the end of August for five weeks in Belfast prior to opening. For more information on this project, please check the website.

April, 2008

Hans Klok: Faster Than Magic - European Tour

Hans Klok has just embarked on a European tour, minus Pamela Anderson, but with his ever loyal, ultra-talented and beautiful Diva assistants. The European version of the show is slightly longer (2 hours) and with an intermission. Again the creative team has outdone themselves with new ways to present the illusions and the staging of the dancers. Complete with video imagery and projections, this show has built upon the Vegas show and is dazzling audiences throughout Europe.

During the first shows in Holland, Hans announced over the microphone that Gail Davies is "the best magic director and choreographer in the world." After a sellout performance in Germany, Hans called Gail from the tour bus to thank her again and to say that the show received a magnanimous standing ovation.

The show is currently being performed in both theatres and stadiums, and works well in either venue. The tour is planned to continue through the end of July. Hans is excitedly planning his next move.

Perhaps another return to Vegas???

November, 2007

THEA AWARDS Universal Studios Japan' "Peter Pan's Neverland" receives award for Event Spectacular. Gail was the choreographer and co-director of this show... here is the press release:

Recognizing excellence in the creation of compelling educational, historical and entertainment projects.

These awards recognize large and small accomplishments, bringing to life ancient myths and the latest in scientific discoveries, helping people experience a space shuttle launch or a walk with prehistoric creatures.

The official presentation of the awards will be made March 8, 2008 at TEA’s 14th Thea Awards Gala, a very special black tie evening for the industry at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim, California.

The 14th Annual Thea Awards have singled out for recognition:

• Seven outstanding educational or heritage projects
• Three outstanding projects in theme parks
• Two event spectaculars
• An outstanding application of theater technology
• An attraction in an historic motion picture palace
• An arena-sized traveling dinosaur show
• A military application of Experience design
• One Lifetime Achiever
• One Classic Attraction
• Four outstanding achievements accomplished on limited budgets

Recipients:

• Thea Lifetime Achievement Award: Jack Rouse, Jack Rouse Associates
• Thea Classic Award: SeaWorld, San Diego, CA
• Thea Awards for Outstanding Achievement (AOA)
• Attraction: Shuttle Launch Experience, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Center, FL
• Attraction Limited Budget: Awakening of The Temple Lobby Show, Aztec on the River, San Antonio, TX
• Attraction Rehab: Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage, Disneyland, Anaheim, CA
• Exhibit: Noah’s Ark, Skirball Community Center, Los Angeles, CA
• Museum: Donald W. Reynolds Education Center, Mount Vernon, VA
• Heritage Center: The Generations Center, Western Wall, Jerusalem, Israel
• Exhibit Limited Budget: Cleveland Avenue Time Machine Experience, at Troy University’s Rosa Parks Museum
• Traveling Exhibit Limited Budget: CSI: The Experience, Fort Worth Museum of Science & History, Ft. worth, TX
• Science Center Limited Budget: Cosmos at the Castle, Black Rock Castle, Cork, Ireland
• Event Spectacular: Songs of the Sea, Sentosa, Singapore
• Live Touring Event: Walking with Dinosaurs, Immersion Edutainment, Australia
• Event Spectacular: Peter Pan’s Neverland, Universal Studios Japan
• Technical Achievement: KA Floating Stages, Las Vegas, NV
• Themed Training Experience: Battle Stations 21, Great Lakes Naval Station,IL
• Interactive Adventure: Kim Possible World Showcase Playtest, Epcot, Walt Disney World, Orlando, FL

Gail will return to Universal Studios Japan to revise the show early in 2008.

October, 2007

ANOTHER VISIT TO THE ASUKA II
Gail has just returned from Japan where she paid a site visit to the Asuka II. This time she had been asked to prepare a Mini-show for the Captain's Cocktail Party which will greet new passengers on upcoming cruises. The theme of the show is "Classical Moments" which consisted of musical choices ranging from "Swan Lake" to Josh Grobin's "You Raise Me Up." The show was successfully mounted during the 6 day visit.

Dancers and singers interested in performing should contact Gail immediately as there will be a cast change coming up very soon.

September, 2007

GAIL DAVIES
by Buzz Wolfe

The alarm goes off at 6:30 am. The tea kettle whistles and a tea bag is hurriedly dunked into the hot steaming water. By 6:45 am, the CD boom box is blaring tracks from one of the 5 shows which is being created, staged, choreographed, directed and produced by world class choreographer Gail Davies for NYK Cruises in Japan. As any producer knows, one show is daunting enough to put together from scratch. Five shows at once is a feat that few mortal souls dare to risk. Gail welcomes the challenge enthusiastically.

As if that weren't exhausting enough, Gail arrives at Planet Hollywood because she is also preparing the Hans Klok show for it's Vegas opening with Pamela Anderson. She has expertly choreographed 16 dancers doing the tango, effortlessly leaping on & off the table tops while spinning, flicking, dipping and lifting. Also there is a clever tap dance routine on top of gigantic blocks of cheese. The show is a huge production and is very demanding of her time. Balancing these demands calmly and confidently marks the difference between success and failure. Gail has the integrity and knowledge to deal equally with issues whether administrative or creative.

Gail Davies was born and raised in England, and in the late 80’s migrated to Las Vegas, Nevada where she finished her dance career in the famed “Siegfried & Roy Show” at the Mirage Resort, and made the transition to fulltime Free-Lance Choreographer. Gail's early credits include Associate Choreographer for the Las Vegas spectacular "EFX!" at the MGM Grand Hotel, as well as many convention and casino production show projects.

In recent years, she has enjoyed a close relationship with Walt Disney Entertainment in Orlando, Florida, having contributed to numerous Disney projects as Choreographer, including the Animal Kingdom Dedication Ceremony, Tapestry of Nations and Tapestry of Dreams Parades at Epcot Center, Disneyana Convention, and two Travel Industry Association Pow-Wows. Also in connection with Disney, Gail acted as Choreographer, Co-Director and creative team member for the Emmy nominated Super Bowl 2000 Half Time Show in Atlanta.

Gail is particularly proud of her work on the 2002 Paralympics Winter Games Opening and Closing Ceremonies as Co-Director & Choreographer. Her efforts contributed to an eventual Emmy Award for Best Direction, Daytime Programming.

In 2002, Gail choreographed her third show for the largest revue in Europe, Berlin's famed Friedrichstadtpalast, as well as the Heineken NightLive Pop Concert with British director Anthony Van Laast to a live audience of 20,000 in Holland.

Current projects include “On Eagle’s Wing,” a Broadway bound stadium show featuring the music of famed Irish composer, John Anderson. Future projects has Gail traveling to Copenhagen to stage a seasonal show at the renown Tivoli Gardens in honor of the anniversary of Hans Christian Andersson, and to Rotterdam Holland to direct the Nickelodeon Awards.

Gail has also choreographed and directed stage shows for such prestigious cruise lines as Disney Cruise Lines, American Viking Line, Carnival Cruises, Japan Cruise Lines. and NYK Cruises, for whom she is currently producing 5 shows simultaneously.

Gail has obviously attained some lofty credits. She lives to dance and her life is a graceful integration of her skills. It's exciting to contemplate what the next project will be. Her goal is to choreograph an original musical on Broadway or London's famed West End. Whatever it may be, she will approach it with integrity and will bring her skills and experience to the table. The great stages of the world await and welcome her.

September, 2007

GAIL DAVIES (Continued)
By Buzz Wolfe

Life keeps getting busier for Gail Davies. NYK Cruises Asuka II, for which Gail produced, choreographed and directed 5 full length shows in June, 2007, have now requested a mini-show. This show will be performed at the Captain’s party at the beginning of the cruise. Gail is scheduled to board the ship in September and mount the new show in 6 days. Another new set of original costumes has been created and a 15 minute musical score has been arranged to go along with the classical-themed show production. Aside from mounting the show in 6 days, the 5 existing shows will be videotaped for future promotional use.

The new shows aboard the Asuka II have received rave reviews and outstanding comments from the passengers. The cruise line has acknowledged the difference between shows which were already existing productions, compared to the brand new productions, conceived from scratch specifically for NYK Cruises. “I must say that in the past years all the production shows were already bought packages where the shows were not made special for Asuka. THESE shows are!” - Bob Tenaka – Cruise Director, Asuka II. The President of the cruise line felt that he had a hand in the production from beginning to end. This resulted in a feeling of complete “hands on” in the creative process which leads to complete passenger satisfaction. Gail gets a feeling of satisfaction from creating from the ground up, and listening to what the client has in mind. The result is repeat business from each client and positive word of mouth satisfaction with her projects.

While expanding her business “at sea,” she has also recently updated some key aspects in the Hans Klok Show with Pamela Anderson at Planet Hollywood. There was a small cast change of dancers, for which she auditioned in Los Angeles and Las Vegas. It was difficult to find several dancers capable of the technical demands of the show. It’s not easy to find dancers that can do multiple pirouettes, fouette turns and acro as well. There were also some key directing changes for the magic sequences and 4 minutes was cut from the run time of the show. The magic appears faster than ever now and the focus on the story line is easier to follow.

Professional choreographers have had a difficult time in recent years, with many shows downsizing their productions and cutting costs wherever they can. It spite of all this, Gail Davies has continued to pick up more projects. She enjoys the diversity of creating new concepts that are unique for the stage.

Gail’s main ambition though, is to choreograph an original Broadway production. The thought of choreographing for Broadway or the West End has been a dream for Gail since she was a teenage ballerina. The reality of it is inevitable. Her connections are far reaching and her reputation is flawless. “To choreograph an original production for Broadway or the West End has been my desire for as long as I can remember. The challenge is to express with movement a visual element that propels the storyline.”

Gail Davies continues to gain momentum. She now has offices in Las Vegas, Brisbane and London. The upcoming cast change for NYK Cruises will be rehearsed in Australia, and the cast change for Travelscope Cruises will be handled from England. Gail has enjoyed the jet-set lifestyle, but now has expanded to the point that she cannot possibly be on 3 continents at the same time. She has been loyal to dancers and performers she has worked with in the past, and has enlisted them to assist her in mounting shows and handling the various production challenges that arise. The momentum continues on…

August, 2007

Asuka II - NYK Cruises

Gail has just returned from the Asuka II, NYK Cruises' luxury liner which will set sail out of Yokohama, Japan. Gail joined the ship in New York City while it was on a world cruise. During the seven week journey back to Japan, Gail assembled five shows from the ground up. The five shows, "Amor," "Unforgettable Musicals," "Fantazia," "Shall We Dance" and "Masters of Illusion" are all original productions with custom created sets, costumes, and video backdrop imagery.

The cast of 10 are engaged for a 6 month contract with options to renew in November. The shows are getting rave reviews from the crew and passengers alike. The shows have incredible range from musicals to circus carnival atmosphere, from whimsy to breathtaking illusion and from heartfelt ballads to high-energy, pulse pounding precision choreography. Gail has had the opportunity on this project to showcase all of her skills as a gifted, insightful choreographer and to leap headfirst into producing as well. These shows will be running for the next two years on the Asuka II.