THE HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES

Aahh, an evening at the theater. Unlike the movies, a play is a chance to see real talent of flesh and blood, giving all out for the audience, hoping for applause. Some generous producers had the great idea to take some classics from the victorian litterature and decided to bring them to life. So, if you're lucky, you'll enjoy classics like Murder on the Orient Express, some stuff with Mrs. Marple and The Hound of the Baskervilles starring Rupert Everett in the role of a very impatient Sherlock Holmes. But for those who won't get the tv show, Nolan and Wakeman created a delightful record in the same vein, giving the feeling of assisting at the play.

The Hound of the Baskervilles features Arena/ Ayreon type of music but tending on the dramaturgic side. The sense of relating the story (almost a play) faithfully is greatly appreciable, also a certain amount of victorian credibility is adding more excitement. But to me, the cherry on top is a most rejoycing narrator with perfect britannic accent, bringing us through the story by relating, of course, the big lines.

Wakeman on blue corner: analog keyboards and a pint of symphonic/classical

Nolan in red corner: plastic keyboards, dramatic choruses, usual catchyness

Faithfull with the story, sense of duty well fulfilled while offering lots of good songs, some really good, some okay, but none one them felt boring.

As usual, Nolan is not presenting a half-assed product. For those who liked the latest Arena (the song Opera Fanatica especially), give it a try!