Talk:Starlight Express

message: Please list the references you are using at the bottom of the article.  Thanks!  -- Ssilvers 01:42, 31 August 2007 (UTC)
replies: text: They're not much use to people, they're on paper Mazz0626 10:20, 31 August 2007 (UTC)

text: You give the name of the theatre, city, date of performance, and page number(s) of the program where the info appears.  But there must also be reviews and other stuff to cite that you could get from a google search.  There must also be books and other library materials about Lloyd Webber and the show.  -- Ssilvers 00:43, 1 September 2007 (UTC)
replies: text:  Well... there aren't... it's a mostly fruitless treasure hunt to find out anything about this show, and even when you do find something, often even 'facts' from the official source are just not accurate. The Really Useful group quotes an audience numbers statistic that, if true, would mean that all but one of the productions were seen by nobody at all! Almost everything I know is from talking to people who were there at the time, and theatre programmes(which are of course out of print) gleaned from eBay.Mazz0626 12:55, 2 September 2007 (UTC)

text:  Since almost everything I took from those references has been removed, do I still need to do this?Mazz0626 23:35, 1 September 2007 (UTC)
replies: text: Yes.  EVERYTHING must be referenced.  It's a policy that has had various states of enforcement over the years, but, since part of the current thrust of the project is involved in citing what is uncited, it's much more helpful simply to cite new information.  (And if you have references for facts in this article that are unreferenced, feel free to let us know them, too.)  —  MusicMaker5376 23:46, 1 September 2007 (UTC)
replies: text:  Right - but what I mean is, since almost all of what I put in has been removed again, should I be putting in references and citations for stuff that isn't there? Mazz0626 01:28, 2 September 2007 (UTC)
replies: text: Well, no.  Don't cite what's not there.  —  MusicMaker5376 01:59, 2 September 2007 (UTC)
replies: text: Ok, I feel really thick asking this, but having read the above link I'm still not sure. Should a citation be right next to the section it relates to, or can they all be at the bottom? I've been copying and pasting so far in order to get it right, but since there aren't any specific references on this article I'm at a bit of a loss as to what to do. Mazz0626 12:48, 2 September 2007 (UTC)
replies: text: Don't feel thick.  Keep in mind that there are almost 2,000,000 articles in the English Wikipedia: if you're not sure how things should be done on this one, check one of the other 1,999,999.  The way the references work (depending upon the style -- there are a couple of different ways), if you put the ref directly next to the fact being cited and use </references> (or maybe  -- I forget) at the bottom, the citation will appear as a superscript number next to the fact and the full citation will appear at the bottom.  —  MusicMaker5376 13:56, 2 September 2007 (UTC)
thread_title: References

message: Since it is mainly the original production that is documented here, and all of the other main characters have articles, may I put an article up summarising this very important character? Mazz0626 22:16, 2 September 2007 (UTC)
replies: text: Well, it's my own personal opinion that all of those articles are unnecessary, but as she is the only one without an article, you might as well add one.  —  MusicMaker5376 23:20, 2 September 2007 (UTC)
replies: text:  I also agree most of those articles are unnecessary. If they all had the content that the Pearl and Dinah articles had then they would be great.  —Preceding unsigned comment added by Mark E (talk • contribs) 12:21, 3 September 2007 (UTC)
replies: text:  Well... since I've added most of the new stuff to Pearl and Dinah, may I continue to amend and expand the others to a similar state without fear that someone will deem accurate information 'unnecessary' and delete them? ETA: Full cast lists are at the very least respectful to the performers over the years, and a good resource for anyone looking someone up. Mazz0626 23:14, 3 September 2007 (UTC)
thread_title: Belle

message: Compared to all the other characters in the show, the Nationals have virtually no information on them.  As they are striking characters often used in advertising, therefore high in the public conscience, they need more info.  I can see two alternatives. Either a group photo to illustrate the Nationals on this page, or a new page dedicated to all six of them.  As characters they are marginally smaller than say, Flat-top, so if he has a separate page I think a page dedicated to the six ensemble roles would be justified?
Belle pullman 14:08, 22 September 2007 (UTC)
replies: text: So...  I got bored and went ahead with The National Engines. I hope it's obvious I've not yet finished!
Belle pullman 23:53, 23 September 2007 (UTC)
thread_title:  National Engines 

message: I'm a noob here on wikipedia, so I know not what can be done...  but this one person keeps trolling the Starlight character pages.  Why do people bother?  It's reverted immediately and in exposing their IP address, their home address and name is easily found..  Why is this Lisa Bailey so dumb??  —Preceding unsigned comment added by Belle pullman (talk • contribs) 22:09, 30 September 2007 (UTC)
thread_title:  Trolling 

message: An anon editor posted this link, asking if the musical was 'borrowed' from the incidental music, written by Edward Elgar, for the largely unsuccessful play "The Starlight Express" of 1915.  This play has nothing to do with trains, and the website listed makes no mention of Andrew Lloyd Webber nor the musical.
EdJogg 01:18, 15 November 2007 (UTC)
replies: text: As far as I can see, the two pieces have nothing in common beyond the title. Mazz0626 15:29, 16 November 2007 (UTC)
thread_title:  Link with Elgar?? 

message: The plot for Starlight Express has altered significantly over the years.  Would it be more appropriate to try to make some conglomerate description that tries to cover all the alterations within one storyline?   Or have separate sections detailing, say, Original London, Bochum, and UK tour?   Or, similar to the song numbers, have the Original London plot followed by the alterations in later productions?  
This page has been criticised elsewhere for information being inaccurate, when the information was actually right but being applied to the wrong production - information about Bochum does not mesh with the UK tour, so more detail is needed!  But how?
Belle pullman (talk) 23:25, 6 December 2007 (UTC)
replies: text: It is confusing to have a plot synopsis that doesn't agree with the running order. It looks like someone put up the UK Tour 'plot' details, and someone else altered bits of it to reflect the Bochum production, but not entirely. Putting up the original plot and then a section for revisions - as the running order - would be easier to read and more informative. Mazz0626 (talk) 13:29, 8 December 2007 (UTC)
thread_title: Plot

message: Why does Greaseball sing Rolling  Stock if he is  an engine? And why do the Nationals appear in freight? - ElphaPearl
:Well, the term "Rolling Stock" applies to all forms of stock in the railways, engines and wagons.  And the Nationals in Freight - well, they just wander in...  that'd be a question only Arlene Phillips could answer.
Belle pullman (talk) 16:07, 30 December 2007 (UTC)
thread_title:  Rolling stock and Freight 

message: Rusty is an older design of engine, and he is falling to  peices, but Electra and Greaseball are newer designs yet they come across older than him. Why is this? - ElphaPearl
: Underdogs are easier to sympathise with if they're younger. If we go down this road, we'll start being squicked out at how dilapidated old Rusty is romantically involved with 'brand new girl' Pearl. Mazz0626 (talk) 17:59, 16 January 2008 (UTC)
replies: text: Who's 'they'? Maybe when he was new he didn't have a name. Maybe none of them do, but choose their own. Maybe 'Rusty' is a nickname that has stuck for so long that there's no point trying to call him anything else. Or maybe 'Rusty' is a little used but real name that actual people occasionally get called, and Stilgoe(who, as we know, loves his puns) wanted to use it for the rusted old steam train. Mazz0626 (talk) 14:03, 26 January 2008 (UTC)
thread_title:  Rusty 

message: If anyone has any information on this production, please could they post it? I have an interest in this one and  would like to know more! - ElphaPearl
: Take a look at my website, http://www.bellesdomain.co.uk
Belle pullman (talk) 22:40, 25 January 2008 (UTC)
replies: text: Why not join the forum on the website and ask there, rather than here where it's a bit off-topic? If you have a unitard(say, for a dance class) it's not hard to copy and work out patterns on your own. Mazz0626 (talk) 14:05, 30 January 2008 (UTC)

text: ElphaPearl, please read WP:FORUM.  Talk pages are meant to discuss the article, not its subject.  —  MusicMaker5376 16:20, 30 January 2008 (UTC)
thread_title:  Original London 

message: 'Revisions to the German Production
While compared to the other long-running production, London, the Bochum production has had fewer updates, there still have been significant alterations, particularly in the recent past. Often songs have been reduced rather than removed, to allow running time for new songs to be included.' - is there really any point in this section? Can I delete it? - ElphaPearl
: How about registering for a Wikipedia account and learning how to use the site?   Then read through the archives of the article before you start deleting stuff.  
: That section makes little sense at the moment since those on high, who don't actually have anything to ADD here, decided to remove the German song list.  This will be re-written in prose form, since the table was so offensive to their design aesthetic.  The German production is of interest beyond the German speaking audience, and the information needs to be added here.  Belle pullman (talk) 19:07, 4 February 2008 (UTC)
replies: text: There's a musical theatre clique on Wikipedia, who, like most musical theatre cliques, consider Starlight Express to be rather tacky and below them. But they have their way of doing things around here, and will delete anything that is done differently. Mazz0626 (talk) 11:06, 11 February 2008 (UTC)
replies: text: How is Starlight 'tacky'? Isn't it meant to be a bit of fun? ElphaPearl (talk) 21:04, 15 February 2008 (UTC)
replies: text: Some people are snobs who won't accept anything that ordinary people like as having any artistic merit, others can't stand Lloyd Webber, others don't look beyond the 'gimmick' of rollerskates and decide that if a show has a gimmick it must be relying on that rather than the plot or music, some people saw it but didn't get it, some won't do any work to understand what's in front of them to get full enjoyment from it, some people tried but just don't like it. And some people have only seen one of the two recent tours, so they are perfectly justified in this opinion. Mazz0626 (talk) 13:50, 17 February 2008 (UTC)
thread_title:  Revisions to the German Production 

message: I have added a page for him. Could help me with the casts? ElphaPearl (talk) 21:28, 10 February 2008 (UTC
Never mind. It's been deleted. ElphaPearl (talk) 21:35, 10 February 2008 (UTC)
thread_title:  Control 

message: This article would be significantly less confusing to people unfamiliar with the material, if, at some point in the intro, it mentioned that the play is about trains.  mkehrt (talk) 04:42, 16 February 2008 (UTC)
replies: text: Good observation. I have sorted it. ElphaPearl (talk) 14:09, 16 February 2008 (UTC)

text: VERY good point, Mkehrt - as in fact the show is not about trains, but a child's dream about TOY trains. Intro edited to clarify this. Belle pullman (talk) 12:13, 17 February 2008 (UTC)
thread_title:  ... 

message: Hi. I was searching for more information on this one. I can't find anything to prove it even exists! If someone knows a site where it can be proved, please let me know or I suggest the information be removed. ElphaPearl (talk) 20:46, 20 April 2008 (UTC)
replies: text: All that is known is that the UK Tour set was shipped to Australia at the end of its UK run.  This was mentioned in interview with Jamie Capewell towards the end of the UK tour run. Unfortunately I think this interview might no longer be online...  The tour might be 08 or 09, it's in early planning, not yet cast or tour dates announced, but it is definitely in planning therefore is relevant and valid information here.  Belle pullman (talk) 21:40, 20 April 2008 (UTC)
replies: text: Oh, OK. Thanks! ElphaPearl (talk) 07:16, 21 April 2008 (UTC)
replies: text:  Reference now added. Starting in New Zealand. Belle pullman (talk) 16:48, 5 May 2008 (UTC)
thread_title:  Australia tour 08 

message: "The race marshals - unofficially dubbed 'Derek' and 'Angus',"
:How is this proved? ElphaPearl (talk) 15:59, 29 May 2008 (UTC)
replies: text: I have removed the reference as it is 'unofficial'. ElphaPearl (talk) 16:36, 29 May 2008 (UTC)
thread_title:  The race marshals 

message: Would it be alright to add links to various YouTube pages to use as source material/references for this section?  —Preceding unsigned comment added by 84.67.89.61 (talk) 20:08, 17 June 2009 (UTC)
thread_title:  Television, Film and Other Media 

message: His name has appeared on the 'Notable Performers' section, yet he does not have his own article. This could suggest that he is, therefore, not notable.
Kevin Kholer, who also has no article dedicated to him, is notable to the show, as his employment in the Starlight company is due to circumstances closely related to the show, and he is finding fame in Germany because of his role as Rusty.
However, if someone intends to create an article on Greg Mowry in the near future, then by all means leave his name on the list. But if not, then I suggest it be removed, as the list is for notable performers. Thank you. ElphaPearl (talk) 22:42, 8 July 2009 (UTC)
thread_title:  Greg Mowry 

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thread_title: File:1988STEXcast.jpg Nominated for speedy Deletion

message: This is a really well written article, how is it not a good or featured article? Someone should really nominate it or something.Wikipediman23 (talk) 21:15, 30 October 2012 (UTC)
thread_title:  Good Article 

message: Hello fellow Wikipedians,
I have just added archive links to  on Starlight Express. Please take a moment to review my edit. If necessary, add  after the link to keep me from modifying it. Alternatively, you can add  to keep me off the page altogether. I made the following changes:
*Added archive https://web.archive.org/20081012150830/http://stetsongroup.com/starlight.htm to http://stetsongroup.com/starlight.htm
When you have finished reviewing my changes, please set the checked parameter below to true to let others know.
Cheers. —cyberbot IITalk to my owner:Online 17:41, 17 October 2015 (UTC)
thread_title:  External links modified 

message: This is a very strange addition to the article. It is un-sourced and a quick web search offers nothing notable or significant about this production. Deleting. Please do not re-add it without sourcing and explanation of notability. DFS (talk) 05:22, 7 December 2015 (UTC)
thread_title:  Fort Lauderdale Children's Theatre 

message: This is meant to be just a simple theorizing thread, and even if it's not true, religious symbolism does exist in the show (mostly via dialogue, lyrics to songs, the name of the show and maybe even the design of the 1984 and 2017 logo, of which I believe is the titular Starlight Express. Anyway, here's my question/theory:
How likely do you think that the Starlight Express is real? For me, I think very, but not quite as a god in truth (though like the Abrahamic god, to the trains), but rather a lesser deity (I don't know if it's more accurate to say it's a simple supernatural force created by God, or a lesser god to help be an aspect of Him to the trains), who isn't quite in charge of making trains (I view it as being created by God as a response to the creation of trains by humans) but rather, giving them sentience and providing for them in the way God is believed to in Abrahamic religions in reality. Now, obviously no kid would dream of something that detailed I doubt in real life, but still, the untouched lore and theorizing potential is there, and I even believe that it's set in a dream world, not entirely made by the Boy in the show (in other words, I think that it may be like the world of The Little Engine That Could (2011). What do you all think? 2600:100D:B044:F31A:70EE:EEFF:FEB5:F414 (talk) 03:28, 25 December 2022 (UTC)
thread_title:  Religion in Starlight Express 

message: I've just manually reverted an edit which broke the formatting of this page, but please let me know if I've done it wrong! CTK-230 (talk) 11:01, 9 November 2023 (UTC)
thread_title:  Italics/formatting