18,811 posts
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Nov 17, 2023 17:47:52 GMT
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Post by bubblesmcgee on Nov 17, 2023 23:56:29 GMT
So that opening scene, huh. Wish they’d been able to bookend it with a similarly splashy finale but they certainly set out their stall from minute one!!!
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Post by theatre2023 on Nov 18, 2023 0:25:39 GMT
Besides the opening scene - the special FX were good but not “jaw dropping never seen anything like it before on stage ever” amazing.
Overall - the special fx could be dialed up more … think Back to the Future / Harry Potter … even Lord of the Rings from 20 years ago had some more immersive elements. Hell - they should borrow some wind turbines from Slavas snow show and amp up the wind effects when going into the upside down
Considering that budget was not an issue - the show needs and deserves special fx on steroids … and it’s just not there yet.
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Post by Jon on Nov 18, 2023 1:00:32 GMT
If you've never seen ST, will you get anything out of it?
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Post by Steve on Nov 18, 2023 1:23:06 GMT
If you've never seen ST, will you get anything out of it? If you never saw Star Wars 4 - 6, how much would you enjoy the prequels 1 - 3? Somewhat, I imagine. The A story is very much the Henry Creel/Vecna origin story, so if you haven't seen the show, you still might appreciate this part of the play as a story of one young man resisting otherworldly powers and his own basest instincts. The B story is about the Scooby gang of Joyce Maldonado, James Hopper Jr and Bob Newby teaming up to figure out why animals are mysteriously dying. Since this quest is essentially futile, as the gang can't possibly become aware of the A storyline, in established canon, this part of the story will frustrate newbies, while offering maximum pleasure to fans. Watching future lovers and rivals flirt and interact in their younger years, plan their futures, act like teenagers, is an absolute joy for fans of the show, especially as the actors do a terrific job. |
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Post by blaxx on Nov 18, 2023 5:04:39 GMT
Is it set in the 80s and are there major references to that era?
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Post by theatre2023 on Nov 18, 2023 8:33:21 GMT
Is it set in the 80s and are there major references to that era? The show is majority set late 50’s / early 60s … before eventually ending with the birth of 11 being held by Henry Creel in Brenners laboratory. End scene. That’s probably the most frustrating … it ends just at the moment you are wanting more. Never quite getting that full Upside Down evil climax you are hoping for. |
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Post by theatre2023 on Nov 18, 2023 8:42:59 GMT
If you've never seen ST, will you get anything out of it? No - I think a non fan will leave frustrated and somewhat confused with more questions than answers. |
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Post by theatre2023 on Nov 18, 2023 8:58:49 GMT
There is a “dream” sequence in the show which looks like Daldry lifted straight from Billy Elliot complete with feather boas :-) I was half expecting Mrs Wilkinson to arrive …
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Post by elizapot on Nov 19, 2023 12:47:33 GMT
I’ve heard a lot of people saying it’s impressive, but what actually happens in the opening scene?
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Post by theatre2023 on Nov 19, 2023 17:45:13 GMT
I’ve heard a lot of people saying it’s impressive, but what actually happens in the opening scene? Opening scene takes place aboard a Navy vessel that is conducting an electromagnetic invisibility experiment … ostensibly being the first portal into the Upside Down / source of Henry Creel’s later powers who discovers some remnant of the ship ( and or the experiment ) in Nevada as a child. Brenners father was aboard that ill-fated vessel and was the only survivor. Brenner’s father smuggled something ( what isn’t exactly clarified in the story ) back with him to Nevada which Henry Creel coincidentally discovers. This is all very briefly alluded to in the show as a very minor exposition / plot point. Combination of projection / set / lighting and the ultimate appearance of a “full size” ship make for an incredible opening act. |
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249 posts
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Post by gmoneyoutlaw on Nov 24, 2023 23:49:02 GMT
Saw tonight’s performance.
1) Couple in row in front arrived late and saw the first act on video in a lounge. Be on time people or expect to watch a tv with what’s happening inside the Phoenix
2) The actors do come up to the dress circle during 2 scenes. That’s not immersive.
3) I was sorry for the audience in the stalls. To be covered in stage fog 3 time is not fun. It does look great from the dress circle. Be sure to sit in the dress circle.
4) all the characters are well introduced after the boat scene. It’s similar to a singer introducing all the band members with a fun fact about them. Maybe that will help the newbies.
5) I was not impressed by the ship. Based on what I heard, it should have been 3 times larger. Maybe that writer sat up close in the stalls.
6) Joyce has to be a smoker. If not throughout, obviously when she takes the diner job in the last scene.
7) Why introduce 11 and she doesn’t do a darn thing?
8) Catch this in London. I came over from New York. With the massive cast it will never be performed over there.
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Post by stepha on Nov 27, 2023 11:32:15 GMT
I really enjoyed this last Thursday and look forward to returning later in the run.
The opening sequence was excellent and from row L in the stalls, the ship looked really impressive. It was quite creepy being momentarily swallowed up by the smoke. I'm sure this scene will be really key in series 5 when it comes out.
The sequence with Henry in Nevada with the bats and the demogorgon was another highlight for me, although from my seat at the end of the row, I missed him standing on / conquering the demogorgan.
I seem to be in the minority with thinking the ending was excellent, I never expected them to do anything with 11, with this being the origin story for Henry, she isn't important in this part of the story but it was exciting getting a glimpse of her just to bring us back to the series.
I came away thinking about it and am still thinking about the new information we have about the story and how it is all going to come together in the final series, so for me, it did what it needed to.
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165 posts
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Post by MoreLife on Nov 30, 2023 15:51:16 GMT
I’ve heard a lot of people saying it’s impressive, but what actually happens in the opening scene? Opening scene takes place aboard a Navy vessel that is conducting an electromagnetic invisibility experiment … ostensibly being the first portal into the Upside Down / source of Henry Creel’s later powers who discovers some remnant of the ship ( and or the experiment ) in Nevada as a child. Brenners father was aboard that ill-fated vessel and was the only survivor. Brenner’s father smuggled something ( what isn’t exactly clarified in the story ) back with him to Nevada which Henry Creel coincidentally discovers. This is all very briefly alluded to in the show as a very minor exposition / plot point. Combination of projection / set / lighting and the ultimate appearance of a “full size” ship make for an incredible opening act. Lighting and effects also help - in a matter of seconds - recreate a visual that's very much like the Upside Down of the TV show, down to the floating particles and darker colour palette, so if you're familiar with it you are immediately drawn into it, and because of what you associate it with already it makes for a very powerful moment. |
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165 posts
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Post by MoreLife on Nov 30, 2023 16:01:19 GMT
The sequence with Henry in Nevada with the bats and the demogorgon was another highlight for me, although from my seat at the end of the row, I missed him standing on / conquering the demogorgan. I seem to be in the minority with thinking the ending was excellent, I never expected them to do anything with 11, with this being the origin story for Henry, she isn't important in this part of the story but it was exciting getting a glimpse of her just to bring us back to the series. I came away thinking about it and am still thinking about the new information we have about the story and how it is all going to come together in the final series, so for me, it did what it needed to. I saw it last night, when the director announced they'd have some new set piece and new scenes, so clearly some bits of the play are still a work in progress and changes are happening. So much so that... last night I didn't really see a demogorgon encounter nor bats, and the Nevada events were only alluded to as something that happened and left Henry "changed" but without much detail. I agree that the ending establishes the perfect connection with the series, both for those who may see the play having never seen the series and for the fans. After all, if you've seen Season Four you already know those characters and you kind of already have seen that very scene. Definitely plenty of implications for the final season, as certain characters [ I'm keeping this vague in case someone comes here having seen the play, but not the series! ] know things from their experiences in 1959 that may prove very relevant when, twenty-something years later, they return to Hawkins after spending some time abroad. |
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Post by mrnutz on Nov 30, 2023 16:11:18 GMT
The sequence with Henry in Nevada with the bats and the demogorgon was another highlight for me, although from my seat at the end of the row, I missed him standing on / conquering the demogorgan. I don't think I saw this either - when in the play did this happen? |
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Post by Boob on Nov 30, 2023 17:03:52 GMT
Yes, interesting that this was the first release production shot but the moment is no longer in the production.
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Post by stepha on Dec 1, 2023 8:54:18 GMT
The sequence with Henry in Nevada with the bats and the demogorgon was another highlight for me, although from my seat at the end of the row, I missed him standing on / conquering the demogorgan. I don't think I saw this either - when in the play did this happen? If I recall correctly, it was near the start of the second act - how strange, a production shot of this scene has been all over their social media with tagline "Henry, meet Demogoron". Maybe they've decided it doesn't really move the story on as they allude to Nevada elsewhere; with hindsight, I guess it's a scene for the fans - I'm glad I got to see it |
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Post by mrnutz on Dec 1, 2023 9:16:06 GMT
I don't think I saw this either - when in the play did this happen? If I recall correctly, it was near the start of the second act - how strange, a production shot of this scene has been all over their social media with tagline "Henry, meet Demogoron". Maybe they've decided it doesn't really move the story on as they allude to Nevada elsewhere; with hindsight, I guess it's a scene for the fans - I'm glad I got to see it This is exactly what I thought - I'd seen the production shot but didn't see it happen during the show, which felt misleading to me. Unless I missed it somehow! I was there last Saturday night (25th Nov). |
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5,277 posts
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Post by mrbarnaby on Dec 1, 2023 23:43:32 GMT
Saw tonight’s performance. 1) Couple in row in front arrived late and saw the first act on video in a lounge. Be on time people or expect to watch a tv with what’s happening inside the Phoenix 2) The actors do come up to the dress circle during 2 scenes. That’s not immersive. 3) I was sorry for the audience in the stalls. To be covered in stage fog 3 time is not fun. It does look great from the dress circle. Be sure to sit in the dress circle. 4) all the characters are well introduced after the boat scene. It’s similar to a singer introducing all the band members with a fun fact about them. Maybe that will help the newbies. 5) I was not impressed by the ship. Based on what I heard, it should have been 3 times larger. Maybe that writer sat up close in the stalls. 6) Joyce has to be a smoker. If not throughout, obviously when she takes the diner job in the last scene. 7) Why introduce 11 and she doesn’t do a darn thing? 8) Catch this in London. I came over from New York. With the massive cast it will never be performed over there. Oh how wrong you are. They have already booked the theatre for its NYC transfer next year. |
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Post by dillan on Dec 1, 2023 23:45:05 GMT
If I recall correctly, it was near the start of the second act - how strange, a production shot of this scene has been all over their social media with tagline "Henry, meet Demogoron". Maybe they've decided it doesn't really move the story on as they allude to Nevada elsewhere; with hindsight, I guess it's a scene for the fans - I'm glad I got to see it This is exactly what I thought - I'd seen the production shot but didn't see it happen during the show, which felt misleading to me. Unless I missed it somehow! I was there last Saturday night (25th Nov). Hmm, I went on the 24th and the shot was there. I'm going again on Tuesday so interested to see if it's still been taken out. |
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Post by mrbarnaby on Dec 1, 2023 23:46:04 GMT
It’s no longer in the show. A real shame. But then they are desperately trying to cut the running time down.
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Post by Jon on Dec 1, 2023 23:52:33 GMT
I wonder where it could go in NY? My guess is a ATG/Jujamcyn venue so perhaps The Hudson after Merrily We Roll Along or perhaps the Walter Kerr?
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5,277 posts
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Post by mrbarnaby on Dec 1, 2023 23:57:37 GMT
I wonder where it could go in NY? My guess is a ATG/Jujamcyn venue so perhaps The Hudson after Merrily We Roll Along or perhaps the Walter Kerr? It could go almost anywhere. That’s the upside of staging it at the Phoenix- it’s not a big theatre. |
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Post by ntherooh on Dec 2, 2023 0:32:45 GMT
They took out the one demogorgon fight? That’s like such a big part of what I’m coming for and just classic Stranger Things. Wasn’t that also one of the more impressive looking scenes?
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Post by c4ndyc4ne on Dec 3, 2023 13:24:17 GMT
Saw tonight’s performance. 1) Couple in row in front arrived late and saw the first act on video in a lounge. Be on time people or expect to watch a tv with what’s happening inside the Phoenix 2) The actors do come up to the dress circle during 2 scenes. That’s not immersive. 3) I was sorry for the audience in the stalls. To be covered in stage fog 3 time is not fun. It does look great from the dress circle. Be sure to sit in the dress circle. 4) all the characters are well introduced after the boat scene. It’s similar to a singer introducing all the band members with a fun fact about them. Maybe that will help the newbies. 5) I was not impressed by the ship. Based on what I heard, it should have been 3 times larger. Maybe that writer sat up close in the stalls. 6) Joyce has to be a smoker. If not throughout, obviously when she takes the diner job in the last scene. 7) Why introduce 11 and she doesn’t do a darn thing? 8) Catch this in London. I came over from New York. With the massive cast it will never be performed over there. Oh how wrong you are. They have already booked the theatre for its NYC transfer next year. But Sonia Friedman has never put a new play with a big cast on Broadway! Oh wait- |
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Post by mattnyc on Dec 8, 2023 0:04:07 GMT
I spoke to house staff tonight and they said this week they’d cut 30 minutes off the show, some of which was the demogorgon scene which really, I’m not too upset about not seeing but yes very very strange to cut it after using it to advertise
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249 posts
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Post by gmoneyoutlaw on Dec 8, 2023 14:00:18 GMT
I spoke to house staff tonight and they said this week they’d cut 30 minutes off the show, some of which was the demogorgon scene which really, I’m not too upset about not seeing but yes very very strange to cut it after using it to advertise I'm surprised they'd cut any of the special effects. They could tighten up the opening scene and the dance. |
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Post by dillan on Dec 8, 2023 16:42:56 GMT
From seeing it 3 weeks ago and then again on Tuesday, I'm pretty sure nothing in the first act is cut, it was still 90 minutes on Tuesday.
My memory of every scene isn't amazing but yes, the demogorgon is gone as we all know (really don't know why but anyway) and I think a few scenes from the play/ musical the school does has been cut.
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Post by marob on Dec 12, 2023 17:29:16 GMT
Having seen it today I think if they’re going to cut anything it should be from the whole play-within-a-play thing. Even as a regular theatregoer I’ve never heard of The Dark of the Moon, and wouldn’t have known it was a real play if there wasn’t a piece on it in the programme. Or Bob’s radio show since they must be paying to license all those songs only to use about six seconds of them.
Have only seen up to season 2, so some of the secondary characters may have been a bit lost on me, but I still really enjoyed the play. Loved the ship effect at the start.
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