4,631 posts
|
Post by Phantom of London on Nov 8, 2016 22:03:51 GMT
The choral piece would apply to how the score is delievered, the central protagonist is what is the central character in the book, where the plot stems from, this is missing in Ragtime. The script is full of derogatory racist terms, that became unnecessary. Have you read by any chance the original novel? if you do, you'll notice that there is no protagonist even there... it's just how the story is conceived, you might like it or not, but it's not a deficency of the book at all, it's a narrative choice. Do I need to read the book, to enjoy the musical then?
|
|
4,631 posts
|
Post by Phantom of London on Nov 8, 2016 22:07:42 GMT
Wow they educate people in this art form. Even though it is still very niche, this will help them get jobs, in a industry where jobs don't really exist. The actor/musician novelty has worn off for me now, it is an unwelcome distraction.
|
|
2,786 posts
Member is Online
|
Post by couldileaveyou on Nov 8, 2016 22:23:39 GMT
Have you read by any chance the original novel? if you do, you'll notice that there is no protagonist even there... it's just how the story is conceived, you might like it or not, but it's not a deficency of the book at all, it's a narrative choice. Do I need to read the book, to enjoy the musical then? if you read my post very carefully you'll see that it's not what I said. I said that they both use the same narrative choice of not having a single protagonist. So no, if you desperately need a central figure in a story, don't read the novel.
|
|
2,452 posts
|
Post by theatremadness on Nov 8, 2016 22:46:07 GMT
I'd like to know why/how you consider the book to be racist? The whole book is proliferated with racial slur, unlike Memphis where the department boss uses an unacceptable term or Penny Pingleton mother makes a similar slur in Hairspray, the audience gasps, but the point is made and the show moves on, unlike Ragtime that is determined to remind you every several minutes, in case the audience might forget what they were already told minutes before. Yes, unlike Memphis, set in the 50's onward and yes, unlike Hairspray, set in the 60's, both where, even though it wasn't unheard of to see or hear certain racial slurs printed, language had at least progressed, if not the attitude. Ragtime is set at the turn of the 20th Century (1902-1912, I believe?), quite a while before your examples, where racial slurs were still in use. It's not "determined to remind you every several minutes, in case the audience might forget", it's based on a novel of historical fiction and historical accuracy, accuracy that is important in portraying American history, and if it makes you feel uncomfortable; good! Why should this be sugar-coated? Just because it's a musical? Just because it's 2016 and we don't talk like that anymore? That does an incredible disservice to those who lived their lives as depicted in Ragtime. It's a bit baffling that you'd think the book is written to hit the audience over the head with racial slurs and that you can't see that it's a matter of truth that does contribute to the musical having the impact that it does, because of how far we have come, and indeed how far we still have to go.
|
|
4,631 posts
|
Post by Phantom of London on Nov 9, 2016 4:01:56 GMT
But does an intelligent audience need it rammed down their throat repetively through the whole show? How do people of colour feel, if they see the show?
|
|
642 posts
|
Post by Stasia on Nov 9, 2016 6:52:32 GMT
But does an intelligent audience need it rammed down their throat repetively through the whole show? I consider myself an intelligent audience so here is my answer. I feel perfectly normal. I am sharing the emotion of the characters and feeling their pain and anger, just the same as when Fantine has to sell her body, or when Felicia is beaten, or when Matilda feels lonely, or when some other character dies, in pain, loses his love or whatever. Emotional - yes. Compassionate and feeling the pain with the characters - yes. But no one rammed anything down my throat unless I ask for it. It is perfectly normal to see the shows about the past years and read the books describing the life as it was in these days. It is not racism - to describe that life using these words that were in use.
|
|
571 posts
|
Post by westendwendy on Nov 11, 2016 9:28:58 GMT
Saying this show is racist is like saying Jesus Christ Superstar or Joseph and his Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat are offensive to Christians. Nonsense. They are stories that are set at a period of history and use the cultural references and social behaviour of the time. If that includes Pharaohs to racial slurring then let if be. Often theatre irks the soul and it can be difficult to watch - but that's the whole point of storytelling and history!
|
|
2,786 posts
Member is Online
|
Post by couldileaveyou on Nov 11, 2016 9:31:26 GMT
There is a trailer now!
|
|
3,763 posts
Member is Online
|
Post by d'James on Nov 11, 2016 9:35:51 GMT
I remember looking into this show when it was on at Regent's Park but and it didn't seem like it'd be for me. This trailer has made me seriously consider going to see it though.
|
|
3,763 posts
Member is Online
|
Post by d'James on Nov 11, 2016 11:16:34 GMT
This is NOTHING like the RP production. Go see it. It wasn't the production that put me off, just the story and style of music. I think my tastes have changed though although maybe this is where my 'not listening to the music' before seeing a show really backfires as I'm sure I would've liked it back then too, although a bad production might've meant I liked it less.
|
|
571 posts
|
Post by westendwendy on Nov 11, 2016 12:01:01 GMT
This is NOTHING like the RP production. Go see it. It wasn't the production that put me off, just the story and style of music. I think my tastes have changed though although maybe this is where my 'not listening to the music' before seeing a show really backfires as I'm sure I would've liked it back then too, although a bad production might've meant I liked it less. Just get a from stalls bench seat for 17.50 and see it. The show is sensational. Go go go
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 11, 2016 15:18:07 GMT
Tonight's show has been cancelled due to the indisposition of a principal cast member
|
|
3,763 posts
Member is Online
|
Post by d'James on Nov 11, 2016 15:24:18 GMT
Again?
|
|
2,786 posts
Member is Online
|
Post by couldileaveyou on Nov 11, 2016 15:44:23 GMT
It's the risk of Autumn/Winter shows, I can't believe they didn't cast some understudies just in case
|
|
3,763 posts
Member is Online
|
Post by d'James on Nov 11, 2016 15:48:10 GMT
Maybe they took the decision - and I know the wouldn't have taken it lightly - so that they don't have two cancel two shows tomorrow if they forced whichever actor on tonight.
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 11, 2016 17:54:39 GMT
It's the risk of Autumn/Winter shows, I can't believe they didn't cast some understudies just in case Yeah, it's very strange not to have understudies. I can understand not having understudies for a show that only runs for a few weeks, but this one has a decent run.
|
|
1,936 posts
|
Post by wickedgrin on Nov 11, 2016 18:42:29 GMT
Charing Cross Theatre barely pay the principle cast let alone have understudies.
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 11, 2016 18:57:48 GMT
Hope they do not cancel as I am going tommorow
|
|
1,119 posts
|
Post by martin1965 on Nov 11, 2016 19:21:59 GMT
Im now going on 3 dec, hope this bug doesnt last! Bit surprised there arent understudies😕
|
|
4,631 posts
|
Post by Phantom of London on Nov 11, 2016 20:34:04 GMT
I would've thought that it would be hard to get an understudy in a principal role, that played an instrument.
|
|
2,786 posts
Member is Online
|
Post by couldileaveyou on Nov 11, 2016 21:16:43 GMT
I would've thought that it would be hard to get an understudy in a principal role, that played an instrument. Mother, Father, Sarah, Younger Brother and Tateh are not hard to replace in this case.
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 12, 2016 13:50:26 GMT
It's going ahead today apparently. Mother is to be played by someone else (didn't catch their name). At least that's what I was told when I booked today. If they cancel, I'm going to lose my rag (time).
|
|
2,786 posts
Member is Online
|
Post by couldileaveyou on Nov 12, 2016 14:06:44 GMT
Funnily enough, they don't do rush tickets for the matinees any more. They should be less choosy, considering that it's very far from being a sold out run.
|
|
116 posts
|
Post by Joseph Buquet on Nov 12, 2016 18:25:58 GMT
One of the producers came on before the show to say that Anita Louise Combe was ill, but they still wanted to go ahead with the show. So they'd found someone else to play Mother - a lady who'd played the part in another production a few months ago. Apparently she had only 3 hours' notice, but - other than the fact that she carried the script with her, you wouldn't have known. Huge reaction from the audience. Very impressive!
|
|
2,786 posts
Member is Online
|
Post by couldileaveyou on Nov 12, 2016 19:06:34 GMT
Trudi Camilleri is the name of the lady!
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 12, 2016 19:39:28 GMT
Got back from the matinee and it was great. Trudi was phenomenal as mother, considering she had only a few hours of rehearsal she did really well. Her voice was great and she seemed like she had been part of the company from when it started. The rest of the cast were great as well. They all had great voices and it was increble how they could sing act dance as well as play instruments. This show is just incredible!!!!
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 13, 2016 0:03:08 GMT
Trudi Camilleri. What. A. Star.
Anita Whatsit Whosit was off sick so Trudi came to the rescue. 3 hours rehearsal and the book in her hand and she was amazing. She really only followed the book for the spoken bits, for the songs she was well away. Her 'Back To Before', while no Marin Mazzie (who could be?), was an audience winner. A very gracious cast giving her a well deserved push to the front as well.
Show was great, it's got the most thrilling opener and first act closer. Actor musician shows usually annoy me terribly but this one was rather well done I thought.
Jennifer Saayeng as Sarah is really quite the most astonishingly beautiful woman with a glorious voice. Her chemistry with Ako Mitchell as Coalhouse (also brilliant) is wonderful and I'd love to see them in something else together. She deserves to be a big star in London's glitzy West End. Also loved Gary Tushaw as Tateh. Probably the best performance of the lot IMO.
|
|
659 posts
|
Post by westendcub on Nov 13, 2016 9:37:39 GMT
Wow that is impressive and just showcases talent..3 hours prep.
Glad you guys enjoyed the show, I have been so impressed with the season thus far.
|
|
226 posts
|
Post by barelyathletic on Nov 18, 2016 14:33:13 GMT
Apparently cancelled again tonight due to more than one cast member being unwell. I've got a group in tomorrow and have been looking forward to this for ages. Fingers crossed but it's not looking hopeful. Can't believe they don't have covers.
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 18, 2016 16:33:57 GMT
Apparently cancelled again tonight due to more than one cast member being unwell. I've got a group in tomorrow and have been looking forward to this for ages. Fingers crossed but it's not looking hopeful. Can't believe they don't have covers. Yeah for such a long run they really should have covers. But for those who wondered how they can afford to put such a big cast in such a small theatre, there's your answer.
|
|