1,103 posts
|
Post by mallardo on May 28, 2017 11:28:37 GMT
Feelgood fluff??? Sure there's lots of silliness and hijinks but it's a wartime show and there is an ache of lonliness and separation at its core. The exquisite "Some Other Time" says it all. The guys are going back to the war. These people will probably never see each other again. For me that's the takeaway.
|
|
1,936 posts
|
Post by wickedgrin on May 28, 2017 11:30:15 GMT
I was in tears during "Some Other Time" - exquisite!
|
|
572 posts
|
Post by princeton on May 28, 2017 13:07:23 GMT
the songs are for the most part not that memorable Do please try and get a recording of the score and listen again, I promise you'll come to love them. These are some of the greatest theatre songs ever written. Peerless music by Bernstein and lyrics by Comden and Green at the height of their powers - moving seamlessly between comedy and pathos. Some Other Time, Lonely Town, Lucky To Be Me, I Can Cook Too, and New York, New York are each, in their own way, gems.
|
|
3,760 posts
Member is Online
|
Post by anthony40 on May 28, 2017 14:22:49 GMT
Welcome to the board princeton
|
|
364 posts
|
Post by dazzerlump on May 28, 2017 17:23:25 GMT
hmm im not a fan of the set, and while its not exactly the same as jesus it is very similar and boxy in design, im going with my partner to see thios and Jesus over the summerand friends and I guarantee they will think its the same set modified for both shows
|
|
4,458 posts
|
Post by poster J on May 28, 2017 17:42:14 GMT
the songs are for the most part not that memorable Do please try and get a recording of the score and listen again, I promise you'll come to love them. These are some of the greatest theatre songs ever written. Peerless music by Bernstein and lyrics by Comden and Green at the height of their powers - moving seamlessly between comedy and pathos. Some Other Time, Lonely Town, Lucky To Be Me, I Can Cook Too, and New York, New York are each, in their own way, gems. I didn't say I disliked them, I said that for the most part I don't think they are memorable - there's a difference. I love some other Bernstein works - West Side Story is probably my favourite musical score. But I didn't find this anything more than pleasant light entertainment - nothing wrong with it, but I can barely remember a single word today apart from New York New York, which I knew of before I saw the show. A lot of the staging was lovely, and it is an entertaining show, I just don't think it's something I would rush to give a second viewing or buy the cast recording of. But if a song came on the radio or was played at a concert I certainly wouldn't object!
|
|
88 posts
|
Post by anniel on May 30, 2017 17:52:36 GMT
I absolutely loved this last night.
It kept threatening to rain and I was terrified that I was going to have to owe more money to the thieving whatnots of Virgin Rail to get down to London from Leeds again but it held off and actually looked even lovelier against the murky sky - the lighting was particularly fabulous!
It was just so charming.....lovely dancing, funny, romantic, the most spectacular band and brilliant use of set.
All of the cast were tremendous. As a Strictly devotee, I was worried about Danny Mac as stunt casting but he was great - good acting, fabulous dancing and a lovely voice - he had a couple of tough songs - the music is quite challenging. But everyone was just fab - all of the cast were perfect. I thought Miriam Teak- Lee was really excellent - amazing that it is her first job.
There's even a bit with a dinosaur that is really impressive.
Even the wigs were perfect!
It's just a really classy production.
Another great night at the Open Air Theatre. I expect I shall try to go again.
One tiny moan: I just wish they would start at 7.30. It still started at 7.50 and finished by 10.15 but as a single lady, I don't like the walk to the tube which is badly lit. I know they are trying to sell food but I am from the North and not used to these fancy London late night finishes and dark walks to public transport.....
|
|
2,563 posts
|
Post by viserys on May 30, 2017 19:10:53 GMT
One tiny moan: I just wish they would start at 7.30. It still started at 7.50 and finished by 10.15 but as a single lady, I don't like the walk to the tube which is badly lit. I know they are trying to sell food but I am from the North and not used to these fancy London late night finishes and dark walks to public transport..... Would it make such a difference though? It will be dark either way. I am a single lady, too, and not keen on the walk back to the streets through the dark park either. Better lighting along the main path(s) at least for the time when the theatre lets out would be great or at least a few security people being posted along the way. I just try to stay close to other people walking away from the theatre until I've reached the lit streets.
|
|
4,458 posts
|
Post by poster J on May 30, 2017 20:41:21 GMT
As a single lady walking back from the theatre on Saturday night I didn't find it a problem at all - I was one of many heading that way!
|
|
88 posts
|
Post by anniel on May 30, 2017 21:00:27 GMT
As a single lady walking back from the theatre on Saturday night I didn't find it a problem at all - I was one of many heading that way! It was a quiet walk last night - perhaps with it being a bank holiday, more people drove. Hope you enjoyed it.
|
|
219 posts
|
Post by PalelyLaura on May 31, 2017 11:35:38 GMT
All the single ladies put your hands up!
As a single lady I'm fine with the walk - but I do wish it would start earlier, just because want to get out and get home to bed :-)
|
|
1,197 posts
|
Post by theatrefan77 on May 31, 2017 11:57:48 GMT
I saw it last night for the second time and loved it again.
It was interesting to see Jacob Maynard playing Chip. He was very good and charming but lacks the edge that Fred Haig had as Chip. Haig's Chip was far more energetic even acrobatic especially in Come Up To My Place and in I Can Cook Too. He also had better chemistry with Lizzy Connolly and overall his Chip was just spot on. Having said that Maynard did a great job considering how little rehearsal time he had.
With Fred Haig out of the production, out of the three male leads, Danny Mac is now the stand out. He does a great job as the romantic and dances wonderfully. I wish he was a stronger singer though especially for Lucky To Be Me.
But overall this is an ensemble piece and the whole cast deserves praise.
And now my moan: At least 50% of the audience really misbehaved last night and I don't understand why staff don't do anything about it. Fortunately it was all fine in the area where we were seating but I could see tons of people going in and out almost constantly to get drinks from the bar and, in a couple of occasions, some nearly bumped into the performers when they making their entrances or exits. Also the use of mobiles was also constant with people filming portions of the show or taking photos. My friend reckons that this behaviour is due to the fact that the show was heavily papered last night and they probably gave tickets to people who are not use to go to the theatre and don't follow any etiquette. Not sure. Maybe. But even if that's the case, why can't the staff do something about it?
|
|
4,458 posts
|
Post by poster J on May 31, 2017 12:37:53 GMT
And now my moan: At least 50% of the audience really misbehaved last night and I don't understand why staff don't do anything about it. Fortunately it was all fine in the area where we were seating but I could see tons of people going in and out almost constantly to get drinks from the bar and, in a couple of occasions, some nearly bumped into the performers when they making their entrances or exits. Also the use of mobiles was also constant with people filming portions of the show or taking photos. My friend reckons that this behaviour is due to the fact that the show was heavily papered last night and they probably gave tickets to people who are not use to go to the theatre and don't follow any etiquette. Not sure. Maybe. But even if that's the case, why can't the staff do something about it? No, it was exactly the same on Saturday night. I agree, I don't understand why the ushers don't just do their jobs and sort it out!
|
|
1,330 posts
|
Post by CG on the loose on May 31, 2017 12:43:51 GMT
I think there's something about it being outside that makes people (some people!) think that the normal rules don't apply. Maybe the fact that it's not dark for most of the show either...?
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on May 31, 2017 13:17:38 GMT
The problem nowadays is that Producers and Managements actively encourage audiences to tweet, Facebook and share their visit on social media in a bid to publicise the show. This explains the lack of policing from FOH staff as you can't have it both ways. I personally hate it and would happily do anything to stop people using their devices. As for food and drink, I am with Imelda on that!
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on May 31, 2017 13:26:25 GMT
I've said it before, I'll say it again. Give ushers taser guns. That should sort it out.
Alternatively, give me a taser gun. And one of those electric cattle prod thingies too.
|
|
10 posts
|
Post by nrets001 on May 31, 2017 14:22:44 GMT
I originally had a ticket for the cancelled show last week and rebooked for last night. My expectation for this show was so high, sadly for me I really didn't enjoy it at all. Don't get me wrong, the dancing was fantastic as was the singing, specially the female leads was simply exceptional but musically I didn't recognise any of the songs, other than the main On The Town theme.
I actually found it all rather dull with an often repetitive storyline 'I understand......
I haven't seen the film in years, but remember it being much funnier and this interpretation of the film for me felt disjointed. I'm pretty sure I will be in the minority where this show is concerned, but that's OK - we can't all like the same things, that would make the world a pretty dull place.
|
|
578 posts
|
Post by lou105 on May 31, 2017 15:11:26 GMT
I think there's something about it being outside that makes people (some people!) think that the normal rules don't apply. Maybe the fact that it's not dark for most of the show either...? I agree. Last time we went, a family had a full scale picnic and were struggling to hold it all on their knees. Passing the smelly dip to go with the tortilla chips back and forth was a particular highlight. I found a matinee at the Globe to be quite disruptive too ( though a lot of people are there for the experience rather than the play) and I felt it was the daylight that removed some of the expectation of being quiet.
|
|
375 posts
|
Post by ctas on May 31, 2017 20:35:19 GMT
I noticed today that not only has a male ensemble member been added since previews started (presumably to cover for Jacob Maynard being bumped up to lead) but also two female ensemble members! Honestly impressed at how good it was considering the amount of weather and injury disruption the cast have had!
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on May 31, 2017 20:40:38 GMT
I didn't like this
Something cheap and nasty
About the open air
Filthy seats as well always
Like rancid garden furniture
My friend got a stain in her Fendi jumpsuit
|
|
5,276 posts
|
Post by mrbarnaby on May 31, 2017 21:08:08 GMT
Please never stop Parsley! I didn't like this Something cheap and nasty About the open air Filthy seats as well always Like rancid garden furniture My friend got a stain in her Fendi jumpsuit
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on May 31, 2017 21:10:58 GMT
Please never stop Parsley! I didn't like this Something cheap and nasty About the open air Filthy seats as well always Like rancid garden furniture My friend got a stain in her Fendi jumpsuit I am sorry But they pomp it up Picnic in the park Elegant day out And you sit on f***ing garden chairs
|
|
716 posts
|
Post by theatre-turtle on May 31, 2017 21:26:22 GMT
Please never stop Parsley! I am sorry But they pomp it up Picnic in the park Elegant day out And you sit on f****** garden chairs Since you have no criticism of the acting, production, music etc. I presume it's a solid show?
|
|
5,276 posts
|
Post by mrbarnaby on May 31, 2017 21:27:47 GMT
I must get along to see this. How is Danny Mac?
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on May 31, 2017 21:36:22 GMT
I am sorry But they pomp it up Picnic in the park Elegant day out And you sit on f****** garden chairs Since you have no criticism of the acting, production, music etc. I presume it's a solid show? Solid Like a meat and potato pie Hardly Earth shattering
|
|
1,187 posts
|
Post by theatrelover123 on May 31, 2017 21:48:24 GMT
Ahhh just like 42nd Street then
|
|
267 posts
|
Post by stageyninja83 on May 31, 2017 21:59:59 GMT
Press Night tonight and lots of empty seats despite a lot of papering also going on.
Have to say overall I was disappointed, the cast were OK but that's about the best I can say. Danny Mac is not strong enough in any department to be a leading man. No real stand out performance in the rest of the cast either and without any memorable songs and limited story it's a hard sell. The whole thing felt quite disjointed and clunky. I usually love Drew's choreography but found that this was quite laboured and felt like a rehash of his other shows.
Have a ticket for later in the run, hoping for rain so I can move it to see the far more entertaining JCS.
|
|
1,427 posts
|
Post by showtoones on May 31, 2017 22:01:34 GMT
Parsley - whats with the Haiku? Are we supposed to read some hidden meaning into your criticism of everything?
|
|
1,064 posts
|
Post by bellboard27 on May 31, 2017 22:11:51 GMT
The Stage 5 ⭐️ Guardian 4 ⭐️ Telegraph 3 ⭐️
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on May 31, 2017 22:16:10 GMT
Ahhh just like 42nd Street then Yes Just like that show I am sure Open Air Have spent 9 million On this
|
|