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Post by bimse on Apr 9, 2018 8:57:09 GMT
My problem with this show is the venue. (I fear) the intimacy of some aspects of the show- facial expressions, the march of the iambs children- will just get lost. I've no doubt that because of the size and depth of the stage the Shall We Dance sequence will look great and accommodate those infamous hoop skirts, and whilst I appreciate the producers desire to get bums on seats and accommodate the coach load but in my opinion, this needs to in proper theatre. The Palladium does not actually have a very deep stage , is that what you mean when you say that sequence will look great? I’m not sure how the width compares to other theatres, but the designers work miracles with perspective , I’m sure it will be terrific
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Post by Stephen on Apr 9, 2018 9:09:09 GMT
My problem with this show is the venue. (I fear) the intimacy of some aspects of the show- facial expressions, the march of the iambs children- will just get lost. I've no doubt that because of the size and depth of the stage the Shall We Dance sequence will look great and accommodate those infamous hoop skirts, and whilst I appreciate the producers desire to get bums on seats and accommodate the coach load but in my opinion, this needs to in proper theatre. The Palladium does not actually have a very deep stage , is that what you mean when you say that sequence will look great? I’m not sure how the width compares to other theatres, but the designers work miracles with perspective , I’m sure it will be terrific I could be wrong but I believe that the depth of the Palladium stage is around half the size of that at Drury Lane whilst the width is similar to Drury Lane? Just puts it into perspective. There is always the option of covering the Palladium pit to gain a little extra space but for a classic musical such as this I’d imagine with almost certainty that the full pit will be in use by a lovely large orchestra and the conductor on full show. People would feel short changed otherwise. Saying that I’m not sure of the sound equipment in the Palladium. Would it be an option to have an orchestra in the pit whilst covered?
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Post by tonyloco on Apr 9, 2018 10:19:55 GMT
There is always the option of covering the Palladium pit to gain a little extra space but for a classic musical such as this I’d imagine with almost certainty that the full pit will be in use by a lovely large orchestra and the conductor on full show. People would feel short changed otherwise. Saying that I’m not sure of the sound equipment in the Palladium. Would it be an option to have an orchestra in the pit whilst covered? I may be wrong, and I hope other members will comment on this, but I am fairly sure that when I saw 'The Sound of Music' from the Upper Circle at the Palladium, whenever the performers went onto the walkway that went around the front of the orchestra pit, they almost completely disappeared from my sight. In fact, isn't this true of many older London theatres that the sight lines for the upper reaches of the house are meant to see what happens on the stage only behind the proscenium arch, so whenever sets are built out forward of the proscenium the sight lines for people sitting in the higher parts of the auditorium become severely restricted. Sadly, designers often fail to take this into account, or they don't care! And I guess this can happen inadvertently when a show transfers from one theatre to another.
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Post by Dr Tom on Apr 9, 2018 10:20:08 GMT
There is always the option of covering the Palladium pit to gain a little extra space but for a classic musical such as this I’d imagine with almost certainty that the full pit will be in use by a lovely large orchestra and the conductor on full show. If I remember, the NYC production had the orchestra on show for the overture, then the stage extended to cover them (and bring the ship on). They could do something similar at the Palladium. I did see the touring production as well and they made that look almost as impressive with a variety of stage sizes. Shall We Dance certainly worked. So I don't think the stage is anything to worry about.
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Post by undeuxtrois on Apr 22, 2018 12:47:14 GMT
Does anyone know who the alternates will be?
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Post by Deleted on Apr 22, 2018 13:42:33 GMT
Does anyone know who the alternates will be? Will there be alternates? Its only a three month run.
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Post by couldileaveyou on Apr 22, 2018 15:02:50 GMT
They didn't have alternates on Broadway
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Post by Deleted on Apr 22, 2018 15:06:30 GMT
I don't know King and I that well other than the Shall We Dance sequence (although I'm sure I'll know more parts of it when I see it), but are either of the lead roles that vocally or physically demanding? I mean, I'm sure those dresses are heavy on the actresses of course, but otherwise?
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Post by Dawnstar on Apr 22, 2018 15:16:55 GMT
The most recent cast announcement included Annalene Beechey's name without specifying a role so I assume she is understudy Anna, as she's the right voice type & age (which makes me feel old - I first saw her 11 years ago as Glinda s/b). I do hope she gets at least one scheduled show as I'd love to see her in the role. I'm assuming she's understudy rather than alternate as surely they'd have to say if Kelli O'Hara wasn't doing all 8 shows.
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Post by ali973 on Apr 22, 2018 15:37:53 GMT
I think the Broadway cast had a standby with no regular shows bar from holidays and sick days off.
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Post by gra on Apr 22, 2018 15:48:23 GMT
The most recent cast announcement included Annalene Beechey's name without specifying a role so I assume she is understudy Anna, as she's the right voice type & age (which makes me feel old - I first saw her 11 years ago as Glinda s/b). I do hope she gets at least one scheduled show as I'd love to see her in the role. I'm assuming she's understudy rather than alternate as surely they'd have to say if Kelli O'Hara wasn't doing all 8 shows. Good to see Annalene back on stage. She seems to have been out of the loop in recent years (I heard she's been concentrating on bringing up her family, but this may be wrong)
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Post by ali973 on Apr 22, 2018 15:51:53 GMT
She was in Whisper House at the Other Palace last year.
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Post by theatremadness on Apr 22, 2018 16:02:12 GMT
She was in Whisper House at the Other Palace last year. That was Diane Pilkington, no?
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Post by ali973 on Apr 22, 2018 16:03:08 GMT
Oh shoot. You're right. Both ex-Glindas. My bad.
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Post by Dawnstar on Apr 22, 2018 16:24:24 GMT
They were from a similar Wicked era: when Annalene left at the end of April 2007 Dianne took over as standby for 2 and a half months before becoming the lead. As far as I know Annalene hasn't done anything apart from very occasional concerts for several years. I think her last major London appearance may have been the My Fair Lady Prom back in 2012. I bumped into her husband, the director Simon Greiff, at the Union 2 or 3 years ago & he said she was taking a break from the stage while their children were young. It's good news for those of us who are fans that evidently they're now old enough that she wants to return. I suppose understudying is a good way to come back after a break as it must be a bit less pressued than having to lead a show full time.
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Post by wickedgrin on Apr 22, 2018 20:41:54 GMT
I don't know King and I that well other than the Shall We Dance sequence (although I'm sure I'll know more parts of it when I see it), but are either of the lead roles that vocally or physically demanding? I mean, I'm sure those dresses are heavy on the actresses of course, but otherwise? The roles will not be an issue for musical theatre trained performers and barring illness I would have thought the leads will do 8 shows a week. Anna is rarely off stage throughout the long show and then it really is a two person affair as the title would suggest. Other roles having little stage time and underwritten. The show is about Anna and her relationship with the King and they have to do all the heavy lifting.
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Post by 49thand8th on Apr 22, 2018 23:43:44 GMT
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Post by Mr Snow on May 3, 2018 19:14:54 GMT
So I have to admitt I'd never heard of Ms. O'Hara until this was annouced. We had the Met Saturday Matinee on R3 a few weeks ago as background and I was amazed to hear the announcer at the end say she'd sung Despina. www.newcriterion.com/issues/...chronicle-9785“The great surprise of this production—even more than the bearded lady or snake-handler—was Kelli O’Hara in the role of Despina. O’Hara is maybe the greatest Broadway star of her age. And here she was in an opera, singing a role that is heavy on recitatives. In fact, Despina does relatively little singing—real singing, apart from recitative. When O’Hara had a chance to sing, I was delighted. Yet she handled her recitatives well too—with accurate pitch, for example. And her Italian was genuine Italian. She was perhaps a bit small of voice, but not too small, and I had this thought: if she has no need of being miked in this vast opera house, why does she have to be miked in the comparatively small theaters in which she spends her career? The overamplification of Broadway is one of the scandals and outrages of our age. In any event, Kelli O’Hara was fearless in her Mozart—and fearless in Mozart is a very hard and good thing to be. May I say that few Despinas have ever been so beautiful? Also, I doubt the role was ever better acted. Finally, here is the big question: If you had no idea—if you knew nothing about Kelli O’Hara, this great, world-famous star of the musical theater—would you think she was an opera singer? A real, full-time opera singer? I think the answer is yes.” I note todaytix say no seats currently available, but after watching these two, I'll confess. I'm prepared to kill for a ticket.
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Post by bimse on May 4, 2018 14:56:17 GMT
Thanks for posting these Mr Snow, I was aware of Ms O’Hara but hadn’t heard her sing, and certainly wasn’t aware she sings at the Met and she’s such a good actor. Very impressive voice , good to listen to , and Ms O’Hara seems to have a very engaging sense of humour too. While looking at the YouTube videos Mr Snow posted, I found one of her singing a very funny spoof song as a country singer trying to get to sing at the opera . I’d post it but I’m not sure how . I’m looking forward to seeing The King and I at the Palladium, my partner saw it in New York and was very impressed .
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Post by harrietcraig on May 4, 2018 19:25:07 GMT
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Post by Deleted on May 5, 2018 0:44:50 GMT
It's infuriating reading that some of you are only discovering anything about Kelli O'Hara just now.
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Post by Mr Snow on May 5, 2018 4:29:19 GMT
It's infuriating reading that some of you are only discovering anything about Kelli O'Hara just now. “Infuriating”? Why?
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Post by BurlyBeaR on May 5, 2018 5:32:38 GMT
While looking at the YouTube videos Mr Snow posted, I found one of her singing a very funny spoof song as a country singer trying to get to sing at the opera . I’d post it but I’m not sure how .
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Post by bimse on May 5, 2018 7:59:23 GMT
Thank you for posting the above @burlybear
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Post by danb on May 5, 2018 8:40:55 GMT
So I have to admitt I'd never heard of Ms. O'Hara until this was annouced. We had the Met Saturday Matinee on R3 a few weeks ago as background and I was amazed to hear the announcer at the end say she'd sung Despina. www.newcriterion.com/issues/...chronicle-9785“The great surprise of this production—even more than the bearded lady or snake-handler—was Kelli O’Hara in the role of Despina. O’Hara is maybe the greatest Broadway star of her age. And here she was in an opera, singing a role that is heavy on recitatives. In fact, Despina does relatively little singing—real singing, apart from recitative. When O’Hara had a chance to sing, I was delighted. Yet she handled her recitatives well too—with accurate pitch, for example. And her Italian was genuine Italian. She was perhaps a bit small of voice, but not too small, and I had this thought: if she has no need of being miked in this vast opera house, why does she have to be miked in the comparatively small theaters in which she spends her career? The overamplification of Broadway is one of the scandals and outrages of our age. In any event, Kelli O’Hara was fearless in her Mozart—and fearless in Mozart is a very hard and good thing to be. May I say that few Despinas have ever been so beautiful? Also, I doubt the role was ever better acted. Finally, here is the big question: If you had no idea—if you knew nothing about Kelli O’Hara, this great, world-famous star of the musical theater—would you think she was an opera singer? A real, full-time opera singer? I think the answer is yes.” I note todaytix say no seats currently available, but after watching these two, I'll confess. I'm prepared to kill for a ticket. Oh god, I had zero interest in this and now I want to see it. It looks like it would give you a great big Sunday afternoon movie of a hug and leave you feeling all fuzzy. Plus the depth of the set with the pillars etc also got me excited!
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Post by 49thand8th on May 6, 2018 1:02:56 GMT
It's infuriating reading that some of you are only discovering anything about Kelli O'Hara just now. “Infuriating”? Why? How dare anyone find out about something later than another person!
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Post by undeuxtrois on May 6, 2018 20:25:31 GMT
Is there any way to get a cheap ticket for this and be able to see the stage? It is one of my favourite musicals and the train to London costs so much
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Post by Mark on May 6, 2018 20:32:05 GMT
Is there any way to get a cheap ticket for this and be able to see the stage? It is one of my favourite musicals and the train to London costs so much Todaytix have already announced they will be doing rush so that's probably your best option.
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Post by undeuxtrois on May 6, 2018 20:37:23 GMT
Is there any way to get a cheap ticket for this and be able to see the stage? It is one of my favourite musicals and the train to London costs so much Todaytix have already announced they will be doing rush so that's probably your best option. What is rush?
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Post by Mark on May 6, 2018 20:42:06 GMT
On the day tickets, bought through the app at 10am
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