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Post by lonlad on Jun 22, 2019 5:25:38 GMT
Richard RoDgers, please !!! :-) The programme unforgivably spells the great man's name wrong, but no reason for us to do so. Theatrical detention for the programme copy editor (!)
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Post by Boob on Jun 22, 2019 6:10:39 GMT
Renee has SO. MANY. COSTUMES.
In Act 2 last night, she wore a dress for a scene that she’d worn in Act 1. One can only assume the dress she was supposed to wear for that scene had a stain.
Oh, I loved it btw.
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Post by cfbrrr on Jun 22, 2019 11:02:26 GMT
I would rate “The Light in the Piazza” as having the *single best* Broadway score since “Sunday in the Park with George” (1984). Mr. Guettel reinvents the musical-theatre compositional palette in the most gorgeously original and sophisticated ways. That said, I don’t like the show very much. The plot is almost silly, the stereotyping of Italians is tiresome, the no-4th-wall storytelling pretentious, awkward, and strictly from hunger. Victoria Clark is maybe hard to beat in the lead role, but that should hardly deter other productions and actresses from entering the derby (Donna Murphy seems an obvious choice; Renee Fleming is stunt casting, Dove Cameron less so). Lastly, Italian accents are the easiest for Anglos to reproduce. Why can’t Broadway and the West End step up in this regard (with this criticism ironically affecting even Kelli O’Hara in “The Bridges of Madison County”)? But then, when several successive editions of a Broadway reference book have listed the show’s title as “The Light in the Pizza,” what can you expect these days? [Relatedly: Please, everybody, spell Richard Rodgers’ surname correctly.]
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Post by poster J on Jun 22, 2019 11:51:16 GMT
Renee has SO. MANY. COSTUMES. In Act 2 last night, she wore a dress for a scene that she’d worn in Act 1. One can only assume the dress she was supposed to wear for that scene had a stain. Oh, I loved it btw. She did that on Sunday as well. Playing "Guess when the next costume change will be" in my head during the show was possibly the most fun I had all evening. Realising just how ridiculous half of the costume changes were (while she was supposedly trying to find her daughter who had run out of the hotel in the middle of the night - really?!) added another layer to it all.
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Post by latefortheoverture on Jun 22, 2019 13:57:14 GMT
Part of my loved this. Another just couldn't connect sadly.
Cannot deny how beautiful the score is though. I was in raptures listening to it.
The Kelli O'Hara recording is just as beautiful. Was the orchestra this big whilst it was on Broadway?
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Post by juicy_but_terribly_drab on Jun 22, 2019 16:38:22 GMT
Part of my loved this. Another just couldn't connect sadly. Cannot deny how beautiful the score is though. I was in raptures listening to it. The Kelli O'Hara recording is just as beautiful. Was the orchestra this big whilst it was on Broadway? I think it was only a 14 piece orchestra on Broadway.
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Post by juicy_but_terribly_drab on Jun 22, 2019 16:41:56 GMT
Also I saw this this afternoon and while I knew it wasn't as good as the Broadway production while watching, I also couldn't stop myself from bawling my eyes out so almost despite itself I still loved it but I suppose that's just my love for the show and the music itself more than anything but that's not to say that the cast weren't good or anything as I thought Rob, Dove (her Light in the Piazza was one of my favourite versions I've seen) and Celinde were especially great and even Renee was good enough but I think it would have been hard for me not to cry as this music just gets to me for whatever reason. I relate a lot to Dove's description of her love for the show in the programme in fact!
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Post by theatre241 on Jun 22, 2019 17:39:19 GMT
I saw this as well today and I have fallen in love with it wow! Dove Cameron was an unexpected delight! I was so convinced with her performance and I loved her character. There is depth to this as well and I liked some creative touches of the direction. The production wasn’t perfect though! I wished the orchestra was a tad louder and I wish there was a little more set but I think the set worked well. I was sat in HH and it was a good view but I moved to the back row of the front stalls and I felt ten times closer. I did feel a tad far away from row HH so you just be very distant from the vey back row but everyone was moving about when it was just about starting which I found quite funny lol! Overall it’s a solid 4 stars from me.
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Post by AddisonMizner on Jun 22, 2019 17:54:44 GMT
I was also there at the matinee today.
Well, the score is glorious! (Although I knew that going in). If you had to describe my musical aesthetic in just one show, this would be it - lush, lyrical, romantic, operatic and just sublime! I know that this type of score can be a required taste, but how anyone can find this derivative is beyond me. It is evocative of so much - the Italian landscape, the excitement of first love and unspoken feelings coming bursting to the fore.
It was also a relief to hear the score so well sung:
- Rob Houchen as Fabrizio was a revelation to me. What a voice that man has, and a perfect fit for this score. I would certainly like to hear more of him in the future.
- Renee’s singing was beautiful also, even if Margaret’s music sat a bit low for her. (Her acting on the other hand was sometimes somewhat questionable. Her laughs did not always land, and she was more naturally suited to the dramatic aspects of the part which fitted her well).
- Dove Cameron was a very pleasant surprise. Her voice was very pretty, and was perfectly suitable for Clara, even if she obviously does not have the heft of Kelli O’Hara. As another poster has said, her “The Light in the Piazza” was beautiful, and had me welling up. It was probably one of the standouts of the whole production.
- Celinde Schoenmaker was brilliant as Franca, if a little under-used.
It is just a shame that this gorgeous music is married to what in my opinion is such a dramatically inert story. Of course, I imagine this is more a fault of the source material than the musical itself. Whilst the relationships of the various couples are quite complex, the story is not. After the initial meeting of the two lovers, the first act doesn’t really go anywhere, and quite frankly I was more than a little bored in some moments. However, the second act is much better, and seemed to pick up the dramatic momentum a little more.
The production was serviceable, if nothing more really than a staged concert.
Still, it is worth going to hear this score played by the 40-piece Opera North Orchestra, and sung so well. It is also great to finally be able to see THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA on the London stage. There are more than a few moments of emotional connection, where I had tears welling up in my eyes - Clara and Fabrizio’s first meeting, “Say It Somehow”, Dove’s “The Light in the Piazza” as mentioned above, “Love to Me” etc. Evans’ direction often lets silence speak for itself.
Go if you can!
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Post by juicy_but_terribly_drab on Jun 22, 2019 17:55:47 GMT
I saw this as well today and I have fallen in love with it wow! Dove Cameron was an unexpected delight! I was so convinced with her performance and I loved her character. There is depth to this as well and I liked some creative touches of the direction. The production wasn’t perfect though! I wished the orchestra was a tad louder and I wish there was a little more set but I think the set worked well. I was sat in HH and it was a good view but I moved to the back row of the front stalls and I felt ten times closer. I did feel a tad far away from row HH so you just be very distant from the vey back row but everyone was moving about when it was just about starting which I found quite funny lol! Overall it’s a solid 4 stars from me. Yes I was in Row MM and me and my mum moved up to row BB. We were right on the far edge but because the stage sort of skews right anyway it was actually a pretty great view. I usually am not very close in most theatres anyway so didn't feel too far.
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Post by sagiirl on Jun 22, 2019 18:12:57 GMT
I was also there at the matinee today. Well, the score is glorious! (Although I knew that going in). If you had to describe my musical aesthetic in just one show, this would be it - lush, lyrical, romantic, operatic and just sublime! I know that this type of score can be a required taste, but how anyone can find this derivative is beyond me. It is evocative of so much - the Italian landscape, the excitement of first love and unspoken feelings coming bursting to the fore. It was also a relief to hear the score so well sung: - Rob Houchen as Fabrizio was a revelation to me. What a voice that man has, and a perfect fit for this score. I would certainly like to hear more of him in the future. - Renee’s singing was beautiful also, even if Margaret’s music sat a bit low for her. (Her acting on the other hand was sometimes somewhat questionable. Her laughs did not always land, and she was more naturally suited to the dramatic aspects of the part which fitted her well). - Dove Cameron was a very pleasant surprise. Her voice was very pretty, and was perfectly suitable for Clara, even if she obviously does not have the heft of Kelli O’Hara. As another poster has said, her “The Light in the Piazza” was beautiful, and had me welling up. It was probably one of the standouts of the whole production. - Celinde Schoenmaker was brilliant as Franca, if a little under-used. It is just a shame that this gorgeous music is married to what in my opinion is such a dramatically inert story. Of course, I imagine this is more a fault of the source material than the musical itself. Whilst the relationships of the various couples are quite complex, the story is not. After the initial meeting of the two lovers, the first act doesn’t really go anywhere, and quite frankly I was more than a little bored in some moments. However, the second act is much better, and seemed to pick up the dramatic momentum a little more. The production was serviceable, if nothing more really than a staged concert. Still, it is worth going to hear this score played by the 40-piece Opera North Orchestra, and sung so well. It is also great to finally be able to see THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA on the London stage. There are more than a few moments of emotional connection, where I had tears welling up in my eyes - Clara and Fabrizio’s first meeting, “Say It Somehow”, Dove’s “The Light in the Piazza” as mentioned above, “Love to Me” etc. Evans’ direction often lets silence speak for itself. Go if you can! I too was there this afternoon Row L. Great seat on the Isle. I enjoyed it much more than I thought I would especially Dove Cameron. I can only echo all of the above comments. Definitely worth the price of the ticket bought in the one day sale
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Post by theatre241 on Jun 22, 2019 18:13:10 GMT
I had goosebumps many times and I teared up for Clara a lot surprisingly. I never tear up at things but her performance was excellent. Rob Houchen was very bad but he sings on an ‘e’ a lot and I wish he opened the back of his throat. If you have seen it do you see what I’m trying to get at? I might just be too used to the recording lol but I’ve seen Rob in other stuff and this was his best performance but i think his style is more ‘nastily’
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Post by theatre241 on Jun 22, 2019 18:15:22 GMT
Also I didn’t really see it as a semi staged concert tbh. Because it has some clever direction bus and I forgot I was in a concert hall. I haven’t seen any other productions though. I was so invested in the story I kinda forgot that the orchestra was there at times lol! And I like sets that require a bit of imagination.
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Post by juicy_but_terribly_drab on Jun 22, 2019 18:21:09 GMT
I had goosebumps many times and I teared up for Clara a lot surprisingly. I never tear up at things but her performance was excellent. Rob Houchen was very bad but he sings on an ‘e’ a lot and I wish he opened the back of his throat. If you have seen it do you see what I’m trying to get at? I might just be too used to the recording lol but I’ve seen Rob in other stuff and this was his best performance but i think his style is more ‘nastily’ He did sort of seem to be restraining his voice in a way or something stylistic like that but I still quite liked him tbh.
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Post by winonaforever on Jun 22, 2019 19:15:09 GMT
I was also there this afternoon, centre stalls, row B. I always enjoy seeing Rob and Dove and I thought they were both at their best today. Never seen Renee F before (except on TV) and I enjoyed her singing, but her acting, not so much.
Amazingly I didn't cry at all which was a first! (I practically ALWAYS cry at the theatre!) I really enjoyed it however. I still prefer the film though!
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Post by latefortheoverture on Jun 22, 2019 20:36:16 GMT
Have to agree that Dove's LITP is just beautiful. I was covered in goosebumps. the score is the star of this show.
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Post by Phantom of London on Jun 22, 2019 22:32:14 GMT
Mods: please move this to the Opera and Ballet section.
I went in tonight expecting this to be good, boy was I in for a hiding, the performances were enjoyable Renee Fleming great when I saw her in Carousel, less so tonight because of the source material. Big show for Dove Cameron to appear in, so credit where it is due, she could of just winged it in Glinda in Wicked. Rob Houchen was mildly enjoyable, however the performances were weighed down by a leaden score.
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Post by theatre241 on Jun 22, 2019 22:40:06 GMT
Mods: please move this to the Opera and Ballet section. I went in tonight expecting this to be good, boy was I in for a hiding, the performances were enjoyable Renee Fleming great when I saw her in Carousel, less so tonight because of the source material. Big show for Dove Cameron to appear in, so credit where it is due, she could of just winged it in Glinda in Wicked. Rob Houchen was mildly enjoyable, however the performances were weighed down by a leaden score. It is a musical but it is done in a range of styles of music mostly classical
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Post by theatrefan77 on Jun 22, 2019 23:05:00 GMT
Saw this today for the second time as a friend had complimentary tickets and asked me to go along.
Enjoyed it even more the second time. Dove Cameron was off last week but she was on today and did a beautiful job playing Clara. Renee Fleming sounded even better. Rob Houchen's Italian accent was truly appalling though, but he wasn't the only one, Alex Jennings came a close second. They really need some coaching urgently.
Still the score sounded great with the wonderful orchestra so overall I had a great time.
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Post by scarpia on Jun 23, 2019 0:17:17 GMT
I enjoyed this a lot more than I thought it would. Wasn't sure I was going to get to see it but glad the crazy initial (frankly greedy) prices got drastically cut.
I loved the cast, especially Renée Fleming, Alex Jennings (who is good in pretty much everything he does), and Rob Houchen (stunning vocals). A pity about some of the dodgy Italian - not just the accents, but also when they spoke/sang in Italian itself...I'm surprised the dialect/language coaching wasn't better.
But I engaged with the not-quite-there plot and characters far more than I thought it would and felt quite swept away. The most romantic score I've heard in music theatre since, I'm not sure...Aspects?
The pity, and which perhaps will for ever taint this show for me, is Adam Guettel and his incredibly dodgy views. It left an unpleasant taste in my mouth that the show couldn't erase.
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Post by cfbrrr on Jun 23, 2019 0:41:01 GMT
The pity, and which perhaps will for ever taint this show for me, is Adam Guettel and his incredibly dodgy views. It left an unpleasantg taste in my mouth that the show couldn't erase.
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Post by juicy_but_terribly_drab on Jun 23, 2019 7:02:32 GMT
Mods: please move this to the Opera and Ballet section. I went in tonight expecting this to be good, boy was I in for a hiding, the performances were enjoyable Renee Fleming great when I saw her in Carousel, less so tonight because of the source material. Big show for Dove Cameron to appear in, so credit where it is due, she could of just winged it in Glinda in Wicked. Rob Houchen was mildly enjoyable, however the performances were weighed down by a leaden score. If there's talking then it isn't an opera.
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Post by Someone in a tree on Jun 23, 2019 8:22:44 GMT
Technically Piazza is a musical. However, i've never really cared about the debate of high art, Grand opera, singspiel, operetta, rock opera, musical etc etc. Judge a piece on the quality of the writing and not what box it fits into.
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Post by lonlad on Jun 23, 2019 10:31:30 GMT
Of course it's a musical -- who would or could argue otherwise? Adam Guettel would be down on this person like a ton of melodic bricks.
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Post by theatre-turtle on Jun 23, 2019 10:49:55 GMT
Mods: please move this to the Opera and Ballet section. I went in tonight expecting this to be good, boy was I in for a hiding, the performances were enjoyable Renee Fleming great when I saw her in Carousel, less so tonight because of the source material. Big show for Dove Cameron to appear in, so credit where it is due, she could of just winged it in Glinda in Wicked. Rob Houchen was mildly enjoyable, however the performances were weighed down by a leaden score. If there's talking then it isn't an opera. Magic Flute? Fille du Regiment?
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Post by theatrelover123 on Jun 23, 2019 10:50:31 GMT
All together now. Sing along if you know it:
"The pity, and which perhaps will for ever taint this show for me, is Adam Guettel and his incredibly dodgy views. It left an unpleasant taste in my mouth that the show couldn't erase."
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Post by welcometodreamland on Jun 23, 2019 11:24:56 GMT
Saw the matinee yesterday. B 33 I believe?
Anyway I really liked it. Something different to what I usually watch.
Dove Cameron was the hook as I tend to get lured by either concept or celebrity so...
She was very good. Very good chemistry with Renee though the romance wasn't that strong.
I loved seeing the orchestra. They're always hidden away in musicals and so it was nice to have them more visible for once.
I also love the score. Very Disneyesque at times.
I also agree somewhat with people on the production design. Not that impressive. But bearing in mind, the Royal Festival Hall is not a theatre really. So I'll give them a pass considering their limitations.
But yeah, Solid B+ for me. I hope Dove returns for more West End work because she does have good talent.
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Post by Someone in a tree on Jun 23, 2019 11:54:33 GMT
I also agree somewhat with people on the production design. Not that impressive. But bearing in mind, the Royal Festival Hall is not a theatre really. So I'll give them a pass considering their limitations. .[/quote]
This production is going to two American opera houses. Both houses have more than 3000 seats. I'm sure the set will look great on those massive stages!
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Post by juicy_but_terribly_drab on Jun 23, 2019 14:19:59 GMT
If there's talking then it isn't an opera. Magic Flute? Fille du Regiment? Fair enough there are exceptions to the rule but this is still most certainly not an opera.
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Post by tamerlano on Jun 23, 2019 16:06:04 GMT
I enjoyed this and the restricted view tickets in the front stalls at £20 are great. Regarding the set I heard the remit was that it had to be struck and reset in 3 hours as other concerts are happening on the space during the run.
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