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Post by Dr Tom on Feb 17, 2019 17:36:45 GMT
For anyone getting withdrawal symptoms, Five Star Theatre have a production of 42nd Street running at the Albany Theatre, Coventry, from 14 to May 2019. Sam Bailey (former X-Factor winner) stars as Dorothy Brock. Booking details here: www.albanytheatre.co.uk/42nd-streetI don't recognise the names of any of the other leads, but notice they've gender swapped "Andie Lee". I've no connection with this, other than I just came across it by chance. Obviously, it won't be a West End level production. It's billed as a community production, which Wikipedia tells me is a professional production, distinct from amateur dramatics. But also attend at your own risk. I'm sure Sam Bailey will nail the Dorothy Brock songs, so I've just grabbed a ticket. Posting as I know what high regard many board members hold 42nd Street in. |
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Post by FrontroverPaul on Feb 17, 2019 18:05:32 GMT
I'd love to see that but no matinee and bizarrely no Saturday performances at all. Would need to leave by 10.15pm to get a train back to London with a tight connection to Kent where I live. Might risk it.
For anyone interested there are amateur productions of 42nd Street at Yeovil (Octagon) in March, Blackpool (Grand) in May and Staines (Magna Carta) in October. I can't do Yeovil due to shows already booked but I'm travelling to Blackpool for the Thursday matinee there. Staines isn't on sale yet.
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Post by shady23 on Feb 17, 2019 18:10:18 GMT
For anyone getting withdrawal symptoms, Five Star Theatre have a production of 42nd Street running at the Albany Theatre, Coventry, from 14 to May 2019. Sam Bailey (former X-Factor winner) stars as Dorothy Brock. Booking details here: www.albanytheatre.co.uk/42nd-streetI don't recognise the names of any of the other leads, but notice they've gender swapped "Andie Lee". I've no connection with this, other than I just came across it by chance. Obviously, it won't be a West End level production. It's billed as a community production, which Wikipedia tells me is a professional production, distinct from amateur dramatics. But also attend at your own risk. I'm sure Sam Bailey will nail the Dorothy Brock songs, so I've just grabbed a ticket. Posting as I know what high regard many board members hold 42nd Street in. Seems a shame to go through all the rehearsals for just four days worth of shows! |
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Post by theatrelover123 on Feb 17, 2019 20:28:34 GMT
I know somebody in this. I will be giving it a miss  |
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Post by Deleted on Feb 17, 2019 20:30:13 GMT
For anyone getting withdrawal symptoms, Five Star Theatre have a production of 42nd Street running at the Albany Theatre, Coventry, from 14 to May 2019. Sam Bailey (former X-Factor winner) stars as Dorothy Brock. Booking details here: www.albanytheatre.co.uk/42nd-streetI don't recognise the names of any of the other leads, but notice they've gender swapped "Andie Lee". I've no connection with this, other than I just came across it by chance. Obviously, it won't be a West End level production. It's billed as a community production, which Wikipedia tells me is a professional production, distinct from amateur dramatics. But also attend at your own risk. I'm sure Sam Bailey will nail the Dorothy Brock songs, so I've just grabbed a ticket. Posting as I know what high regard many board members hold 42nd Street in. Where's the cast list??? |
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Post by theatrelover123 on Feb 17, 2019 20:32:43 GMT
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1,189 posts
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Post by theatrelover123 on Feb 17, 2019 20:33:42 GMT
In this instance community theatre means that they got a couple of trained actors who live locally and the rest are amateur |
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Post by Deleted on Feb 17, 2019 21:02:21 GMT
Their web developer should be shot. |
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Post by FrontroverPaul on Feb 17, 2019 21:16:31 GMT
Probably doesn't justify a 250 mile rail round trip to Coventry for me then. The 2 am return to Kent on a slow train was unappealing anyway.
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Post by Dr Tom on May 14, 2019 21:46:17 GMT
Well, that was an enjoyable enough night.
Nice theatre I’ve not been in before. About half full for the opening night.
It was odd seeing what I presume was the 1980 book and song list. A few line differences to the later versions although much of the choreography is the same (possibly mandatory to perform the show). Interesting to see Billy portrayed as bisexual in this version too, going off with Oscar at the party when Peggy turns him down.
It was an amateur production which showed in various ways, Little things like the performers not knowing what to do when a hat fell off, with it ending up impaired on a high heel.
They did well considering the usual theatre problem of limited male involvement.
The orchestra sound was pre-recorded, which did create some odd moments when there was no tapping on stage to match the sound on the pre-record. And there weren’t enough microphones to go around. But the singing was generally strong.
The highlight vocally was Sam Bailey. Excellent voice and some real power. Shame she doesn’t have as much to do in this version. Can see her getting a role in a touring musical before long.
The people playing Bert and Maggie stood out as well and I liked the alternative staging of Shuffle. But I did miss Plenty of Money and Young and Healthy (and no reprise of In The Money at the end).
Worth a visit if you’re local, but probably not if you’re some distance away.
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Post by crabtree on May 14, 2019 21:54:50 GMT
are you suggesting the taps were pre-recorded. Ouch!
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Post by Dr Tom on May 14, 2019 22:12:51 GMT
are you suggesting the taps were pre-recorded. Ouch! Yes, I presume that's how the orchestra track arrives, with the taps already included on it. The ankles weren't mic'd and I wasn't convinced the cast were wearing tap shoes anyway. But then during some songs it sounded like there were about 40 people tapping on stage (as opposed to the 10 or so who were there, who wouldn't have been tapping completely in sync anyway). I was surrounded by a lot of friends and family who were very impressed. One was happy their son managed to get his trousers on (which I think was a comment about fast costume changes, as opposed to usually needing help getting dressed). |
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Post by BurlyBeaR on May 15, 2019 6:34:25 GMT
The highlight vocally was Sam Bailey. Excellent voice and some real power. Shame she doesn’t have as much to do in this version. Can see her getting a role in a touring musical before long. She’s played Mama Morton in the touring Chicago, and had a part in the Fat Friends tour. |
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Post by Dr Tom on May 15, 2019 7:36:44 GMT
She’s played Mama Morton in the touring Chicago, and had a part in the Fat Friends tour. That passed me by, but no wonder she seemed comfortable on the stage. Thanks. |
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Post by sherbertmomma on May 17, 2019 8:09:53 GMT
Just a quick response to say that none of the taps were pre recorded or part of any backing track. All tapping you heard on stage was live with all dancers wearing tap shoes with no shoe mics. We'll take it as a huge compliment that it sounded like 40 synced tappers were on stage. Quite a skilled cast if that's the effect they can create. I'll be sure to pass your comments on to them all and glad you enjoyed the show. Quite an achievement for a primarily amateur cast.
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Post by FrontroverPaul on May 17, 2019 9:34:33 GMT
Plaudits to Sam Bailey for participating in an amateur musical. Looking forward to seeing her in a leading lady professional role again.
I really wanted to see this but just couldn't get there for a weekday evening performance. Shame there couldn't have been a Saturday matinee.
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