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Post by grocker on Apr 1, 2018 9:47:15 GMT
I've just watched HP and the Cursed Child on Broadway, and having watched it a handful of times in London with the original cast and the current London cast, it was interesting to note the little tweaks between London and Broadway.
Not sure if what I'm about to say constitutes as spoilers since I'm kind of spoiling the changes between London and Broadway, but in case anyone is concerned, this is the SPOILER WARNING if you plan on watching it on Broadway.
The play itself is executed mostly the same as its original London counterpart, but a few fun/interesting changes I noticed included the following:
The St Oswald's Home for Old Witches and Wizards sequence included some physical antics by the residents that aren't in the London production.
The young male attendant dealing with the residents in the Broadway version puts up more of a fight than the London version. The London attendant gets picked on by the residents, whereas the Broadway one is actively trying to get the better of them in his interactions.
The elderly black woman on the couch laughing as she pulls out fabric from her throat in the London version is replaced with an elderly woman embedded in the couch with her legs in disarray before saying the 'miserable old sod' line regarding Amos Diggory.
Scorpius and Hermione's line in St Jerome's church as the principal cast discuss theories about Delphi and Voldemort: 'You're not wrong.' (London) 'You're right.' (Broadway)
Not 100% sure on this, but I feel that Scorpius' lines about the fallacy of fulfilling and breaking prophecies when trying to reason with Delphi were cut in Broadway.
That's what I can remember from the top of my head, but it's still previews for the Cursed Child on Broadway, so I don't know if those changes are staying or going before the official opening night on April 22. I would tend to think they would stay if those are the changes they found necessary across the pond.
I agree with the comment above about it being the perfect opportunity to release a Broadway version of the script for changes.
I wish I could remember more specifics on the St Oswald's scene because I find movement/choreography to play a big part in this play and it's personally something I pay attention to when I watch live performances in general.
The refurbished Lyric Theatre is splendid. I wish I had more time in New York to watch it again to catch more changes, but alas, not everyone can own a Time Turner that gleams like gold just the way the Malfoys like it.
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Post by grocker on Mar 18, 2017 23:54:17 GMT
I watched tonight's performance and loved it! Even though I wanted to catch Amber as Effie, I still thought Marisha was great. Naturally Amber would be on holiday the one weekend I'm in London, but that's theatre life I guess. Can't catch them all if you don't live in the same country!
I wish I was here a bit longer just to see Amber for comparison in different styles/approaches to the role. The rest of the cast was great, although Joe Aaron Reid's timbre as Curtis bothered me for some reason. Perhaps it felt too "theatre" and not enough "American" to me if that makes sense. His acting was great, maybe it was just his style that didn't mesh with me singing-wise.
I loved the big numbers, particularly Listen and Dreamgirls (Reprise).
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Post by grocker on Mar 18, 2017 23:40:10 GMT
I got a £30 day ticket towards the centre of the Lilian Baylis Circle for the matinee. It was my first time watching a Stoppard play and I have to say, I, for the most part, enjoyed it. I agree with much of what others have regarding the acting, David Haig was definitely a show stealer and Joshua McGuire seemed to relish his role. And I also agree about Daniel Radcliffe choosing roles where he can learn and he is lucky he can choose whatever he likes. Good on him.
Didn't realise how cramped the seating can be at the Old Vic though! I'm not a local so it was also my first time to this particular theatre.
After the performance I was curious to see how the stage door line was for Radcliffe, but one of the staff members said that he wasn't signing anything that afternoon but would at 10pm after the evening performance. Those that had tickets to the 2.30pm show could come back later to get stuff signed.
The Potter fan side of me contemplated doing that after watching Dreamgirls this evening, but I had left my ticket at home and couldn't be bothered waiting in the cold for who knows how long, plus I'm also very jetlagged.
Was just wondering if anyone knew if this was a recent thing where the cast will only sign after the evening performance on a matinee day, or has this usually been the case given Radcliffe's presence?
I also agree in that I too found it jarring that Act I was so long and Act II so short. The lack of sleep probably didn't help in that regard, though.
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Post by grocker on Mar 17, 2017 4:08:38 GMT
Anyone know if Sam is still off this week? I checked his Twitter but can't tell if he's back in England or still in America. I'm going to see it this Sunday on March 19th and was hoping to catch Sam as Albus again since I've seen Tom as Albus twice already.
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Post by grocker on Dec 4, 2016 11:15:06 GMT
Thanks daniel!
I watched it last night from row B towards the entrance side of Platform 1. Definitely enjoyed it, but I also had Hamilton on the back of my mind. But I'm aware that In the Heights was first written when Lin was young, and really, it's hard to top someone's current best work with seeing their first major work approx 10 years after its first inception.
The cast I think was the same as written in the current programme, but I wish I had also seen the original London cast just for comparison's sake.
This is quite an intimate theatre space, and I think it works for a production that focuses on a Latino neighbourhood community in NYC. The only time I wished for a larger stage was when many things were happening at once during the group numbers.
I loved Blackout and pretty much all of the ensemble numbers. It was admittedly distracting whenever the actors would let their London accents slip in, though.
I really liked Nina and Daniela.
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Post by grocker on Dec 3, 2016 9:50:24 GMT
Apologies if this question has been asked before, but which seats in this theatre would you all recommend for In the Heights? I've been keen to finally see it as a big LMM/Hamilton fan but haven't been to this theatre before.
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Post by grocker on Dec 3, 2016 0:13:28 GMT
Thoughts on the third time seeing Part One:
Still quite enjoyable to watch. It was fun to really watch the technical aspects and details of the show.
Great use and remix of Imogen Heap's 'Hide and Seek' when the boys see Hogwarts in the past for the first time.
Tom Mackley was on again as Albus, so I suspect he will be for at least the rest of this week's run.
In Wednesday's show, Albus tossed Harry's blanket and it landed on the floor. In the Thursday show, he tossed it, but straight into Harry's hands. Just a fun observation between the differences of each show.
Funny moment when Draco came through McGonagall's chimney, one of his pants legs went up a bit and we saw some of his ankle. Like a pro, he tried to get it back to normal in a subtle way. I'm curious as to how often this may occur.
An amusing comment I heard on the way out after Act II between two American girls: "Voldemort day is like a preview for a world of Trump."
Thoughts on Part Two:
Part Two was fantastic. Perhaps it's because the audience and the cast have had a day to rest in between, but it didn't feel rushed like the Wednesday show. Some key moments were given time to be savoured and therefore flourished.
It's interesting to note during the final scene that during previews, Harry is more hesitant about putting his hand on Albus' shoulder, but in Wednesday's performance and Friday's performance, he does so with more ease and almost no trepidation.
Feeling like a massive HP fan, but I am keen to see it again, particularly before it opens in Broadway. Either way, I must save for flights once again and hope my timing is right to get more tickets.
And wickedginger, I managed to get tickets via the official website/Nimax. I was mentally prepared to physically line up during our visit to London, but during the previous Friday Forty, I just kept clicking on the dates I was planning to watch the show, and very fortunately, I got single seat tickets to each one. I got my boyfriend involved with trying his luck on the website too, and between the two of us we got tickets. Didn't get to sit next to each other, but that doesn't really matter when you get to watch the show.
I was quite gobsmacked we got through, and I wish the best of luck to others for the future.
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Post by grocker on Dec 1, 2016 17:29:59 GMT
Fair point, Baemax. I haven't read the books in a while, so perhaps I have blocked out just how shouty he can be.
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Post by grocker on Dec 1, 2016 13:55:13 GMT
I finally got the chance to see the play last night for the second time since the last week of previews in July.
It's been almost 6 months since the very first previews, and you can tell the production is now a well-oiled machine. I found the pacing the second time around to be too rushed in comparison to the first time. Scorpius is my favourite character in the play, and while Anthony Boyle still hits the mark as Scorpius, I miss the first version of the little nuances he puts into all of his Scorp-isms. They're still there, but they have moved onto different variations from the first time I saw the play.
In regards to pacing as a whole, it felt rushed in that the characters and little moments did not have as much room/time to breathe and sink in before moving on to the next thing.
I suppose it's the very nature of the screenplay being published and time passing by, but some of the initial magic has less of a 'wow' factor with audiences than it did earlier on.
That being said, it's great to see that some of the scenes still have the ability to shock/get a reaction from the audience. Things such as the boys realising Neville's pivotal role during the Battle of Hogwarts as part of their time travel still got an audible reaction. There were some other scenes, but I have forgotten the specifics of the others.
Slightly disappointed that I didn't get to see Sam Clemmett as Albus; according to Twitter, he was in Barcelona. I asked a few staff members as to when he was due to return, but no one knows. I'm guessing at least a week if you look at his Twitter convo with a fan and with Albus alternate, Tom Mackley. However, another quick scan of Twitter reveals that today, Sam is with the cast at the What's On Stage awards, so who knows, he might be back already.
Tom Mackley was pretty good as Albus; personally, I find Albus to be slightly annoying, but I think that's meant to be part of his personality, so that aspect came across in his portrayal as well.
I think that Esther Smith's portrayal of Delphine Diggory has definitely improved. I think she has probably taken notes and/or grown into the role more. Less "panto" as mentioned in this thread previously. I think given more time, I'd like to see her bring more of the crazy Lestrange side of her parentage out.
I love Jamie Parker as Harry, and he is perfect in Part One. In Part Two, however, I still find it hard to deal with shout-y Harry. It feels a bit out of character for the Harry I have in my head, but it has less to do with his portrayal and more to do with the way Harry's been written for the play.
It was also nice seeing the play from a different perspective. At the end of June, I saw it from around Row R towards the centre of the stalls. This time around, I saw it from the Dress Circle in Row B. It was a good view, but definitely tight quarters.
It was really creepy and cool seeing the Dementors flying towards the circle and balcony.
I get to see it again tonight for Part One and tomorrow for Part Two, so it shall be interesting to see the differences again the third time around.
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Post by grocker on Sept 9, 2016 12:20:49 GMT
I managed to get a pair of tickets for both plays last Friday for a performance in 2 weeks time. This was via the Nimax website after I'd failed to get anything in the Friday Forty & they weren't the eye-wateringly expensive premiums seats that pop up either. Not sure what was going on but various dates had either pairs or single seats available for anything from £30 for both shows to £140. There was something wrong with the site at the time as it wouldn't let you book the 2nd performance if you were trying to go on seperate dates, but I kept looking and eventually got them for consecutive performances. I wonder whether a Friday afternoon is when they stick returns back on the website. Around what time on Friday did you manage to book these tickets, Fee11? I've checked the website from time to time outside of the usual Friday Forty to try my luck but there is none to be had so far. Did you click on dates where the colour was yellow for 'Limited Availability' or did you click on red ones where it's 'Sold Out' but still got tickets?
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Post by grocker on Aug 19, 2016 8:05:56 GMT
Hi all, I'd thought I would start a thread for the Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Returns Queue/Line. Please share your stories and tips if you've experienced physically lining up for returns tickets to see the play. This thread is kind of inspired by the Hamilton Cancellation thread over on Broadway World, which I personally found very useful in successfully obtaining tickets to a sold-out hit akin to this one. Obviously, please NO SPOILERS about the play itself, this is simply for us to share information about the triumphs and tribulations of the Cursed Child Returns Queue. I'm hoping to come back to London and give the Returns Queue a go and I'm guessing many others around the world will also be doing the same thing. I hope I covered everything. That being said, any stories or tips to share?
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Post by grocker on Aug 4, 2016 16:49:31 GMT
Edited to add: Oh. My. God. I finally realised why I thought scenes were missing. It's because I missed them entirely! During Part One, my boyfriend and I left at the end of Part One, Act I without realising it was just the interval! Oh. My. Goodness. This is horrible. I recall thinking it was a weird way to end Part One, because as it turns out, it wasn't bloody finished!! And it also explains a lot. Whelp. I definitely need go back watch it all properly. What a terrible mistake. Definitely need a Time-Turner now. ARGHHHHHHH. Whaaaa! How? Didn't you wonder why no one really left? And why act two had an interval? And how the plot had progressed without explaining anything? I feel sorry for you but not sure how it's only just clicked! Yes. I feel horrible that I only had this terrible realisation an hour ago. We saw people leaving and just assumed it was the end of Part One. We felt it was an odd ending but left the theatre regardless. Then that evening when Part Two began, we felt odd that the start was straight into the Alternate Universe with Scorpius and Umbridge. We flew into London the night before so perhaps the lack of parts clicking together can be attributed to jetlag. Just can't believe it, really. It's just a shame that the next time I see it, some of the cast will have changed, and I'll never have that proper first time full experience. That's the most gut-wrenching part. However, even given that we missed Part One Act II, even though I was unsure of a few bits that characters were referring to, the overall plot was easy enough to follow.
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Post by grocker on Aug 4, 2016 15:19:49 GMT
I see. Perhaps Bane and the kitchen duel weren't as memorable for me. I wish my past-self could write down what I saw that night when it was fresh. If only I had a Time-Turner ;P
Edited to add: Oh. My. God. I finally realised why I thought scenes were missing. It's because I missed them entirely! During Part One, my boyfriend and I left at the end of Part One, Act I without realising it was just the interval! Oh. My. Goodness. This is horrible. I recall thinking it was a weird way to end Part One, because as it turns out, it wasn't bloody finished!! And it also explains a lot. Whelp. I definitely need go back watch it all properly. What a terrible mistake. Definitely need a Time-Turner now. ARGHHHHHHH.
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Post by grocker on Aug 4, 2016 14:23:42 GMT
Hi all, Just read through the thread to see the progression between previews to the official opening. I'm halfway through reading the rehearsal script for the Cursed Child and was wondering if anyone can share any differences they've seen between: a) The early June previews vs. the late July previews b) The June previews and the script c) The July previews and the script d) The official opening and the script I went to the 27th of July preview and noticed quite a few scenes were cut once I started to read the script so I'm curious to see what everyone else can remember in the scenarios mentioned above. I love these kinds of details so any input would be appreciated! As an example of scenario c), a few differences between the script and the July preview I saw include no Bane and no Myrtle on stage. I think they were briefly mentioned by Harry to progress the plot but unless my memory has failed me I don't recall seeing those two characters on stage. And I also don't recall Harry and Draco duelling in the kitchen. There's plenty more but those are from off the top of my head. Thanks!! Also, I'm waiting in the online queue again for the May 2017 to Dec 2017 ticket release just so I can see it again and see if there are any more changes. Anyone else also waiting/got tickets? I'm really far behind in the queue (like approx 125,000 people behind, so I shall see if I even get the chance) since I fell asleep from recovering from jetlag and the first day back at work. I saw it end of June and again beginning of July, still haven't got round to finishing the script yet but have they really cut Myrtle and Bane from the play? I didn't mind either of those parts, I think whoever played Myrtle as well was really good! I hated the duelling in the kitchen scene so I'm glad that's gone. Is the hogwarts express scene still in with the 'anything from the trolley' lady? I got down to like 2000 in the ATG queue before it sold out, now i'm 65000 in the Nimax queue, can't see me getting more tickets tbh hah Yeah, unfortunately from the preview I saw, there was no Myrtle, which was a shame since she's one of my fave minor characters and from what you and others have said, the actress sounded great as well. Edited to add: Although, I'm starting to doubt my memory regarding Myrtle because I took of photo of the cast list in the foyer on the day I went and it mentions: 'Annabel Baldwin - roles include Moaning Myrtle.' Perhaps someone else who went to the same preview or close to it can clarify? So much happened that day that it does begin to blur. I would've appreciated seeing Bane just to see if he translated well on stage, but I can see why his scenes were cut - interesting element to add, but for cutting down time I can see why his scenes were part of the ones to go. The Hogwarts Express Trolley Lady scene is still in there. At least you have a better chance in the Nimax queue than I do! I'm 124,000 now.
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Post by grocker on Aug 4, 2016 14:07:19 GMT
Hi all,
Just read through the thread to see the progression between previews to the official opening.
I'm halfway through reading the rehearsal script for the Cursed Child and was wondering if anyone can share any differences they've seen between:
a) The early June previews vs. the late July previews
b) The June previews and the script
c) The July previews and the script
d) The official opening and the script
I went to the 27th of July preview and noticed quite a few scenes were cut once I started to read the script so I'm curious to see what everyone else can remember in the scenarios mentioned above. I love these kinds of details so any input would be appreciated!
As an example of scenario c), a few differences between the script and the July preview I saw include no Bane and no Myrtle on stage. I think they were briefly mentioned by Harry to progress the plot but unless my memory has failed me I don't recall seeing those two characters on stage. And I also don't recall Harry and Draco duelling in the kitchen. There's plenty more but those are from off the top of my head.
Thanks!!
Also, I'm waiting in the online queue again for the May 2017 to Dec 2017 ticket release just so I can see it again and see if there are any more changes. Anyone else also waiting/got tickets? I'm really far behind in the queue (like approx 125,000 people behind, so I shall see if I even get the chance) since I fell asleep from recovering from jetlag and the first day back at work.
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