24 posts
|
Post by paulwat on Sept 19, 2018 21:29:58 GMT
Interesting, I don’t know the show enough to comment properly re age of cast. Just saw the Emma Williams piece and thought it was 2D and thought someone who could bring some more pathos/ acting ability to the role, maybe that is why I thought a bit older. Having a very limited exposure to the score, it really looks like it needs a diamond to bring this alight, Sheridan/ legally, Imelda/ gypsy. Like Wicked, it looks like the lead could make or break the show between brilliant and wow.
|
|
24 posts
|
Post by paulwat on Sept 19, 2018 20:59:11 GMT
Would Jo Riding have been brilliant in this if she wasn’t in Follies?
|
|
24 posts
|
Post by paulwat on Jan 11, 2018 20:44:41 GMT
What a dream to see:- Anna Montanaro - Velma - was blown away at the Adelphi when I saw her Diane Langton - Mama Morton - wished I had seen And of course, we need Vanessa Leigh-Hicks to get the cast up to speed!
|
|
24 posts
|
Post by paulwat on Jun 15, 2017 19:57:31 GMT
Just watched London Palladium and had a really pleasant surprise. I used to be a massive B &S fan, but felt that productions have been dumbed down and made modern, not staying to the score. I thought this performance really reminded me what I enjoyed about B & S and what got me into musical theatre. I really enjoyed the quality of his voice and tightness to score. He has the qualities of Anthony Warlow at the end which couldn't be a bigger compliment in my eyes. Anyone have any information on him?
|
|
24 posts
|
Post by paulwat on Mar 3, 2017 17:46:13 GMT
I call in to the theatre if at all possible, and have had no problems. The only time I phoned to change a ticket they were extremely unhelpful. In fact, thinking about it, whenever I have phoned ATG about anything I have had a nightmare, but that's another story (I always book on line). Absolutely! They keep you on hold for ages and haven't replied to my emails. Despite having ATG membership and cheap Row C seats for 'Woolf' having sold out for the run, they wouldn't refund my two tickets. Hence - please see my other thread if you are interested in my tickets for May! Thanks.
|
|
24 posts
|
Post by paulwat on Feb 23, 2017 10:49:59 GMT
Really liked the show, although it was a bit longer that it should be - it finished at 10:47. Thanks very much for the info! Looks like it's cutting it too fine for last train back up North! Shame - I'd been looking forward to this. I've two Row C £15 tickets, which hopefully they'll take back, subject to £3 fee each!
|
|
24 posts
|
Post by paulwat on Feb 22, 2017 17:22:23 GMT
Oooo please do report back after the show! Will do Hi there! Please could you report back re running time also, since I need to book trains sharpish?! Thank you and I hope you enjoy!
|
|
24 posts
|
Post by paulwat on Feb 19, 2017 12:37:55 GMT
What an absolutely joyful, heartwarming and lovable show. John McCrea as Jamie holds the audience in the palm of his hand. Brilliant performances from everyone but Josie Walker as Jamie's mum singing He's My Boy was stunning as was Lucy Shorthouse as Priti singing "It Means Beautiful". Decades ago as a 20 year old I parked up in the little car park (no longer there) next to The Crucible peering across the road at the entrance to the Top Rank nightclub where the monthly "gay ball" was held. I was looking at the people going in to see if I recognised anyone, terrified that they might "tell" that I'd been seen there. It took well over an hour to get from the car into my first ever gay club. I was bricking it for about the first 20 minutes then... well the rest is history! Today in the very same place I watched a show about a beautiful, out, proud gay 16 year old along with an audience of kids, youngsters, middle aged couples and grandparents, every one of whom jumped to their feet and raised the roof with their ovation. It was incredibly emotional for me seeing this in my home town. I know things aren't perfect but bloody hell, we've come a long long way. What a really lovely post. I'm sure there's more than a few of us that totally identify with it!
|
|
24 posts
|
Post by paulwat on Feb 11, 2017 12:44:09 GMT
There was a short piece about this on Look North (Yorkshire) this evening . About 20 minutes in, if you look it up on iPlayer. There's a brief explanation of the real life story behind the show, some glimpses of staging and music, and an interview with Dan Gillespie Sells, who says that he would like to think the show would have further life, but no hint of plans. I saw this, as well and thought it looked promising. There appears to be some quality performers too, two of which were in The Crucible's 'Assassins'. Will book a Saturday matinee. More than anything, I'm really looking forward to something new up North and hopefully be surprised! I hope they portray the neighbour close to the documentary, who came out with one funniest lines I've heard in a 'fly on the wall' (Unrepeatable!)
|
|
24 posts
|
Post by paulwat on Jan 29, 2017 12:54:10 GMT
Come to Manchester and see a play at the Royal Exchange. It is sometimes a shock to see hundreds of people staring back at you across the stage, and to have mainly floor and furniture as the set (not always), and yes it does take the willing suspension of disbelief, but it does make it more of a shared experience. You enjoy the artifice and become part of the unique event. Actors love that theatre as it is so intimate and so raw, and the acting cannot become over the top. That is interesting. I read reviews of Streetcar with Maxine Peake and thought it might tick quite a few of those boxes! Unfortunately, it was late on my radar and all dates were FULLY booked. Need to be on the ball!..
|
|
24 posts
|
Post by paulwat on Jan 29, 2017 10:22:36 GMT
I TOTALLY agree with what you say! Nicely put.
Musical Theatre IS surreal, but I would love to experience realism, to push my buttons.
I just wondered whether it was possible to experience 'realism'' in straight Theatre. In my limited experience of plays, if has come across as 'acting', a different projection or style that is absract to, say, two people conversing in real life over a cup of coffee.
I'm not trying to knock Theatre, but was wondering if others felt they could experience realism, without suspending disbelief.
I suppose that'a why I mentioned TV, where there 'appears' to more realistic portrayals of normal interaction.
Don't know if I'm making sense..
|
|
24 posts
|
Post by paulwat on Jan 29, 2017 7:52:44 GMT
Thanks a lot for your tips. I will do some investigating!..
|
|
24 posts
|
Post by paulwat on Jan 28, 2017 15:24:28 GMT
I must admit that my main interest is Musical Theatre, despite how truly superficial the whole thing can be. I am satiated predominantly by the music and orchestrations, like with Ballet and Opera, they can emphasise the actors actions and 'inner feelings'. I also find immense enjoyment when quality acting and musical talent come together, which I find to be a rarity. This does add to the invested interest in the Character.
So to Plays..
I so really want to enjoy something 'without Tunes', but to date I find they have less realism for me in a strange way. They all seem to be 'acted' in an acted style and projected superficially. To see a play where it seems like I was being in a room where I was witnessing realism or eavesdropping and have a vested interest would be groundbreaking for me.
I appreciate there must be difficulties in replicating something that can be delivered better on TV.
I know, probably plenty of contradictions in my post, but just wondered if anyone had the same feelings of straight theatre or could recommend some material/ productions that could open a well needed avenue for me!
Thanks again in anticipation!
Paul.
|
|
24 posts
|
Post by paulwat on Jan 18, 2017 8:33:34 GMT
I'm really interested in this.
However, I'm a Curve 'virgin' and wondered what we could expect in the way of an orchestra? As for the Set, are we looking at a set of Step Ladders?!..
|
|
24 posts
|
Post by paulwat on Jan 8, 2017 17:08:02 GMT
Like a few, I have watched the recent Disney Albert Hall concert this Christmas. I really do have the feeling that I have left my eye off the ball and lost Mr Menken on my radar over the years and missed lots of material. I've just ordered 'Newsies' CD as a result. I just wondered if anyone had any info in any shape or form regarding King David. The material sounded lovely. Anything at all regarding past/ future development/ recording/ performances would be appreciated! Thanks!
|
|
24 posts
|
Post by paulwat on Jan 8, 2017 16:50:50 GMT
Hi there! I would love to be able to thank Sir Cameron Mackintosh. His work has given me immense enjoyment over many years and he is responsible for introducing me to many years of Musical Theatre enjoyment. There is a really interesting interview with Sonia Friedman in the Sunday Times Culture magazine today, which I really really enjoyed. I do enjoy her productions. I just wondered what everyone's thoughts were re Sonia's current theatre influence compared to Sir Mackintosh..
|
|
24 posts
|
Post by paulwat on Dec 22, 2016 8:41:45 GMT
Just been watching some documentaries on this Talent and they had some live footage of the Lucky Bag concert. Does anyone know if this was ever released on video or shown in TV? I have the audio recording. Thanks.
|
|
24 posts
|
Post by paulwat on Dec 22, 2016 8:36:13 GMT
I was there on Tuesday night and have to say we were blown away by Amber's vocals and also Brother's. A pleasure to witness them.
We really couldn't understand how everyone could be cheering and clapping, when they couldn't even hear her performance because of this! At the end of AIATYING it became a fight between Amber and the audience over the table!
I don't know if by one thought the same, but despite the glorious sparkle, it was more like a concert. Despite Amber being amiable, we didn't feel there was any characterisation or any vested interest in what happened to any of the cast.
|
|
24 posts
|
Post by paulwat on Dec 22, 2016 8:22:43 GMT
Big River Flowers for Mrs Harris Falsettos Cyrano (don't ask!) Jeanne Our Husband the King (later Kings and Clowns - based on the 6 wives of Henry VIII) Will Rogers Follies. Cyrano. I know you said don't ask, but was this the Kenwright/ Wildhorn production? If so, do you have ANY info on this or have heard any material?
|
|
24 posts
|
Post by paulwat on Nov 23, 2016 20:50:49 GMT
After following Frank Wildhorn for 20 years, I was truly privileged to witness him in Manchester.
I have to say that that US contingent blew everything out of the water.
In particular, Jackie Burn's two solos were amazing, in particular 'A New Life', which was blowaway. I could really see her parallels with Idina.
So pleased they performed the older traditional material and was honoured to witness Mr Borchert from Germany - what a treat.
If any of you enjoyed 'Gold', please look at this and witness what I think is pure GOLD!
|
|
24 posts
|
Post by paulwat on Sept 24, 2016 15:11:00 GMT
Thanks all for the info on this. Grabbed two Saturday Night row C stalls in May. What a bargain at £15 each. Hooray for the Theatre Board! I so want to thank everyone also. This was so off my radar and have booked ROW C! I think ROW C needs it''s own thread! Thanks to a Member of Theatreboard, I got the heads up on Bernadette Peters in Manchester. Booked front row when they went on sale and my Partner and I were both sang to close up in front of us, almost on our lap! The best theatre experience of my life! Thank you board!
|
|
24 posts
|
Post by paulwat on Sept 7, 2016 19:12:38 GMT
Hi All! greetings from a 'Lurker' of a while. We saw a previous post and HAD to say that we were also at the first UK preview of Wicked. We have had many years of musical theatre visits, but we always remember that night as the most electric we have been lucky to witness. It was electric and we were so surprised that anyone had it on their radar in UK - yet there were loads in costume, despite it new to the UK. From the reaction from lights down, we have never ever witnessed an audience will on a Company, the way they did that night. The 'Isn't it Good' entry post technical failure reaction was lovely to witness. It must have been a joy for the cast.
We were honoured to see Idina, despite her not flying in the Saturday matinee also. Since then, Rachel Tucker has been the only one for us to come near, on good days.
We wish we could have seen Chenoweth, but are wishing that Hilty and more importantly Jennifer Laura Thompson would grace our shores, PLEASE! (There's a joke there).
The Producers are continuing to keep the show with 'good' casts, but it would be brilliant if they could inject better quality leads, rather than keeping it running. There is a difference.
We would have travelled from Leeds for the 10th if the Producers had wanted to thank their profit generating fans seats in the stalls..
|
|