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Post by showbizkid on Aug 2, 2017 0:03:56 GMT
Show stop tonight - what happened?
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Post by showbizkid on Aug 1, 2017 11:00:05 GMT
I think most people know that Anastasia's body was apparantly found in 2009 in Ekaterinburg 50 metres from the other Romanovs. The story is indeed not true. That said it wasn't the story that I had so much issue with. It was the Russian/Soviet stereotypes - it made me cringe! There has to be some style and class when it comes to war or poverty and death (Les Mis and Saigon do it almost flawlessly) Anastasia didn't.
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Post by showbizkid on Aug 1, 2017 7:23:53 GMT
Actually the score is fine, the book, direction and set however is bad. That said lovers of the 90's film can keep it afloat. I didn't like it on Broadway. Poor Ramin!
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Post by showbizkid on Aug 1, 2017 7:01:21 GMT
I got this official email and it's now on what's on Stage - so it seems we can post it!
Paul Blake, Sony/ATV Music Publishing and Mike Bosner in association with Michael Harrison are delighted to announce that Bronté Barbé will play ‘Carole King’ in the UK and Ireland tour of the Olivier, Tony and Grammy award-winning BEAUTIFUL – THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL. Bronté will be joined by Kane Oliver Parry as King’s husband and song-writing partner ‘Gerry Goffin’, Amy Ellen Richardson as song-writer ‘Cynthia Weil’, Matthew Gonsalves as song-writer ‘Barry Mann’, Carol Royle as King’s mother ‘Genie Klein’ and Adam Howden as music publisher and producer ‘Donnie Kirshner’. At certain performances, ‘Carole King’ will be played by Leigh Lothian.
Great news for Bronte!!
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114 posts
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Tarzan
Jul 29, 2017 6:26:26 GMT
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Post by showbizkid on Jul 29, 2017 6:26:26 GMT
Josh singing in German??
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114 posts
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Post by showbizkid on Jul 28, 2017 21:27:35 GMT
It was the worst show I have ever seen on tour. I'm not sheading any tears.. people need to pay up or lose out. Simple business just sorry for the young cast members crew and band. Do the audience get their money back?
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114 posts
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Post by showbizkid on Jul 28, 2017 21:24:52 GMT
Front row 15? How?
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Post by showbizkid on Jul 27, 2017 23:45:52 GMT
I thought it was the WORST choreography to ever have graced the west end stage. They had relays and Mexican waves for Petes sake!
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Post by showbizkid on Jul 27, 2017 23:43:03 GMT
This I agree with. Interesting that Big Fish will be shown at The Other Palace. As much as I want to see it, I thought the new set up was to support NEW British musicals and writers? No?
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114 posts
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Big Fish
Jul 27, 2017 22:22:23 GMT
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Post by showbizkid on Jul 27, 2017 22:22:23 GMT
Well I am very excited about this. I love love the score and very exciting casting!
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114 posts
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Post by showbizkid on Jul 25, 2017 7:21:22 GMT
It's 45 pound a seat because all of the white middle class people who go to the Mernier can afford it and the producers know it. Work the brand up and put the prices up. Of course it's too expensive for a fringe. Don't tell me that I'm wrong - the audience is very different to Southwark. I find looking at the audience often as interesting as the show itself!
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Post by showbizkid on Jul 25, 2017 7:16:26 GMT
It was my least favourite show I saw in New York in April. Basically about a group of people all having affairs in a cake shop. Some nice music though I agree. Problem is a pie for people in the U.K. is a different thing and unlike Hairspray, Memphis, Kinky Boots, Wicked etc there is no message or reason for the show. It's vacuous and American and I doubt it will transfer.
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Motown
Jul 22, 2017 7:22:20 GMT
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Post by showbizkid on Jul 22, 2017 7:22:20 GMT
I've always said the problem with Memphis was its name. Mowtown is half the show but has a better brand!
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114 posts
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Post by showbizkid on Jul 21, 2017 9:12:18 GMT
Decent reviews? I just read from The Stage that it was an unimaginative disappointment! I also didn't like the Liverpool Everyman version either...
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Post by showbizkid on Jul 14, 2017 17:46:01 GMT
Hahahaa I hated this musical too. I blagged my way in to the opening night party at the limelight pub/church across the street and got wasted with Hasslehoff, Madaline Lloyd Webber and others. It IS the worst show Andrew ever wrote. He famously said before he wish he hadn't written it and wanted to keep busy. That said I have booked again and look forward to seeing Tom Sutherland version no doubt with wheeled scenery!
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Post by showbizkid on Jul 13, 2017 22:31:07 GMT
I've always found shows at Liverpool Empire to be disappointing. The sound quality there is dreadful and it always seems a cavernous space to fill. Footloose died a death there it was awful. I sound an electric Blood Brothers there 8-9 years ago... it was incredible. Evita, however, was balls. The Empire is MASSIVE! One of the biggest in Europe. You really need to sit front stalls or have a really in your face show otherwise you have no emotional connection. It is so beautiful though. One of the best in the UK.
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Post by showbizkid on Jul 13, 2017 10:04:42 GMT
So many factors go into the enjoyment of theatre - your mood, your company, your pay check, the weather, the theatre, the performers, the audience around you, the evening, the period in the contract of the actors (is it the 11th month), the temperature, the air, how comfy the seats are/aren't, the theatre design - so many things. I saw Wicked on Broadway and adored it and saw it on the West End and didn't like it at all! So strange and a vortex of reasons.
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Post by showbizkid on Jul 11, 2017 17:57:22 GMT
One MORE time - I understand it is down to individual actors and yes they don't have to and yes it takes longer than 5 minutes. But my point is to say that doing so would affect his performance is in my opinion questionable. It's a pain to do and THAT'S the real reason actors don't like it. Cythia did two shows and a marathon in one day! Lifting up a pen and having twenty photos taken does not affect a performance. It's about time and effort and that's what this all comes down to.
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Post by showbizkid on Jul 11, 2017 13:37:43 GMT
It's also (to take a different angle) not actually about whether he does or doesn't sign autographs (It seems he does mostly but occasionally as with all actors ducks out of it) For me what it's about is the rude manner in which people are demanding he do it. And sending it directly to him in an abusive, confrontational manner. It's fine in my opinion to have a little grumble to your mates that you didn't get to meet x or y actor quite another to shout at said actor about it. And in that it's all down to the entitlement of so-called fans. You're a fan of the show/actor which entitles you to their performance, nothing more. Which is what for me is the real issue not whether or not he does or doesn't do something. This is what I agree with. I agree with Diana's view that when possible he should sign a programme (if he can) I don't agree with her confrontation or abuse. Therefor I agree with her concern but not the vitriolic narrative she posted. Actors take themselves too seriously sometimes and indeed the job they have. It's not a war zone.
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Post by showbizkid on Jul 10, 2017 23:46:51 GMT
You're 'on her side'? So to you, it's reasonable and fair to call Platt an "asshole", "garbage" and "really rude" directly to his Twitter handle just to make sure that he saw it? I'm happy for you that you managed to play this unnamed demanding role and deal with the gargantuan throng of your adoring public on the side, but until it's in actor's contract or explicitly stated in the price of the ticket there is absolutely no entitlement whatsoever to meet a performer at the stage door. Hell, he didn't even owe anyone an explanation. It's an unofficial practice and it's up to no one but the performer whether or not they take part in it. Without applying too much guesswork DEH is the hottest ticket on Broadway and it's almost entirely because of the buzz around Platt's performance, the amount of pressure and expectation on him (even ignoring how ridiculously demanding the role is) must be excruciating and he deserves to approach the situation however he sees fit. If that includes not meeting people at the stage door no one has the right to contradict or criticise him. There certainly cannot be an excuse to publicly lob abuse at a performer for not coming to the stage door. I said side - not that I agree with her. VAST DIFFERENCE!!! He can sign a few programmes for five minutes and go home. No drama. It's a two hour easy pop musical not brain surgery here. Let's get this all into context. He's a young actor and not in a war zone - that's my point,
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Post by showbizkid on Jul 10, 2017 23:43:48 GMT
To be honest I'm on Diana's side. You're 'on her side'? So to you, it's reasonable and fair to call Platt an "asshole", "garbage" and "really rude" directly to his Twitter handle just to make sure that he saw it? I'm happy for you that you managed to play this unnamed demanding role and deal with the gargantuan throng of your adoring public on the side, but until it's in actor's contract or explicitly stated in the price of the ticket there is absolutely no entitlement whatsoever to meet a performer at the stage door. Hell, he didn't even owe anyone an explanation. It's an unofficial practice and it's up to no one but the performer whether or not they take part in it. Without applying too much guesswork DEH is the hottest ticket on Broadway and it's almost entirely because of the buzz around Platt's performance, the amount of pressure and expectation on him (even ignoring how ridiculously demanding the role is) must be excruciating and he deserves to approach the situation however he sees fit. If that includes not meeting people at the stage door no one has the right to contradict or criticise him. There certainly cannot be an excuse to publicly lob abuse at a performer for not coming to the stage door. I said side - not that I agree with her. VAST DIFFERENCE!!! He can sign a few programmes for five minutes and go home. Easy. No drama.
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Post by showbizkid on Jul 10, 2017 23:40:31 GMT
I don't know-- the film is hardly memorable and barely has two good songs, and is hardly considered a Disney classic. Considering the recent cartoon to stage junk Menken has been responsible for (and also just original junk he's chugged out), I'd rather not.. With exception to the three big Disney animated movies (and certainly not their stage incarnations*) as well as Little Shop of Horrors, I find Manken's work abysmal and lazy. *With Exception to some of the additional songs written for Beauty and the Beast such as A Change in Me and If I Can't Love Her. Are you CRAZY?
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Post by showbizkid on Jul 10, 2017 22:36:56 GMT
I stopped going to the Union. Same prices as Southwark and the 6 shows I saw I hated all of them. Southwark shows I all adore. I also hate the Union staircase to stage left and thought the previous theatre space was better. I've seen better amateur work. Come on Union get it together! Nothing has been great here yet.
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114 posts
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TIME
Jul 9, 2017 19:40:36 GMT
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Post by showbizkid on Jul 9, 2017 19:40:36 GMT
Ive often heard chats about the staging for this - what was so special about it? Holograms? Vast set? Anyone?
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Post by showbizkid on Jul 9, 2017 19:28:25 GMT
A friend told me its Me and My Girl. Good choice
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Post by showbizkid on Jul 6, 2017 9:57:46 GMT
Thank you guys. Thank you. This is exactly what I am trying to say.
But on another note we should go back to Frozen! How much of the Hyperion 90 minute Disneyland current live show do you think they will use? In the Let It Go clips I think it's done tremendously well actually with the cape, staircase, projections, ice chandelier and snap costume change!!!
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Post by showbizkid on Jul 5, 2017 16:29:21 GMT
Clearly you don't get it. To approach race (and casting race) with no understanding or appreciation of how a power dynamic exists or how greatly disadvantaged minority performers are is either stemming from ignorance or purposely being obtuse. I'm really done trying to reason with this kind of foolery. Actually no, you clearly don't get it. I completely agree with everything you say. Why then couldn't a fat person play a thin role? Or why are Asian males rarely used in colour blind casting? Why can't we mash up every way possible? Because it's all token, PC box ticking and only works one way round (black people taking white peoples roles) that's why. That's fine and amazing but it's not fair it it's only one way. Jonathan Pryce would never be cast in Miss Siagon if it started today - THAT is my point. If Disney are all for power dynamics as you say then why not have Kristoff as black in the first place. I wouldn't have cared and THAT would have been a stronger message to society and Disney viewers all around the world.
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Post by showbizkid on Jul 5, 2017 7:40:55 GMT
Eugh, we've had this discussion so many times that I think I should just make a word document with the argument written in it that I could just copy and paste on to here. In short... Non traditional (aka 'color blind') casting operates in order to provide a level playing field for underrepresented people (the same point stands for race blind, gender blind etc. casting) because representation is important and people shouldn't be boxed into playing certain roles (and often stereotypes) because of their race (or gender etc.). Literally thousands of roles are implied to be for white people, and even roles where race is not important to the character (e.g. anyone from Les Mis/Phantom... yep, non white people lived in France in the 19th Century.... shocking revelation, I know ) seem to cause controversy when a they are cast 'nontraditionally'. It's beyond me why it even matters to people... at all. Diversity is so important, as well as casting the best person for the job based on skills, rather than appearance. Also, at the end of the day it's a family musical based on a family film. Are young children really going to be tugging at their parents' sleeves and asking about the realism of the races of people living in a fictional 19th century scandinavian country? I doubt it. I'm writing this is a hurry and I'm sure someone else could phase this all much better than me right now, but in short... I can't fathom why a diverse cast could / would anger someone so much. Does it really matter that much to you? Because I'm pretty sure the impact that a diverse cast will have on its young impressionable audience is much more important than replicating the film beat for beat. Or perpetrating the lame "historical accuracy" spiel. Fine..... So I look forward to seeing a white Effie in Dreamgirls then!!!
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Post by showbizkid on Jul 4, 2017 20:00:15 GMT
She's a wonderful choice - I can't wait to see it in Wimbledon.
As for the comment about "but it's full of Scousers" I see that as no difference than saying "but it's full of black people" - it's offensive and not funny.
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Post by showbizkid on Jul 4, 2017 9:18:13 GMT
Anthony is just amazing - it would do him very well to go to Broadway with this. He will be picked up and have a massive career ahead of him (not that he doesn't already!) fingers crossed....
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