68 posts
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Post by Brian on Aug 31, 2017 10:52:41 GMT
For anyone that is interested...!
I saw this last night again with Joanna Francis- I'd say the theatre was at least 3/4 full.
Joanna was really impressive. She has an excellent range in her voice; her vocals are gorgeous and just effortless. She's a great actress too and was really likable in the role. She definitely has a great career ahead of her. It was interesting to observe the differences between hers and Alexandra's performance. Joanna's performance is certainly more polished but both were very enjoyable.
Joe Vetch has grown on me as Eddie! I still felt that the first half drags a little, but the second is a joy.
The tour is finishing this week in Dublin but definitely worth a look if you haven't caught it yet.
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68 posts
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Evita
Aug 21, 2017 16:36:29 GMT
Post by Brian on Aug 21, 2017 16:36:29 GMT
Enjoyed this production when it played it Dublin- Emma Hatton was ill so Kellie Gnauck was on as Eva. Her accent was a little dodgy at times, but her vocals were perfect and she was very convincing in the role.
Gian Marco Schiaretti was great as Che. Visually, it wasn't the most exciting production in the world but it's a good evening's entertainment nonetheless and I found it quite emotional in places.
^Tina Arena sounds great!
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68 posts
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Post by Brian on Aug 21, 2017 11:38:31 GMT
I caught this again in Belfast at the weekend having seen it in Dublin previously. It was sold out crowd again that night, on its second run in the city.
It's definitely an enjoyable evening, if imperfect. The first half drags a little, and this is partly down to the static staging. I found 'When I find my Baby' and 'I Could Be That Guy' to be a little dull, and I was really looking forward to the pace picking up for 'Raise Your Voice' etc. The second act is much, much better. If it does transfer to the West End next year, they should really do something else with the staging for those two songs, at least. The scene with the bar falls quite flat, aside from Sr Mary Patrick's jokes about angels etc. I missed 'Do the Sacred Mass' from the London production- the bar scene just feels a bit pointless and unnecessary without the accompanying song.
Alexandra is a compelling leading lady, though I did find the over exaggerated mannerisms verged on wearing at times. She has a natural stage presence though, and she carried off the humour, drama the softer moments well too. 'Bless Our Show' and 'Sister Act' were really nicely done and charming. Her vocals are excellent and she has a lovely, rich quality to her voice. I would like to see her doing something which isn't a 'diva' role in the future, as I think with the right direction, she would pull it off well. As it turned out,the friend who accompanied me had no idea that it was Alexandra performing until I told him at the interval. Clearly he didn't do any advance research but he was happily convinced by her performance!
The supporting cast is really likable. Sarah Goggin was really wonderful as Sr Mary Robert, as was Susannah Van Den Berg as Sr Mary Patrick. Enjoyed Liz Kitchen as Mary Laz too- I hadn't seen her before. Sandy Grigelis is great as TJ, as is Karen Mann as Mother Superior. Karen's 'Haven't Got a Prayer' was really strong. Joe Vetch is the new 'Sweaty Eddie'- he was perfectly fine and likable but I preferred Jon Robyns in the role- I think he had a bigger presence and charisma onstage.
I quite liked the actor musician element, though I can't help but feel that a full orchestra would have a more impactful sound.
All in all, it's worth seeing, though I would like to see them pump a bit more cash into the staging- I would probably give it 3.75 stars! I am tempted to catch it with Joanna Francis when it finishes the run in Dublin- just out of curiosity.
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68 posts
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Post by Brian on Aug 18, 2017 19:06:41 GMT
She was great in 'Big' the musical.
Will try to catch this when it tours. I wonder if it will be another actor musician production, given Craig's involvement?
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68 posts
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Post by Brian on Aug 17, 2017 22:49:30 GMT
Anybody catch this? It looks quite charming.
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68 posts
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Post by Brian on Aug 17, 2017 10:40:37 GMT
Wow! I'd happily go again ... every night! They've avoided any reference to President Trump but this still makes you weep, given the incidents in America last weekend and the subsequent Presidential press statements. That is good to hear- how was the staging; is it very low rent or looks decent? Brenda Edwards is great; looking forward to seeing this.
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