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Post by talkstageytome on Apr 22, 2016 12:00:37 GMT
Only six at the mo (legally blonde, titanic, in the heights, midsummer night's dream at the globe and then dreamgirls and Harry Potter), which is quite low for me. Due a booking session though as there's lots I want to see!
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Post by talkstageytome on Apr 22, 2016 10:11:11 GMT
Yes I saw him and absolutely loved him. A super singing voice!
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Post by talkstageytome on Apr 21, 2016 20:33:32 GMT
Does booing the understudy count as bad behaviour? If so, shame on some of the Sunset Boulevard audience Wow. Incredibly childish and mean, and just innappropriate. Definitely counts as bad behaviour in my books.
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Post by talkstageytome on Apr 21, 2016 11:30:57 GMT
Maybe just confiming that there are no alternates to those who didn't know how to/could be bothered to check?
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Post by talkstageytome on Apr 21, 2016 11:28:03 GMT
I don't think she was miscast at all, and although her voice is nothing like Barbra's, if you don't compare the two its orally fine. I'm excited for this cast album, although I do really hope its a studio recording. Not a fan of the live ones at all.
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Post by talkstageytome on Apr 20, 2016 22:35:14 GMT
Saw this tonight and LOVED it! The music was fab, the set was nice all be it simplistic, the cast was very good. I adored Lucie Jones as Elle, especially her voice. And Jon Robyns was a fabulous Emmett. I am a fan of course but I thought he really was fabulous. 'Chip on my shoulder' was my favourite song of the night. Noticed a lot of riffing from them both, which worked for me even though I don't love rigging normally (it was in the riff-y bits anyway so... ).
I'll echo most of what others have said about Callahan and Paulette, although I thought she sang Ireland very nicely.
Overall just a fabulous production of a really wonderful show, I'm so happy to br seeing it with my family this weekend too.
Also I caught the internship paper, yay!
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Post by talkstageytome on Apr 18, 2016 10:47:46 GMT
Hmm, late to the game but I saw this last week and I'm still not sure how I feel about it. On the one hand, it was a very powerful piece, and the acting was excellent, but on the other hand, the story felt muddled, repetitive and just a bit too long really. Plus the entrance of The Mistress and her scenes lifted the whole piece and introduced a new dynamic, and so it was a shame that she only had one scene. Hmm.
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Post by talkstageytome on Apr 15, 2016 12:42:19 GMT
Oh brill, looks like it's getting some good reviews then. 3* from The Stage (although a large majority of the review focused on details of the plot which I don't necessarily agree with(jibes and comments about 'muddied feminism', it seems to me that the reviewer didn't quite 'get' the plot, which is rather wonderfully blatantly feminist) and much in the way of comment about this particular production. Never mind.) 4* from Whatsonstage I've persuaded my family to see this next weekend so I'm going twice now! Fantastic!
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Post by talkstageytome on Apr 14, 2016 0:24:13 GMT
Well done to you, talkstageytome, for your continuing advocacy of this hilarious and wonderful show. Like you, I loved it! Ahaha, yes! It's the best show I've seen so far this year by far, and the only one posted about on my decidedly unstagey personal facebook profile, because I thought it'd appeal to less my less hardcore, casual theatregoing friends too! I really couldn't fault it. Outstanding cast, hilariously shocking and yet simultaneously touching script, simplistic yet effective set, lighting and sound design. What's not to like? The Stage's one star review shocked me so much, I feel like I have to champion it where I can!
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Post by talkstageytome on Apr 13, 2016 22:01:25 GMT
Saw this again today and absolutely loved it. Still in awe of Harry Melling (It really dawned on me today how physically this role is!) and I love Jemima Rooper even more this time round! As I already knew how it ended it was slightly less shocking but the end of both act one and two were just outrageous. The pace was good and the jokes really worked. I know this has had a mixed bag of reviews from both critics and other board users but I have loved it both times. Took a friend today who raved about it afterwards too. My sister is dying to see it so I may go once more before it closes!
Won my tickets in a competition so I got to meet the cast afterwards too which was nice.
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Post by talkstageytome on Apr 13, 2016 8:43:50 GMT
Set a pink box with the band at the back of the stage behind a mesh screen and exposed briefly during the show. Trap with a lift at the back of the stage to raise performers and bits of set. Other set and furniture on trucks from the wings. In good shape for only second preview. Energetic cast and choreography.Act 2 better than Act 1. Mixed bag of lead performances. Ooh fab, glad to hear it. I'm so looking forward to this show! Would love to hear more about the cast when you've got the time.
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Post by talkstageytome on Apr 12, 2016 11:52:46 GMT
Hmmm, a very strange choice, I didn't see that coming at all!
Wonder when we're going to get some pictures of this production. I know it only played its first show last night but with all these peaks at the set I'm very curious!
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Post by talkstageytome on Apr 10, 2016 22:18:33 GMT
It's very Brechtian which is an acquired taste but not unusual.
And I agree with Baemax, a serious musical about Alexander Hamilton would be unimaginable boring I expect.
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Post by talkstageytome on Apr 10, 2016 21:56:24 GMT
Oh, are we starting the 'bash a musical which most people like' thing already?
It hasn't even opened here yet, those clips only give us a taste of what the show is (and I think it is effective the way it is. Not every show has to be les mis.) and considering its immense popularity on broadway with both musical theatre superfans and casual audience members, I think it'd be a shame to dismiss the show before you even get a chance to see it. Of course it's fine to have your opinion, but I personally would hold out on dismissing it completely until you've seen it.
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Post by talkstageytome on Apr 10, 2016 18:07:55 GMT
Seeing Michael Ball host the Oliviers this year got me wondering who this generation's Michael Ball is going to be. By which I mean which actor is his 20s/30s now is going to be the guy we see on musical theatre one off TV specials, hosting these types of events etc. in twenty years or so? A while back Mark Shenton wrote a list of his favourite West End leading men (which Ball was featured on).... www.thestage.co.uk/opinion/2015/mark-shenton-top-10-uk-musical-theatre-actors/ and really it could be any of them, or someone else entirely! I mean, none of us are going to know for another 10/20 years, but it's fun to speculate. (Additionally, who's going to be the next Idina Menzel/ Patti Lupone etc. )
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Post by talkstageytome on Apr 10, 2016 17:52:32 GMT
Yes, her professionalism was remarkable. I was a fan of hers (I was a kid when the first HSM film came out so I unashamedly love nearly all of her work! ) but this is possibly the best thing I've seen her in!
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Post by talkstageytome on Apr 10, 2016 17:48:24 GMT
Firstly, thanks for reading my stuff, Tom89. I literally cannot imagine a time where theatre/performing didn't interest me. My mom's favourite film is The Sound of Music (I was so close to being named Maria because of it!), I lived in Birmingham as a child so there were always lots of artsy things going on, plus I lived on a narrowboat so the contrasting glitziness of 'show business' always attracted me (so cheesy it hurts, but if I really think about it then I know it's true ). Single performance wise, the very first thing I saw was either Peter Pan or The Snowman (both at the Rep) which featured flying. As a child, seeing someone fly across stage is the best thing ever, so that was probably it. More recently though, in 2011 (ish) I saw Frantic Assembly's Beautiful Burnout which reignited my love of theatregoing (during GCSE/A levels I almost never went to the theatre). Everyone's responses are making me wonder though, in 20/30/40 years what show are we going to be looking back on and wishing we'd seen the original cast of/thinking ourselves lucky that we saw? Hmmm...
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Post by talkstageytome on Apr 10, 2016 17:32:18 GMT
I have to agree with Johartuk, at least on the second part. Performing with youth theatre groups if brilliantly fun, you feel part of a community, can give you a taste of what professional performing is like (not all groups, but some), and are designed around children. Plus they often offer lots of opportunities to get involved with/audition for professional experiences.
These talent show things are often scripted, the kids (and adults) are put under immense pressure and at the end of the day only one person can win.
I hate seeing kids going on these shows, getting idolised, getting used to the fame/treatment and then being heartbroken when they have to go home. Being voted out is a form of public humiliation which is horrible for anyone.
If your child is talented then there are plenty of ways to make sure they get training and exposure without making them/allowing them to appear on a national talent search show.
(People on a facebook theatre fanpage have been clamouring for her to be in Wicked 'when she's old enough', which is laughable because a) we don't know if wicked will be running in 12+ years, b) it insinuates that Wicked is the be all and end all of musicals. )
I think this girl is very talented which is wonderful, but I don't see the rush to find fame as a child singer. She should continue with training and try to find a legitimate route into musical theatre if that's what she wants to do.
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Post by talkstageytome on Apr 10, 2016 11:18:43 GMT
Love it! Lea Salonga is immensely talented, one of my favourite performers by far (I booked to see Allegiance in NY purely to see her. One of the best decisions I've ever made, despite the show only being so-so in my opinion!). Both her acting and singing are hugely affecting!
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Post by talkstageytome on Apr 9, 2016 11:20:59 GMT
For me, when I pay to see a musical I want to see musical theatre actors appear. They spend years and years training in acting, singing and dancing, and when they leave drama school they are fully prepared for the job. Popstars from xfactor etc can be good (Matt Cardle was great in Memphis, Gareth Gates was a great Marius in Les Mis) but not always. They often have a pop sound not a musical theatre one, they're often not prepared for the demands of 8 shows a week, their presence often equates to a more concert-ish vibe for some audience members who just want to gawk at a celebrity. And I don't like the mentality of 'well, my pop career isn't taking off so I guess I'll do a musical instead.' because there are thousands of talented and passionate trained actors really to take on roles because they want to, and they are passionate about musical theatre, not because they see it as a back up option afforded to them by the overblown platform that gave us Wagner and Jedward. Yes, these talent shows do produce some fabulous singers, and some trained mt people have entered them before as well, but I don't think that appearing on a talent show via open audition, is really the same as devoting your teenage and early adult life to training in the field of musical theatre.
I know there are exceptions, but personally when I pay £30+ for a ticket, I want to be safe in the knowledge that the stars are going to be 100% up to the job. I don't want to see a great singer with 0 acting chops, mincing his way through a 2 1/2 hour show while the audience laughs obnoxiously at every remotely amusing line of dialogue spoken.
Can you tell I've been burned before?
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Post by talkstageytome on Apr 9, 2016 10:00:03 GMT
I love the show, I'm a fan of Jon Robyns, plus I never saw it in the West End, although I just did this show with my uni musical theatre society! Can't wait to hear people report back on it. Apologies for me being nosy, but what part were you playing? No problem. I played the exciting role of Winthrop/Ensemble ('and now Miss Elle Woods, who was kind enough to send in a headshot'). I really love this show!
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Post by talkstageytome on Apr 8, 2016 21:35:18 GMT
Ahh shame. I really love this show. Seeing it again next week!
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Post by talkstageytome on Apr 8, 2016 21:20:28 GMT
I'm seeing it Wednesday 20th, so fairly soon. I couldn't pass up the opportunity. I love the show, I'm a fan of Jon Robyns, plus I never saw it in the West End, although I just did this show with my uni musical theatre society! Can't wait to hear people report back on it.
When's press night for this btw. Maybe I'm just being oblivious but I couldn't see it on the website.
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Post by talkstageytome on Apr 7, 2016 13:38:32 GMT
Hmm, I want to see this, but with bottom price at £35 it's not exactly student friendly. Fingers crossed for some deals closer to the time.
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Post by talkstageytome on Apr 4, 2016 14:59:58 GMT
Dare I say this but aren't minorities meant to be a minority? Same with LGBTQI+ issues... I think UK theatre leads the way in both fields! Oh dear. That's an... interesting... take on the issue. Minorities may be 'a minority' in terms of numbers/population, but by no means does this mean that they should be sidelined. Seems like you're suggesting that UK theatre does it's bit by filling a quota, but tokenism is not the same as diversity!
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Post by talkstageytome on Apr 4, 2016 12:55:33 GMT
WHAT on earth is wrong with the BEST people get the nominations? This race thing is getting out of hand! The argument being that the best people don't necessarily get the nominations (or even the opportunity to audition for roles because of casting stipulations which alienate non-white actors). Trivialising a lack of diversity is a worryingly shortsighted move in my opinion.
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Post by talkstageytome on Apr 4, 2016 0:55:08 GMT
I think he has the right to do whatever he wants, and this is clearly something he feels passionate about. He should be applauded for such a bold stance! I just can't believe arguments about people's fundamental rights are still going on. Just let people live their lives for goodness sake! The government should be sticking up for it's people, not segregating them. Stephen Schwartz is right to protest this ridiculousness in whichever way he chooses!
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Post by talkstageytome on Apr 4, 2016 0:23:32 GMT
Hmm, true. A medley seems like the obvious choice, and would've done the job too.
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Post by talkstageytome on Apr 4, 2016 0:19:45 GMT
What I posted in the Oliviers thread: Kinky Boots performance was an odd choice. They should've had one where both Killian and Matt sang as they were both nominated. Raise You Up was the obvious choice as then Amy who was also nominated would've got to sing too and the costumes are more fun in that. Oh well. (In other news Killian has a surprisingly nice bum. Just an observation.) Yes to ALL of this It's a shame they didn't do Everybody Say Yeah or Raise You Up. The number was quite bland and didn't show off Killian or Amy at all, which was odd given that they were both nominated too. A friend who I was chatting with while watching the highlights wasn't sold on the number. Although I was really not a fan of Matt Henry's performance in Kinky Boots, he did give a lovely speech, and dedicating the award to his castmate and follow nominee was very gracious.
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Post by talkstageytome on Apr 4, 2016 0:11:50 GMT
Another largely predictable year for the Oliviers. Lack of diversity within the nominations was quite glaring and Denise Gough pointed that out perfectly in her speech.
Kinky boots performance was quite meh, didn't really showcase the costumes or the performances of Amy or Killian, which seemed odd.
Very happy for In The Heights' multiple wins, and Drew McOnie's best choreography win was perfect. And their performance was fab. Energetic, a nice showcase of the cast, such a high point.
Emma Williams was fab in the Mrs Henderson Presents number, but that show has been so off-the-radar for most people that perhaps a more upbeat number may have been more effective? Can't think what though, as If Mountains Were Easy To Climb is the best song in the show.
Cyndi Lauper was.... interesting. Last year's Beverley Knight and Kevin Spacey duet was much more memorable in my opinion. The closing number was nice. Katie Brayben must do another musical soon, and Zrinka Cvitesic too!
Loved seeing Jonathan Groff in that little snippet, just because I'm a big fan.
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