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Post by zsazsa on Nov 2, 2019 19:49:15 GMT
Saw the tour this afternoon and was a bit disappointed to be honest.
The book has never been cutting edge and the revisions go someway to making it relevant for today’s audiences (the idea that we all live our lives online) but this could go even further.
The leads sang well but I found the acting (with exception of Buddy) somewhat stilted.
The choreography was not on a par with Arlene Phillip’s original.
I looked forward to the projections but ended up making the show look cheap. The live video feeds are poor quality. The motorbike is embarrassing and is pushed off by stage crew in full view of audience.
Also, One Vision at the start of Act 2 is no longer sung by the Gaga kids. I have no idea what the ensemble we supposed to be.
The killer queen scenes lack the flamboyance of previous production.
I wish the re-imagined version had re-designed the marketing as I had expected to see the version that had previously toured.
Won’t be revisiting this version in a hurry.
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Post by zsazsa on Oct 17, 2019 20:33:33 GMT
The show has changed considerably since the original Broadway production.
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Post by zsazsa on Oct 4, 2019 21:30:19 GMT
Anyone else been to see this yet?
I was so looking forward to it but it became a major disappointment.
While based on the wonderful play ‘End Of The Rainbow’ the film bares little resemblance and the only link between the two is they are both set at the same point in Judy’s career.
I have ready many biographies over the years and the woman was a much more complex person than this film puts across.
The tv mini series ‘Me & My Shadows’, based on the memoirs of Lorna Luft, is a much better insight into the ups and downs Judy’s life and career.
Renée Zelwegger is no patch on Tracy Bennet or Caroline O’Connors interpretations of Judy. Even the musical performances fail to encapsulate Judy’s persona.
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Post by zsazsa on May 12, 2019 11:01:18 GMT
Is there a way of checking Katherine McPhee’s holidays.
Gutted to have missed her yesterday after making the trip especially from Glasgow.
I would really like to see her before she leaves but limited to as when we can go.
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Post by zsazsa on Aug 7, 2018 8:31:54 GMT
Saw 2 shows yesterday:
Ordinary Days - Not as good as the production at last years fringe. The 2 boys are good but the girls were not as vocally secure. Some of the direction was a bit busy where they should have let the lyrics to do the work.
Don’t Tell Me Not To Fly: Janie Dee - An interesting mix of songs, many from her new album. There were a number of lyric slips but she still fully committed to the performance. The use of the projections felt like it slowed things down considerably. I wish they just had someone interview and interact with her between songs al la Seth Rudetsky. Interestingly she spent a good while introducing a song from Yentl as part of a mash-up with Children Will Listen but then only sang the latter? Definitely hoping to catch the other ladies.
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Post by zsazsa on Jul 28, 2018 10:47:54 GMT
Sorry if this has been asked earlier; does Kelli have a scheduled performance off? I have the opportunity to see a Wednesday matinee but really want to see Kelli.
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Post by zsazsa on Jul 25, 2018 22:03:07 GMT
Linzi tweeted earlier about going to a first sing through of an iconic role in one of her favourite musicals. Anyone got any idea what this could be?
I would pay to see her sing the phone book. Would be great to see her in a new role.
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Post by zsazsa on May 15, 2018 9:49:28 GMT
Notice there are 2 midweek matinees in Glasgow this week. Does anyone know if it is likely that the cover Eva will be on for both of these or will Madelena likely be on?
Has anyone seen the cover? How was she?
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Post by zsazsa on Apr 3, 2018 19:01:53 GMT
Taking advantage of Easter holidays and just booked for mid week matinee of Jersey Boys.
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Post by zsazsa on Apr 3, 2018 18:59:04 GMT
Tours I would like to see return:
Jesus Christ Superstar (Gale Edwards Production) South Pacific (Bartlett Sher) Barnum (Cameron Mackintosh) Chess (Craig Revel Horwood) Billy Elliot Top Hat
I would also love to see the original Hal Prince production of Evita
Shows that I would like to revisit on tour: Half A Sixpence Mrs Henderson Presents Memphis Love Never Dies The King & I (Hoping the Bartless Sher production goes out after its London run) The Book Of Mormon Aladdin Beauty & The Beast The Witches Of Eastwick (sans Marti Pellow) A Chorus Line Hello, Dolly Gypsy My Fair Lady
Shows that I have not seen and would love to see on tour or in West End.
Martin Guerre Newsies State Fair
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Post by zsazsa on Jan 24, 2018 22:54:53 GMT
She was one of the winners of Channel 4 Musicality. She played Mama Morton in Chicago.
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Post by zsazsa on Jan 21, 2018 21:26:58 GMT
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Post by zsazsa on Dec 17, 2017 10:51:52 GMT
Has the tour been cut short? I notice the Glasgow dates have been pulled. Glad I saw it in Edinburgh now but wanted to revisit it and also to see Danny Mac as the understudy was on (his first performance) the night I saw it.
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Post by zsazsa on Nov 19, 2017 10:45:59 GMT
Saw the current tour at the Edinburgh Playhouse last night.
I have seen this production in its various incarnations over the years and certainly when I saw it at the Savoy and its previous tour I was blown away by its grittiness and integrity to exploring a dark time in history.
Last night I felt somewhat overwhelmed. Louise Redknapp was a poor choice for Sally. Yes she could sing the role (with some melodic adjustments) but she could not Act this multifaceted role. Ironically her bio in the programme had so much info that a smaller text size needed to be used and ended with “making her theatrical debut”.
I loved Will as the Emcee in my previous visits but last night I felt his performance lacked the danger he once brought to the role. I think vocally his voice lends itself so well to this era, particularly in ‘I Don’t Care Much’, reminiscent of his beautiful version of ‘All The Things You Are’ in the film of Mrs Henderson Presents.
The audience was full of Louise & Will fans who were more interested in seeing the celebrity rather than engaging with the plot. This resulted in some in appropriate whooping at some of the shows darker moments.
I get the impression that this tour has not been given the same directorial attention to detail of the previous runs and has been rushed together in same fashion BK puts together his tours of Joseph and Blood Brothers.
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Post by zsazsa on Oct 16, 2017 22:15:46 GMT
Was their any mention of Soap Dish?
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Post by zsazsa on Sept 28, 2017 22:18:47 GMT
Delighted about Laura Pitt Pulford but have to say I am a bit disappointed at the choice for Barnum. Really did not like his Ali Hakim at the Proms.
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Post by zsazsa on Sept 24, 2017 9:59:48 GMT
Going to see the UK tour of Our House in Glasgow on Wednesday.
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Post by zsazsa on Sept 23, 2017 17:45:43 GMT
Saw today's matinee in Edinburgh. I thought Kara was fantastic as Cilla. Her performance was spot on and at no point did it feel like an impersonation. Carl Au was also great as Bobby and loved their duet in Act Two.
The show itself sticks close to the structure of the tv drama which does not translate well to stage and feels a bit drawn out. The songs don't flow in and out of scenes well. Something that Jersey Boys does quite successfully.
The staging is very unimaginative and follows the same clunky Dreamboats & Petticoats format.
Such a shame that this isn't in the hands of a better director and producer as it has potential to be a great show.
Spoiler: The show ends with 'Through The Years' but I feel the moment really would be better with some projected video / images of the real Cilla Black. A missed opportunity to pay tribute to a great icon.
Kara really is sensational and worth seeing for her performance alone.
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Post by zsazsa on Sept 8, 2017 6:55:26 GMT
Will this tour?
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Post by zsazsa on Sept 3, 2017 9:31:11 GMT
Going to Newcastle on Saturday to see Young Frankenstein
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Post by zsazsa on Sept 2, 2017 11:10:26 GMT
Anyone been to see this film? I saw it last night and was pleasantly surprised. I am not usually a fan of gay cinema as I often find the movies are a bit bleak but really enjoyed this.
This first 20 minutes do feel like a British remake of Brokeback Mountain but then it takes its own journey.
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Post by zsazsa on Sept 1, 2017 22:24:11 GMT
I'm expecting Edinburgh Playhouse to sell out completely for this. Given that Edinburgh Playhouse is on the top of Leith Walk. It's actually going to the King's in Edinburgh. Perhaps they think the Playhouse might be too big as the show has been performed multiple times by amateur groups in nearly every Scottish town and city during its short release. Having M.D.'d the show I am interested to see what revisions are made.
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Post by zsazsa on Aug 21, 2017 15:58:42 GMT
The timing seems to tie in with the release of 'The Greatest Showman movie.
I would love Linzi Hateley to reprise her role as Charity.
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Post by zsazsa on Aug 12, 2017 12:32:47 GMT
What we need to keep in mind is that these semi staged musicals and more so with the concerts have limited rehearsal time.
It is, sadly, all too rare that vocalists get the opportunity to sing with an orchestra of this size, style and callable.
Even by 40's and 50's standards the size of the John Wilson Orchestra (for most of their concerts) is often the size of studio orchestra where as in live setting the likes of Ella Fitzgerald, Judy Garland and Frank Sinatra would have performed with a smaller combo.
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Post by zsazsa on Aug 12, 2017 10:44:48 GMT
Saw this last night and really enjoyed it.
This has the potential to be the greatest gay musical sing 'La Cage Aux Folles'.
The book is well structured and the direction and performances are outstanding. The score, while pleasant enough, is not instantly memorable.
I really think the actor playing Stu could be a potential Evan Hansen if it transfers. I would also like to see the actor playing the Yank photographer as Elder McKinley in Book Of Mormon.
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Post by zsazsa on Aug 12, 2017 10:39:26 GMT
I saw the matinee yesterday and on the whole found it enjoyable.
Will Parker & Ado Annie were the standout performances for me as well as the sublime John Wilson Orchestra. How wonderful it is to here the orchestrations in their original glory.
My only disappointment was Ali Hakim.
I am interested to see how this comes across on television. I think there was a mix of people choosing to perform to the big house off the Albert Hall and those giving a more subtle performance for radio/television.
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Post by zsazsa on Aug 10, 2017 10:24:41 GMT
So caught the tour of 'Flashdance' at the matinee yesterday. Last minute decision as I had not seen the show before (don't think I have even seen the movie all the way through) and was clinched by the offer of a cheap ticket.
As a show it is certainly on a par with Fame and Flashdance with 2 dimensional characters, a few great pop songs and few forgettable songs to pad it out.
I liked Joanna Clifton in Millie and think she has enormous potential in musical theatre, with the right direction. She can sing and she certainly can dance but here I felt she was not hard enough as Alex.
The supporting cast has strong singers and dancers, particularly the male ensemble, but there was some very poor acting going on from some, particularly Gloria and her stand up comedian boyfriend.
I am glad I saw the show and wish I had seen the original with Victoria Hamilton Barritt. It will never be a great piece but entertaining enough and what's not to love about a mega-mix finale of 80's show.
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Post by zsazsa on Aug 7, 2017 13:45:53 GMT
Heading to London this weekend:
Friday: Oklahoma & Yank Saturday: Lady Day At Emerson's Bar & Grill & The Wind In The Willows Sunday: The Secret Diary Of Adrian Mole
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Post by zsazsa on Jul 24, 2017 15:53:48 GMT
False alarm, sadly.
The wigs that they are working on are for the U.S. Tour.
I really do hope that it makes it over here.
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Post by zsazsa on Jul 24, 2017 10:42:18 GMT
WIG Specialties LTD have just posted their upcoming projects on Facebook and among them is 'Waitress.'
Really hope this is happening as I loved this when I saw it on Broadway a fortnight ago.
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