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Post by JJShaw on Jun 5, 2022 16:07:11 GMT
I really can’t see what the fuss is here? I have been Steved, and it is just a good natured bit of ribbing. It is up to us the audience to do our research; not the productions job to dilute their product just to make sure they don’t upset anyone. By all means put a disclaimer on advertising materials so that people know whats going to happen but sheesh, let them have some fun. It is absolutely NOT up to the audience to do that kind research! The responsibility lies squarely with the performer being able to catch if the person they've picked is good to go along with it, and if not you most certainly do not double down on it and make a paying audience member feel uncomfortable, you softly and quickly finish the moment. It's quite thoughtless of you to say that it. An audience member who is going to see a standard show, not any immersive theatre or punchdrunk production, is not going to be expecting audience interaction. I'm glad you enjoyed it, and I'm sure most people enjoy it, but the performer is in control, and they should never force someone to do something they don't want to or make an interaction feel awkward. That's being a bad performer and letting your ego take over: "I'M performing so I'M going to do what I want."
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Post by JJShaw on May 31, 2022 21:47:24 GMT
Do we know why they are doing this short stint? I assume a possible filming of the show?
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Post by JJShaw on May 29, 2022 20:04:40 GMT
I didn't know it was this show with the "leaked" show report, I do wonder what was so bad it warranted commenting on, and I don't know if today's cancellations are linked to it. What I am surprised about is that after all the tumultuous calling back of ex cast members, how they havent added even just one male one female offstage swing is baffling. You wouldnt even need to rehearse them just bring back an ex cast member full time!!
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Post by JJShaw on May 25, 2022 19:46:09 GMT
I knew critics would shy away from being actually dare I say critical but good lord the praise this production is getting is criminal.
Reminds me of someone who tweeted, when the Broadway Funny Girl reviews came out, that those reviewers should come over here and actually humble the West End creatives and be honest about their productions. If you were generous and didn't want to lose your integrity or get "canceled", 3 stars. MAX. I too read the WOS one and thought "youve got to have been paid to write this!"
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Post by JJShaw on May 20, 2022 9:56:01 GMT
I think you've hit the nail on the head here! I am sure the no one on here is against widening our casting and diversity, but this is perfect example of "don't be diverse for diversity sakes", it still has to serve the show. With so much of the show being very unusual choices, I would like to read an interview seeing where Lucy was coming from, and also why the production looks the way it does. Was it all intentional? Elle's costumes and wigs are where the budget need to go for this show. Anyone who understands the show knows that that is pretty much a non negotiable. As you said, she needs to stand out. She is a Malibu fashion girl who is blonde and has been seen as just a vapid airhead who looks gorgeous the whole time who manages to prove people wrong. That needs to be abundantly clear. Hopefully the misfires of this production don't deter producers from casting outside the norm. I agree, a great point. Everyone was so bright and fun and colourful she didn't stand-out at all. I took similar issue with Anyone Can Whistle where the Cookies didn't look too dissimilar to the Mayoral group; sparkly bum bags, fringe on lapels etc and even Hapgood with their psychedelic top and neon trousers. it was ALL bright so everything just blended.
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Post by JJShaw on May 20, 2022 9:54:33 GMT
Oh wow I didn't know they'd done an interview, thanks so much!
An interesting read, mostly what I'd expect, a few things did make me chuckle in how exhausting they were to read. Interesting to get some tidbits on her and Toby's future projects.
Most interesting though was that she was approached to direct it, and didnt know the show before being asked.
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Post by JJShaw on May 20, 2022 9:32:58 GMT
As fantastic as it is to see so much diversity in the cast, I also thing it detracted from one of the main plot points. Elle didn't stand out at Harvard. I think you've hit the nail on the head here! I am sure the no one on here is against widening our casting and diversity, but this is perfect example of "don't be diverse for diversity sakes", it still has to serve the show. With so much of the show being very unusual choices, I would like to read an interview seeing where Lucy was coming from, and also why the production looks the way it does. Was it all intentional? Elle's costumes and wigs are where the budget need to go for this show. Anyone who understands the show knows that that is pretty much a non negotiable. As you said, she needs to stand out. She is a Malibu fashion girl who is blonde and has been seen as just a vapid airhead who looks gorgeous the whole time who manages to prove people wrong. That needs to be abundantly clear. Hopefully the misfires of this production don't deter producers from casting outside the norm.
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Post by JJShaw on Apr 21, 2022 21:33:36 GMT
Saw this afternoon; I guess the set issues have been ironed out as I really liked it and thought it was most impressive. How it fits in the dinky arts I'll never know! but some really nice flys and projections.
A solid production of a show that I would have thought they'd want one last go at polishing up, there's still a couple of clunky moments, lots of fast-forwarding, and one or two moments that could have been cut but otherwise I really really enjoyed it.
Such a good score and for me act one is almost unskippable! The leads were great, a shame JLG is so pretty that its almost hard to take him seriously as a bad boy, his "Bonnie" number was his best. Francis was really nice but is hampered with quite an erratic character arc, Natalie is giving a little too much quirk for my liking (although that could just be her wig as it was... not good!) but she's very good, as is Buck (my apologies cant remember his name). But again a very solid cast.
I would say if you have an inkling to go, go and see it. I really liked it despite it not being perfect, but it felt exciting and new for the London scene.
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Post by JJShaw on Apr 21, 2022 11:41:16 GMT
Standing tickets are £13 (dont know if its been mentioned before if so my apologies!)
Seem to be put on sale on the day regardless of if its sold out or not, also rush on TT, wish I'd have held out for rush instead of getting one of the cheap side seats, I already am familiar with the show so dont mind a restricted view. But incase anyone is curious and wants to pick up a cheap ticket!
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Post by JJShaw on Apr 11, 2022 13:50:53 GMT
Can't really find much information on the group or event but thanks for the heads up! Do you know anymore about it?
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Post by JJShaw on Apr 11, 2022 8:38:28 GMT
Yes I saw that tweet too, would like to see a full production of the show, dont know if a concert version would be worth it? Either way I think its a show that is seldom done here so would be nice!
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Post by JJShaw on Apr 2, 2022 9:25:30 GMT
I like that theyve got some merch, thats fun! Couple t-shirts, a hat, and I think I'd like to get the water bottle as it doesnt scream MT but is nice and inkeeping with the show.
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Post by JJShaw on Mar 31, 2022 16:59:51 GMT
I assume the account is trying to replicate the success of the 9 to 5 and Diana twitter accounts which managed to seem genuine in their humour. The ACW one feels like when big corporate companies try and copy memes (although I will agree the £95 one was funny and a few of the other ones have been good but its a bit hit and miss)
Comes across a little try hard which is odd because by their accounts tickets have been selling rather well, maybe thats because of their social media presence?!
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Post by JJShaw on Mar 30, 2022 22:03:18 GMT
I was so excited when it was announced but the more that is teased I am not really a fan of some of the concepts that seem to be getting thrown onto it. I believe the twitter said its going to be quite a giant rainbow rock for the miracle, what allegory could that be for /s ??!!!!! The last thing this show needs is more layers, but maybe that might focus it? I dont know. Will try and go with an open mind because it is one of my fave shows. The book is a bit whacky, but whacky in the sense that lots of older musicals do have those crazy silly plots where you just go with them! Man comes into town, stirs up drama etc Calling it chaotic, black out drunk, most of their descriptives in that video would not be what I'd say. And the moral to be yourself? I guess so, maybe? The team did feel very young, very university-our-show-is-going-to-change-the-world, but I could be wrong and it could be great.
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Post by JJShaw on Mar 30, 2022 21:53:18 GMT
I was there Tuesday night too, speaking to friends it seems they have a new way of getting people in offering a "quick route" or a "longer interesting one" I took the latter and thats the route you go through the old stage door, into the basement bar and get your free drink. I believe the quick route you get given your drink token instead. I was in the Upper circle B1 and the view is absolutely fine, I don't think there's a difference in lower or higher numbers, only thing you miss is seeing AJC singing in Marriage which was a bummer as that was one of my fave bits, even if I couldnt see her! While its a long show it did zip along we were out about 10:20pm I think. I'll list in spoiler below the rest just in case: {Spoiler - click to view} The theatre renovation is incredibly cool, the budget just to pay the preshow actors, the complete overhall of everything, from foyers, to having it in the round now and understate with all the things coming up from the floor. I do think however that this renovation and immersion does the heavy lifting as to why it was so well received. I was expecting a completely new exciting thrilling version but it felt akin to the '98 and Broadway studio 54 version. I didn't really like the ending didn't think it packed a punch, thought our more recent touring production was more impactful this one felt like a mixed metaphor; and I liked the idea of the confetti falling for the smashed window but that was more dramatic than the ending. I loved the gorilla suit and huge kudos to the actor in it amazing! Fra felt VERY separate from the show, and personally and no disrespect but it just didn't feel like an above-the-title performance. It was very noticeable that you could lift the emcee out of the show and not miss much (I know his songs are more commentary on the themes happening so it does add depth but without a strong presence, point of view, and pull, it was just odd and lacklustre.) It was a nice, clean, performance. Which I guess was in keeping since it did feel like quite a clean, sanitised version of cabaret. Amy fared better but I think direction didn't help her not fall into the pitfall of Sally; is she a good singer or not? Her speak singing sections were awkward because the song tempos weren't quick enough. Her voice was cracking when she let it out and she was very likeable and you could see why Cliff would be drawn to her. Fräulein Schneider and Fräulein Kost were stand outs, i liked the choreography, why the actual emcee doesn't lead the audience interaction bits before act 2 baffled me, would have given us a chance to connect with the character? !
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Post by JJShaw on Mar 8, 2022 9:59:55 GMT
Having it staged in the round has certainly piqued my interest, and it sounds like they're going to try and do something similar ala In The Heights with some immersive staging too.
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Post by JJShaw on Mar 4, 2022 10:24:02 GMT
I enjoyed them in the moment but apart from Bad Cinderella couldnt have hummed one as I left (although I didn't enjoy that one!)
I agree I liked the Princes solo, and the "mob song" preceding Bad Cinderella I thought was actually really good and staged very cinematically.
I'm not one to usually shy away from shirtless men in leather biker shorts but it still absolutely baffles me for a town so horny and raunchy they dont like Cinderellas actions?
The costumes were lovely, the tulle budget must have been enormous!
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Post by JJShaw on Mar 3, 2022 23:43:28 GMT
Saw tonight and weirdly didnt hate it?! Sure its not amazing but it was enjoyable, and Rebecca Trehearn and the stepsisters, and Victorias accent, are so entertaining.
Why is the town so horny?
The problem with the show is the marketing is completely at odds with the show. You're expecting a romantic, "serious" show, but its so camp, satirical and NOT family friendly. Chip n dales??!!
The dialogue and lyrics were extremely hit or miss, but I was (unfortunately) reminded that damn ALW can write an enjoyable melody.
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Post by JJShaw on Mar 3, 2022 23:40:05 GMT
Saw today, can't remember her name my apologies but it was the 2nd cover's debut today and you wouldn't even notice she slotted in very well!
Unfortunately, I feel the show is overworked, over polished, and a little shrill at times. Why has Mrs. Banks lost her suffragette plot? Now instead of both parents being too busy for their kids she is the doormat doting wife (although I did love her solo number). The bird lady contributes... nothing? Unless I missed it? I just thought the whole show a great shame, as the familiar songs just sort of appear with no rhyme or reason, very surface-level when there's so much you could work with.
Charlie was nice, but casting Bert and Poppins so young just doesn't contribute much, and feels like children playing as grown ups. Jane was great, the cook (apologies I forgot her character name!) was so fun, the butler is a bit of a pointless addition. Big production and slick, would have loved to have seen the original house but this one was still pretty good.
Just felt a little disappointed, and for a long show still felt rushed.
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Post by JJShaw on Feb 27, 2022 22:25:50 GMT
Interesting (I think) point about the evolution of the Emcee: I worked with Joe Masteroff on a program related to Cabaret. He talked about the evolution of the Emcee character, originally a supporting role, which was why Joel Gray won the Featured Actor Tony Award (Jack Gilford, as Herr Schultz, won nominated for Best Leading Actor). Boris Aronson designed the sets for the original production. They were big, complicated sets. Masteroff said that it took time for them to get into place between scenes, so it was decided that, during those scene-changes, they should "Let Joel do something." So the role grew during that period. But the original billing hung on for that production, as the cast album cover shows: m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61S0pfYtMuL._SX522_.jpgWow didn't know that thank you so much what a fun little tidbit! Interesting that Fräulein Schneider - Lotte Lenya in the OBC was also nominated for leading actress, did the original have more of a focus on them?
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Post by JJShaw on Feb 21, 2022 12:23:14 GMT
Exciting. Anyone got any thoughts on casting this? Would make sense for Jac Yarrow to have another go at Jack having played it at ArtsEd. Grace Mouat would make a great Katherine I have heard that even at Arts Ed Newsies has always been planned for Jac to do it. Could be just a rumour but you never know! Grace would be really good and would get the older Six fans back who I sure are the target audience for this; with Heathers, Six and Newsies the young theatre fans have plenty to fangirl and choose from!
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Post by JJShaw on Feb 14, 2022 23:30:56 GMT
Why would you need to be paid? You're not doing any skill? You're not acting, youre watching performances and getting a nice afternoon with a drink. You'd think people in the industry would understand that? No doubt theyre the ones that preach "Support Theatre!" But wont see a thing unless they get a comp or cast rate discount.
What I am happy to see is that they guy isnt disheartened and has said hes going to try and increase the capacity and have two sittings so more people can have a unique opportunity to do this. Who wouldnt love to get to watch any shows EPK filmings?! It's a unique fun afternoon and I think its a great thing to offer.
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Post by JJShaw on Feb 10, 2022 13:10:55 GMT
For anyone not too bothered about casting, Monday 29th March the upper circle is on sale, £50 and some £30 still available.
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Post by JJShaw on Jan 18, 2022 21:59:21 GMT
I assume that, much like Heathers can you believe, that the success of this show hinges on the combination of "robbed" musical status and a good bootleg to go around, plus a good quality cast recording, all make for a frenzy online and within the musical theatre circles.
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Post by JJShaw on Jan 13, 2022 12:53:23 GMT
God what I wouldnt have given to see Rosalie in this! Honestly still would, get her and Hadley in it!
I'm so excited for this, one of my favourite shows in one of my favourite venues. I liked the Union production done a couple years ago. I'm excited to see its being done in traverse, I hope its a good production!
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Post by JJShaw on Dec 9, 2021 23:41:53 GMT
Nice to see a family comedy/drama (?), the show has always intrigued me from when it was on Broadway so was lovely to finally see it. (A moment for Charlie Maher's body, ok moment over)
A nice tight cast with a pretty solid show, the act 2 monologue did drag on a bit and you could probably trim 5 mins of each act BUT it was a pleasant evening, lovely set, a shame it wasnt better attended but the cast still gave a fabulous performance.
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Post by JJShaw on Nov 18, 2021 17:37:07 GMT
So according to twitter this and Moulin Rouge only have six lottery tickets per performance?! My hopes of getting to see this just plummetted! I did think there would be many but six, and you can only get them in pairs, that truly is a lottery!
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Post by JJShaw on Sept 6, 2021 12:12:44 GMT
Just bought theatre tokens (£80 for £40) and then used them to grab a couple of stall seats for Come From Away for £20 (which effectively haven’t cost me a penny) and booked the following day off work for a long weekend. Thats amazing! Just wondering how you were able to do this? Could you use your theatre tokens online now? And did your CFA code work first and then payment was tokens? Just curious, and very impressed!
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Post by JJShaw on Aug 21, 2021 23:00:10 GMT
It is odd that an industry reading is getting so much press, all the actors posted that image of "something is coming" and then... its something we won't see? A very odd false hype announcement I felt.
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Post by JJShaw on Aug 17, 2021 22:49:31 GMT
Pew show announcement from the director(?) tonight explaining how they were able to reopen so early. Basically 80% new backstage crew working on the show this week while the rest of them isolate. (that was the gist from what i could understand from his rambling)
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