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Post by notmymuse on Jul 1, 2017 7:44:31 GMT
This is tricky. Sweeney is probably the most accessible and popular, but Assassins is, for me, stronger. And I have a soft spot for Anyone Can Whistle... I find Sondheim so Marmite though - some of his I love, done I find really dull (like Pacific Overtures and Saturday Night and Passion).
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Chess
Jun 27, 2017 19:54:10 GMT
Post by notmymuse on Jun 27, 2017 19:54:10 GMT
Tim Rice interviews on londontheatre.com: "Chess, written with Abba's Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus and it remains very close to his heart; he's just returned from a table reading of a new version of it that he's hopeful ("maybe very hopeful," he adds) could reach Broadway in about 18 months time. It's got a new book by Hunger Games movie writer Danny Strong and will be directed by Michael Mayer." The rest of the interview is worth a read, but excited by a new Chess! www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatre-news/interviews/mark-shenton-meets-sir-tim-rice
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Post by notmymuse on Jun 18, 2017 9:50:27 GMT
I've seen the film, the DVD of Julie doing it on Broadway and the Southwark production. The DVD is awesome just to get to see Julie on stage before her voice went, but the piece isn't one of my favorites. It has some great numbers, but didn't hang together amazingly for me. But it's still far better than Darling Lili, which I think was her previous film-musical?
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Post by notmymuse on Jun 2, 2017 14:33:58 GMT
If anyone with any producing clout is reading this thread, please make a production of Bridges happen! It is such an amazing score. Concert version would be fine. I'll help with casting suggestions if you get stuck.
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Post by notmymuse on May 27, 2017 22:31:10 GMT
I used to go to pretty much everything at the Union. In addition to what's been mentioned, I have very fond memories of Assassins, a few Gilbert and Sullivans, Godspell and various others. But since they moved across the road I've just been the once, and left at the interval. Part of that was because it was unbearably hot (and wasn't even a particularly warm day), and partly it wasn't very good. Nothing has really appealed to me since. I'm hoping that'll change as I'd like to start going again soon.
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Post by notmymuse on May 12, 2017 8:49:10 GMT
Do we know for sure there's going to be one/they've recorded it? I'm sure this has been discussed before, but to save me going through 80 pages...
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Post by notmymuse on May 11, 2017 18:48:11 GMT
Understudy for Ruth was on, otherwise full cast. I wouldn't have guessed she was the understudy. The only thing that gave it away (besides the posters saying Ruth's understudy was on, obviously) was how different the "sisters" then looked from each other, and the fact she struggled a little to get the highest notes in her song about vodka. But otherwise, she was great, could do the part permanently with no problem.
I really enjoyed this. Found the script very touching and funny. Enough decent songs to hope for a cat recording.
Riding and Moore both excellent.
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Post by notmymuse on May 11, 2017 14:48:01 GMT
Upper circle closed at the matinee today. Back few rows of the dress are empty too.
Shame really, as this is a lovely show (first time I've seen it). But it seems to have limited demographic appeal. Even compared to a usual weekday matinee, the audience are older, and about 80% older women in groups.
This is miles better than Neverland in my view. Hadn't expected to enjoy it so much.
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Post by notmymuse on May 9, 2017 13:39:48 GMT
I'm surprised Adrian Mole is having a run in London. I saw it in Leicester and left at half time. The audience in general seemed underwhelmed.
That said, most things I love shut early and vice versa so perhaps it'll be well received.
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Post by notmymuse on May 9, 2017 13:36:29 GMT
Bridges of Madison County
Hunchback (best cast recording of the last few years?)
Something Rotten Dogfight Bright Star
Discovered at least 2 of these thanks to this board!
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Post by notmymuse on May 9, 2017 8:15:29 GMT
The Phoenix seems to have inherited the Shaftesbury curse, the longest show there since Blood Brothers closed was Once. And the running theme of the last two "meant to be" long runners is... Sophie Louise-Dann! CURSED WOMAN, I'M TELLING YOU!! She was in Dagenham too! That makes it 3!
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Post by notmymuse on Apr 23, 2017 12:51:33 GMT
I was there last night, and fully enjoyed it. It was my first time seeing Carousel, and I am not familiar with it at all, so I have to say I was blown away by the piece - what a wonderful story and set of songs. I really liked Molly Lynch as Julie, and I actually thought Alfie Boe was okay - nothing more, but perhaps I came in with low expectations following the reviews, both here and in the press. But generally it sounded fantastic, so, so glad I went. Edited to add a question as a Carousel-newbie: Is the choreography an inherent part of the musical (in the same way you have to use the proscribed dancing in West Side Story)? Or is it up to each production to put their own choreography on the Carousel Waltz scene and the Ballet?I I'm pretty sure you can do what you like for the choreography. I've seen a few productions and they have been very different, some very inventive indeed. I suspect the script gives direction in what the dances have to achieve (as the ballet obviously has to help tell the story) but not the precise moves. Glad you enjoyed it!
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Post by notmymuse on Apr 20, 2017 9:50:11 GMT
notmymuse wins the point! Saw the final performance of this tonight. Went because I loved the Motown music and this has the same writers. I loved it, as did the rest of the audience. Standing ovation and several bows. It was very tight indeed and great voices. I could make out most of the words too, which is rare at this volume. Wonderful cast, great voices. Looked a smaller budget than Grey Gardens had, but a lot more fun. Considering it was sold out and audience reaction, I think this deserves a life elsewhere. I could see a limited run at the Arts for example, or Trafalgar 2. Fame at last! I may contact the producers and ask for a free ticket for giving them the idea. That said, if you make wild, ungrounded and ill-informed predictions often enough, one of them is bound to come true sooner or later...
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Post by notmymuse on Apr 17, 2017 7:39:49 GMT
I was sceptical about whether or not Emma Williams could pull off Annie (of "Get Your Gun" fame) but she did. Really well. It was nice to see her play a part a good distance from the usual roles she gets cast it. So I'm sure she could take on Sally.
Me and My Girl was the musical that got me into musicals, so I'd love to see it come back. It's the kind of thing the Union could do a nice job with too.
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Post by notmymuse on Apr 15, 2017 20:35:25 GMT
Saw the matinee today. Loved it. After reading comments on here I was a bit worried I'd have people singing along or screaming, but it was actually the best behaved audience and ever, not a rustle or whisper to be heard! I think the two main male characters were both understudies (they were fine but not amazing, both out-sung by CeCe) but it didn't detract from the show. Never seen even the film and there were more good songs than I thought there would be. Amber Riley was also very good, perhaps not as amazing an actress as some, but she sang amazingly.
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Post by notmymuse on Apr 15, 2017 20:31:54 GMT
She won because she was the best. Her performance in Showboat was STUNNING. And I concur with everyone else, Gina Beck was robbed of a nomination Just couldn't agree more on both counts. Gina was radiant, Rebecca's performance was just sublime and heart-rending.
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Post by notmymuse on Apr 13, 2017 22:59:55 GMT
Wow. I may have just squealed a little. Any idea when tickets go on sale?
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Post by notmymuse on Apr 13, 2017 18:05:00 GMT
So, finally off to see this on Saturday. A ticket came up for £50 on TodayTix that's usually £150 according to Theatremonkey (I hadn't realised premium seats had crept up so much...) so had to go for it. Obvs I'll have to make a return visit when Ryan takes over so thought it best to get in now.
Quite excited really. Also don't care too much if it's Marisha or Amber given reports on here.
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Post by notmymuse on Mar 17, 2017 19:59:02 GMT
I'm guessing the reason they do it is very cynical and driven by marketing. People tend to over-remember endings and feelings, so if you can make your audience walk out feeling happy and upbeat, they'll remember the show that way (even if it wasn't very good). Word of mouth and reviews will then be better. Of course, backfires horribly if it annoys people, but we on this board are hardly representative of the average theatre attendee.
That said, I'd love to see a Sondheim Megamix at the end of each of his musicals.
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Post by notmymuse on Mar 15, 2017 21:12:53 GMT
I genuinely just assumed there was no-where for the body to go at ENO so they just left it there... Any other meaning completely passed me by. I don't usually expect much of ENO so just assumed they were doing half a job!
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Post by notmymuse on Mar 6, 2017 20:49:37 GMT
I'm curious to see what happens with supporting actress in a musical. Victoria H-B likely won't get it because no-one liked the show much. Possibly the same with Haydn. Rebecca would be my favourite to win, but Emma has now been nominated 4 times I think and is generally well-liked - but her character gave her so little to get her teeth into...
I think awards ceremonies are less for promotion and more just to give us things to talk about and conjecture wildly and baselessly over...
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Post by notmymuse on Feb 17, 2017 21:51:23 GMT
Maybe even a Reprise of Belive in Yourself solo toward theend of the show? Once her family situation has gone to sh*t, so she has to go out and make it on her own? That is am awesome idea. They could put it in a different key, slow it down a bit... Make it nice and thoughtful, tears in the middle building to a determined end and a nice high note held for ages... I feel a letter to Cameron coming on!
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Post by notmymuse on Feb 17, 2017 10:01:14 GMT
See on the one hand I would love to see understudies in some of the roles, but Charlie has a brilliant performance record with this show, which is amazing considering how tough the role is physically and he is brilliant so I don't know if I would want to see his understudy as amazing as they are. And Emma Williams, is, well, Emma Williams.... I'm good with seeing her at every performance. Charlie is off the last week in June and the first week in July so if you succumb to temptation to see someone else in the role that's the time to head to the Noel Coward. Normally I would agree with you about Emma Williams but she has a bit of a thankless task in this. As long as Charlie, Devon and Bethany Huckle are on when I see the show again, then I'll have more than just a touch of happiness! Entirely agree re: Emma. The one thing the show is missing is a good solo for her. There's lots going on for her character and she must feel very conflicted and a whole range of emotions she could sing nicely about. They could just re-write "The man behind the mask" from Zorro and get her to sing that again. That'd do. Or, as the show cheerfully rips off Salad Days, they could stick in "I sit in the sun" (probably out of copyright by now anyway). I may have to start a petition...
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Post by notmymuse on Feb 1, 2017 17:35:24 GMT
The blurb doesn't seem to say if it's just the songs or will include the dialogue read by the cast?
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Post by notmymuse on Feb 1, 2017 12:43:19 GMT
Will this must be the music or will it include the dialogue does anyone know?
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Post by notmymuse on Jan 31, 2017 23:43:57 GMT
Wow I LOVED THIS tonight!!! Chris Peluso - oh my god.... You must ALL see this.. I'm going again! When does he leave? May have to do a return trip too. Gorgeous.
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Post by notmymuse on Jan 31, 2017 17:32:17 GMT
Can't get enough of the cast recording for this at the moment. Bethany Huckle and Devon Elise Johnson's A Little Touch of Happiness is fast becoming a firm favourite but the whole score is so joyful, I love it. Really looking forward to seeing the show for a second time in June. I love A Little Touch of Happiness too. Long Ago and If the Rain's Got to Fall are also becoming favourites. I'm glad this is running a fair while. Still a shame Emma Williams doesn't get a better song...
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Post by notmymuse on Jan 31, 2017 12:51:11 GMT
At the risk of incurring anyone's wrath, I walked past the Pheonix on Saturday and was really pleased that it's now more visible and I liked the sunflowers.
On my first trip to the Phoenix years ago to see Blood Brothers, I had real difficulty finding the theatre as it had such a small sign and the frontage is on a narrow side street. I had passed it loads of times and had never realised a theatre was there and I thought it looked dark and sad.
Thanks to the sunflowers, it's obviously a theatre now. And the more shows that are successful (whether they are to my taste or not) the better theatre-land does in general. It's the people who come to London for a day to see a show who keep the West End going I'd imagine, not regulars like us.
It's sad to see dark theatres or theatres struggling because no-one knows they're there (like Charing Cross until recently), so the more visible the better.
Not sure if I'll go and see The Girls, but will wait for reviews first.
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Post by notmymuse on Jan 29, 2017 12:30:23 GMT
Hi all, I apologise if someone's already said this but even if so it's probably worth repeating. I just booked to see this at my local cinema (cineworld). Would have cost me £27 for 2 tickets.
However, if you search for "cineworld tickets" on ebay, you can commonly pick up 2 voucher codes for about £11-12. You then go onto the cinema webside, pay a £1 booking fee, use your voucher code and book. Total cost £13 rather than £27.
Some sellers promise to send your voucher code within 5 minutes (mine took 1 minute). Some voucher codes are also good for the central London cinemas (which can be £20 or so a ticket I think?) so massive saving available. I've done similar with Odeon/Vue/Picturehouse before too.
Really looking forward to this now! Last musical I saw in the cinema was Memphis and had a great time, so fingers crossed.
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Post by notmymuse on Jan 28, 2017 21:52:20 GMT
Saw the matinee today. Loved it. The score is more like Phantom and less like Titanic and must be the most lush score in London. Lovely song after lovely song. Music to get lost in.
And Chris Peluso. Wow. Utterly believable and what a voice. Someone cast him in something else, quick, before he goes back to the states!
It wasn't perfect and there were a few week moments (and the end was a bit sudden!) but it was such a nice couple of hours. If I was an actor, is just love to be in this and singing these songs...
I was also really happy to see the Charing Cross nearly full! It's usually not even half capacity when I'm there so I'm pleased this new model seems to be working.
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