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Post by notmymuse on Oct 22, 2016 15:36:53 GMT
Great so far at matinee, wondering if they have one less in the cast than they are supposed to or needed, seems a gap in ensemble in several scenes?
But other than that, really good. Lovely to see both Laura and Louise have complex parts to get their teeth into. I've never seen Louise do anything other than Waterbabies or Wicked and this is a very different time. Aldo my favourite Laura performance since Parade.
Didn't know the score before and loving it. Costumes seem OK so far, yesterday's issues sorted out?
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Post by notmymuse on Oct 21, 2016 22:31:36 GMT
I was there tonight, but i'm seeing it again on Monday so will save my thoughts for after then. The show stopped a few times in the first act for technical issues, and costumes werent finished and need some work, but for a first preview it has the potential to be very good. Both the composer and lyricist were in tonight. I'm not sure what they have done but the playing space seemed much larger than usual. Am seeing it tomorrow matinee too. Helper costumes have been finished by then at least!
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Post by notmymuse on Oct 21, 2016 14:44:33 GMT
Maybe the Pleasance in Islington? They have a fairly big stage but it's still a fringe venue and they do a real range of stuff. V keen to engage with new writing/new talent too and opportunities via things like Pleasance Scratch. Thanks. I'll look into that Pleasance absolutely seconded. Very large for an off west end theatre. Depends how far out you're willing to go I guess, Broadway in Catford was where Thom Southerland staged a lot of his early stuff and that's not done him any harm. Greenwich Theatre, Leicester Square and the theatre at ArtsEd (which is lovely and pretty new and right near the Tabard which may even do) all also worth a look.
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Post by notmymuse on Oct 9, 2016 20:16:20 GMT
Apologies if there is already a thread for this but I caught this yesterday. Sophie-Louise Dann is already a favourite but my god is she brilliant in this! I have seen Imelda do it and (runs for cover) Sophie-Louise is better. I didn't really rate Michael Ball when I saw him and Hugh Maynard could sing it better, although his Epiphany let me down a little. I think he could have given more. Jack Wilcox and Christina Berrington were a lovely couple together and for once Johanna didn't drive me crazy! Simon Shorten was also outstanding as Pirelli. The set was brilliant and the use of the revolve was really well done. Unlike the Ball/Staunton production which had little twists to the set, this production simply does it like the period it is set. A really brilliant afternoon and a bargain at 16.50! If you are local to Nottinghamshire/Derbyshire - go and see it! Ooh, feeling tempted now. I was considering it but there's only so many times you can watch Sweeney...
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Post by notmymuse on Oct 7, 2016 15:40:09 GMT
Never been to previews before. Will it change vastly from when the show goes "live" so to speak.. Going on 1st December hoping this will be a good show. Welcome to the board, Colin! Previews essentially give everyone time to tweak the show, play around with things a bit and see how the audience responds (both in terms of reaction on the night but I've known them do surveys of some audience members before, too), and try to make sure it's as tight as possible for press night and the critics. In this case, I doubt it'll change a great deal. For a new musical, they may even cut songs, insert songs, change the order of scenes and change dialogue to some extent in previews, but that's because the musical itself will not have been done before. This musical is tried-and-tested and comes with a set book/dialogue/order etc. which has been worked on for years before this point and very honed, so it'll more be a matter of everyone settling into the performance, working out costume/scene change issues, and maybe a change of costume/wig/lighting/emphasis here or there, but nothing too dramatic. Having said that, you never know and late changes can be made to well-known pieces, but I seriously doubt it in this case. I've been to a fair number of previews, and in general I wouldn't have known they were pre-press night performances if I hadn't already known. They are still selling expensive tickets to a show, so they know you expect to see something pretty much there or thereabouts and worth the money. There can be a real buzz around previews as the audience knows they are among the first to see something, and the actors are very fresh, so they can be wonderful to attend. I hope you have a great night and report back to all of us on how it's looking!
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Post by notmymuse on Sept 25, 2016 22:29:59 GMT
Reviews were not good, but do reviewers ever go to try to enjoy themselves and admit it wasn't the best they have seen but enjoyed what they saw? It was very big and spectacular, probably the biggest spectacle you will see in the West End. I brought a coach group up from the West Country and as usual with London got held up in traffic and missed about 40 minutes.► But they all came again later in the month to see the full show. They enjoyed it for the spectacle, liked the Hobbits and some songs - no one said rubbish. I do wish they would release a DVD of the show, may help some money to come back?? Reviews were a bit Marmite. A couple of four stars, some one or two. It was interesting because I think many critics thought it would be successful anyway so there was some shock when it closed early and lost so much money. I heard some who had really laid into it say what a shame it was when it closed, and it seemed to end the fashion of reviewing musicals poorly almost automatically. Sadly, it pretty much meant the end of the mega musical too. Will be interesting to be see what form it comes back in, if it does.
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Post by notmymuse on Sept 23, 2016 16:20:46 GMT
I'd love to see this. I know it's incredibly long but from the short bits and pieces I've seen online, it seemed like a spectacular show. It was. I saw it 4 times and rarely see anything more than once. I know many hated it, but I just loved it (and I'm not even a bit LOTR fan). There were so many amazing moments. I saw it the first time from the balcony and when Gandalf faced off some beast/creature or other at the end of Act 1 (or it may have been the end of Act 2 as there were 3 act - sort of) and they blinded you with the red light and there was paper flying into your face and the noise... It was amazing. There were just so many wonderful stage effects, and golem was just great. And it basically introduced Rosalie Craig to the world (and rightly so, she sang so beautifully). *Sigh* Happy memories. Shame it didn't find an audience. Can't believe it's been 10 years! Must go and listen to the OCR...
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Post by notmymuse on Sept 21, 2016 13:42:04 GMT
I booked ages ago because I wanted to secure a cheap seat on the bench - now I see that no other seats on the benches are booked and there's LOTS of availability in the stalls as well. Not selling well at all it seems Anyway, if you go to the Ragtime page charingcrosstheatre.co.uk/theatre/ragtime and click on "Book now" it should take you right through to the ticketmaster website where you can pick a date and book tickets? Thanks Viserys, I think once I got through I was clicking onto Charing Cross Theatre rather than 'see tickets' or some such, but followed your link and have now got on. Looks like there is still good availability. Any strong thoughts about best non premium tickets? For the date I was looking at, all the front row seems to be available and lots of rear stall and some balcony (no benches, but don't think I was up for that anyway.) I kinda wonder if this will be popping up on some offers....have never seen this show or been to this theatre so am interested, but not £39.50 interested. It's only the premium seats that are £39.50 (although the website misleadingly pushes you towards them). Most others are £32.30 or £29.50. I'd only say that sitting behind the central aisle makes you feel a whole lot further from the stage due to the theatre design, but the views are all OK. I've tried three times with Ragtime and haven't got on with it, but hope everyone else enjoys )
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Post by notmymuse on Sept 13, 2016 21:26:26 GMT
I've only left two shows early. The first was 2001's Mill on the Floss (New Ambassadors I think) to catch the last train......I did feel a bit guilty, but in my defence it started half an hour late and by 11:20pm I was losing the will to live, I dread to think what time it eventually finished at. The second was 'The Hobbit' (2000), they must have covered half the book in the first ten minutes, it was really awful. I never used to leave at the interval, ever, but couldn't face much more of a touring musical a few years back so left. I felt really rebellious after... Since then, I've left quite a few times at the interval. I ask myself if i'd rather be at home doing the washing up than go back in. If it's a yes, I'm off. If it's a papered ticket I'll stay, otherwise I've paid for the product so it's my choice to leave it half eaten or not.
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Post by notmymuse on Sept 10, 2016 8:15:16 GMT
Just saying, I can still remember the Leicester version quite well. Anyway, I'll shut up about that version since it's long gone but fondly remembered by me at least, even if I was in the minority. A minority of at least 2. I liked the music for the Leicester version. I felt the problems were more with the book & was very disappointed that they completely dumped the first score. I could have understood if they're re-done some of the songs but I thought they ditched some really lovely melodies. I really liked inv the blink of an eye and the big act two number Rosalie Craig sang, and a couple of others, but I also remember thinking that realistically the songs weren't commercial enough for wide appeal. Shame there is no cast recording. Talking of Rosalie, has she been ruled out for this? She's not done a long West end run since Lord of the Rings that I can remember.
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Post by notmymuse on Sept 9, 2016 13:20:17 GMT
We have no reference on this guys singing then? Has he done any? Doing some research on him and he's had some TV success in america and seems a good comedy actor. He was exceptional in THE 25th ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE at the Donmar. Indeed. He was very funny and sang very nicely so should be fine.
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Post by notmymuse on Sept 6, 2016 8:47:25 GMT
In reality it's a spot longer. So allow 2hrs 10mins with interval (2hrs 15mins if there's a short delay anywhere). I don't like being picky usually but it makes a difference at that time of night for trains for us out of towners I agree, leave about 10/15 minutes extra time on the running time just in case of a delay. But I would do that with any show haha. The upside is this theatre only has about 100 seats if that, so getting out of the theatre is really fast and easy! Thanks both. Have booked for Sat matinee (using your todaytix code danieljohnson14 as a thank you!) and am excited now seeing all the good reviews on here.
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Post by notmymuse on Sept 4, 2016 20:15:41 GMT
Can anyone tell me the running time for this? Am thinking of making the trip and need to book trains! Thanks. Act 1: 50 Minutes, Interval: 20 Minutes, Act 2: 50 Minutes (based on signage in the theatre). Grand, thanks so much for such a speedy and helpful reply. Hopefully going next week )
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Post by notmymuse on Sept 4, 2016 20:06:13 GMT
Can anyone tell me the running time for this? Am thinking of making the trip and need to book trains! Thanks.
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Post by notmymuse on Sept 4, 2016 8:44:35 GMT
Will Young was in Cabaret. Joe McElderry in Joseph Didn't one of the s club 7 boys do a musical? Jon Lee was alternate Frankie in Jersey Boys for at least a year (maybe two). I think he may have been in other things but I can't recall at the moment. Tomorrow morning at the Landor, the Cococabana tour until it got pulled, and a few others. He was very good and sang really nicely in tomorrow morning. But I think he started in MT (Oliver and Les Mis I think) before S Club so not entirely surprising.
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Post by notmymuse on Aug 28, 2016 17:29:52 GMT
What a great thread! Hadn't come across some of these so thanks!
I always thought the world was robbed of Julie singing say a prayer for me tonight from my fair lady. It was recycled for gigi but for a hint of what we missed
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Post by notmymuse on Aug 24, 2016 9:09:01 GMT
I don't like Stars much so that neatly side steps that problem.
My main audition problem is that my day dreams about doing it (as it'll get no further than that for everyone's sake) are tempered by the reality I can't remember anything, so I'll have to go for What I Did For Love, as about half the lyrics are repetitions of "what I did for love" and when my voice quivers with nerves the panel might think it's emotion.
Much respect to those of you who actually have to go through auditions (and keep going despite having to).
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Post by notmymuse on Aug 24, 2016 8:53:04 GMT
I don't think we'll be seeing a revival any time soon. After last year we had the pie shop version and the London Coliseum version with Bryn Terfel and Emma Thompson (which was absolutely mesmerising btw, my fourth favourite show of all time) it may be a few years before another Sweeney. I'd love to see a huge musical revival though like the 2012 version. Unlike the semi stage productions last year. But I agree it will be a few more years, who know who could produce it?! Derby Theatre are performing Sweeney 30 Sep to 22 Oct with Sophie Louise-Dann (most recently seen by me at least in Bend It and Dagenham) as Lovett. It's a nice theatre and tickets are cheap (the cheap seats all have a clear view) so may be worth the trip. Sets are usually fairly good here and it's a co-production with the Mercury in Colchester so there'll be at least a bit of dosh behind it. I've been to a fair few home made productions in Derby and have always been impressed with the quality (less so with how easy it is to find the theatre from the train station...) so may make the journey.
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Post by notmymuse on Aug 21, 2016 5:59:37 GMT
I haven't seen it but I love the filmed version with Julie Andrews. It's such a fun show, great star vehicle and that specific Broadway production looked fabulous. I haven't seen the Southwark version but I never understood why they cut out Paris Makes Me Horny! Such a great number! They released a DVD of Julie in the Broadway show too. It's well worth checking out. Some very funny moments, but not my favourite show overall. Some great songs, but too much filler.
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Post by notmymuse on Aug 17, 2016 12:14:04 GMT
I meant venues such as the Southend Cliffs Pavillion or the New Alexandra in Birmingham where the stages aren't particularly huge hence it won't be a huge touring production, i.e. The Lion King or Wicked. Means nothing, all shows are designed with venues in mind and are to built to be adapted, don't forget, Cameron's Oliver and Les mis went to the Alex in the 90's when the Hipp was being done out, Jersey Boys last year/this year??? went to the Cliff's. Don't judge on the touring schedule. Alex's stage is fairly large. South Pacific showed how big. Easier to get cheap seats there, too!
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Aug 17, 2016 12:11:20 GMT
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Post by notmymuse on Aug 17, 2016 12:11:20 GMT
The film version of this has to be one of the worst things I've ever seen. It feels like it lasts for ten hours (thank the lord for Gordon MacRrae's pretty face). I don't mind the stage show, but I wouldn't say I love it either. After "If I Loved You..." it starts going somewhat downhill for me. The score is fairly strong but is tainted by "Soliloquy", a song which does nothing for me - I can respect the originality of it, but it's as melodically as exciting as ditch water. This show depends on the production/direction. The dark undertones to it are really what propels the story - who gives a damn about Mister Snow? What a waste of a character. Still, the show is a classic, and I understand why people love it. I by no means hate the show, I just think Time magazine calling it the "Greatest musical of the 20th Century" is a huge overstatement. The recording I mostly listen to is the Lincoln Center 2013 audio. What is the ultimate cast recording of this show? There has been many.
What are your thoughts on this R&H classic? Are there any revival plans? Thanks for starting such an interesting discussion! I've seen three stage versions and I think so much comes down to the production. I found the Savoy production with Lesley Garrett really dull, and almost didn't go and see a Thom Southerland production in the studio at the Broadway in Catford a year or two later. But so glad I did. On a shoestring budget he brought it to life. It was one of the best nights in the theatre, ever. The ballet told a story and went somewhere. Fantastic. I've never found a cast recording I've liked though, having tried many. Shame.
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Post by notmymuse on Aug 6, 2016 18:38:29 GMT
How much for Sister Act?! My two tickets totalled about £45 and that's with my half price opening night. I don't count premium prices as they are stupid anyway. Admittedly DD didn't have good discounts, but I have no real desire to see that show anyway so they can charge £90 and it wouldn't affect me. If shows are charging you £68 top non premium I recommend moving to Bristol, we have a load of great cheap theatre ;p I kid you not. £68.40 plus £4 booking fee. ATG card members get a fiver off... Big deal. That's premium seats but not the ones with a glass of warm plonk and a bag of twiglets, it's just for the seat itself. I was more shocked at Dirty Dancing to be honest. Anyhow, to George's point it is no longer £50 max for a top price seat in the regions. Same if not more in Birmingham Burley Bear. I paid less to see Sister Act in the west end than it is on tour. Prices are fast harmonising. Wolverhampton similar. Curve usually cheaper by a bit. Sister Act sold really well, even at these prices. Producers will charge what they can get I guess...
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Post by notmymuse on Aug 4, 2016 11:36:04 GMT
Liked the music, staging and the Hobbits. The angry Gandalf didn't work for me. But the biggest problem was the story was too vast and too well known to fit into a 2 1/2 hour show, way too many 'fans favourites' scenes had to be missed out. Can't see it ever touring. Oh if only it had been, it was running at over 3 hours when I saw it.
Great spectacle, terrible musical. What was going on kept me entertained but 10 minutes after leaving the theatre I'd forgotten every single tune in it.
I know most people hated it, but I loved it. Absolutely loved it. It also introduced the world to Rosalie Craig so we have that to thank it for, too. Rumours arrive every so often about this making a come back (New Zealand tour add the last rumour I heard ages ago) but I've given up hope. People who love LOTR hated it for missing out on do much story, those who didn't like LOTR didn't go, so it struggled to find an audience. If I recall it papered for ages and introduced half price week day matinées and producers propped it open for ages.
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Post by notmymuse on Jul 14, 2016 22:17:52 GMT
Great news ) Been wanting to see this for ages so well pleased. Baker's Wife was a real highlight so hopefully they can work the same magic on this!
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Post by notmymuse on Jul 11, 2016 22:44:14 GMT
These days, agencies either do have allocations, or sacrifice those in return for "open access" to the entire availability... EXCEPT that they don't always get the open access as the theatre still holds some for themselves. By the look of it, next Thursday night could be a special event, as there is plenty in the upper circle, but stalls and dress are full. Thursday afternoon has seats at all prices. It's probably a media night/minor press night with invited guests now Rebel's had time to bed in a bit. Has anyone seen Rebel in this yet? Curious as to how she is. I've never clicked with this show but if she's gat I may be tempted to take a punt.
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Post by notmymuse on Jul 11, 2016 22:41:21 GMT
Emma Williams had to resort to stripping to the buff to get a role. [ Without wanting to take this thread off topic I think that's a highly disrespectful remark. Mrs Henderson tackled nudity tasteful, in a way that it was empowering. The fact that Emma stated many women were moved by her performance shows the quality of her acting alone, and why she deserves more prominence in the West End, and I'm sure she would have had she more name recognition, and shows why regional theatre (Sixpence in Chichester and White Christmas at WYP) as well as touring productions such as Annie Get Your Gun are lucky to have her. On ability and merit I think she has the credibility to snub such shows on the basis that the quality of the production may be less than that of West End theatre, but as a woman who champions regional theatre as well as London theatre, it is the actors like Emma Williams who, in my opinion, are not on the way down but are responsible for the continuing rise in quality of touring theatre. Emma Williams had virtually disappeared from the scene and had to accept a touring role and WYP (both of which I saw her in and she was very good, as always) to get back into the WE and back in people's minds, which I think she did following changing her agent. And she may well have got Mrs Henderson as she was willing to take a risk and do something outside her comfort zone, namely appearing naked (which she carried off very well and with dignity). That she had always chosen WE work in earlier years and Annie Get Your Gun was her first ever tour after a long dry period has to say something. In fact, her series of blog posts about touring are well worth a read. She talks a lot about digs and touring life. They are probably still on her website. I only have three or four actor friends, but they are all clear you chose WE over touring in general (obviously depending on what's going - sometimes you have to take what you can get, like one of my friends who toured Japan playing a fart for months). As someone who lives in the provinces, it's not usually the cast that are the problem, but the flimsy sets, pared back orchestra and cast, poorer sound due to get-ins being rushed etc. Some touring shows are great but when I compare the tour of Priscilla or Sound of Music, they weren't a patch on the WE versions. and that's little to do with the audience or cast. Audiences are very different in the WE and provinces, but then again they differ hugely around the country between the provinces. I would rather sit in Sheffield or Leicester than the WE any day, for a polite and informed theatre audience.
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Post by notmymuse on Jul 4, 2016 13:26:07 GMT
WOS: "The new season will also see the UK premiere of Jason Loewith and Joshua Schmidt's musical Adding Machine. Based on a play by Elmer Rice, the 'anti-musical' has a score inspired by gospel, opera, jazz and rock and roll, and tells of Mr Zero who finds himself out of a job when he is replaced by a machine. Adding Machine runs at the Finborough from 28 September to 22 October."
Anyone seen this before? From the clips I just watched on YouTube reminds me of Bed and Sofa, also at the Finborough a few years ago, e.g.
Have to confess to never even having heard of this before, but it sounds interesting.
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Post by notmymuse on Jun 22, 2016 18:24:32 GMT
Anybody know if this is doing Day Seats or any sort of discounts/deals? Hoping to see it Wednesday! I think Today Tix has the best prices. Talk of papering seems to be greatly exaggerated. Agreed. Lastminute are doing a "get a free programme and drink with a full-price ticket" deal but that's it. Haven't seen any papering for this. Which I have to say, I'm pleased about, as it's about time this theatre had something approaching a hit! And it's a great show, so I'm glad people are going.
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Post by notmymuse on Jun 22, 2016 18:22:27 GMT
I haven't seen or heard all of it, but it sounds like this show really shouldn't be aiming for an open-ended run in the West End (unless it was in somewhere TINY like the Trafalgar Studios). I would've thought this would do alright for a season at somewhere like the Menier Chocolate Factory or the Watermill, Newbury or the Minerva in Chichester. Maybe even the Dorfman at the National, but who knows if musical revivals are something Rufus Norris is considering to bring back (except from The Threepenny Opera, but that's a new adaptation). I have seldom (if ever) said that any musical should never see the light of day again, but I'll have to make an exception for this one. I can't see how any director could make this work, and it would need an entire new concept (including new book, subject matter, music and lyrics) rather than a few tweaks. I usually like ALW's stuff (I am probably alone in loving the Woman in White and Whistle Down the Wind...) but this was pretty bad. I remember watching it in disbelief mostly. And the cast even made some comments to the press about struggling to understand how this subject was chosen for a musical. Wherever it goes (if anywhere - and I'd imagine it'll be somewhere uber-small like the (new) Union as ALW allowed The Beautiful Game to be revived there) it'll be one I'll give a miss.
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Post by notmymuse on Jun 21, 2016 18:35:57 GMT
CRH's actor musician Chess was good! Have faith my children. Absolutely. I think it was CRH who directed Spend Spend Spend actor-musician, which was amazing, and also the Sunset Boulevard (at the Comedy as it was then I think) I *never* thought would work actor-musician, but was great. When it's done well, it enables the characters to be expressed in another way. With Sister Act it could actually work well - who says they have to be a choir and not a band? The different nuns "discovering" they can play instruments could be very touching and clever and funny. And I doubt they're worried about ticket sales - I went to book for Birmingham 3 weeks ago to find it's almost sold out several months in advance. And as they're charging West End prices for this, that's not bad going.
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