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Post by londonmzfitz on Sept 2, 2016 7:58:11 GMT
It was a late start last night - from the 7.45 kick off on the ticket, due to "technical difficulties with a piece of set" it started around 8.10. Some lighting problem meant a false start too - a couple of dinks with lighting, early in the first act a switch was flicked and all the lights went on.
A lovely piece, all three leads do a great job. I very much enjoyed this. I'll post more when I'm out of my first meeting this morning.
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1,244 posts
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Post by londonmzfitz on Sept 2, 2016 9:24:31 GMT
The £2.50 programme gives the song list:
Act 1 - 1963, Franklin High School Gymnasium Mystery I Don't Want To Miss A Thing An Organised Life (1963) I Can't Imagine
Act 2 - 1968, a Sorority House in Dallas Mystery II An Organised Life (1968) Fly Into The Future Cute Boys with Short Haircuts Let Life Happen
Interval
Act 3 - 1974, The Terrace of a Penthouse Apartment Mystery III The Same Old Music An Organised Life (1974) Argument Friendship Isn't What It Used To Be
Act 4 - Epilogue - A Small Texas Town Mystery IV I Don't Want To Miss A Thing (Reprise) Letting Go
The 3 cast members change clothes a lot, move the set around a lot, hair changes through the times. I think they work really well together vocally and physically. Good night.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 2, 2016 9:31:21 GMT
The £2.50 programme gives the song list: Act 1 - 1963, Franklin High School Gymnasium Mystery I Don't Want To Miss A Thing An Organised Life (1963) I Can't Imagine Act 2 - 1968, a Sorority House in Dallas Mystery II An Organised Life (1968) Fly Into The Future Cute Boys with Short Haircuts Let Life Happen Interval Act 3 - 1974, The Terrace of a Penthouse Apartment Mystery III The Same Old Music An Organised Life (1974) Argument Friendship Isn't What It Used To Be Act 4 - Epilogue - A Small Texas Town Mystery IV I Don't Want To Miss A Thing (Reprise) Letting Go The 3 cast members change clothes a lot, move the set around a lot, hair changes through the times. I think they work really well together vocally and physically. Good night. Oooo I'm so excited about tonight now! Could I please ask the running time (obviously taking into consideration the late start haha)
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Post by charmedjean on Sept 2, 2016 10:01:28 GMT
Oooo I'm so excited about tonight now! Could I please ask the running time (obviously taking into consideration the late start haha) 2 hours including a 15min interval
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3,478 posts
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Post by showgirl on Sept 2, 2016 10:44:29 GMT
Gosh, that is going to be tight for a 3 pm matinee, followed by a 5.30 pm performance of Our Ladies at the NT. I know we have discussed this particular combination before but why does Our Ladies have such bizarre times? Not much time left to change that ticket, either, but maybe it'd be safer not to risk it in case of any delay to the start of Vanities.
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Post by Michael on Sept 2, 2016 11:38:55 GMT
I reckon I can do Trafalgar 2 to Dorfman in under 30 minutes pretty easily Google's route planner says it's an 18min walk.
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Post by stevejohnson678 on Sept 2, 2016 11:58:30 GMT
I think I'm going to chance it, showgirl, as I reckon I can do Trafalgar 2 to Dorfman in under 30 minutes pretty easily. Also, my guess is that the running time will get shorter by a few minutes during previews, too. Don't worry if you arrive slightly late at the Dorfman and take your seat to a tirade of profanities. That's just the nature of Our Ladies.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 2, 2016 13:30:05 GMT
I saw the first preview last night, and am back for the second tonight, and all I can say is that it's an incredible piece of theatre. All three ladies are exceptionally well cast and there's an element of their characters in each of them, especially Lizzy, who I think may actually be Joanne in real life! Their singing voices are fantastic, although I don't think anyone was ever doubting that, and they all go on such a beautiful and poignant journey over the course of the four very different acts. It would be difficult for me to single out a strongest performance, I think Lauren has the most difficult character to work with as Mary puts up a facade through most of the show and especially in act three is very much... hardened, I suppose. Ashleigh as Kathy was the performance that resonated with me the most, she is the organised one of the group and battles with the fact that she can plan everything except what she wants to do with her life. The theatre is incredibly intimate, if you haven't been to TF2 before, the front row are actually sat on the stage, and there were several moments where items of clothing / towels / props landed right in front of or on the feet of audience members. The songs are fantastic, my favourite song was I Don't Wanna Miss A Thing, which appeared at the beginning of act one and was then reprised at the end of act four and each of them get their own powerful solo number, Lauren's being "Fly Into The Future", Ashleigh's "Cute Boys With Short Haircuts" and Lizzy's "The Same Old Music". Design wise, the team have done an incredible job with such a limited amount of space. The set is incredibly intricate and has three doorways that double up as spaces where the ladies change, or as a storage space for the blocks they use as beds / chairs etc. I must admit, Lizzy and Lauren's wigs were such a huge contrast from their natural hair colour that it took a while to adjust but the costumes are all excellently designed and illustrate the differences between the three women. If you're on the fence about seeing this show, I would say absolutely go for it. You can get top price seats for £25 if you're an ATG Theatre Card holder or tickets from £15-£35 if you aren't, and absolutely everywhere in the theatre offers a great view. I don't know about Olivier Award eligibility but I can very much picture this show upsizing (is that a word?) and transferring to somewhere like the Apollo in a few months time, and I don't think it would be far fetched for Racky Plews to pick up an Olivier nomination for direction or choreography, Andrew Riley for costume or set and at least one of the ladies for best actress, this is a very strong show crying out for an extended run and a slightly larger space for these three West End legends to show off their skills.
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Post by CG on the loose on Sept 2, 2016 13:59:19 GMT
Google's route planner says it's an 18min walk. Thanks Michael. The speed I walk at, that means around 10 . Leaving a trail of bowled-over, bimbling tourists in your wake ;-)
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Post by showgirl on Sept 2, 2016 14:25:42 GMT
I reckon I can do Trafalgar 2 to Dorfman in under 30 minutes pretty easily Google's route planner says it's an 18min walk. Thank you both and I hope, Theatremonkey, that you are right about the running time reducing as the show beds in. Being a cheapskate I have however booked one of those ghastly seats up in the Gods at the Dorfman, so no chance of dashing in unobtrusively at the last minute - I'll probably trip on the stairs or fall over another patron in my haste to reach my seat.
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Post by Snciole on Sept 2, 2016 14:37:29 GMT
I am seeing this tonight as I am not really a musicals person but my friend is. Plus I am excited about pre-theatre Nandos
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Post by Deleted on Sept 2, 2016 14:41:14 GMT
I'm so excited about seeing it tonight, I have never been to this theatre before either and am in the front row so it will be a great first experience of this theatre too!
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Post by Deleted on Sept 2, 2016 14:53:42 GMT
Guys, have fun and tell us if it's good! I might book for Wednesday night.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 2, 2016 15:11:03 GMT
I am seeing this tonight as I am not really a musicals person but my friend is. Plus I am excited about pre-theatre Nandos If you see me, which is highly likely as the size of the theatre, feel free to say hello or vice versa haha! I'm wearing a checked pink/purple and black shirt and grey jeans
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1,244 posts
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Post by londonmzfitz on Sept 2, 2016 15:11:46 GMT
Sat at Trafalgar 2 in A7 last night (and was last to the 2 man bench type seats, meaning half bum cheek was hovering in mid-air until the interval, resulting in back twinging today). If you are there watch your tootsies as cast clamber all over the tootsie type area.
As it was a later start than my normal theatre outings I decided I'd walk from my office in Southwark over Tower Bridge, have a drink and a look at the Thames, and catch a number 15 to Trafalgar Square. 7.10 and no bus - timetable says 25 minute journey .. do I get a cab? I toughed it out, got a bus counting down the minutes wondering if I would be better sprinting up the Strand - got there with 5 minutes to spare and found the delay going on and bar full of people.
Interesting overheard conversation in the ladies in the interval - with the delay both shows had the interval overlapping. The Naked Magicians is on at Trafalgar 1. "Didn't you know he'd pick on us"!
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Post by Deleted on Sept 2, 2016 18:36:12 GMT
Holy crap this theatre is tiny! Literally I stretch my legs and I am touching one of the boxes! Think I better keep my feet tucked for this one haha! Also should agree, front row, you literally are onstage!
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Post by Deleted on Sept 2, 2016 19:49:50 GMT
Interval... Ah I love it! It is just so, so good! The three girls at amazing and despite some brief lighting issues at the start (no delay tonight) it is in such good shape, particularly the performances from the girls! Lauren particularly is really surprising me with how good she is, and Lizzy is brilliant too. Ashleigh is obviously fantastic also, there vocals are insane!
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Post by Deleted on Sept 2, 2016 21:29:28 GMT
Oh I just loved it! I will report back properly later but I just loved it! The girls were sensational and it is just such a fun show! pretty much a full standing ovation bar maybe 5 people and so deserved! Got asked at interval by the American people behind me to stay behind for a few minutes. Was confused by agreed, turned out it was the Producers asking my thoughts and opinions of the show! Told them that it was brilliant, a stellar cast and transfer it immediately! And the woman of the two gave me a wink and said "lets see what the reviews are like first and go from there". So there is some hope people!
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Post by charmedjean on Sept 2, 2016 21:44:34 GMT
Oh I just loved it! I will report back properly later but I just loved it! The girls were sensational and it is just such a fun show! pretty much a full standing ovation bar maybe 5 people and so deserved! Got asked at interval by the American people behind me to stay behind for a few minutes. Was confused by agreed, turned out it was the Producers asking my thoughts and opinions of the show! Told them that it was brilliant, a stellar cast and transfer it immediately! And the woman of the two gave me a wink and said "lets see what the reviews are like first and go from there". So there is some hope people! So thrilled to hear that you enjoyed it and well done for giving great feedback to the producers. It is a great show, I hope Press Night goes well next week and the show gets a transfer!
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Post by Deleted on Sept 3, 2016 21:11:48 GMT
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Post by melly on Sept 3, 2016 21:23:54 GMT
I also saw this last night and would highly recommend. As well as a fabulous cast, the costumes and wigs are very well used, and such attention to detail (and the cost of) is not something I would have expected in such a small production.
The set does take up quite a lot of the small stage area so be prepared to keep tucking your feet out of the way on the front row.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 3, 2016 21:31:44 GMT
I also saw this last night and would highly recommend. As well as a fabulous cast, the costumes and wigs are very well used, and such attention to detail (and the cost of) is not something I would have expected in such a small production. The set does take up quite a lot of the small stage area so be prepared to keep tucking your feet out of the way on the front row. This is very true, I'd tuck your feet in! When I went last night, there were a few times the girls would back up and they are practically on your lap. At one point when Lizzy has her big moment at the beginning of Act II I thought she was actually going to fall on me. Also clothes and towels are thrown about and fall at your feet haha.
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Post by danielwhit on Sept 3, 2016 22:06:03 GMT
Saw this tonight - very refreshing.
Lovely to see a musical which has very strong character development, powerful songs for all characters and a book which is carefully crafted and completely fits the music and the wider world.
Looking back you can see the hints in each character's journey as they bridge from scene to scene. My only negative would be it took me a while to detect they had 'aged' initially from 18 to 21ish, I had presumed this was a different day in their high school senior year to begin with.
Couple of lighting glitches tonight, but that is one impressive design for TS2. I had always doubted how well a musical could play in there, evidently extremely well.
All three performances are top notch, with very clear diction. Definitely recommended, hopefully it'll have a further life (it's another 'this wasn't done for just four weeks, surely?' production).
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Post by Deleted on Sept 3, 2016 22:12:06 GMT
Well. It's an entertaining bit of fluff, thoroughly enjoyed it. Sags a bit in the second half (don't we all?) but there's enough pizzazz to keep it going, it's nice how they keep the songs era-appropriate. Great cast and they all get to shine and while Ashleigh Gray is the best singer of the lot she has the most dull character. Lizzy Connolly on the other hand is just sensational. She truly deserves to be one of our very biggest and best musical theatre comediennes.
However, whoever it is that styles Ashleigh Gray in the second act needs to be fired. She's an absolute knockout looking gal but they've managed to make her look 20 years older than the other two when they're all supposed to be the same age!
A nice few hotties in the audience too which was a delightful bonus. Vanities brings all the boys to the yard it would appear. Lovely.
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Post by melly on Sept 3, 2016 22:22:37 GMT
However, whoever it is that styles Ashleigh Gray in the second act needs to be fired. She's an absolute knockout looking gal but they've managed to make her look 20 years older than the other two when they're all supposed to be the same age! That was one of the things I liked! I thought that was done deliberately. The paths the characters took basically lead to that. I thought Lizzie's character had sort of caught up by the final age after her 'events'. While obviously Lauren's character's choices kept her looking young.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 3, 2016 22:26:22 GMT
However, whoever it is that styles Ashleigh Gray in the second act needs to be fired. She's an absolute knockout looking gal but they've managed to make her look 20 years older than the other two when they're all supposed to be the same age! That was one of the things I liked! I thought that was done deliberately. The paths the characters took basically lead to that. I thought Lizzie's character had sort of caught up by the final age after her 'events'. While obviously Lauren's character's choices kept her looking young. I see where you're going there but I doubt they intended to make her end up looking like Joanne and Mary's mother! Oy oy oy . . .
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Post by melly on Sept 3, 2016 22:30:12 GMT
I see where you're going there but I doubt they intended to make her end up looking like Joanne and Mary's mother! Oy oy oy . . . Haha, probably not! I took her greying hair to show she didn't care the way the other 2 still did though. Like she didn't need to dye her hair or be something she wasn't. But yes, she did end up looking a lot older!
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Post by danielwhit on Sept 3, 2016 22:32:56 GMT
I thought that was a conscious decision personally. Show she's kept her figure and is happy to show that off but she isn't worried about looking mature now, which also reflects her character's development between the last two scenes.
That's if you meant the transition after the tea party.. If you meant at the tea party I hadn't detected a visible age gap in appearance.
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Post by Dawnstar on Sept 3, 2016 22:54:01 GMT
I popped into Trafalgar Studios this afternoon & booked for this, given how positive the comments on here have been. I hope I agree with everyone once I've been! Especially as it was a bit more expensive than I was expecting, in fact I paid more for this than for Wicked which I also booked for this afternoon. It's funny how it's often actually more expensive to see fringe shows than West End ones.
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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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