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Post by kathryn on Jul 24, 2016 10:48:09 GMT
. I imagine they are working on things like speaker positioning (or extra ones), otherwise doing a complete tech to change sound levels. There's moments when they are singing in counterpoint(? - not sure if that's the right technical term) when the sound levels need work. I imagine it's that sort of thing they want to work on.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 24, 2016 10:57:49 GMT
. I imagine they are working on things like speaker positioning (or extra ones), otherwise doing a complete tech to change sound levels. There's moments when they are singing in counterpoint(? - not sure if that's the right technical term) when the sound levels need work. I imagine it's that sort of thing they want to work on. Moments of counterpoint, with individual vocal lines, aren't designed to be understood, such numbers are more to suggest a hubbub. A principal within that would either be heard above the rest through sound levels or be subsumed in the chorus. At the moment it seems to be a halfway house, where Karl is sort of standing out, they need to decide on one or the other.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 24, 2016 10:58:36 GMT
After seeing this last night I am left slightly disappointed I'm afraid. Whilst I agree that the story does translate well onto stage, I think maybe I was expecting more from the show than it delivered. After seeing so many consistent positive opinions on here, and being a big fan of Matilda, I expected to come out thinking I've seen something very special. I thought the first act was quite a drag.
Don't get me wrong though, it was still a very pleasant trip - as others have said, the revolve work is done very well, the songs are memorable, and the cast really do well not to melt on stage in their winter coats and accessories in a hothouse of a theatre on a Summer's day. There is a scene in the early part of the second half which has been done very well I thought.
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Post by foxa on Jul 24, 2016 11:24:01 GMT
FWIW, my friends who saw it last night liked it okay, but weren't blown away. One really enjoyed the staging and humour so therefore was basically positive, while the other thought there were some good isolated bits, but that it didn't hang together for him ('What was it supposed to be about?' was his question to me.) As Tom89 says above, it was a pleasant trip for them, but they'd expected more. As has been mentioned here, the focus on the development of really only one character is a downer for some. They were up in the upper circle and felt quite far away from the action (for example, found it hard to differentiate ensemble cast members or read facial expressions) which probably didn't help. (They didn't feel there was an overwhelming ovation in the up there either.) My New York friend said firmly that he couldn't imagine it working on Broadway (but then he also said he couldn't imagine Imelda's Gypsy working on Broadway either, so we'll see.) They had got day seats turning up very early (8 a.m.) and were the first in the queue. At the £20 something price they paid they were only offered upper circle, so no particular day seat deals.
On the other hand (and I almost never do this), I've booked to see it again in September (taking Charliec's advice about the Q3 pillar seat for £21) to see how it has changed.
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Post by londonmzfitz on Jul 24, 2016 11:43:01 GMT
I am a FAN. Saw it last night and enjoyed it hugely. Lots of laughs, staging out of this world, fast moving, the energy! My son commented about the sound, lyrics being lost - and we were front stalls (loved my row F £10 seats). Lots to enjoy. I want to read the lyrics now, hear the songs again. I'd already booked for the last performance so looking forward to seeing again.
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Post by Phantom of London on Jul 24, 2016 11:46:19 GMT
I saw this last night and loved 2/3 songs, a couple more were very good. Thought Andy Karl got better, started weak though. Carlyess Peer I thought was outstanding. Even though my visit was marred as I was pissed that the Old Vic not having a song list in the programme, it is getting common in theatre now, as they want you to buy a more expensive brochure with the song list on top of the programme. The Old Vic is going in this direction for example with very expensive premium seats.
I haven't seen Groundhog Day the Movie and found the story lacked a lot of clarity, where Matilda was clear and focused.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 24, 2016 12:01:22 GMT
FWIW, my friends who saw it last night liked it okay, but weren't blown away. One really enjoyed the staging and humour so therefore was basically positive, while the other thought there were some good isolated bits, but that it didn't hang together for him ('What was it supposed to be about?' was his question to me.) As Tom89 says above, it was a pleasant trip for them, but they'd expected more. As has been mentioned here, the focus on the development of really only one character is a downer for some. They were up in the upper circle and felt quite far away from the action (for example, found it hard to differentiate ensemble cast members or read facial expressions) which probably didn't help. (They didn't feel there was an overwhelming ovation in the up there either.) My New York friend said firmly that he couldn't imagine it working on Broadway (but then he also said he couldn't imagine Imelda's Gypsy working on Broadway either, so we'll see.) They had got day seats turning up very early (8 a.m.) and were the first in the queue. At the £20 something price they paid they were only offered upper circle, so no particular day seat deals. On the other hand (and I almost never do this), I've booked to see it again in September (taking Charliec's advice about the Q3 pillar seat for £21) to see how it has changed. Same here, I did wonder if being up in the Baylis Circle affected my enjoyment of the show, some productions just don't benefit from being seen from afar (plus the seats are really jammed together from either side and back and front - which isn't pleasant in the best circumstances, never mind on a humid day). I can can see this doing well if it does make it to the West End for a long runner, but probably in a smaller venue if that is the case. As for Broadway, I can't say that it's any better than the other show that it reminded me of somewhat (Finding Neverland) which I have to admit I largely preferred.
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Post by londonmzfitz on Jul 24, 2016 12:05:51 GMT
I want to add, the screens at the beginning, really good, adds to the whole Groundhog Day repetition aspect. Andy Karl gives a great performance.
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Post by talkstageytome on Jul 24, 2016 12:26:15 GMT
I am really considering seeing this again now. The more I think about it, the more I enjoyed certain elements. Plus, we sat in those ridiculous Lillian Bayliss X benches and had to lean over to see half the stage. Might plan in a trip in September to see it just before it closes.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 24, 2016 12:39:07 GMT
Q34 behind a slim pillar was good and inexpensive, you don't really miss anything and there's nobody behind you, so weaving around is guilt free!
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Post by raiseitup on Jul 24, 2016 16:26:58 GMT
I saw this last night and thought it was absolutely fantastic, my main issue was a few sound problems, which I'm sure will be ironed out over the next few performances. But the music is gorgeous, sometimes moving and often hilarious, Andy Karl's central performance is outstanding and the whole cast work their butts off, I thought the set was inventive and thought there was some very clever direction and staging in there too. I can't wait to see it again! The Old Vic's programmes really are a complete waste of money, I was frustrated at the lack of song list and headshots as some other posters were too. I've had a go at putting together a song list, from Warchus's notes in the programme intro and a bit of memory... {Song list spoiler - click to view}The song list as of Saturday night, appeared to be...
Act 1 Weatherman Intro There Will Be Sun Small Town Punxsatawney Phil Rita's Notes #1/#2 Stuck Nobody Cares One Day Act 1 Finale
Act 2 Entr'acte Playing Nancy Hope If I Had My Time Again Night Will Come Tap Number Punxsatawney Phil (Reprise) Seeing You
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Post by jampot on Jul 24, 2016 21:08:25 GMT
Lol...you guys...I am going next sat. Not sure if im going to like it or hate it. Each post so hot and cold...Kinda think ill like it tbh....
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Post by andrew on Jul 25, 2016 9:07:09 GMT
Lol...you guys...I am going next sat. Not sure if im going to like it or hate it. Each post so hot and cold...Kinda think ill like it tbh.... See ya there! I feel poised to like it but I'm getting the sense it isn't the groundbreaking musicals I'd hoped it would be. I remain a constant fan of Tim Minchin's work which I think is only an advantage going into this.
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Post by jampot on Jul 25, 2016 9:37:45 GMT
Lol...you guys...I am going next sat. Not sure if im going to like it or hate it. Each post so hot and cold...Kinda think ill like it tbh.... See ya there! I feel poised to like it but I'm getting the sense it isn't the groundbreaking musicals I'd hoped it would be. I remain a constant fan of Tim Minchin's work which I think is only an advantage going into this. Will be at the matinee...
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Post by andrew on Jul 25, 2016 11:16:49 GMT
I will not see ya there then...
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Post by cmcphail on Jul 25, 2016 12:03:15 GMT
I'm seeing this next week, after becoming interested based on the conflicting reports here. Not really too excited about the view from my seat, but I am happy to be seeing (or maybe just hearing) something new.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 25, 2016 15:53:45 GMT
Q34 behind a slim pillar was good and inexpensive, you don't really miss anything and there's nobody behind you, so weaving around is guilt free! I see almost everything at the Old Vic from that seat, for those reasons, too, CP. I was following your recommendation!
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Post by foxa on Jul 25, 2016 17:33:08 GMT
I had to explain to him that we were practically besties (well, that's my story at least and I'm sticking to it.) No lie, we're "board besties" indeed, foxa. And say "hi" to your friend, please . I've just taken a screenshot of this to send to him. Proof!
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Post by Deleted on Jul 26, 2016 12:16:05 GMT
It wasn't really all that funny.
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Post by foxa on Jul 26, 2016 12:52:49 GMT
😢
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Post by Lemansky on Jul 26, 2016 19:04:12 GMT
Saw this at the weekend and really loved it. Do you think there will be a cast recording done, I'd very much like to hear the songs again.
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Post by mrbarnaby on Jul 26, 2016 19:05:39 GMT
Why do people never use ?'s when asking a question anymore!? Saw this at the weekend and really loved it. Do you think there will be a cast recording done, I'd very much like to hear the songs again.
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Post by kathryn on Jul 26, 2016 20:05:59 GMT
Saw this at the weekend and really loved it. Do you think there will be a cast recording done, I'd very much like to hear the songs again. No news of a cast recording yet, but let's hope so!
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Post by talkstageytome on Jul 26, 2016 20:37:33 GMT
I hope so! One particular song was just amazing! {Spoiler - click to view} (it was the suicide song in act 2) Not sure if spoiler warning was necessary but better safe than sorry!
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Post by Lemansky on Jul 26, 2016 21:48:58 GMT
Why do people never use ?'s when asking a question anymore!? Saw this at the weekend and really loved it. Do you think there will be a cast recording done, I'd very much like to hear the songs again. Just the way I structured the sentence, no need for a ? as it carried on after the ,
Better - Do you think there will be a cast recording done?
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