Groundhog Day the Musical - Old Vic

I saw the show several days ago and was so overwhelmed by it that I've been struggling to actually say something about it.

The only reason to adapt a great movie - and Groundhog Day is a GREAT movie - to the stage is to somehow enhance it, to plumb its depths and find something new in it that only a live performance can bring out. Of course this almost never happens, witness all of the poor screen to stage adaptations we have had to deal with in recent years. But this time it DID happen.

A perfect movie has been turned into an even more perfect stage production. By tightening and tweaking the parable story, by casting it expertly, and by adding Tim Minchin's wonderful score to reinforce and expand upon its emotional core, the creators have elevated the piece into something so true and so affecting and so uniquely of the theatre that, days later, I still haven't come to grips with it.

I really feel like I saw a masterpiece this week - and how great is that.

I went to see this for a second time (something I pretty much NEVER do.) I saw it early in previews and loved it, but could see a few things needed to be fixed, plus I was able to land the theatremonkey Q3/Q34 seats for £21 each. Also my daughter and I had raved about it so much my husband wanted to see it. So off we went.

I could see some changes.
1. Sound mixing was MUCH better, a lot of lyrics that were lost in preview were perfectly clear now.
2. The set changes were sharper, before there was a little shoving things into place, but it seemed seamless this time.
3. In one section there was a big extra effect added.
4. The final song was much improved. They simplified some of the staging, I think possibly even cut some lines, so to make the focus more on Phil and his discovery. There previously had been a section rather awkwardly on a higher level, which they got rid of. This ending was the biggest improvement and packed much for of an emotional punch. Still not 100% sold on how the two leads' voices sound when they sing together, but that was also improved. My daughter's complaint last time was that the ending felt 'a bit unearned' but that has been (imo) rectified.

However, seeing it twice, the downside was, of course, the lack of surprise so I found myself looking for favourite bits, rather than being amazed by them.

It was warmly received and got a standing ovation, Andy Karl continues to be great (I'm really in awe of this performance, so technically difficult and the show absolutely relies on his character grabbing us) and the ensemble work their socks off. Who plays 'Pork Chop'? He looks like he is having the time of his life and really could not be giving any more. The song that began Act 2 was again exquisitely sung.

BUT - I think the early mixed reactions this got are still evident. I heard the woman next to me at the interval say to her husband, 'Well, it's very busy, isn't it?' so not a rave and, most disappointingly, my husband didn't like it at all (we were seated apart, so only could see by his grim face at the interval how unengaged he was it.) He thought it was clever, but no substance. Grrrr....So I'm a fan, but I don't think it's going to win the hearts of everyone, rave reviews or no.

Who is the understudy?

I can only add my voice to the rave reviews here. Can't remember the last show I saw where I couldn't wipe the smile off my face the whole way through. It's truly magical. I think I will even have to do a first for me and get up very early to attempt to get day seats...

Does seem to be a hot ticket now with so few shows left. I had hoped to persuade Old Vic to take my 2 front row dress circle (which I bought at old price) for one decent seat at the Monday matinee but currently sold out.

Several very good seats appeared for sale at 7 Sept matinee.

I'm seeing it next Monday and on the final day. Can't wait.

Because, at the end of the day, it'll sell.

I have no problem with theatres doing dynamic pricing like the Old Vic do. It works both ways, they have to fund their £10 preview tickets somehow.

But yes - I'm disappointed I won't get back to it now. Really should have booked a cheap ticket a few weeks ago and chanced that I'd like it enough to go back for my original ticket..

They have commercial producers involved with Sony and Whistle Pig so I imagine the Old Vic isn't carrying the entire cost of the production but will get royalties since it's the originating theatre

The comedy is a given with this considering the film, but I felt this under performed on the music & songs. In fact, with the repetition of some songs to fall in line with the story your work is slightly reduced so the quality needed to be of a very high standard to negate boredom. The need to hear a delightful melody over & over.
Carlyss Peer was not even close to being Andy Karl's equal. Miscast maybe, it's a shame Made in Dagenham is no longer around I think she would have found her niche. To do well on Broadway they need a heavy weight Rita & some re composition.

Who cares if it does well on Broadway? That's a very limited definition of success.  Loved this show and all the elements - and I wasn't particularly looking forward to it that much. I thought the end was a little underwhelming and just kind of faded away, but a great evening all the same. 

Every day's a school day

Me too!