4,214 posts
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Post by anthony40 on May 26, 2023 10:30:17 GMT
Saw this last night with my sister. LOVED it! Such a mature, grown-up musical with witty, humerous, complex and multi-faceted lyrics.
Well acted. That ensemble are all earning their money! And it;s great how each, throughout the course of the show, is a unique character. Andy Karl was brilliant last night. Right on cue
I saw this last time around there are some bits that I vividly remember and other bit's not so.
Firstly, I didn't miss the revolves.
I didn't remember the scene a the end where Andy is 'sold off' at the party but most things came back to me.
I have the cast recording on random play, so I know the songs, it's just seeing them in order.
Being Nancy is quite special.
Just like Sunday in the Park with George was a groundbreaking musical of its time, redefining the musical format, similarly (I feel) this is also groundbreaking with songs that have two many lyrics in them that go on for several minutes.
Those songs are just going round in my head today.
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4,156 posts
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Post by kathryn on May 26, 2023 19:29:48 GMT
What’s the merchandise situation like? Do they have cuddly Groundhogs?
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736 posts
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Post by dippy on May 26, 2023 20:03:04 GMT
Saw it last night, didn't see any merchandise but all I was after was a programme. I've not managed to write anything about it yet but I loved it as much as last time.
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4,214 posts
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Post by anthony40 on May 26, 2023 20:55:21 GMT
Saw it last night, didn't see any merchandise but all I was after was a programme. I've not managed to write anything about it yet but I loved it as much as last time. There is no merchandise. Only the programme |
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Post by swill on May 26, 2023 21:51:51 GMT
Minchin and Rubin’s masterstroke returns to its rightful home and by god is it still good.
Warchus’ slick and thoughtful direction remains, and whilst some fluidity (and cyclic metaphor) is lost without the 5 revolves (especially apparent in the Piano Lessons scene) the creative mission of the piece remains with clever use of revolving scenery on a singular centre track. The set is still fluid and the addition of string lights is well achieved, as well as incredibly striking lighting and projection which aid the story hugely.
Andy Karl’s principal performance is high energy and portrays the downfall of Phil well, however has hammed up a few elements of the performance which jar slightly. Tanisha Spring is thoughtful as Rita and her singing voice is pummelled through the speakers (unlike some others which were, in this preview performance, quite quiet). The rest of the cast uplift the piece and seem to be running all around the stage whilst wheeling all sorts of set pieces around the stage.
This piece about the cycle of life sings thorough and is never stale, I’ll never give up hope for its further life.
5 stars
SOME CHANGES I NOTICED and things due to previews!!
Automation and fly issues such as a set flying in very close to the banner, even with a show stop in seeing you (EDIT: not seeing you, If I had My Time Again) meaning we never got to see the end of that number!
Orchestra on fire. Karl could be turned up a bit in act one.
I still cannnot figure out the illusions in HOPE and even in act one when Karl appears to be walking off stage and in his bed…
Seeing You was beautiful, as was Playing Nancy and Life Will Come (half a testament to the writing half to incredible performances)
Sone line changes seemed unessecary but Only for viewer on a repeat visit from 2016…loss of radio hosts however are a huge shame - makes day one slightly flatter…
Car chase scene remains incredible (if turned up)
Some upgrades including the string lights and theme park ride scene
A MASSIVE well done to all the cast involved especially back stage tonight who dealt with a show stop and with somedropped props very discretly!
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736 posts
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Post by dippy on May 27, 2023 0:09:49 GMT
I still cannnot figure out the illusions in HOPE and even in act one when Karl appears to be walking off stage and in his bed… No idea if you're going to be watching it again but if you do, just keep your eyes on Phil - as in real Phil and you'll figure them all out, can explain them all if you want (if I remember them all) but I'll send you a message, feels mean to put them on here even in spoiler tags. |
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733 posts
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Post by sophie92 on May 27, 2023 8:38:06 GMT
Automation and fly issues such as a set flying in very close to the banner, even with a show stop in seeing you meaning we never got to see the end of that number! I was also at the show last night and just wanted to correct that the show stop happened at the end of If I Had My Time Again - we weren’t robbed of the glorious ending to Seeing You! I love this show so much. Last night was my second visit of this run, having been at the first preview, and my fourth visit overall after seeing the original Old Vic production twice. Andy Karl is just as brilliant as ever, and Tanisha Spring is doing an excellent job as Rita. I do miss the revolves a bit, but I think lots of the new staging and choreography is great. I can’t wait to revisit over the course of the run - two more currently booked! |
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Post by swill on May 27, 2023 9:05:16 GMT
Automation and fly issues such as a set flying in very close to the banner, even with a show stop in seeing you meaning we never got to see the end of that number! I was also at the show last night and just wanted to correct that the show stop happened at the end of If I Had My Time Again - we weren’t robbed of the glorious ending to Seeing You! I love this show so much. Last night was my second visit of this run, having been at the first preview, and my fourth visit overall after seeing the original Old Vic production twice. Andy Karl is just as brilliant as ever, and Tanisha Spring is doing an excellent job as Rita. I do miss the revolves a bit, but I think lots of the new staging and choreography is great. I can’t wait to revisit over the course of the run - two more currently booked! Apologies yes that’s my late night brain!!! It was an incredible as the first time I saw it! |
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Post by swill on May 27, 2023 9:06:16 GMT
I still cannnot figure out the illusions in HOPE and even in act one when Karl appears to be walking off stage and in his bed… No idea if you're going to be watching it again but if you do, just keep your eyes on Phil - as in real Phil and you'll figure them all out, can explain them all if you want (if I remember them all) but I'll send you a message, feels mean to put them on here even in spoiler tags. I did try and keep an eye on him and some were more obvious but would love them explained to see if I’m correct! |
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736 posts
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Post by dippy on May 27, 2023 19:54:20 GMT
Got round to scribbling some thoughts down now. Really enjoyed seeing it again, unfortunately it's as bad as last time and I'm already wondering when I next need to go and see it. I had wondered if I would hate the changes but I didn't, I think it helps that it's been a good few years since it was here as it means my memories of it aren't that great. I'm not a fan of the string lights that have already been mentioned and I'm not sure if the twirly cup things are really needed. Also preferred the old end to Hope to this odd ladder, but it's fine, maybe that was a few too many deaths before.
I wished it was still "Second of the second" rather than "February 2nd". That's something I've missed ever since it went to Broadway, I guess it's not an American thing to say but I always liked it.
Something confused me, I'm pretty sure that last time round there wasn't a clock with time that changed. I liked it but my brain didn't, maybe I'm looking for too much logic as to when we're on a new day but if there's a clock I want it to make complete sense. Of course maybe it does if you know how the days are split (I counted 30 this time but it could easily be a lot more depending on what you consider a new day to be). For example I know things can happen at different times on each day but I'm sure the time at which the police had the two boxes of money changed.
However, the bit that muddled me the most was when it got to what I have always thought was the last day that starts with the longer TV report. After that he runs around all day helping people ending up at the banquet. I always assumed that this was one day that he's perfected the timings of over time. The day starts before dawn with Phil waking up (looked online and the event starts at 4am, mad!), sunrise is at 7:25am, then after that he's on the go all the way through to the evening. I'm going to make these times up but it went something like 11, 2, 9, 12 (midday), banquet. I guess the times jumping around mean it's lots of different days and we're just seeing him perfecting each individual moment. I think I would prefer it if it was all just the one day and the time went in order.
Sounds like all I'm doing is moaning about it but I did love it again!
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Post by stagebyte on May 27, 2023 20:54:06 GMT
Old vic regulars help please
Booked to see this
Stalls T Row seats
Due to staging just had an email to say our seats have been reallocated to dress circle D row 19 and 20
Is this an ‘upgrade’ or worse seats? The original tickets were expensive so don’t really want to move or go if this is the case.
Does the dress overhang the stalls?
How far is the stage from the dress?
Review says there is a pillar at D 18 - am I going to have someone leaning my way to see round it?
Quite naughty of them to do this. It’s not like the show hasn’t been there before!
Thanks in advance.
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Post by danb on May 27, 2023 21:13:36 GMT
Old vic regulars help please Booked to see this Stalls T Row seats Due to staging just had an email to say our seats have been reallocated to dress circle D row 19 and 20 Is this an ‘upgrade’ or worse seats? The original tickets were expensive so don’t really want to move or go if this is the case. Does the dress overhang the stalls? How far is the stage from the dress? Review says there is a pillar at D 18 - am I going to have someone leaning my way to see round it? Quite naughty of them to do this. It’s not like the show hasn’t been there before! Thanks in advance. The reviews on seatplan say that it has a pillar in view. I’d get on the phone sharpish, and kick off! How dare they? |
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3,486 posts
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Post by ceebee on May 27, 2023 21:26:44 GMT
Old vic regulars help please Booked to see this Stalls T Row seats Due to staging just had an email to say our seats have been reallocated to dress circle D row 19 and 20 Is this an ‘upgrade’ or worse seats? The original tickets were expensive so don’t really want to move or go if this is the case. Does the dress overhang the stalls? How far is the stage from the dress? Review says there is a pillar at D 18 - am I going to have someone leaning my way to see round it? Quite naughty of them to do this. It’s not like the show hasn’t been there before! Thanks in advance. I was in seat T24 Wednesday night. Damn good view. I dont believe dress circle D is comparable. I like the OV but think they need to stop fannying around with seats. |
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3,486 posts
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Post by ceebee on May 27, 2023 21:30:04 GMT
Got round to scribbling some thoughts down now. Really enjoyed seeing it again, unfortunately it's as bad as last time and I'm already wondering when I next need to go and see it. I had wondered if I would hate the changes but I didn't, I think it helps that it's been a good few years since it was here as it means my memories of it aren't that great. I'm not a fan of the string lights that have already been mentioned and I'm not sure if the twirly cup things are really needed. Also preferred the old end to Hope to this odd ladder, but it's fine, maybe that was a few too many deaths before. I wished it was still "Second of the second" rather than "February 2nd". That's something I've missed ever since it went to Broadway, I guess it's not an American thing to say but I always liked it. Something confused me, I'm pretty sure that last time round there wasn't a clock with time that changed. I liked it but my brain didn't, maybe I'm looking for too much logic as to when we're on a new day but if there's a clock I want it to make complete sense. Of course maybe it does if you know how the days are split (I counted 30 this time but it could easily be a lot more depending on what you consider a new day to be). For example I know things can happen at different times on each day but I'm sure the time at which the police had the two boxes of money changed. However, the bit that muddled me the most was when it got to what I have always thought was the last day that starts with the longer TV report. After that he runs around all day helping people ending up at the banquet. I always assumed that this was one day that he's perfected the timings of over time. The day starts before dawn with Phil waking up (looked online and the event starts at 4am, mad!), sunrise is at 7:25am, then after that he's on the go all the way through to the evening. I'm going to make these times up but it went something like 11, 2, 9, 12 (midday), banquet. I guess the times jumping around mean it's lots of different days and we're just seeing him perfecting each individual moment. I think I would prefer it if it was all just the one day and the time went in order. Sounds like all I'm doing is moaning about it but I did love it again! Need to be honest - I think you're overthinking things. |
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Post by Alejo on May 27, 2023 21:36:47 GMT
Old vic regulars help please Booked to see this Stalls T Row seats Due to staging just had an email to say our seats have been reallocated to dress circle D row 19 and 20 Is this an ‘upgrade’ or worse seats? The original tickets were expensive so don’t really want to move or go if this is the case. Does the dress overhang the stalls? How far is the stage from the dress? Review says there is a pillar at D 18 - am I going to have someone leaning my way to see round it? Quite naughty of them to do this. It’s not like the show hasn’t been there before! Thanks in advance. This is the view from D18 (I wasn't sitting there; the photo was taken before the person arrived):  I think D19 may be better as here is the view from D17 on the other side of the pillar:  |
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736 posts
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Post by dippy on May 27, 2023 21:43:09 GMT
Need to be honest - I think you're overthinking things. Of course I am but doesn't everyone do that with things they love? Maybe not. |
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Post by Matt on May 27, 2023 22:02:38 GMT
Is there ever any indication to how many days he spent in the loop?
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736 posts
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Post by dippy on May 27, 2023 22:56:41 GMT
Is there ever any indication to how many days he spent in the loop? The programme says 10,000 days - so 27 years. |
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Post by Matt on May 28, 2023 6:46:46 GMT
Is there ever any indication to how many days he spent in the loop? The programme says 10,000 days - so 27 years. That seems ridiculous? |
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4,156 posts
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Post by kathryn on May 28, 2023 12:26:59 GMT
Saw it last night, didn't see any merchandise but all I was after was a programme. I've not managed to write anything about it yet but I loved it as much as last time. There is no merchandise. Only the programme I’m never going to get a cuddly Groundhog! Saw it last night. Still utterly joyous and I left the theatre with a warm happy glow in my heart. And that‘a all I need say, really. All the little staging tweaks are insignificant compared to that feeling you get when you love a show. So good to have it back! |
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4,156 posts
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Post by kathryn on May 28, 2023 12:27:39 GMT
The programme says 10,000 days - so 27 years. That seems ridiculous? You’ve only just realised that the concept is ridiculous? 😁 |
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Post by ThereWillBeSun on May 28, 2023 21:07:38 GMT
Watched this last night and it's reconfirmed that it's one of my favourite musicals. Already planning a second visit to Groundhog Day 2:0. I am so impressed with the illusions!
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Post by Matt on May 28, 2023 23:06:47 GMT
You’ve only just realised that the concept is ridiculous? 😁 I can get behind the plot for the sake of entertainment, but that means he would be around 70 odd hitting on a young woman. Does he not physically or literally age then? (Soz I’ve never seen the movie). |
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Post by jamb0r on May 29, 2023 8:23:05 GMT
You’ve only just realised that the concept is ridiculous? 😁 I can get behind the plot for the sake of entertainment, but that means he would be around 70 odd hitting on a young woman. Does he not physically or literally age then? (Soz I’ve never seen the movie). No he doesn’t. It’s made very clear multiple times in the show that no matter what he does during the day everything resets back to how it was as soon as he wakes up again. Including not ageing, not gaining weight, not retaining cardio fitness etc. The only thing that doesn’t seem to reset is his memory |
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Post by alexander on May 29, 2023 9:51:35 GMT
You’ve only just realised that the concept is ridiculous? 😁 I can get behind the plot for the sake of entertainment, but that means he would be around 70 odd hitting on a young woman. Does he not physically or literally age then? (Soz I’ve never seen the movie). I personally don’t read the show literally. Although the central premise of a guy being stuck in the same day for decades is terrifying (and ridiculous of course) - I read the show primarily as the metaphor about being mentally stuck and how we can all benefit from stopping for a moment / actually being mindful rather than living life by going through the motions. It’s a lifetime of lessons condensed into a single day, and whilst the single day premise is great for entertainment purposes - I do find myself seeing it as a lifetime In the real world. For that reason this show hits me emotionally…incredibly hard. |
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