Company

For tonight's performance

I wouldn't say no...

Why must we say goodbye? Can't it just stay forever? Seriously, this is a monumental production. On the third visit I'm still taken aback by just how brilliant it is AND I'm still seeing new details, noticing idiosyncrasies, laughing in different places. Today what really struck me were the lighting design, sound design, and choreography - on my previous two visits I think I was so focussed on character that I sort of glossed over them, but today I definitely noticed. The clarity in the mixing is second-to-none, the lighting is both fun and purposeful, and the choreography is ridiculous but perfectly suits the occasion. 'Side By Side' really hit the spot tonight.

The performances just keep getting better - it's true that both Mel and Jonny were hamming it up a bit on my second visit, but tonight they were (along with the rest of the cast) perfectly pitched, had the audience eating out of the palm of their hands, and induced laughs galore. The whole 'Getting Married Today' scene was the funniest and most poignant tonight of all my trips to the show. And then there's Patti. The Queen. The Empress. The Deity. We truly are not worthy of her presence. Tonight, her voice was the strongest and clearest that I've heard across my visits, and the whole nightclub scene (before, including, and after 'Ladies Who Lunch') was jaw-dropping. She continues to mine new depths of the character, trying out new things but always staying within the remit of Marianne Elliot's direction. Her silences are just as captivating as her biting one-liners and glorious singing.

Of course, I have to mention Jennifer. She was every bit as good as Rosalie. Her voice is not quite as smooth as Rosalie's, but she has a little bit more power when she really belts it out. Her character remained true to Rosalie's interpretation, but (as others have said) was a little more open and emotive. I'm very glad I saw her in the role. Jaimie Pruden also did well as Jenny, and her priest was just as fun as Daisy's. Michael Colbourne is adorable. I want one of my own please.

Regarding those who were commenting on the running time - tonight it clocked in at around 2hrs 45mins, and the first act finished at pretty much 9pm on the dot, so despite the exclusion of Tick Tock it still ran slightly longer than when it opened (although the curtain did go up almost 10 minutes late tonight so that contributed). I think the extra time is coming from the Jiu-Jitsu scene, the pot scene and the 'Getting Married Today' scene - in each case, I think everyone was taking their time a bit more and pushing some more laughs out of it. In my opinion, the pacing of the whole show was perfect tonight.

All that remains to be seen is whether I can restrain myself from making one final (really final this time) trip before the week ends...

Art and acting are so subjective aren't they? 

I have seen both Rosalie and Jennifer in the role of Bobbie and I rather liked Jennifers take on the role personally. 

Entirely agree with musicalmarge above -- Jennifer, alas, just doesn't suit the role: she can't sing it AT ALL and doesn't have the warmth or charisma necessary to command interest in a slippery, elusive character; Rosie really is genius in the part and let's hope she is back SOON !! Re the person above comparing Rosie and Patti's absences, by the way, Patti's during this run have been entirely to do with her back and never once to do with her voice -- which is in as good form as it has ever been. She's got a much stronger instrument than Rosie, which is just one of those things you either have or not. Doesn't matter: they are both divine.

It’s never done when Jennifer is on.

I’m a bit surprised at the Jennifer criticism. I did see her just before she was sick and they cancelled the show the next day - and while her vocals were a little shakey at times it is clear that she is a much stronger singer than Craig. For example, those high notes in the title song were much stronger and clearer than Craig and “Being Alive” actually had some texture and belt to it. Craig is fine but definitely an actor who sings rather than a singer who acts. And in terms of acting, I don’t know if her take has changed but I found it interesting that there was a certain sadness and bitterness to her take in the book scenes didn’t feel with Craig (e.g., the park bench when she is told he is moving and getting married). Whereas to me Craig plays the role as this charming, funny, sweet girl everyone loves to be around.

Jennifers belt is grounded in a deeper stronger place than RC, who can be a tad nasal and thin yes - neither of them are Broadway standard MT belters, but Jennifer last night was DREADFUL. I’ve seen better amateurs. Nothing worthy of a West End performance - why not give Jamie the cover? So odd. Helena Bonam Carter was sat in front of me FYI.

If you're on a dayseat budget fair enough, but that is still a very good price for the seat.

The argument comparing voices A and B could go on forever to little result but the Saturday night I saw Jennifer, it was clear that she can certainly sing -- that is not in doubt -- but not THIS score and it seemed as if she hadn't ever worked through the songs with Marianne or any of her team, since not one number seemed rooted in the truthfulness that Rosie brings to every moment. Neither of them has the natural Broadway chops of a Patti LuPone but that's OK, too -- Bobbie isn't meant to be Elphaba and I can't imagine anyone inhabiting the role more fully from the inside than RC. Let's hope she is on tonight; if not, I am giving my ticket away to anyone who wants it (probably a colleague from work).

There’s some decent (row s) stalls tickets available for tonight’s show for £55! 👍The rest in the stalls are mainly £84.50 or £99.50 but there may come down nearer show time!

Never sick my eye. Rosalie is off tonight. At least the real stars of the show are all on though, thank gayness.

Who do YOU think you ARE? Get OUT!

I’m surprised she’s been off - she was in fine voice on Saturday. She must be gutted to miss any of these last few performances.