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Post by BurlyBeaR on Oct 5, 2018 6:55:34 GMT
There was an extraordinary amount of champers being quaffed by posh people in that stalls bar when I was there. No shortage of money about. 🥂 🍾
I took a jam butty and a can of warm Panda Cola 🐼
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Post by Dr Tom on Oct 5, 2018 7:56:26 GMT
I saw this last night, not having seen the show in any previous incarnation.
I've tried a few times to get rush tickets with TodayTix, but they've all gone within a second of going on sale. This time, I got a seat in Box E, which is one row immediately behind the Dress Circle.
I'm not really a fan of being that far back, but the view was perfectly clear, including the front of the stage and the top of the set. You're far enough above the row in front that there isn't a problem unless people really start to lean forward. You also have a private entrance to the box, which is handy if you want to get away quickly. Leg room isn't great, but it's bearable.
The downside I found is the people in the box with you don't treat it like a normal seat and are less likely to sit still and not fidget, but they were bearable. And the price is great.
Huge queues to get in and collect tickets as well.
The show was pretty good. I really liked the staging and the lit booths coming on and off the stage.
It's a rather unbalanced show. Long first half, short second half.
I wasn't overly sold on the plot, but maybe it's one that grows on you? But everything was performed well and I'm glad I got the chance to see this early in the run.
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Post by oldstager on Oct 5, 2018 10:22:46 GMT
I seem to have been "collecting" COMPANY productions for nearly half a century and more specifically "Bobbies" - saw the original with Dean Jones and his replacement Larry Kert then later Raul Esparza in NYC and Adrian Lester in London. As they were all rather dull in the same role I had decided it was a lousy part. And then I saw Neil Patrick Harris in the semi staged New York Philharmonic version and suddenly the character was interesting and appealing. But last night I am afraid the gender swap left me cold as, try as hard as I did, I just couldn't find anything "special" about Ms. Craig. In her defence the main element that jars in the g swap is the music - those songs were not written for a female voice and that's a fact. The book has always been a problem with this show and has become more so over the years. It was pre FRIENDS and since that breakthrough tv series we expect all New Yorkers to sound wittier and more cutting than George Furth's creations. Isn't it interesting that they only speak with real wit and originality when using Sondheim's lyrics? The pedestrian book is not helped by this busy scene changing production and the addition of laboured and lengthy slapstick jokes. I thought Patti was the only completely convincing presence on the stage and, no doubt aware of how iconic Stritch's version of THE LADIES WHO LUNCH was, she gave a new and thoroughly authentic interpretation which was genuinely thrilling. I am a great fan of Ms. Elliott's work usually so this was a huge disappointment and I honestly did try to forget Harold Prince's sleek and clever original staging. But I don't think that first production was ever considered to be a commercial success in either NYC or London so it will be interesting to see if this much broader approach will pay off. Different times after all and maybe there will be a large younger crowd who will love it. I am just going to have to accept my old fogey status and cling to my happy memories of my own good old days - after these will be their good old days eventually. |
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Post by robertb213 on Oct 5, 2018 12:45:18 GMT
For those keeping an eye on prices, I've got central Row R of the Stalls for the Thursday matinee next week for £49.50
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Post by Deleted on Oct 5, 2018 12:48:14 GMT
Fun story, at 'Jane's Calamity' a piano bar showtunes sing-along here in Cardiff (of Lin Manuel turning up fame, as he did last night) it was a Fancy Dress night yesterday...Someone came as Bobbie with two balloons!
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Post by Stephen on Oct 5, 2018 14:16:22 GMT
Does anyone know if the cast are still taking a long time to exit stage door now? I'd love to have a signed programme from this!
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Company
Oct 5, 2018 15:18:40 GMT
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Post by bluetoothpick on Oct 5, 2018 15:18:40 GMT
Hi lovely people!
I was just wondering if anyone could confirm if understudies are listed in the programme and, if so, who they are?
Many thanks. 😇
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Post by Oleanna on Oct 5, 2018 15:37:57 GMT
Does anyone know if the cast are still taking a long time to exit stage door now? I'd love to have a signed programme from this! This is because they’re still in previews and, therefore, still having notes sessions post-show. |
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Post by oldstager on Oct 6, 2018 12:19:18 GMT
Hi lovely people! I was just wondering if anyone could confirm if understudies are listed in the programme and, if so, who they are? Many thanks. 😇 Andy/PJ/Theo:MICHAEL COLBOURNE Joanne/Sarah:FRANCESCA ELLIS David/Harry/Larry:GRANT NEAL Paul/Peter/Jamie:EWAN GILLIES Jenny/Susan:JAIMIE PRUDEN All the above play several non-speaking roles in the ensemble. No standby or understudy for "Bobbi" listed in the programme
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Company
Oct 6, 2018 13:18:29 GMT
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Post by Scswp on Oct 6, 2018 13:18:29 GMT
Hi lovely people! I was just wondering if anyone could confirm if understudies are listed in the programme and, if so, who they are? Many thanks. 😇 Andy/PJ/Theo:MICHAEL COLBOURNE Joanne/Sarah:FRANCESCA ELLIS David/Harry/Larry:GRANT NEAL Paul/Peter/Jamie:EWAN GILLIES Jenny/Susan:JAIMIE PRUDEN All the above play several non-speaking roles in the ensemble. No standby or understudy for "Bobbi" listed in the programme
How odd that the lead role has no understudy, standby or alternate listed. I wonder why this is? There must be somebody in the wings - so to speak - in case Rosalie is ill etc... Strange? |
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Company
Oct 6, 2018 13:34:00 GMT
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Post by Steve on Oct 6, 2018 13:34:00 GMT
saw the original with Dean Jones and his replacement Larry Kert then later Raul Esparza in NYC and Adrian Lester in London. As they were all rather dull in the same role I had decided it was a lousy part. A little jealous you saw Dean Jones. I've always considered the documentary footage of Sondheim directing him singing "Being Alive," for the cast recording, while Elaine Stritch and the cast will him on from the sidelines, to be the definitive performance of that song. Was he really "dull" in his live performance? If you have any specific recollections of Dean Jones in the role, I'd love to hear them.  |
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Post by Stephen on Oct 6, 2018 13:40:21 GMT
Saw this last night and needed time to gather some thoughts before sharing them!
The excitement was apparent in the foyer of the Gielgud Theatre last night with a mixed audience from early teens to tourists to the older crowd. The auditorium opened fairly last as it sounded like some parts of the show were being run through on stage.
Marianne Elliot is really onto a winner with this one. She makes decisions that I sometimes question but then realise they are artistically very thorough and clever.
The casting is great here with Rosalie Craig standing right out as 'Bobbie'. Her voice is much better than I expected and the way her songs are staged so simply is striking (reminded me of Gypsy at times)
It is very much an ensemble piece and although she is brilliant to see in the flesh, Patti mainly managed to blend in nicely. I was impressed by Mel not just playing Mel! I squinted a few times as I couldn't believe it was her. Gavin Spokes is excellent as her husband too and has a lovely voice.
Highlights for me were 'You Could Drive a Person Crazy' which was hilarious and wonderful in a new arrangement and 'Marry Me a Little'
The design is sleek and attractive from Bunny Christie and suits how up to date this production feels. No spoilers but there's also a quite a few simple illusions thrown in with the comedy!
The orchestra sounded great from my seat in the back row of the stalls but I unfortunately couldn't see them (which I do like) There are some sound new orchestrations but the original sound that you will find on the first cast recording are still echoed throughout.
This was very much a preview performance and I think by the time it opens it will be a solid five star production.
I really am quite the fan of Marianne Elliot...she keeps good company!
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Oct 6, 2018 14:55:16 GMT
It is very much an ensemble piece and although she is brilliant to see in the flesh, Patti mainly managed to blend in nicely. I was impressed by Mel not just playing Mel! Agree about Mel. She does seem to have a problem switching “Mel Giedroyc” off and continuing to act the fool usually. But she does resist in this. There were a couple of occasions where she pulled a silly face but I’m assuming it was planned. The bourbon vs chocolate brownie scene was very funny. |
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Company
Oct 6, 2018 17:50:24 GMT
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Post by Someone in a tree on Oct 6, 2018 17:50:24 GMT
oldstager you raise a very interesting point . Often Bobby is played as too brooding and moody. Which makes it quite hard to see why his friends are indeed friends with him and why they would put him up for baby sitting duty and the like In Finishig the Hat, Sondheim praised John Barrowman who managed to display two different personas (the psychological term On stage and off stage springs to mind) . I wonder if Neil Patrick Harris was like John Barrowman? For me Rosalie Craig was too brooding for my liking
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Company
Oct 6, 2018 17:53:36 GMT
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Post by Being Alive on Oct 6, 2018 17:53:36 GMT
Rosalie is off tonight.
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Company
Oct 6, 2018 17:54:41 GMT
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Post by Stephen on Oct 6, 2018 17:54:41 GMT
We'll find out who the uncredited understudy is then! |
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Post by oxfordsimon on Oct 6, 2018 17:59:14 GMT
Jennifer Saayeng is on as Bobbie
Jaimie Pruden is on as Jenny
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Company
Oct 6, 2018 18:06:16 GMT
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Mark likes this
Post by Deleted on Oct 6, 2018 18:06:16 GMT
First to review the understudy, exciting! |
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Oct 6, 2018 18:09:49 GMT
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Post by Mark on Oct 6, 2018 18:09:49 GMT
I really liked her as Jenny, can’t wait to hear the reports.
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Post by David J on Oct 6, 2018 18:23:54 GMT
Are you here tonight. I’m stalls B19 |
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Post by theatrefan77 on Oct 6, 2018 20:18:52 GMT
They have now released tickets in Box B Dress Circle for every performance, £19.50 each. Just got my tickets.
Not sure how restricted the view will be, but it sounds like a bargain
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Company
Oct 6, 2018 20:21:13 GMT
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Post by David J on Oct 6, 2018 20:21:13 GMT
Marianne Elliott cake on to say Rosalie has had a cold all week so it was better for her to be off tonight
This is the first time seeing Company so I’ve got nothing to compare this to
First of all I love Jennifer Saayeng‘s acting. Even when she’s not talking you see how overwhelmed and isolated she feels
This is her first time, but I feel she needs to project more. She also sings Marry Me a Little softly. Don’t know if Rosalie does that but I recall the urgency when Simon Bailey sang “I’m Ready” (during Marry me a little the musical revue)
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Post by Deleted on Oct 6, 2018 22:07:25 GMT
Based on twitter it seems Jennifer was met with a standing ovation, lots of love from the cast and audience, as well as flowers at the curtian call. Tears all around. So glad to hear it sounds like it went well, especially considering she had literally hours to prep!
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Post by David J on Oct 6, 2018 22:21:31 GMT
She improved so much by the end. Actually I didn’t mean to say she needs to project rather there were some notes she still needs to work on.
Whereas I didn’t quite believe her Marry me a little, her rendition of Being Alive was soft but quite sincere. Listening to that song for the first time it really hit home for me
Despite my quibbles a great debut performance that can only get better. Being at the front I could really seee how overwhelmed she was at the curtain call. Well deserved ovation
I need to see this production again. Not just to see Rosalie Craig but to really take in this musical.
A phenomenal ensemble production and its clear everyone are having a ball performing with one another.
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Post by oldstager on Oct 6, 2018 22:30:29 GMT
saw the original with Dean Jones and his replacement Larry Kert then later Raul Esparza in NYC and Adrian Lester in London. As they were all rather dull in the same role I had decided it was a lousy part. A little jealous you saw Dean Jones. I've always considered the documentary footage of Sondheim directing him singing "Being Alive," for the cast recording, while Elaine Stritch and the cast will him on from the sidelines, to be the definitive performance of that song. Was he really "dull" in his live performance? If you have any specific recollections of Dean Jones in the role, I'd love to hear them. I just remember the character being very bland which in my extreme(!) youth I may have blamed Mr.Jones for - as I said I found some subsequent Bobbies equally dull. I do remember that the theatre gossip in NYC at the time was that either Prince or Sondheim never really like him in the role and I know he did leave the cast early (I will try asking some other "veterans" of the time if they remember the details) and he was replaced by Larry Kert who was considered to be a better singer but I thought was really "wooden" as an actor. Seeing it again the other night rekindled so many memories of those early days and the stories surrounding them and my own experience of sitting bewitched in a very empty Winter Garden Theatre watching that original knockout production of FOLLIES (with Yvonne De Carlo one of my movie obsessed schoolboy crushes dazzling me with I'M STILL HERE). Then later Lansbury and Hearn in SWEENEY TODD and Carol Burnett in PUTTING IT TOGETHER etc. Such joyous nights in the theatre.
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