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Post by musicalmarge on Jan 13, 2018 10:28:09 GMT
American accents for an Italian set show created in the UK? That doesn't make sense on any level. Yes, Disney have done it before but it always grates, Use the actor’s natural accent, that me that makes much more sense than pretending they are American. Do they perform them in, say Germany or Japan, with American accents, anyone know? So essentially musicalmarge would like the Disney movie on stage? Maybe they should have just done a Singalonga Pinocchio in the Olivier instead?  If you both read properly I said MAYBE the show would have worked better in American accents. Indeed the show is set in Italy (as Les Mis is set in France, they speak in English and use Cockney accents) and of course the show is a new and creative look at the original material - but my suggestion was that perhaps it would have worked better? Simple.... Perhaps the reviews would have been stronger? Perhaps it would have then transferred and more of a Stiles and Drew type screen to stage type musical but using many of the changes/additions they made? Perhaps Miss Saigon should really be in Vietnamese or Phantom of the Opera in French? Please... it was a simple suggestion. |
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Post by Someone in a tree on Jan 13, 2018 12:09:02 GMT
But why American when the show is not set in America? You may of well suggested French or Swedish accents
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Post by Deleted on Jan 13, 2018 12:21:47 GMT
To be fair to musicalmarge, every other new Lyttelton Theatre production in 2017 was American (Ugly Lies the Bone, Angels in America, Oslo, Network) so audiences must be astonished to attend one that isn't.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 13, 2018 12:23:08 GMT
So essentially musicalmarge would like the Disney movie on stage? Maybe they should have just done a Singalonga Pinocchio in the Olivier instead? If you both read properly I said MAYBE the show would have worked better in American accents. Indeed the show is set in Italy (as Les Mis is set in France, they speak in English and use Cockney accents) and of course the show is a new and creative look at the original material - but my suggestion was that perhaps it would have worked better? Simple.... Perhaps the reviews would have been stronger? Perhaps it would have then transferred and more of a Stiles and Drew type screen to stage type musical but using many of the changes/additions they made? Perhaps Miss Saigon should really be in Vietnamese or Phantom of the Opera in French? Please... it was a simple suggestion. The reviews would have thought how ridiculous it is to have an Italian story, by a British company, using American accents. Personally. I think it would be artistically better without the Disney part of it, financially I can see why they used it. Language is also not the same as accent, you are confusing the two. |
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Post by theatrelover123 on Jan 13, 2018 12:33:12 GMT
Sure. And MAYBE if every show was a completely different show then MAYBE people would like it more but MAYBE they wouldn't. I think that people picked up on it was because every change mentioned was how to stage the Disney movie on stage. MAYBE  |
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Post by musicalmarge on Jan 13, 2018 13:13:38 GMT
Sure. And MAYBE if every show was a completely different show then MAYBE people would like it more but MAYBE they wouldn't. I think that people picked up on it was because every change mentioned was how to stage the Disney movie on stage. MAYBE Yes I’m aware that language and accents are different. I’m also not suggesting they plant the direct film on stage either. Fact is there were many things wrong with the current National production. Jiminiy Cricket created in the 1940’s has also appeared along with Mickey Mouse and his name is a play on the exclamation “Jesus Christ!” He is referenced in dozens of American movies/animations from Snow White to The Wizard of Oz. As such a strong American-centric figure I therefore simply and rationally question would he (and this National Production) have been better in an American accent. Oh and MAYBE remove the random ladders?..... |
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Post by andrew on Jan 13, 2018 15:50:29 GMT
Being one of the most common criticisms levelled against it, why were there no additional songs added to this to make it more of a musical? Did Disney only agree to the songs use if they weren't accompanied by new creations?
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Post by MusicalTalk on Jan 13, 2018 18:25:58 GMT
There are; they wrote lyrics to Italian folk tunes, used cut songs from the musical and lots of underscore from the Disney film.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 13, 2018 18:31:52 GMT
I'm pretty sure I saw an interview with Julie Taymor where she talked about having discussions about directing a production of Pinocchio but she wanted to explore the original fairy tale but Disney had other ideas so it didn't go anywhere. I think it might have been Show People on Broadway.com.
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Post by musicalmarge on Jan 13, 2018 19:36:23 GMT
I'm pretty sure I saw an interview with Julie Taymor where she talked about having discussions about directing a production of Pinocchio but she wanted to explore the original fairy tale but Disney had other ideas so it didn't go anywhere. I think it might have been Show People on Broadway.com. |
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Post by floorshow on Jan 14, 2018 20:13:24 GMT
Thought everyone did their best but don't understand how the giant puppets survived the first day of rehearsals - I just can't imagine them all looking at each other and saying "Yeah, this really works!"
For every enjoyable bit, there's a baffling bit - none more baffling than the random ladders...
Oh well, at least the songs are still good.
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Post by ensembleswings on Jan 15, 2018 12:49:30 GMT
After reading everyone's thoughts on here I'm sceptical but I've gone and booked myself a ticket anyway. Managed to get an entry pass ticket, so not like I'll have wasted a lot of money if I end up not liking it.
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Post by dan on Jan 15, 2018 13:40:22 GMT
On reflection, I think I’m quite happy my expectations were dragged down considerably based on views expressed here... because when I did see the show I really loved it. It soared about the expectations I went in with and it completely charmed me (& completely creeped me out). I’m not sure how receptive kids are or would be as it has some very dark themes and moments, but kids are much more open and engaged with darker material than a lot of adults and end up less disturbed by them too. I thought the puppets were a fantastic concept and the imagery worked well. I do wish there was more music and a few more songs. All worked really well for me. I hope anybody still to see it enjoys their experience too.
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Post by mrbarnaby on Jan 15, 2018 22:10:13 GMT
What a huge disappointment this was. I have hardly anything to say on it except the NT have just poured a lot of money down the drain.
Bring back Follies quick.
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Post by ptwest on Jan 16, 2018 21:00:33 GMT
Like others have said, it’s biggest problem is not knowing what it is.
It’s not as lavish and colourful as we have come to expect from Disney shows - and yet isn’t strong enough to banish the thoughts that the traditional Disney approach isn’t needed. Even though it is not actually a Disney production, their name attached to it comes with certain expectations. Add to that the bizarre script and directorial choices it is hard to think of it as anything other than a disappointment.
It’s a shame because there is a great show trying to get out, some excellent moments and very imaginative sequences. Just too much that in my opinion didn’t work.
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Post by paddy72 on Jan 22, 2018 21:32:18 GMT
Just discovered the New York Times gave this a massive rave review - "A wondrous 'pinocchio' with that lion king magic". I guess they see something in it that I think a lot of us haven't. Interesting now to see if it gets a life on Broadway as most Brit shows that get a thumbs up from them seem to do.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 24, 2018 23:55:08 GMT
Was hoping the NT would release some video footage or trailer at some point, but here is an audience reaction trailer for the show...
I really am in two minds about whether or not I want to see this. I was really looking forward to this initially but the reaction has just been so mixed.
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Post by viserys on Jan 25, 2018 5:26:29 GMT
Was hoping the NT would release some video footage or trailer at some point, but here is an audience reaction trailer for the show... I really am in two minds about whether or not I want to see this. I was really looking forward to this initially but the reaction has just been so mixed. I feel exactly the same, James. I have a ticket for tomorrow night, a cheapie for the front row. I'm still considering ditching it, but nothing else springs out atm which I'd much rather see. So I think I'll just go ahead and see this. Will let you know if I regret the decision |
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Post by ensembleswings on Jan 25, 2018 18:40:50 GMT
All those that have seen this, what time were you out of the theatre by? Trying to work out whether I can get away with booking the early (and much cheaper) coach home
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Post by Deleted on Jan 25, 2018 19:22:40 GMT
All of you doubting to go, just go! Sure the reaction has been mixed here, but if you already have a ticket why waste it? Every show gets different opinions. I enjoyed it.
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Post by robertb213 on Jan 25, 2018 19:49:18 GMT
Definitely still go. And if you hate it, just leave at the interval! That's what pubs are for 😁
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Post by mrbarnaby on Jan 25, 2018 21:32:37 GMT
Mentally I was out of the theatre by 7.42pm
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Post by Dr Tom on Jan 25, 2018 23:13:29 GMT
It's worth going, but try and get the £15 upper tickets.
They seem to go on sale at random times. I'd recommend sitting further back.
The first half is more interesting than the second, but the second half has more music. I think you have to plan to stay for the whole production (but there is time to indulge in a beverage during the interval if that helps).
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Post by dazzerlump on Jan 26, 2018 0:09:04 GMT
aww I'm actually looking forward to it, but now expecting the worst! so hopefully it will exceed my expectations....
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Post by groupbooker on Jan 26, 2018 1:04:34 GMT
Run time 2hrs 25
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