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Post by distantcousin on Jun 16, 2018 21:55:21 GMT
It's a good production of a very mediocre show. The premise is useful - the roller rink, home of the Antonelli family for generations, is being torn down on the same day that the prodigal daughter (Angel) returns to confront her mother (Anna) and reprise their lives via flashbacks - but book writer Terrence McNally makes shockingly little of it. There is nothing insightful or original. The whole thing hangs heavy with sentimentality. It's no surprise that this Kander and Ebb show is so rarely done. Of course a great score can overcome a slender storyline but that's not the case here. Although there are some clever numbers, well staged by director Adam Lenson, there are no great songs. The showstopper of the evening came not from the two leading ladies but from the six chorus guys rollerskating. As for those leading ladies, they have to shoulder a huge burden - the material calls for heavy lifting. On Broadway two larger than life personalities, Chita Rivera (Anna) and Liza Minelli (Angel), were apparently able to make that happen. It doesn't quite happen here. They have found a perfect Anna in the wonderful Caroline O'Connor but Gemma Sutton, talented as she is, is just not right for Angel. She simply doesn't have the quirkiness or the charisma to fill out what is not so much a character as a sketch for a character. So O'Connor dominates far more than she should. Having said all that it must also be said - as reported above - that the audience loved every bit of it. Huge applause and standing O at the end. So, for all its flaws, something was working - just not for me. Completely agree with this. I was astounded by the standing o. I really didn't think the work was of that kind of standard. |
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Post by drowseychap on Jun 17, 2018 2:01:34 GMT
That’s great thanks very interesting I didn’t remember the telephone book lines either .... not sure it worked ... and was waiting for the big end note “we areeeeeeeee” huge disappointment And the ending here’s to the rink and all of us together The production I saw in 2003 ? If I recall by Hamish glen at Coventry belgrade was much like the CD s .... it starred Diane Langton ... west end angel playing Anna ... I loved it went 4times. Seemed to have more emotional connection between the 2 ... esp the end moved me to tears when this one didn’t...... and with more space the rink number was so fast and exciting .... much prefer thinking on now the beginning then with coloured lights . My partner who isn’t really into theatre said he didn’t connect with angel although Gemma was good didn’t have the quirkiness or power to match Anna And like others have said not too sure about the first song and opening scene being changed and cut out ..... got me thinking with angels first big song moved to end of first half then her big notes in second half being cut out completely was this for the show or for the actress ?
Those changes are both in the currently-licenced version of the script, I think. The revised script was published in 2008 (although there's also a note at the top of it saying it was revised in May 1995 - or at least, there is in the perusal excerpt on the Samuel French website), and the song list at the beginning exactly reflects this production, except this production inserts an interval after 'Colored Lights'.
The original published script, which the 2008 script supersedes, presented the show in two acts. The revised version cuts the intermission and makes some changes to the book - it cuts Uncle Fausto, which is the one change that's an improvement - and it also somewhat rewrites 'All the Children in a Row'. I think the stuff about the phone book dates from this revision as well - at least, there's video floating around of Minnelli singing the song in the original Broadway production and it doesn't include those lines, and I don't remember them in the revival at Richmond (any big changes to the material would have passed me by when I saw the production at the Wythenshawe Forum, but by the time I saw the Orange Tree revival I was familiar enough with the Broadway cast album that I would almost certainly have noticed any changes, and I'm geeky enough about that sort of thing that they'd have stuck in my mind).
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Post by apubleed on Jun 17, 2018 7:00:44 GMT
I personally was absolutely floored by the show. There is little plot in the same way that there is little plot in FOLLIES, COMPANY and THE BAND'S VISIT - it's a show driven by exploring the two lead characters, their relationship with others, and their relationship between themselves. The way it seamlessly weaves in and out of different time periods, integrates a set of stunning/high quality songs throughout the story and dialogue, and has a whole range of different layers and moments (e.g., genuine uncomfortable dramatic moments and characters, humour, sex appeal, plus highly satisfying show-stopping choreography) makes it feel incredibly contemporary in structure and style. Much more so than any other Kander & Ebb show I am aware of. I thought a standing ovation was well deserved, personally. I take the criticism that unlike some other Kander & Ebb shows (e.g., Chicago, Cabaret, Kiss of the Spider Woman; The Scottsboro boys) there is no wider social commentary/satire to be had if that's your thing. But I didn't mind.
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Post by distantcousin on Jun 17, 2018 7:56:13 GMT
How interesting. I went into it with no pre-knowledge or conceptions other than I am a big fan of Kander and Edd (only familiar with their most popular works, I'll admit) and I love Caroline O'Connor. I must say it wasn't exactly my cup of tea and I was left feeling quite underwhelmed. It was nothing I hadn't seen before. Typical family/domestic drama. K & E's hallmarks for me are edgy subjects, black comedy, satire, subversion and drama. There was really none of this in The Rink. Because of that, I was surprised and a bit disappointed (I kept waiting for it to delve into darker territory and it never did) It had of moments of sentiment, which I sometimes found touching, but aside from being a star vehicle for whoever plays Arna and some pleasant songs (although only "Coloured Lights" I would truly consider a K & E classic), it was not that much to write home about. 3 and a half out of 5. |
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Post by Mark on Jun 17, 2018 8:17:03 GMT
Remainder of the run is sold out!
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Post by Deleted on Jun 17, 2018 8:57:13 GMT
Went to see this last night , didn’t know much about the show but do like Kander and Ebb. Really loved and enjoyed the whole show thoroughly. The cast where great and loved Caroline O’Connor and like Gemma Sutton a lot so was happy to see her onstage again. They were both great and played a believable mother and daughter with great voices.The supporting male cast where also all great with terrific energy and liked Stewart Clarke as Dino and Ben Redfern as Lenny. Music was lovely and I loved all the songs and will be listening to as from now. Also my liked the book and while it isn’t nit the most indepth story it did have a lot of good witty lines. The way the space was used was great as I was front row at the side of the thrust but they played all round so everyone have a good view. The choreography was great especially the tapping roller skates which I think is now my favourite title number from a show, but the other movement around the stage was clever. Loved everything about it and really liked the ending as found it quite surprising and moving.would like a transfer but I feel to somewhere like the Charing Cross theatre.
* one thing I will add not about the show and it is not quite bad behaviour. Opposite me an older couple were sat and through out the show they kept nodding off and not clapping not even at the curtain call or after the songs. I understand people may have something like narcolepsy but if you do I would not suggest sitting front row esppeicaly at the Southwark where the actor said can see you.
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Post by jamb0r on Jun 17, 2018 13:12:38 GMT
Remainder of the run is sold out! There’s still tickets on TodayTix for every day this week |
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Post by Mark on Jun 17, 2018 13:32:26 GMT
Remainder of the run is sold out! There’s still tickets on TodayTix for every day this week Oh! Well, sold out on the Southwark Playhouse site. |
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Post by kathryn on Jun 19, 2018 11:42:19 GMT
Remainder of the run is sold out! There’s still tickets on TodayTix for every day this week Not anymore - just popped in to buy one and they're gone. |
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Post by Mr Snow on Jun 19, 2018 12:10:05 GMT
* one thing I will add not about the show and it is not quite bad behaviour. Opposite me an older couple were sat and through out the show they kept nodding off and not clapping not even at the curtain call or after the songs. I understand people may have something like narcolepsy but if you do I would not suggest sitting front row esppeicaly at the Southwark where the actor said can see you. MMM give them a break it was very hot the day we went and I doubt anyone goes to a show with the intention of catching up with their beauty routine. (Personal plea really, it happens despite my very best intentions). BUT I do agree about people who never clap. Why go if you are not going to join in? It's saying so I've paid - entertain me but no matter how good, no matter how hard you've worked on this; I won't acknowledge your efforts, encorage you, or be in the slightest way impresseed. This is how I behave! |
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Post by Deleted on Jun 19, 2018 14:27:21 GMT
If an older person isn't clapping, I just assume they have arthritis or carpal tunnel syndrome or any health ailment really that would make it painful to hammer your hands together over and over and over again. Sure, younger people could have such ailments too, but they're much more common in older people, and it's just easier for me to assume people have good reasons to do the things they do rather than wasting my time getting angry about someone not doing a thing that I think they should do but really it's none of my business whether they do or not.
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Post by mallardo on Jun 19, 2018 14:36:31 GMT
Re older people clapping, I vividly recall seeing Stephen Sondheim at the Arcola Theatre a few years back (yes, he was there) watching Sweet Smell of Success and applauding loudly by slamming one hand against his upper leg - presumably the other hand was ailing. As he demonstrated, there's no excuse not to applaud.
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Post by Mr Snow on Jun 19, 2018 14:40:14 GMT
If an older person isn't clapping, I just assume they have arthritis or carpal tunnel syndrome or any health ailment really that would make it painful to hammer your hands together over and over and over again. Sure, younger people could have such ailments too, but they're much more common in older people, and it's just easier for me to assume people have good reasons to do the things they do rather than wasting my time getting angry about someone not doing a thing that I think they should do but really it's none of my business whether they do or not. Well yes, but now I’ll whinge. I had a recent outing to the ROH for the opening night of Lohengrin, sat next to a pair even older than I am. It is customary to applaud the Conductor to his rostrum, and also at the end of each act. It sets the scene and heightens anticipation and enjoyment (for most). Well they sat on their hands and did I imagine they looked rather smug? This continued until well into the applause at the end when it became clear that the audience wanted to show their particular appreciation for Jenifer Davis who had taken over the lead female role and had something of a triumph. As the roar went out, perhaps to show they were in the know as to what has happened, they suddenly remembered how to clap, smile and be an audience member. I’ll let it rest. As you say none of my business but …. |
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Post by Deleted on Jun 19, 2018 14:43:10 GMT
As he vividly demonstrated, there's no excuse not to applaud. Unless you think the show is rubbish of course? I didn't clap for 'Hamilton'. I think I was the only one to stay seated too. |
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Post by theatremadness on Jun 19, 2018 14:53:40 GMT
As he vividly demonstrated, there's no excuse not to applaud. Unless you think the show is rubbish of course? I didn't clap for 'Hamilton'. I think I was the only one to stay seated too. Sure - but what about appreciating the efforts of the cast, crew and band? Even if you think any show is rubbish for various reasons, surely it's only polite to reward the efforts gone into the production by simply just putting your hands together if able? No OSO (obligatory standing ovation - nicked from ALW's autobiography!) required! After all, they didn't write it! |
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Post by Dr Tom on Jun 20, 2018 8:03:57 GMT
I saw the matinee yesterday in a very hot and uncomfortable theatre. Seemed sold out.
This is going to be quite a superficial review, as it's a rather superficial show. I liked a lot of the songs and it was a fun afternoon. First half had more to it than the second half.
The show had to be stopped around 15 minutes in due to technical difficulties (which I presume was a microphone problem as one of the leads had an echo). Sorted and the sound was much better, although this overran by about 20 minutes.
The show got a standing ovation, led by Lesley Joseph, who was on her feet almost as soon as the bows started (Biggins, who cheered wildly, only seconds slower). They either loved the show, or had a taxi waiting (or, in Lesley's case, another show to perform in).
I'd like to see this in a venue with more room for the skaters to show off their talents. But another good show from the Playhouse.
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Post by distantcousin on Jun 20, 2018 8:06:59 GMT
If an older person isn't clapping, I just assume they have arthritis or carpal tunnel syndrome or any health ailment really that would make it painful to hammer your hands together over and over and over again. Sure, younger people could have such ailments too, but they're much more common in older people, and it's just easier for me to assume people have good reasons to do the things they do rather than wasting my time getting angry about someone not doing a thing that I think they should do but really it's none of my business whether they do or not. These days it seems to be all about what one is SEEN to be doing.
i.e. being judged for not clapping. I think this is fine if it's difficult to clap - people are so click to judge. If an audience member smiles genuinely at the curtain call, even if they can't clap, that should communicate their thoughts to anyone that needs to know.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 20, 2018 12:46:24 GMT
r* one thing I will add not about the show and it is not quite bad behaviour. Opposite me an older couple were sat and through out the show they kept nodding off and not clapping not even at the curtain call or after the songs. I understand people may have something like narcolepsy but if you do I would not suggest sitting front row esppeicaly at the Southwark where the actor said can see you.
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Just a thought but the front row at Southwark Playhouse is where they accommodate disabled patrons. I know because I went with my friend in a wheelchair. A wheelchair is an obvious advertisement that someone is disabled, of course, and her MS has robbed her of her hands... so she cannot applaud however much she’d like to. She often nods off too without meaning to insult the actors. Another symptom. But not all disabilities are as easy ‘to read’...
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Post by sf on Jun 20, 2018 15:44:22 GMT
Sure - but what about appreciating the efforts of the cast, crew and band? Even if you think any show is rubbish for various reasons, surely it's only polite to reward the efforts gone into the production by simply just putting your hands together if able? Not always. I didn't applaud Will Young or Michelle Ryan in 'Cabaret', because they were both atrocious. I did applaud the rest of the cast, but it's insulting for the producers to expect us to pay to watch performances as bad as those two. I wasn't the only one, either - the applause dipped noticeably when they came out to take their bows. |
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Post by theatremadness on Jun 20, 2018 17:03:19 GMT
Sure - but what about appreciating the efforts of the cast, crew and band? Even if you think any show is rubbish for various reasons, surely it's only polite to reward the efforts gone into the production by simply just putting your hands together if able? Not always. I didn't applaud Will Young or Michelle Ryan in 'Cabaret', because they were both atrocious. I did applaud the rest of the cast, but it's insulting for the producers to expect us to pay to watch performances as bad as those two. I wasn't the only one, either - the applause dipped noticeably when they came out to take their bows. Yes absolutely - but you still applauded the rest of the cast as opposed to nothing at all. |
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Post by sf on Jun 20, 2018 17:23:58 GMT
Not always. I didn't applaud Will Young or Michelle Ryan in 'Cabaret', because they were both atrocious. I did applaud the rest of the cast, but it's insulting for the producers to expect us to pay to watch performances as bad as those two. I wasn't the only one, either - the applause dipped noticeably when they came out to take their bows. Yes absolutely - but you still applauded the rest of the cast as opposed to nothing at all.
The rest of the cast deserved applause. Mr. Young and Ms. Ryan - and the deeply, deeply cynical producers who employed them, because they certainly weren't hired for their "talent" - deserved to be banished from showbusiness forever. That wasn't going to happen, so I did the next best thing and didn't clap for them.
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Post by Boob on Jun 22, 2018 20:18:10 GMT
I don’t think (correct me if I’m wrong) anyone goes to the theatre with the intention of falling asleep or not getting into the show. However, I’ll raise my unarthritic, youthful-ish hand to say I fell asleep many times during the first half (I didn’t stay for the second) and didn’t applaud once because I didn’t think there was anything worth applauding. I’m not a school teacher - I paid for my ticket, and am not there to be grateful for effort. That should be a given.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 22, 2018 20:31:09 GMT
Not applauding at all feels like bad manners to me and there’s enough of that in the world already. Half hearted applause shows a lack of enthusiasm which appears a decent response if someone feels it to be necessary. As for booing, that’s way out of line every single time, nobody has a right to foist their opinion on others who are quite likely to have enjoyed the very same performance.
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Post by Boob on Jun 22, 2018 20:53:39 GMT
But isn’t applause, to quote the dictionary, “approval or praise expressed by clapping”? I’m all for a well deserved (not obligatory, Lord Lloyd Webber) standing ovation and have given many in my time. But surely fake applause is just as pointless as an OSO*.
*obligatory standing ovation
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Post by blobble84 on Jun 23, 2018 13:15:25 GMT
If anyone can get to Southwark Playhouse by 3pm, I’ve got a last minute spare to the final matinee. Free to a good home!
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