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Post by TallPaul on Oct 30, 2019 12:47:42 GMT
The official MP Twitter account gives the time as 2 hours 7 minutes. The website says it's 2 hours 50 minutes including a 20 minute interval. For the avoidance of confusion, if anyone has a train to catch, I was referring to the show's slot on Zoe Ball. 🕦 🙂 |
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Post by steve10086 on Oct 30, 2019 13:04:30 GMT
Fair enough BB. I think a rigid structure like the carpet which is stage lit, is a lot easier to hide. Flying out into a dark auditorium with the light of the stage behind you is nigh on impossible to disguise whatever is propelling you. I just think that people are expecting a little bit too much out of it. I just think if an illusion doesn't work, find another way. (ditto the original Witches of Eastwick and Spiderman). It’s not really an “illusion” though is it? |
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751 posts
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Post by horton on Oct 30, 2019 15:48:19 GMT
I just think if an illusion doesn't work, find another way. (ditto the original Witches of Eastwick and Spiderman). It’s not really an “illusion” though is it? You mean you really think she is flying? |
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655 posts
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Post by ptwest on Oct 30, 2019 16:00:59 GMT
The intention of an illusion is surely to create an effect with an aspect of mystery as to how it is achieved. There has never been any doubt as to how the creative team make Mary “fly”, therefore it is an effect, not an illusion. It is still one of the most magical parts of the show for me, I can’t really explain why but I just love it.
Other than sticking various high powered drones up her dress or perhaps a well hidden giant helium balloon I don’t really see how they could make Mary fly across the auditorium without some visible mechanism or wiring that would be completely invisible no matter where you sat. The success of the flying carpet in Aladdin is down to the fact that the area in which it “flew” is closely controlled. Having seen the David Copperfield flying illusion live it is an absolutely stunning piece of work, but he doesn’t even come close to flying out over the audience.
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Post by crabtree on Oct 30, 2019 16:04:55 GMT
I'd be very surprised if anyone is disappointed by Mary's last flight. It is a beautiful, slick, elegant, uncluttered and emotional piece of stagecraft - and without all the over produced and clumsy histrionics required to get a green witch lifted up a few feet on a forklift down the road.
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7,190 posts
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Post by Jon on Oct 30, 2019 16:43:15 GMT
To be fair to the production, what was cutting edge 15 years ago isn’t so cutting edge now
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Post by Deleted on Oct 30, 2019 16:56:43 GMT
With regards to the flying. In the original, i'm pretty certain she flew up to the upper circle over the right hand side of the audience. On Monday she only went up to the dress circle, but to the other side of the audience.
Am i imagining this or has it changed?
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4,806 posts
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Post by Mark on Oct 30, 2019 16:59:37 GMT
With regards to the flying. In the original, i'm pretty certain she flew up to the upper circle over the right hand side of the audience. On Monday she only went up to the dress circle, but to the other side of the audience. Am i imagining this or has it changed? She definitely went to the upper circle level when I saw it last week. |
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Oct 31, 2019 7:54:43 GMT
Has the illusion, sorry effect ever failed leaving Mary stranded in mid- air?
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656 posts
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Post by greeny11 on Oct 31, 2019 8:44:27 GMT
Not sure about Mary, but there was bootleg video on Youtube of Gavin Lee being stuck upside down halfway across the proscenium during Step In Time when that particular effect failed - he didn't actually make it all the way across the proscenium, it set him down right in the centre of the stage.
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328 posts
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Post by barrowside on Oct 31, 2019 10:04:16 GMT
Has the illusion, sorry effect ever failed leaving Mary stranded in mid- air? I'm sure I read an interview with Laura Michelle Kelly where she said she got stuck in mid-air and had to make jokes to the audience before they got her moving again. |
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385 posts
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Post by Ade on Oct 31, 2019 20:11:55 GMT
With regards to the flying. In the original, i'm pretty certain she flew up to the upper circle over the right hand side of the audience. On Monday she only went up to the dress circle, but to the other side of the audience. Am i imagining this or has it changed? She definitely went to the upper circle level when I saw it last week. Oh this is annoying if it is stage right she flies from. I booked that side of the auditorium under the loges based on my memory of her flying the opposite side. |
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Post by Deleted on Oct 31, 2019 20:45:10 GMT
She definitely went to the upper circle level when I saw it last week. Oh this is annoying if it is stage right she flies from. I booked that side of the auditorium under the loges based on my memory of her flying the opposite side. She starts centre stage and flies up stage right. Sorry! |
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324 posts
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Post by ilovewemusicals on Oct 31, 2019 22:19:12 GMT
Any update on Barry James?
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1,323 posts
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Post by londonmzfitz on Nov 1, 2019 11:56:20 GMT
Saw this last night. Stalls E33, a good enough view although I'd always plump for the loges when available (from last nights viewing I'd suggest the low number loges over the high number). Gosh, it took me a while to get into this, felt rather like a poor relation to the Julie Andrews film, as in nothing new to see here ... but when the special effects and those lovely big numbers came along it cheered me up no end. Loved Charlie Stemp (didn't see Half A Sixpence). Loved the set, and the way the auditorium at the front stalls has been set out. And that curtain - adds something to the evening. I found there was lots to enjoy and Mary's final flight was rather lovely. I did wonder if they couldn't have done something with the umbrella rather than string Mary up, (have her sit on the curve of the handle or some such) but hey ho.
Enjoyable evening, 4* from me but can't see a return visit at those prices.
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1,061 posts
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Post by David J on Nov 1, 2019 12:31:57 GMT
Not sure about Mary, but there was bootleg video on Youtube of Gavin Lee being stuck upside down halfway across the proscenium during Step In Time when that particular effect failed - he didn't actually make it all the way across the proscenium, it set him down right in the centre of the stage. Ive seen that and it should still be on youtube He did mid air somersaults on the pivot of that mechanism he is attached to on the way down. And the way he quickly recovered when he got down you’d think it was rehearsed. Just shows how some performers can recover or improvise on the spot when things don’t go right There’s a lovely blooper with the Ashley Brown as Mary in the broadway production staying in character when she couldn’t open a door in the kitchen scene and without hesitation told Mrs bank to take another exit (to which she enters the pantry) |
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Post by lydiadeetz on Nov 1, 2019 13:39:31 GMT
Not sure about Mary, but there was bootleg video on Youtube of Gavin Lee being stuck upside down halfway across the proscenium during Step In Time when that particular effect failed - he didn't actually make it all the way across the proscenium, it set him down right in the centre of the stage. Ive seen that and it should still be on youtube He did mid air somersaults on the pivot of that mechanism he is attached to on the way down. And the way he quickly recovered when he got down you’d think it was rehearsed. Just shows how some performers can recover or improvise on the spot when things don’t go right There’s a lovely blooper with the Ashley Brown as Mary in the broadway production staying in character when she couldn’t open a door in the kitchen scene and without hesitation told Mrs bank to take another exit (to which she enters the pantry) Big shows always come up with and rehearse contingency plans for moments where they've either had issues or big moments just in case - like if a revolve breaks, if the desks in Matilda don't rise, when Elphaba's lift doesn't work etc - so it's highly likely that the cast/crew were rehearsed and knew exactly what to do to recover and carry on. |
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Post by frankubelik on Nov 3, 2019 10:18:06 GMT
The only reason I returned to this show having not enjoyed it 15 years ago was Zizi Strallen and she did not disappoint. She has superb "placement" and seems to be really enjoying herself which is quite infectious. Otherwise I found it all rather dull and just don't think this stage adaptation is very good. I never understood the park statues coming to life. where Mrs Corry comes in or the awful doll sequence and still don't. The Robertson Ay character is unnecessary and not performed well here. The set looked cheap - I am presuming this is the touring one as I seem to recall much more detail originally. Top marks to Claire Moore (as ever) but I am I alone in thinking Petula Clark was simply an embarrassment? Living legend and all that but she looks unsteady and really cannot sing - come back Julia Sutton who delivered it superbly. I wasn't keen on Mrs Banks hysteria and thought Joseph Millson lacked gravitas. Charlie Stemp was fine. The sound was not so hot. I guess it will be there for a while but Prince Edward, DO please employ proper bar staff who know how to serve drinks!
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Post by firstwetakemanhattan on Nov 3, 2019 12:54:32 GMT
Just a quick question, I am looking at going on a Wednesday evening showing, but its listed as a "family night", what difference will there be to a normal night?
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656 posts
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Post by greeny11 on Nov 3, 2019 12:58:07 GMT
It starts half an hour earlier than the other evening performances - so I assume they've done that so families can get home a bit earlier if they see it on a Wednesday (with school the next day for the kids).
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722 posts
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Post by hulmeman on Nov 3, 2019 13:15:16 GMT
The only reason I returned to this show having not enjoyed it 15 years ago was Zizi Strallen and she did not disappoint. She has superb "placement" and seems to be really enjoying herself which is quite infectious. Otherwise I found it all rather dull and just don't think this stage adaptation is very good. I never understood the park statues coming to life. where Mrs Corry comes in or the awful doll sequence and still don't. The Robertson Ay character is unnecessary and not performed well here. The set looked cheap - I am presuming this is the touring one as I seem to recall much more detail originally. Top marks to Claire Moore (as ever) but I am I alone in thinking Petula Clark was simply an embarrassment? Living legend and all that but she looks unsteady and really cannot sing - come back Julia Sutton who delivered it superbly. I wasn't keen on Mrs Banks hysteria and thought Joseph Millson lacked gravitas. Charlie Stemp was fine. The sound was not so hot. I guess it will be there for a while but Prince Edward, DO please employ proper bar staff who know how to serve drinks! Sounds like you had a fun night!!! |
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Post by shady23 on Nov 4, 2019 17:59:18 GMT
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131 posts
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Post by critchyboy on Nov 5, 2019 18:58:55 GMT
Saw this last night from the Dress Circle Slips. Think it’s my new favourite place in that theatre. I was really comfortable and the view was incredible - especially for the £37 preview price!!
I have huge admiration for this show - transported back to childhood whimsy with a cast that are awesome.
Thought there were some new effects that I don’t remember from the tour - paper bags in the kitchen for one and Bert’s paintbrush for another.
Planning a return visit at some point!
Had the pleasure of meeting Charlie, Zizi and Petula at the stage door after the show!
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Post by appoul on Nov 5, 2019 20:44:37 GMT
Saw this last night from the Dress Circle Slips. Think it’s my new favourite place in that theatre. I was really comfortable and the view was incredible - especially for the £37 preview price!! I have huge admiration for this show - transported back to childhood whimsy with a cast that are awesome. Thought there were some new effects that I don’t remember from the tour - paper bags in the kitchen for one and Bert’s paintbrush for another. Planning a return visit at some point! Had the pleasure of meeting Charlie, Zizi and Petula at the stage door after the show! Glad you enjoyed it! I'm also thinking of the Dress Circle Slips. Which side do you recommend so that I can enjoy Mary's final flight? |
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Post by critchyboy on Nov 5, 2019 21:17:25 GMT
I was in Slip Box 2 Seat 4 situated House Left. The final flight is over to this side meaning that Mary comes straight past you!
Depends if you want the view from House Right.
I was really impressed with the comfort and the ability to lean really comfortably on the ledge all night. Think it’s the comfiest I’ve ever been in a theatre!!!
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