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Post by mrbarnaby on Sept 3, 2021 13:50:43 GMT
If ever a role screamed Emma Williams it's this one. She can move but I don't think she's a trained dancer so I wonder if that's why? Zizi, although I agree with other posters that she doesn't sing in a way that's to my taste, can dance like few others. Well she was tap dancing away in memories of the musicals the other week at Kilworth after just having had a baby. I think she’d cope I think nearly all performers are ‘trained’ dancers these days. LMK wasn’t known for kicking her legs behind her ears, but danced it properly.
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Post by steve10086 on Sept 3, 2021 14:23:20 GMT
Joanna Riding did some of the early readings and was rumoured to be a front runner - but then it was decided to go much younger and 23 year old Laura Michele Kelly was cast (she'd previously replaced Riding in the Mackintosh My Fair Lady) - thereafter early/mid 20's seemed to be the default casting. It would have put an interesting and different slant on the story if Jo Riding had played Mary as she would have been a similar age to Mrs Banks (Linzi Hateley in the original). Of all the Marys I saw - Caroline Sheen (in the UK and then US tour) was my favourite and I think it's because she was a little older than her west end counterparts, and it felt as though she had a few years of work under her belt rather than being straight out of nanny school. Ruthie has said that it was between her and LMK for the role originally but Cameron decided to go for a younger Mary. Such a shame she never got to play it, when she could sing properly. Phew, that was a narrow escape!
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Post by FairyGodmother on Sept 3, 2021 14:31:03 GMT
Considering Camerons recent comments about trans actors I'm surprised he seems so open on race. I'm not saying race is a gimmick itself, but cameron does use anything possible that differentiates an actor or production as a marketing/pr angle to create headlines. He does definitely use it for marketing if he can! Saying that though, in lots of shows* as long as your ensemble has a mixture of races**, I don't think it really matters what race the principals are, as long as they can sing/act/dance the part as it should be done. And in practically every musical, the principal has the big solos. With trans actors you're always going to be far more limited by vocal range (and the small pool of actors). *Obviously not something like Showboat or South Pacific.
**I'm caveating this because I don't think "colour-blind casting" would work in all cases — say My Fair Lady with a black Eliza, and all-white ensemble. You'd have to be very very careful to not have people questioning whether it's just her accent or actually her skin colour, unless that was the sort of interpretation you were going for.
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Post by appoul on Sept 7, 2021 16:12:24 GMT
Julie Andrews was 28/29 (and would have been younger if she hadn't been expecting a baby when they first asked her to do it). I'm probably wrong but I think PL Travers didn't approve of Julie Andrews as Mary although TBH she didn't approve of anything that was in the film! Actually Julie Andrews was one of the few things she approved of--and she said that had she been directed properly, she would have been even better as Mary Poppins. Also, when casting Julie Andrews Disney asked Travers herself how old Mary Poppins is and she replied "26 or 27". In general, I like Zizi, but I believe that all productions after 2016 present Mary Poppins more as a caricature. I don't know if this is Richard Eyre's decision or CM or a resident director's. I saw the Mexican production and although Mary has a wonderful voice, the way shes goes up the stairs is way too comical for me. Sometimes I do miss LMK's mysterious aura or Scarlett's performance (better than LMK at dancing).
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5,318 posts
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Post by mrbarnaby on Sept 7, 2021 16:53:22 GMT
I'm probably wrong but I think PL Travers didn't approve of Julie Andrews as Mary although TBH she didn't approve of anything that was in the film! Actually Julie Andrews was one of the few things she approved of--and she said that had she been directed properly, she would have been even better as Mary Poppins. Also, when casting Julie Andrews Disney asked Travers herself how old Mary Poppins is and she replied "26 or 27". In general, I like Zizi, but I believe that all productions after 2016 present Mary Poppins more as a caricature. I don't know if this is Richard Eyre's decision or CM or a resident director's. I saw the Mexican production and although Mary has a wonderful voice, the way shes goes up the stairs is way too comical for me. Sometimes I do miss LMK's mysterious aura or Scarlett's performance (better than LMK at dancing). It will totally be Cameron’s meddling that is cheapening this show slowly but surely. Just waiting for the day he gets a Phantom or Les Mis reference/plug in it.
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Post by theatrefan77 on Sept 7, 2021 19:46:39 GMT
I also felt that it looks cheap. For me it the show only came alive in the musical numbers, so wonderfully choreographed. Other than that it was all quite dull.
The original production was absolutely wonderful and Laura Michelle Kelly was for me the perfect Mary Poppins. The current production is entertaining at times, but overall disappointing
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Post by MusicalTalk on Sept 8, 2021 8:52:59 GMT
Actually Julie Andrews was one of the few things she approved of--and she said that had she been directed properly, she would have been even better as Mary Poppins. Also, when casting Julie Andrews Disney asked Travers herself how old Mary Poppins is and she replied "26 or 27". In general, I like Zizi, but I believe that all productions after 2016 present Mary Poppins more as a caricature. I don't know if this is Richard Eyre's decision or CM or a resident director's. I saw the Mexican production and although Mary has a wonderful voice, the way shes goes up the stairs is way too comical for me. Sometimes I do miss LMK's mysterious aura or Scarlett's performance (better than LMK at dancing). It will totally be Cameron’s meddling that is cheapening this show slowly but surely. Just waiting for the day he gets a Phantom or Les Mis reference/plug in it. There’s a Hamilton reference…
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1,445 posts
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Post by steve10086 on Sept 17, 2021 23:12:52 GMT
Well I think Zizi Strallen is brilliant in this. Coupled with Charlie Stemp and it’s just perfect.
Never seen a Jane or Michael that haven’t amazed me with their talent, but tonight’s Michael was the smallest and most talented kid I’ve ever seen in a show.
Absolutely joyous.
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Post by shady23 on Sept 17, 2021 23:52:28 GMT
I was there tonight as well for the umpteenth time and it never fails to bring me absolute joy.
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Post by FrontroverPaul on Sept 18, 2021 11:19:00 GMT
Totally agree I saw Mary Poppins for the second time in 2 weeks following the cancellation of Back To The future and I enjoyed it just as much. Different children but all so talented and they're the real stars of the show.
It's one of three musicals I could happily see every single week and never get bored, the others being Mamma Mia and Les Miserables
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Post by ruby on Sept 18, 2021 17:50:35 GMT
I saw it back in Aug as a last minute replacement for Anything Goes when that was cancelled and it was superb, Charlie Stemp looked like he was having the time of his life.
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Post by shady23 on Sept 18, 2021 22:57:50 GMT
Plus have to say what a fantastic show they put on at West End Live today too. Feed the birds and then the high energy of "super..." complete with full costumes and choreography.
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2,276 posts
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Post by theatreian on Sept 19, 2021 9:12:12 GMT
A link to the west end live from yesterday.
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Post by couldileaveyou on Sept 30, 2021 21:40:27 GMT
Got a rush ticket for tonight performance, 30£ is slightly too steep for rush tickets but got row C of the stalls, dead centre, so I can't complain. It was my first time ever seeing the show - and I'm not too familiar with the movie either - and I liked it but didn't love it. Charlie Stemp walks away with the show, but for me the whole thing was fun but a bit heart-less. I actually liked Petula Clark a lot, I found her strangely poignant and moving, although surely not enough to deserve a nomination, and the character seems to be promised some kind of development that never comes. Pity.
***
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Post by shady23 on Oct 2, 2021 5:34:04 GMT
From today, there will be a limited number of £30 Mary Poppins Day Tickets released online each morning at 10.30am for performances that same day. You’ll be able to purchase a maximum of 2 tickets. Availability is limited and when they’re gone, they’re gone! www.delfontmackintosh.co.uk/whats-on/mary-poppins/day-seats
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Post by fansylvanians on Oct 3, 2021 13:16:17 GMT
From today, there will be a limited number of £30 Mary Poppins Day Tickets released online each morning at 10.30am for performances that same day. You’ll be able to purchase a maximum of 2 tickets. Availability is limited and when they’re gone, they’re gone! www.delfontmackintosh.co.uk/whats-on/mary-poppins/day-seatsLooks like they have taken rush seats in house, as they have disappeared from TodayTix. TodayTix in turn have shoved Poppins right down near the bottom of their listings, whereas before they were in the top half dozen or so.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 30, 2021 21:30:57 GMT
Anyone have any idea if the run will be extended after Feb?
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Post by enh2 on Oct 31, 2021 14:47:22 GMT
Anyone have any idea if the run will be extended after Feb? I expect so as group bookings are on sale until 1 October 2022.
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4,599 posts
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Post by Mark on Nov 5, 2021 18:38:15 GMT
Anyone have any idea if the run will be extended after Feb? Public booking just extended to April 3rd.
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Post by ceebee on Nov 7, 2021 9:47:33 GMT
What kind of moron takes a flash photo of an actor directly in their face when suspended on wires at Upper Circle height above an audience? Somebody REALLY thick at Mary Poppins last night. Thank heavens there's a member of stage management to guide the now dazzled Mary Poppins into the exit point after her flight.
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Post by theatreian on Nov 16, 2021 15:10:07 GMT
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Post by marob on Nov 16, 2021 15:56:28 GMT
Reminds me of this shameless publicity stunt touching moment with Cameron Macintosh and the cast of Half a Sixpence
I expect a video is being put together at this very moment…
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Post by h86 on Jan 4, 2022 17:58:22 GMT
Reduced to a 6 show week until Feb 10th. Tuesday evening and Thursday matinee performances dropped.
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Post by appoul on Jan 5, 2022 23:36:30 GMT
Reduced to a 6 show week until Feb 10th. Tuesday evening and Thursday matinee performances dropped. I think they only did Thursday matinees for Christmas. I was wondering whether the show will still be on next Christmas. They are taking group bookings until 1st October.
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Post by mrbarnaby on Jan 5, 2022 23:57:51 GMT
Reduced to a 6 show week until Feb 10th. Tuesday evening and Thursday matinee performances dropped. I think they only did Thursday matinees for Christmas. I was wondering whether the show will still be on next Christmas. They are taking group bookings until 1st October. It won’t be. Cameron will be getting his Oliver! Lite ready to move in. If Poppins was selling well, they wouldn’t be reducing the shows. Everyone’s struggling of course and that’s a lot of seats to fill.
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Post by showtoones on Jan 6, 2022 4:28:13 GMT
When is Oliver scheduled to go into the Prince Edward?
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Post by mrbarnaby on Jan 6, 2022 9:48:44 GMT
When is Oliver scheduled to go into the Prince Edward? I don’t know the timeline I’m afraid
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Post by enh2 on Jan 7, 2022 18:29:32 GMT
I reckon poppins could close by the end of the summer before going on tour.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 7, 2022 18:51:59 GMT
When is she getting her Damehood - a career now going over 80 years!
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Post by mrbarnaby on Jan 7, 2022 19:13:06 GMT
Any chance of a Damehood should be over after her performance in this. Just abysmal.
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