19,670 posts
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Oct 28, 2019 18:57:59 GMT
Another skill that Whoopi doesn’t have 🙂
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Post by apubleed on Oct 28, 2019 22:19:31 GMT
I assumed everyone was on the same page with Whoopi in Sister Act. No one is expecting her to be good or to be convincing. It’s just going to be a once in a life time opportunity. It’s like if Patti decided to play Evita one more time. Maybe a better comparison would be Gloria Swanson reprising her role as Norma Desmond in the recording of the proposed musical Boulevard!. Iconic actress recreating iconic role in a musical. Get the CD of Boulevard! and see how well that worked out.... Actually, taking a look at this Swanson has a better voice than Whoopi - it was the material than let her down. How Whoopi is going to sing "Take Me to Heaven", "Fabulous Baby" or even the title track, "Sister Act" - I have no idea. |
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Post by Deleted on Oct 28, 2019 22:21:29 GMT
There have been several versions, the last one where the nuns played instruments. But that's still Sister Act The Musical, just done on the cheap! |
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544 posts
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Post by amp09 on Oct 28, 2019 22:25:19 GMT
Maybe a better comparison would be Gloria Swanson reprising her role as Norma Desmond in the recording of the proposed musical Boulevard!. Iconic actress recreating iconic role in a musical. Get the CD of Boulevard! and see how well that worked out.... Actually, taking a look at this Swanson has a better voice than Whoopi - it was the material than let her down. How Whoopi is going to sing "Take Me to Heaven", "Fabulous Baby" or even the title track, "Sister Act" - I have no idea. I’m starting to wonder whether ‘re-worked’ means we’re going to have Whoopi as older Deloris - a sort of narrator and then a younger actress cast who’ll do all the singing. |
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Post by tommy123 on Oct 29, 2019 7:49:13 GMT
The issue surely comes with the fact Brenda has been cast who is likely to be singing it properly. Surely it wouldn’t be a completely different version from the tour...and similarly surely they wouldn’t be doing a different Thursday matinee performance to the evening show? As Brenda is playing the role still in London, I do have a feeling it will be the regular show with Whoopi speak-singing the songs.
But I’m still happy to see Whoopi in Sister Act even if she didn’t sing a note!
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653 posts
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Post by ptwest on Oct 29, 2019 8:02:45 GMT
In a way I am approaching this the same way as I did the Bananarama reunion tour - there was no way you could argue that the singing or choreography was top class (sometimes it was dreadful!) but it was so much fun that it didn’t matter. Having seen Whoopi bring the house down as mother superior simply by being Whoopi I have very high hopes that this will be another one of those occasions which you could either analyse it closely and rip to shreds or simply go along with the joy of it all. Hoping for the latter! It doesn’t stop the ticket prices from being completely stupid, but looking at sales, the producers knew what they were doing.
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19,670 posts
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Oct 29, 2019 8:16:02 GMT
Perhaps Branda is going to record the songs and Whoopi is going to lipsync to them. Not ideal but it’s Whoopi so it doesn’t matter 😌
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311 posts
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Post by olliebean on Oct 29, 2019 8:18:11 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Oct 29, 2019 16:37:13 GMT
I have so many issues with this entire production; what exactly are they putting on? The original Sister Act Musical? A brand new production of Sister Act The Musical? Craig Revel Horwood's production of Sister Act The Musical? With the UK tour happening prior to this, will it be that same production? The Eventim Apollo is a massive stage and I can't exactly imagine a small bus and truck tour filling that stage with the greatest presence. They've said its been reimagined for Deloris at 63. But she isn't 63 throughout the entire show? She's a young hot chick to begin with?! Is she going to start off as Fag ash Lil and transform into Mother Theresa? I just don't get where this show is headed. It's like a safety net for them to fall back on when Whoopi can't sing, "oh, she's 63 in this show, she's not supposed to be able to sing" Give over. For £250 for a barely decent seat, I want a flawless production. I wouldn't be surprised if this is all smoke and mirrors and Whoopi pulls out nearer the time. Or if she literally had a 5 minute cameo towards the end! In my honest opinion, it's a total cashgrab. Playing on the fact its been nearly 20 years since the movie came out. Playing on the fact they will know the gays will flash their pink pounds and undoubtedly, be ripped off. I'm sick of people saying "oh it's fine, it's Whoopi" No. This capitalist dirge needs to be called out. Eurgh. However, I will be prepared to eat my words if Whoopi performs the entire run in the original role, sings in tune and remembers her dance steps and cues. Arggh. Anyway, rant over. Praying this doesn't end up being the trash I think it's going to be. |
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Post by somnorific on Oct 29, 2019 21:28:10 GMT
There might be a lot of interest but I don't think the seats are selling as much as they want us to think they are. Even checking a random date right now (13/08/20) there are plenty of seats with the same "restricted allocation" look... e.g. all of the left side of stalls center row F, and all of the right side of center row L. This is virtually the same way it looked a few days ago. So as I thought - not sold out *at all*! .. They have recently released a whole slew of other seats. I managed to pick up 4th row stalls for £96. It's labelled restricted view but they're the seats closest to the center block so I'm not too worried. There are plenty of those seats around. There are even single 2nd row center block stalls available for £150. Still pricey but not obscene ... Should be fun! |
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Post by amp09 on Oct 30, 2019 0:04:55 GMT
I have so many issues with this entire production; what exactly are they putting on? The original Sister Act Musical? A brand new production of Sister Act The Musical? Craig Revel Horwood's production of Sister Act The Musical? With the UK tour happening prior to this, will it be that same production? The Eventim Apollo is a massive stage and I can't exactly imagine a small bus and truck tour filling that stage with the greatest presence. They've said its been reimagined for Deloris at 63. But she isn't 63 throughout the entire show? She's a young hot chick to begin with?! Is she going to start off as Fag ash Lil and transform into Mother Theresa? I just don't get where this show is headed. It's like a safety net for them to fall back on when Whoopi can't sing, "oh, she's 63 in this show, she's not supposed to be able to sing" Give over. For £250 for a barely decent seat, I want a flawless production. I wouldn't be surprised if this is all smoke and mirrors and Whoopi pulls out nearer the time. Or if she literally had a 5 minute cameo towards the end! In my honest opinion, it's a total cashgrab. Playing on the fact its been nearly 20 years since the movie came out. Playing on the fact they will know the gays will flash their pink pounds and undoubtedly, be ripped off. I'm sick of people saying "oh it's fine, it's Whoopi" No. This capitalist dirge needs to be called out. Eurgh. However, I will be prepared to eat my words if Whoopi performs the entire run in the original role, sings in tune and remembers her dance steps and cues. Arggh. Anyway, rant over. Praying this doesn't end up being the trash I think it's going to be. I’m holding off buying a ticket now in the hope some more info will come to light. |
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Post by gmoneyoutlaw on Oct 30, 2019 0:11:35 GMT
I believe in the creators of Sister Act not to put on a Sh*t show so I got tickets. I looked at only the weekend ticket availability and it was limited so somnific could be right in that the weekday shows are available. I don't think Whoopi would do this as a vanity project. I truly believe she's going to do this on Broadway in 2021 when her TV contract is up at The View.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 30, 2019 11:12:54 GMT
Looking at it just now, for the date I'm booked in for and have a screen shot of, they've just released the side blocks - priced higher than the middle stalls block was originally. A few extra rows are indeed on sale elsewhere, again at far higher prices. As an example of box office demand management, I think it's pretty impressive. They've sold the decent seats first and are now getting even more for the less desirable stuff, it looks like.
ETA: Impressive, ticket just arrived in the post! Doesn't it make you feel a bit sad and sick though? It is a masterclass in moneymaking but is it moral? To me, it feels sleazy and deceitful; I hate that theatre is quickly becoming about solely about profit and less about creating original work. (ie: SiX, although even the prices for that keep creeping up and up) |
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Post by Being Alive on Oct 30, 2019 11:27:09 GMT
Yup, my ticket arrived this morning in the post!
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Post by fiyero on Oct 30, 2019 17:42:54 GMT
Looking at it just now, for the date I'm booked in for and have a screen shot of, they've just released the side blocks - priced higher than the middle stalls block was originally. A few extra rows are indeed on sale elsewhere, again at far higher prices. As an example of box office demand management, I think it's pretty impressive. They've sold the decent seats first and are now getting even more for the less desirable stuff, it looks like.
ETA: Impressive, ticket just arrived in the post! Called it: All very interesting, this. Sold fast enough that one ticket agency had to take it off sale as demand crashed their system. I saw the live seating map right at the start. Most of the front side block stalls looked like they were held off sale, as seemed to be the front row, presumably as they don't know sightlines, so I'd guess there may be some relatively cheaper front corner seats to be had much nearer the time. It wasn't so much the high ticket price I objected to, as the whacking booking fee plus delivery fee. Still, casting was irresistible and I did book. If everything else is sold out when they add those front corners I can’t see them being the bargains they were for nativity. Against me better judgement I’ve booked, row x or thereabouts in the circle. I couldn’t justify paying more didn’t like the delivery fee - even applicable in print at home! Though it did imply we get special show specific tickets. |
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Post by Deleted on Oct 31, 2019 0:21:26 GMT
Doesn't it make you feel a bit sad and sick though? It is a masterclass in moneymaking but is it moral? To me, it feels sleazy and deceitful; I hate that theatre is quickly becoming about solely about profit and less about creating original work. (ie: SiX, although even the prices for that keep creeping up and up) A little, but it's difficult. It's commercial theatre and "stunt casting" when you come down to it. That's what the market will bear, so they are charging it. It could equally have lost the producer everything including their home and business. To make a profit from work you originate isn't wrong, and because society itself is now moving so rapidly, that window of opportunity is tiny. Certainly, I agree it is wrong to charge huge prices for rubbish seats and to push regular customers away, but in this case the regulars got the best of the deal before prices went up, I'd guess, if you go by what is on here. Quite probably if demand falls, those prices will fall again, so it is simple market forces playing out. It's definitely commercial theatre. Theatre for the masses. (OFAH) I have no problem with this as long as the audience coming to see these shows have the same respect and dignity that seasoned theatregoers have. I also see nothing wrong with making a profit, but there's making a profit and there's rinsing people. I feel like pricing has become selfish, the big wigs charge these mega prices because they hope/know that people will pay it when actually they don't need to charge that much at all to still make a nice profit. There's no need for producers to be greedy. It's when I feel that there's a sense of greed and moneyspinning that makes me furious. The "best price" is still disgustingly too high, in my opinion. |
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Post by fiyero on Oct 31, 2019 7:55:50 GMT
I agree, though they have still kept the very outermost 4 in each row off sale. The tickets have a shot of the venue as the background, nothing actually Sister Act. Quite OK, but nowhere near as nice as the "Riverdance" ones. I’ve just looked at my ticket and it is lovely but not at all show specific as implied. They obviously have the technology so it’s a shame they didn’t at least put the logo on there |
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Post by Deleted on Oct 31, 2019 12:55:33 GMT
Can see both sides of this argument.
Of course it's commercial theatre and the value of a ticket is what people will pay.
But yes, it does make me sad inside that the correlation between pricing and production values/artistic integrity is often nil. And I do think the producers for this are fleecing people.
That said if people think Whoopi is a big star and worth the price of admission then fair enough! There aren't many, but there are a few performers that I would also pay through the nose for!
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Post by ilovewemusicals on Oct 31, 2019 22:30:27 GMT
I predict the plot may go along the lines of Deloris has been working at a dilapidated nightclub for her whole career. She never had the voice to truly make the big time but Curtis convinces her this is her chance.
Kind of like how Judi Dench played Sally in Cabaret.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 31, 2019 22:46:20 GMT
I predict the plot may go along the lines of Deloris has been working at a dilapidated nightclub for her whole career. She never had the voice to truly make the big time but Curtis convinces her this is her chance. Kind of like how Judi Dench played Sally in Cabaret. This is totally off topic but Sally was never meant to be a great singer, although the film version obviously took a very different view of that. The recording of Judi Dench in Cabaret is fantastic. |
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Post by Deleted on Nov 1, 2019 23:15:56 GMT
I also see nothing wrong with making a profit, but there's making a profit and there's rinsing people. I feel like pricing has become selfish, the big wigs charge these mega prices because they hope/know that people will pay it when actually they don't need to charge that much at all to still make a nice profit. There's no need for producers to be greedy. It's when I feel that there's a sense of greed and moneyspinning that makes me furious. The "best price" is still disgustingly too high, in my opinion. But yes, it does make me sad inside that the correlation between pricing and production values/artistic integrity is often nil. And I do think the producers for this are fleecing people. You have a genuine Ming Vase to sell. Do you put it on Ebay, or let Sothebys handle it? One will make you a nice profit, the other will make you rich beyond the dreams of average, or avarice or Alan Sugar or whatever. Exactly the same thing here. I dont think your analogy is quite the same. But I understand what you're trying to say  |
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Post by WireHangers on Nov 2, 2019 1:43:33 GMT
I assumed everyone was on the same page with Whoopi in Sister Act. No one is expecting her to be good or to be convincing. It’s just going to be a once in a life time opportunity. It’s like if Patti decided to play Evita one more time. Maybe a better comparison would be Gloria Swanson reprising her role as Norma Desmond in the recording of the proposed musical Boulevard!. Iconic actress recreating iconic role in a musical. Get the CD of Boulevard! and see how well that worked out.... Where Bette and Joe had a happy ending once Norma gave them her blessing!? That’s another thing I’d pay to see! It’s a shame that never went anyway, nor did Sondhiem’s version. But yes, I understand that’s maybe a better comparison. |
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Post by anthem on Nov 11, 2019 23:12:25 GMT
Social media crowing that 95,000 tickets have been sold already. It had better be good.
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Post by Oleanna on Nov 11, 2019 23:45:42 GMT
Social media crowing that 95,000 tickets have been sold already. It had better be good. That works out as only just over 3 weeks of sold out performances, though! |
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Post by Jon on Nov 11, 2019 23:51:23 GMT
Social media crowing that 95,000 tickets have been sold already. It had better be good. That works out as only just over 3 weeks of sold out performances, though! Doesn't bode well for the Brenda Edwards performances. |
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