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Post by BurlyBeaR on Jan 5, 2020 18:21:57 GMT
I don't entirely agree. Rebecca was fine this afternoon but it was a different level entirely. I saw nothing nothing approaching despair or pathos in her performance. It was played very light, more like slightly annoying stage mum than borderline breakdown. This has made me appreciate Ria Jones’ performance even more and I think I’m going to try and get back one more time to see her before the run ends.
Some scenes have been cut since the second preview to get that running time down. There was a whole bit where the landlady comes round asking for the rent which has been dropped. I don’t think that was in the Savoy version either?
I really enjoyed it but there’s definitely something missing without Ria.
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Post by theatre241 on Jan 5, 2020 18:38:04 GMT
I don't entirely agree. Rebecca was fine this afternoon but it was a different level entirely. I saw nothing nothing approaching despair or pathos in her performance. It was played very light, more like slightly annoying stage mum than borderline breakdown. This has made me appreciate Ria Jones’ performance even more and I think I’m going to try and get back one more time to see her before the run ends. Some scenes have been cut since the second preview to get that running time down. There was a whole bit where the landlady comes round asking for the rent which has been dropped. I don’t think that was in the Savoy version either? I really enjoyed it but there’s definitely something missing without Ria. How does Rebecca do vocally because Ria vocally is not great |
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Jan 5, 2020 19:05:55 GMT
She’s fine. She’s totally in tune. There’s no vibrato if that’s what you dislike about RJ but equally there’s no real power either. I didn’t feel like she was digging deep for any of it.
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Post by Being Alive on Jan 5, 2020 19:08:42 GMT
She’s fine. She’s totally in tune. There’s no vibrato if that’s what you dislike about RJ but equally there’s no real power either. I didn’t feel like she was digging deep for any of it. Different tastes and all that I suppose. It was a very different Rose to most of the ones I'd seen before and I enjoyed it mainly for that reason. |
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Jan 5, 2020 19:18:43 GMT
She’s fine. She’s totally in tune. There’s no vibrato if that’s what you dislike about RJ but equally there’s no real power either. I didn’t feel like she was digging deep for any of it. Different tastes and all that I suppose. It was a very different Rose to most of the ones I'd seen before and I enjoyed it mainly for that reason. Agree, it’s different and Rebecca got a SO which didn’t happen for Ria when I saw her. I just watched Imelda’s version of Rose’s Tuen which looks waaaaay over the top in comparison with what I saw today. Imelda is almost gurning at some points. Interesting that despite the age of this musical, the shock/gasp reaction in the audience at the end of act 1 when Rose switches her attention to Louise. Presumably lots of people haven’t seen it before or if they have they’ve forgotten the plot. Looking at the faces of the audience (as one can at the REX) It was very noticeable. one of my friends was asking at the interval why it was called Gypsy and let out an audible “aaaaah” in act 2 when it was first mentioned that they were travelling the country like gypsies. Sometimes it’s possible to know too much I suppose. |
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Post by theatre241 on Jan 5, 2020 20:22:49 GMT
Different tastes and all that I suppose. It was a very different Rose to most of the ones I'd seen before and I enjoyed it mainly for that reason. Agree, it’s different and Rebecca got a SO which didn’t happen for Ria when I saw her. I just watched Imelda’s version of Rose’s Tuen which looks waaaaay over the top in comparison with what I saw today. Imelda is almost gurning at some points. Interesting that despite the age of this musical, the shock/gasp reaction in the audience at the end of act 1 when Rose switches her attention to Louise. Presumably lots of people haven’t seen it before or if they have they’ve forgotten the plot. Looking at the faces of the audience (as one can at the REX) It was very noticeable. one of my friends was asking at the interval why it was called Gypsy and let out an audible “aaaaah” in act 2 when it was first mentioned that they were travelling the country like gypsies. Sometimes it’s possible to know too much I suppose. Where about did you sit to watch because I saw it from stage level but the floor looked so cool so Id love to see what its like from the circle, it feels quite similar to the producers I think but Gyspy has a bit more depth. REX have been going down this route of musicals for a bit with guys and dolls etc... I wonder what they'll do for this Christmas, I would love to see A chorus Line |
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Jan 5, 2020 20:27:20 GMT
I always sit stage level. I agree, A Chorus Line would be bloody fabulous.
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Post by theatre241 on Jan 5, 2020 20:49:30 GMT
Yeh it would but I they would have to have the band In another room like they did for west side story because the band for Gyspy needed the depth but it didn't really reach it. I don't know why but did anyone else think this? its such a great score
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Post by crabtree on Jan 5, 2020 21:53:24 GMT
And Chowzie doesn't get any mention here, but no matter. Loved it so much.
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Post by Someone in a tree on Jan 10, 2020 8:23:24 GMT
Overture aside, I thought this was rather wonderful.
Ria Jones brings a great sense of tenderness to the role that Imelda 'I'm a very serious actor' Staunton never brought.
The production thankfully loses the trappings of the original choreography and is full of fresh and bright new ideas (unlike the Chichester production). Themes are developed throughout and then come to a glorious flourish later on.
This was my my first visit to the REX. I thought it was fab to wander around and see the props and frocks. My seat from row E of the stalls gave an excellent view and the theatre is so intimate. Top marks from this Yorkshire lad on his day trip to the wrong side of the Pennines!
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Post by xanady on Jan 10, 2020 19:50:05 GMT
^There is no other theatre quite like the REX.That first moment of seeing the space module structure inside such an historical building is quite simply utterly awesome.
Ria Jones singing the Gypsy score at the REX = absolute MT perfection imo.
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Post by theatre241 on Jan 10, 2020 19:58:58 GMT
Overture aside, I thought this was rather wonderful. Ria Jones brings a great sense of tenderness to the role that Imelda 'I'm a very serious actor' Staunton never brought. The production thankfully loses the trappings of the original choreography and is full of fresh and bright new ideas (unlike the Chichester production). Themes are developed throughout and then come to a glorious flourish later on. This was my my first visit to the REX. I thought it was fab to wander around and see the props and frocks. My seat from row E of the stalls gave an excellent view and the theatre is so intimate. Top marks from this Yorkshire lad on his day trip to the wrong side of the Pennines! I was really looking forward to hear the fantastic gyspy overture but it was such a disappointment  Gypsy does defiantly need a big orchestra. I wish they would've done what they did for West Side Story |
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Post by theatre241 on Jan 10, 2020 20:00:04 GMT
Has anyone sat in the banquette seats at REX and what do you think of them. I might try and grab one
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Jan 10, 2020 20:06:55 GMT
Has anyone sat in the banquette seats at REX and what do you think of them. I might try and grab one They’re very low to the ground. And for Gypsy the floor of the whole stage level has been raised presumably to accommodate that very large revolve so the seats (which are attached to the original floor level) are even lower. The banquettes will be almost like sitting on the floor but with a back rest. If you’re ok with that then go ahead because they’re certainly right in the middle of the action. |
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Post by theatre241 on Jan 10, 2020 21:14:55 GMT
Has anyone sat in the banquette seats at REX and what do you think of them. I might try and grab one They’re very low to the ground. And for Gypsy the floor of the whole stage level has been raised presumably to accommodate that very large revolve so the seats (which are attached to the original floor level) are even lower. The banquettes will be almost like sitting on the floor but with a back rest. If you’re ok with that then go ahead because they’re certainly right in the middle of the action. Ahh thank you! what were your experiences with buying them |
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Post by david on Jan 10, 2020 21:25:12 GMT
Has anyone sat in the banquette seats at REX and what do you think of them. I might try and grab one I’ve sat there for The Producers. Great value for the seat (even if it feels like your sitting on the floor at times). I turned up at the Box Office at 10.30am on a Saturday and seats were still available. I’m not too sure about availability for Gypsy though. |
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Jan 10, 2020 21:38:49 GMT
The bonks are only available as dayseats usually. Some have been removed for Gypsy because of the staging so there are fewer available than usual. You can get them from 9.30am in person at the box office or from 10am on the phone if there are any left.
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Post by theatre241 on Jan 10, 2020 22:28:00 GMT
Ahh good to know thank you!
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Post by marob on Jan 11, 2020 0:02:42 GMT
BurlyBeaR Sorry, probably being a bit of an arse pointing this out, but when I saw Gypsy an usher asked the people sitting on one of the banquttes to stand so it could be moved abit further forward.
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Jan 11, 2020 8:22:09 GMT
BurlyBeaR Sorry, probably being a bit of an arse pointing this out, but when I saw Gypsy an usher asked the people sitting on one of the banquttes to stand so it could be moved abit further forward. Ah really? They must be free standing then. Makes sense, because they’re basically benches. |
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Post by distantcousin on Jan 12, 2020 1:04:31 GMT
According to my friend, who came all the way from London to see it, Ria was off on Saturday night |
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Post by undeuxtrois on Jan 12, 2020 11:09:56 GMT
I'm going to the last Thursday show and kinda hoping Ria is off because I'd like to see a different Rose - thought I'd take advantage of the 7 quid under 25s ticket as I'm seeing the Cuttin' It matinee on the same day anyway. Hope to see Melissa James on again, she's the real highlight of the show I'd say.
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Jan 13, 2020 18:21:01 GMT
I DM’d the REX about Ria’s schedule.
“ Hi Matthew, As you can imagine - none of Ria's absences have been pre-planned, and we don't have any planned for the future. We're really sorry for any disappointment her absence has caused with members of your group. She will be off this evening (Monday) and probably tomorrow's matinee too. If we do take the decision to schedule in some absences for future performances, we will announce this in advance, but currently we are taking each show as it comes. We're so sorry - hope this is helpful “
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Post by macksennett on Jan 17, 2020 15:09:12 GMT
Anyone know if Ria is back yet?
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Post by jgblunners on Jan 17, 2020 15:52:26 GMT
Anyone know if Ria is back yet? I’m going tonight so have my fingers crossed that she is - I’ll report back! |
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Gypsy does defiantly need a big orchestra. I wish they would've done what they did for West Side Story
