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Post by orchidman on Jun 23, 2022 22:21:37 GMT
It's a solid production of a solid play.
Sounds like the understudy has been on for Booster for awhile and he's the weak point, to a large extent just because he's too young but the ending doesn't land with the weight it should because he lacks the presence amongst the men for it to seem significant.
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Post by david on Jun 23, 2022 23:18:47 GMT
Well, that was a good watch at the OV tonight. Having got a half price seat seat (£20) in the stalls thanks to an email from the OV a few weeks ago, it took a while to get use to the accents, but it was definitely worth it. A really solid cast here and it was definitely worth preserving with the accent issue. Ok, the play didn’t say anything new but as others have noted it really is a solid production. There are some powerful performances (Sule Rimi as Turnbo, particularly in one scene in Act 1 was amazing and certainly took everyone by surprise in how the scene unfolded) and alongside some nice comedy moments (a really funny scene in act 2 between Youngblood and Rena) made for an entertaining evening. If there is any criticism, I’d agree with orchidman in that the role of Booster being played younger guy aged up doesn’t help and the play certainly looses something that an older actor in that role would bring to proceedings. With plenty of offers doing the rounds, it’s definitely worth picking up a ticket for this one in my opinion.
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698 posts
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Post by thistimetomorrow on Jun 25, 2022 22:25:32 GMT
I thought this started a bit slow, but once it picked up I really enjoyed the play. Old Vic wasn't particularly full and they had closed the Baylis Circle, but the audience were very appreciative. Understudy Blair was still on for Booster. I was quite keen to see Leemore since I really liked him in Small Island, I wonder if he'll be back for the last 2 weeks of shows?
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Post by jm25 on Jun 30, 2022 22:11:26 GMT
Saw this tonight and thought it was excellent. Was a bit worried beforehand about how empty the place was so close to the start but fortunately it filled up, though Baylis Circle was still closed.
Knew next to nothing about the play and was really pleasantly surprised. An absolutely terrific ensemble performance that nailed the drama (apart from perhaps one or two moments which felt OTT) and was genuinely very funny. Audience really seemed to enjoy it too - lots of laughing and cheering with an eventual standing ovation.
Hugely enjoyable.
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Post by budd on Jul 2, 2022 18:39:40 GMT
I really enjoyed this and was in its thrall for the entire time. The whole cast gel so well together and even with such an ensemble piece, I thought everyone was given such deft characterization. There's a bit of heavy-handedness, but overall a play I'm really glad I got to see.
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Post by theoracle on Jul 3, 2022 22:26:36 GMT
I was really impressed by this - the whole cast give vivid performances from a script that feels more resonant now than ever. It's really wonderful to see August Wilson playing in the Old Vic of all places and to see such a diverse audience too. The whole spectrum of emotions was felt in the 2hours40mins evening and I do hope this signals for more August Wilson revivals going forwards.
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Jul 4, 2022 11:32:02 GMT
Oldham Coliseum Theatre Royal Bath Cambridge Arts Centre
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Post by alicechallice on Jul 4, 2022 12:46:46 GMT
Oldham Coliseum Theatre Royal Bath Cambridge Arts Centre Don’t forget Worthing Connaught
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Post by Dawnstar on Aug 4, 2022 16:47:06 GMT
This is at my local theatre this week, Cambridge Arts Theatre, & I can only assume it's sold really badly as I've never seen them look so desparate to shift tickets. In the last week there have been loads of tweets praising it, a couple of ticket giveaways on Twitter & an email offering 2-for-1 tickets - this from a theatre that usually never discounts tickets, even if you ask at the box office only minutes before a performance. I have no idea what the piece is about & wasn't intending to see it but even if I had considered seeing it I would have been put off by the theatre's evident desparation!
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Post by oxfordsimon on Aug 4, 2022 17:26:53 GMT
This is at my local theatre this week, Cambridge Arts Theatre, & I can only assume it's sold really badly as I've never seen them look so desparate to shift tickets. In the last week there have been loads of tweets praising it, a couple of ticket giveaways on Twitter & an email offering 2-for-1 tickets - this from a theatre that usually never discounts tickets, even if you ask at the box office only minutes before a performance. I have no idea what the piece is about & wasn't intending to see it but even if I had considered seeing it I would have been put off by the theatre's evident desparation! Sounds like the way Oxford Playhouse were pushing Dance of Death a few weeks back Regional theatre is struggling to sell things without a big name and the feel good factor
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