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Post by alece10 on Apr 16, 2016 6:31:10 GMT
I think I have to go and see it again or I will regret it. Last Friday I sat in the dress circle but have found a an odd seat in the stalls for beginning of May. So I can get C1 for £75 or A25 for £105 - both are at the end of the row Any advice from those who have sat front stalls? The £75 ticket is a lot cheaper than the rest of the stalls but it doesn't say that there are any restrictions so wondering why its cheaper.
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Post by anthony40 on Apr 16, 2016 6:41:46 GMT
I've stalked this thread from the beginning. Through the early excitement, the doubts about her singing, the early great reviews on here, a few dissenters and then the amazing reviews. I saw it tonight from the back of the upper circle. Nothing prepared me to be as amazed and thrilled as I was. Everything about it is spot on. GC's "weaker" singing seems to fit the action perfectly. When she needs to stun, she sets it to 11!! I had already booked a further visit from side stalls next week. I've broken the bank and booked a further visit, frontrow centre stalls for the following week. Events like this come along so rarely. I'm making the most of it, while I can. Have to admit - it's been nice reading all these reviews. Although I was definitely a doubter about Close 20 years later. I will add though, it's too bad you guys didn't get to see this with the original sets. The score, the story, the cast - those are essential - but the original set made it even more breathtaking. When Norma descended the stairs (as the mansion "flew" in) after saying "You There, why are you so late" - have goosebumps just remembering it I did get to see the original sets and yes I agree with yow. That hard staircase with a bust of Norma's head at the end. Sheer opulence. I still have the original brochures too.
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Post by Sue on Apr 16, 2016 8:19:40 GMT
Seeing this a week today...at last! Centre stalls, row N should give me a really good view as I like to see expressions, eyebrow lifts, subtle smirks, etc. Very excited!
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Post by ali973 on Apr 16, 2016 10:45:27 GMT
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Post by steve10086 on Apr 16, 2016 11:18:42 GMT
Can't wait to see this again. Two times so far, with three more to go.
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Post by goergoerson10 on Apr 16, 2016 12:24:17 GMT
A number of unnecessary comments on La Close's vocal abilities here. I really feel these people have totally missed the point.
No, she is not as vocally accomplished as others who have played the role, but she beats all others hands down.
What she is giving is much more than a 'musical theatre' performance, thank god. Her portrayal is complex and subtle, the acting sublime.
I feel that many people - particularly gay men - have a misconceived idea of what a woman - and Desmond - should be. They want drag queen histrionics. There's some misogyny in this. What Close presents is a delicate, highly-intelligent exploration of an aging woman. It's very beautiful - and truthful.
Look at her final scene. There are strong echoes of Ophelia's madness here. many have tried to do this and failed. Close pulls it off effortlessly. The results are breathtaking.
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Post by catqc on Apr 16, 2016 12:28:05 GMT
Can Lea Salonga please play Norma in 10 years or whatever
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Post by Deleted on Apr 16, 2016 12:34:23 GMT
A number of unnecessary comments on La Close's vocal abilities here. I really feel these people have totally missed the point. No, she is not as vocally accomplished as others who have played the role, but she beats all others hands down. What she is giving is much more than a 'musical theatre' performance, thank god. Her portrayal is complex and subtle, the acting sublime. I feel that many people - particularly gay men - have a misconceived idea of what a woman - and Desmond - should be. They want drag queen histrionics. There's some misogyny in this. What Close presents is a delicate, highly-intelligent exploration of an aging woman. It's very beautiful - and truthful. Look at her final scene. There are strong echoes of Ophelia's madness here. many have tried to do this and failed. Close pulls it off effortlessly. The results are breathtaking. Steady on, goer... There's a touch of the Sweeping in this post! We are all entitled to an opinion, aren't we? So she'll please some, but not all. And not all gay men want "drag queen..." I don't/won't. And as for "misogyny"... Well I don't think we'll even go there. (Glenn's not your mum, is she?)
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Post by loureviews on Apr 16, 2016 12:55:36 GMT
It is set in the 1950s. I think the casting is period specific.
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Post by ali973 on Apr 16, 2016 12:56:21 GMT
goergoerson10 makes a valid point. I think there is something to be said about lot of people want to see a caricature rather than an honest and subtle portrayal of a rather complex character.
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Post by ali973 on Apr 16, 2016 12:59:44 GMT
It is set in the 1950s. I think the casting is period specific. Just playing devil's advocate here--POC existed in the 50s. Not wanting this to turn into a Hamilton and Miss Saigon race-thread. I think the argument could go both ways; I'm not sure what the hiring policies were back in the 50s even with stagehands and assistants. But if it's "realism" the director wants, it really doesn't doesn't serve this argument the fact that there's barely any set and that very basic or makeshift props are used (in case of the organ Max plays, it doesn't even exist). If we are asked to suspend our disbelief, why can't we do that with the actors on stage as well? I think the author is making a point of blind casting.
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Apr 16, 2016 15:48:41 GMT
A number of unnecessary comments on La Close's vocal abilities here. I really feel these people have totally missed the point. No, she is not as vocally accomplished as others who have played the role, but she beats all others hands down. What she is giving is much more than a 'musical theatre' performance, thank god. Her portrayal is complex and subtle, the acting sublime. I feel that many people - particularly gay men - have a misconceived idea of what a woman - and Desmond - should be. They want drag queen histrionics. There's some misogyny in this. What Close presents is a delicate, highly-intelligent exploration of an aging woman. It's very beautiful - and truthful. Look at her final scene. There are strong echoes of Ophelia's madness here. many have tried to do this and failed. Close pulls it off effortlessly. The results are breathtaking. Steady on, goer... There's a touch of the Sweeping in this post! We are all entitled to an opinion, aren't we? So she'll please some, but not all. And not all gay men want "drag queen..." I don't/won't. And as for "mysogyny"... Well I don't think we'll even go there. (Glenn's not your mum, is she?) Y'know that bit in the film of Vctor Victoria when Julie Andrews is doing her first rehearsal for Jazz Hot, and Robert Preston says something like "Bigger! Bigger! I want to see tons more shoulder!"..... thats my favourite bit
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Post by goergoerson10 on Apr 16, 2016 16:32:12 GMT
Misogyny
Bloody auto-correct, dears! x
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Post by kathryn on Apr 16, 2016 16:51:13 GMT
goergoerson10 makes a valid point. I think there is something to be said about lot of people want to see a caricature rather than an honest and subtle portrayal of a rather complex character. Subtle?! In what universe was this subtle?! I've literally just seen it (from the back of the dress circle) and it certainly wasn't subtle from where I was sitting. Overall I enjoyed it, but it is a shame that she can't sing all the notes in her big numbers. I'm certainly in the minority here, judging by the rapturous curtain call (I left before the end of it because she was milking it just a bit too much for my taste). The orchestra sounded fab, though!
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Post by kathryn on Apr 16, 2016 17:39:47 GMT
Oh, and I'd like to take this moment to thank Michael Xavier's personal trainer and the costume designer who picked out those trunks.
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Post by kathryn on Apr 16, 2016 17:56:34 GMT
at last appreciated the Betty and Joe songs I rate "Too Much In Love To Care" one of my fave ALWs ever. It always sounds like his R&H tribute, and a very fine one. You could easily imagine it in one of their shows for sure. And they sing it so beautifully! I think it was my favourite moment in the show,
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Apr 16, 2016 18:14:06 GMT
goergoerson10 makes a valid point. I think there is something to be said about lot of people want to see a caricature rather than an honest and subtle portrayal of a rather complex character. Subtle?! In what universe was this subtle?!
I've literally just seen it (from the back of the dress circle) and it certainly wasn't subtle from where I was sitting. Overall I enjoyed it, but it is a shame that she can't sing all the notes in her big numbers. I'm certainly in the minority here, judging by the rapturous curtain call (I left before the end of it because she was milking it just a bit too much for my taste). The orchestra sounded fab, though! I think the line "And this time I'll be BIGGER!" Just about summed up Glenn's approach to the performance. And quite right too. When she made her entrance in that amazing crystal covered gown, and did the "I'm sexy come get me" pose on the stairs for Joe.... And when she came on in the black and white Studio outfit, the diamanté necklace and brooch were casting reflections round the stalls like lasers off a mirror-ball and almost took my eye out... Fab.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 16, 2016 18:18:44 GMT
Subtle?! In what universe was this subtle?!
I've literally just seen it (from the back of the dress circle) and it certainly wasn't subtle from where I was sitting. Overall I enjoyed it, but it is a shame that she can't sing all the notes in her big numbers. I'm certainly in the minority here, judging by the rapturous curtain call (I left before the end of it because she was milking it just a bit too much for my taste). The orchestra sounded fab, though! I think the line "And this time I'll be BIGGER!" Just about summed up Glenn's approach to the performance. And quite right too. When she made her entrance in that amazing crystal covered gown, and did the "I'm sexy come get me" pose on the stairs for Joe.... And when she came on in the black and white Studio outfit, the diamanté necklace and brooch were casting reflections round the stalls like lasers off a mirror-ball and almost took my eye out... Fab. You're not on the turn, are you, BurlyBeaR? (Could be too many Pot Noodles. Try cutting back to three a day...)
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Post by goergoerson10 on Apr 16, 2016 19:09:12 GMT
I'm sorry, but anyone who can not appreciate what La Close is doing in this role really has very low-brow taste.
I shall say this again: this is far greater than a 'musical theatre' performance - thank the dear Lord.
A fine evening to one and all - even the philistines among you.
With kind regards,
Goer Goerson.
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Post by kathryn on Apr 16, 2016 19:48:53 GMT
Terribly low-brow, me. And proud of it!
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Post by catqc on Apr 16, 2016 21:14:59 GMT
Has anyone sat in stalls seats 1? Am considering splashing out on F1 but not sure if there'll be a restricted view...thanks! Alternative is front of upper circle - is the view there good enough to balance out lack of legroom?
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Post by goergoerson10 on Apr 16, 2016 23:21:27 GMT
I was in the stalls for opening night. Row N. Excellent seats. Dress Circle row D very good too. I'll be in row A stalls on Monday. Avoid the upper circle like the plague, dear - you'll miss all of Glennis's facial expressions.
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Post by welsh_tenor on Apr 16, 2016 23:45:29 GMT
Having never seen the show before I thought it was great, I really loved it.
Siobhan was a treat that I've never heard before and she added so much to show. Loved Michael too!
But... What can I say though... Glenn Close - absolutely outstanding! I won't repeat what others have said about the vocal but having never seen the show her vocals added so much to the interpretation of the faded star - and WOW - what a masterclass in acting!
As soon as Ms Close came on stage you felt her presence, and after With One Look you knew you were part of something special!
Get tickets if you haven't already.... It actually is the theatre event of the year!
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Post by alece10 on Apr 17, 2016 6:42:40 GMT
Got my ticket for bank holiday Monday. Had choice of Row A stalls or Row C stalls end of row which was cheaper. Couldn't decide so phoned box office. Really helpful lady suggested the Row C seat which is what I have gone for. Saw it last week from the dress so it will be great to be closer now. I have now blown my monthly theatre budget by seeing this twice, but what the hell, you are dead for a long time.
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Post by theatremiss on Apr 17, 2016 7:14:51 GMT
I went to yesterday's matinee. I need to go back. I was mesmerised by Glose, what a star. Absolute shivers down my spine, I really believed her emotions and downfall. Bravo
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