4,603 posts
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Post by Mark on Aug 4, 2021 10:54:04 GMT
I hope it’s a hit, and that we manage to tempt Sutton back in the future for another show. She seems pretty blown away by the reaction so far and seems to be making the most of London, judging by her Instagram. I really hope we'll get her back for something else in the future. How Does Jackman/Foster in Music Man for a summer season at the London Palladium sound? Can dream can't we!
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Post by sfsusan on Aug 4, 2021 11:11:24 GMT
I’d say from a pacing point of view it’s a shame that Blow Gabriel Blow comes so soon after the interval and Anything Goes, sort of squashing all the really OTT song and dance into a small central section of the show. I totally agree. The second half doesn't 'fizz' as much as the first, but people still left the theater humming and whistling. (Speaking of leaving the theater, that has to be the most confusing and poorly-signed venue in London. They show directions to the riverside terrace and the parking garage, but exiting to the 'front' you have to know to look for the Curve.)
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Post by sfsusan on Aug 4, 2021 11:13:22 GMT
Bear with me while I try to delete an unwanted post.
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7,583 posts
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Post by alece10 on Aug 4, 2021 11:14:17 GMT
I was watching an interview with Sutton and Robert yesterday and they said that the audience reaction was mad for the first 3 performances byt it had quietened down since.
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316 posts
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Post by ABr on Aug 4, 2021 11:39:58 GMT
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185 posts
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Post by harry on Aug 4, 2021 11:41:28 GMT
I was watching an interview with Sutton and Robert yesterday and they said that the audience reaction was mad for the first 3 performances byt it had quietened down since. If last night is anything to go by, they've un-quietened again! A cheer for the conductor before the show even started, a cheer for Sutton Foster's first entrance, a standing ovation for Anything Goes at the Act 1 curtain, a standing ovation for Blow Gabriel Blow in the middle of Act 2, a standing ovation as soon as the first of the ensemble dancers took their curtain call right through to the company leaving the stage, big cheers for all the other numbers, especially long and loud applause for You're The Top, Friendship and Gypsy in Me. I really don't think the cast were in any doubt that the audience were loving it!
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185 posts
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Post by harry on Aug 4, 2021 11:47:30 GMT
I was watching an interview with Sutton and Robert yesterday and they said that the audience reaction was mad for the first 3 performances byt it had quietened down since. If last night is anything to go by, they've un-quietened again! A cheer for the conductor before the show even started, a cheer for Sutton Foster's first entrance, a standing ovation for Anything Goes at the Act 1 curtain, a standing ovation for Blow Gabriel Blow in the middle of Act 2, a standing ovation as soon as the first of the ensemble dancers took their curtain call right through to the company leaving the stage, big cheers for all the other numbers, especially long and loud applause for You're The Top, Friendship and Gypsy in Me. I really don't think the cast were in any doubt that the audience were loving it! P.S. Reading that back it might read like I was being snarky or disparaging or disbelieving of your original comment which wasn't at all my intention - I just meant to say that if Sutton and Robert felt worried that they had quietened down a bit after the first few shows, I don't think they'll be feeling that anymore.
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Post by fiyerorocher on Aug 4, 2021 11:52:15 GMT
I'm tempted to get tickets to this based on the reviews here, but I've also seen it likened to the recent 42nd Street a lot - as someone who though the best part of that production was the fact you would always get upgraded from the cheapest seats to top price stalls, should I give this a miss? How similar is it? So many shows to see and so little money and time, so if it's very similar to 42nd Street in terms of style and tone then I will probably look elsewhere.
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3,081 posts
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Post by Dr Tom on Aug 4, 2021 12:10:37 GMT
I'm tempted to get tickets to this based on the reviews here, but I've also seen it likened to the recent 42nd Street a lot - as someone who though the best part of that production was the fact you would always get upgraded from the cheapest seats to top price stalls, should I give this a miss? How similar is it? So many shows to see and so little money and time, so if it's very similar to 42nd Street in terms of style and tone then I will probably look elsewhere. It is very similar, even down to a lot of the ensemble having been in 42nd Street (or, if not, another big dance based show). There is slightly more plot to Anything Goes, but not much more. Music wise, I prefer 42nd Street, but it is all from a similar era.
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802 posts
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Post by stuartmcd on Aug 4, 2021 12:53:21 GMT
I'm tempted to get tickets to this based on the reviews here, but I've also seen it likened to the recent 42nd Street a lot - as someone who though the best part of that production was the fact you would always get upgraded from the cheapest seats to top price stalls, should I give this a miss? How similar is it? So many shows to see and so little money and time, so if it's very similar to 42nd Street in terms of style and tone then I will probably look elsewhere. For me personally I could appreciate the spectacle of 42nd Street and the incredible dancing however I did not like the plot or music at all really. But I’ve always loved Anything Goes and this production and cast is spectacular. I’d say go for it.
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Post by fiyerorocher on Aug 4, 2021 13:29:26 GMT
I'm tempted to get tickets to this based on the reviews here, but I've also seen it likened to the recent 42nd Street a lot - as someone who though the best part of that production was the fact you would always get upgraded from the cheapest seats to top price stalls, should I give this a miss? How similar is it? So many shows to see and so little money and time, so if it's very similar to 42nd Street in terms of style and tone then I will probably look elsewhere. For me personally I could appreciate the spectacle of 42nd Street and the incredible dancing however I did not like the plot or music at all really. But I’ve always loved Anything Goes and this production and cast is spectacular. I’d say go for it. I fully acknowledge and respect the skill and hard work of the dancers, I just felt like the plot of 42nd Street has aged poorly and certain parts left a rather sour taste. I'll see if I can get cheap day seats for Anything Goes, perhaps. See if the years have been any kinder to it! Thank you to the both of you for weighing in!
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4,631 posts
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Post by Phantom of London on Aug 4, 2021 13:50:47 GMT
Now it has been extended, it would be a treat to get Stephanie J Block over to close the show, for the remaining few weeks.
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115 posts
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Post by MusicalTalk on Aug 4, 2021 14:58:13 GMT
I'm tempted to get tickets to this based on the reviews here, but I've also seen it likened to the recent 42nd Street a lot - as someone who though the best part of that production was the fact you would always get upgraded from the cheapest seats to top price stalls, should I give this a miss? How similar is it? So many shows to see and so little money and time, so if it's very similar to 42nd Street in terms of style and tone then I will probably look elsewhere. It is very similar, even down to a lot of the ensemble having been in 42nd Street (or, if not, another big dance based show). There is slightly more plot to Anything Goes, but not much more. Music wise, I prefer 42nd Street, but it is all from a similar era. yes - this is more farcical than 42nd Street and is way less tap heavy (AG really only has one tap number). This doesn't offer the spectacle that 42nd Street had/has - as the set is quite limited (a bar, the deck and a few indoor areas of the ship) To me Sutton Foster seemed a bit dead-behind-the-eyes and her voice wasn't that pleasant to listen to - but she sure can move and the ensemble and orchestra are working so hard to provide a wonderful result. So - yes - it's the same era as 42nd Street - but different in tone, presentation and style.
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1,193 posts
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Post by theatrelover123 on Aug 4, 2021 16:22:29 GMT
My thoughts:
4 out of 5. Traditional. All very safe. The set/staging you would expect. Well danced in the two big songs but not much else to comment on dance wise. Singing pretty good but inconsistent. Lovely 4 part harmonies. Acting a mix. Costumes lovely. Wilmot, Kendal and Lindsay all did their usual schtick. Lindsay's ad libs clearly scripted. Sutton Foster talented and looked fabulous in her array of costumes but looked slightly dead behind the eyes and going through the motions in lots of places. She was more talented than others on the stage - but I think I preferred Sally Ann Triplett (and most of that NT cast in fact). Foster's singing was up and down and I was never 100% comfortable with how her voice sounded. Maybe her voice is tired. Some of the leads and character actors quite poor. The show is quite imbalanced as it has some fantastic songs in Act 1 and BGB in Act 2 but then has a stretch of quite tedious songs after BGB so it dips a lot. Thank God for Anything Goes and Blow Gabriel Blow. I genuinely don't think that those numbers would have gotten their audience reactions if this wasn't out just after a long period of lockdown. Had a great seat in middle of row F of stalls but wouldn’t want to be much further back or higher as it was quite hard to hear some of the dialogue and diction in places. Lots of lighthearted fun generally but I'm not convinced it's a 5 star raves show.
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360 posts
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Post by thebroadwayboy on Aug 4, 2021 21:22:03 GMT
You know Sutton has not been on stage for ages
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360 posts
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Post by thebroadwayboy on Aug 4, 2021 21:22:28 GMT
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Post by grannyjx6 on Aug 4, 2021 21:27:54 GMT
Oh blimey, I’ve just booked two tickets on the extended run. Oh well, I do like the Barbican.
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Post by inthenose on Aug 4, 2021 21:30:23 GMT
5* rave from the Telegraph I expect it to be like this across the board. So far ahead of everything else right now, as ceebee says.
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869 posts
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Post by karloscar on Aug 4, 2021 23:07:52 GMT
My thoughts: 4 out of 5. Traditional. All very safe. The set/staging you would expect. Well danced in the two big songs but not much else to comment on dance wise. Singing pretty good but inconsistent. Lovely 4 part harmonies. Acting a mix. Costumes lovely. Wilmot, Kendal and Lindsay all did their usual schtick. Lindsay's ad libs clearly scripted. Sutton Foster talented and looked fabulous in her array of costumes but looked slightly dead behind the eyes and going through the motions in lots of places. She was more talented than others on the stage - but I think I preferred Sally Ann Triplett (and most of that NT cast in fact). Foster's singing was up and down and I was never 100% comfortable with how her voice sounded. Maybe her voice is tired. Some of the leads and character actors quite poor. The show is quite imbalanced as it has some fantastic songs in Act 1 and BGB in Act 2 but then has a stretch of quite tedious songs after BGB so it dips a lot. Thank God for Anything Goes and Blow Gabriel Blow. I genuinely don't think that those numbers would have gotten their audience reactions if this wasn't out just after a long period of lockdown. Had a great seat in middle of row F of stalls but wouldn’t want to be much further back or higher as it was quite hard to hear some of the dialogue and diction in places. Lots of lighthearted fun generally but I'm not convinced it's a 5 star raves show. As much as I admire Sutton Foster as a performer, I've never felt totally engaged with any character she's playing, and as a singer she rarely delivers emotionally. Jonathan Groff pretending to be Sutton Foster is somehow more fun and more endearing than the real thing. Hey, maybe he could play Reno for the last few weeks of the run...
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2,823 posts
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Post by ceebee on Aug 4, 2021 23:16:12 GMT
My thoughts: 4 out of 5. Traditional. All very safe. The set/staging you would expect. Well danced in the two big songs but not much else to comment on dance wise. Singing pretty good but inconsistent. Lovely 4 part harmonies. Acting a mix. Costumes lovely. Wilmot, Kendal and Lindsay all did their usual schtick. Lindsay's ad libs clearly scripted. Sutton Foster talented and looked fabulous in her array of costumes but looked slightly dead behind the eyes and going through the motions in lots of places. She was more talented than others on the stage - but I think I preferred Sally Ann Triplett (and most of that NT cast in fact). Foster's singing was up and down and I was never 100% comfortable with how her voice sounded. Maybe her voice is tired. Some of the leads and character actors quite poor. The show is quite imbalanced as it has some fantastic songs in Act 1 and BGB in Act 2 but then has a stretch of quite tedious songs after BGB so it dips a lot. Thank God for Anything Goes and Blow Gabriel Blow. I genuinely don't think that those numbers would have gotten their audience reactions if this wasn't out just after a long period of lockdown. Had a great seat in middle of row F of stalls but wouldn’t want to be much further back or higher as it was quite hard to hear some of the dialogue and diction in places. Lots of lighthearted fun generally but I'm not convinced it's a 5 star raves show. The reviews out in the last few hours say differently... 5 stars across the board so far...
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Post by sfsusan on Aug 4, 2021 23:28:40 GMT
As much as I admire Sutton Foster as a performer, I've never felt totally engaged with any character she's playing, and as a singer she rarely delivers emotionally. I see what you're saying, and I don't think those are weaknesses in this role. The play isn't designed to engage with the audience on any deep emotional or intellectual level, other than pure enjoyment.
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Post by danb on Aug 5, 2021 5:35:10 GMT
My thoughts: 4 out of 5. Traditional. All very safe. The set/staging you would expect. Well danced in the two big songs but not much else to comment on dance wise. Singing pretty good but inconsistent. Lovely 4 part harmonies. Acting a mix. Costumes lovely. Wilmot, Kendal and Lindsay all did their usual schtick. Lindsay's ad libs clearly scripted. Sutton Foster talented and looked fabulous in her array of costumes but looked slightly dead behind the eyes and going through the motions in lots of places. She was more talented than others on the stage - but I think I preferred Sally Ann Triplett (and most of that NT cast in fact). Foster's singing was up and down and I was never 100% comfortable with how her voice sounded. Maybe her voice is tired. Some of the leads and character actors quite poor. The show is quite imbalanced as it has some fantastic songs in Act 1 and BGB in Act 2 but then has a stretch of quite tedious songs after BGB so it dips a lot. Thank God for Anything Goes and Blow Gabriel Blow. I genuinely don't think that those numbers would have gotten their audience reactions if this wasn't out just after a long period of lockdown. Had a great seat in middle of row F of stalls but wouldn’t want to be much further back or higher as it was quite hard to hear some of the dialogue and diction in places. Lots of lighthearted fun generally but I'm not convinced it's a 5 star raves show. The reviews out in the last few hours say differently... 5 stars across the board so far... But they are Theatre Lovers thoughts that they are more than entitled to. Let’s not create conflict where there isn’t any eh? ♥️
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1,193 posts
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Post by theatrelover123 on Aug 5, 2021 6:27:32 GMT
The reviews out in the last few hours say differently... 5 stars across the board so far... But they are Theatre Lovers thoughts that they are more than entitled to. Let’s not create conflict where there isn’t any eh? ♥️ Exactly, danb. I’m getting quite bored of ceebee challenging other people’s views when they don’t chime with his. Quite quite bored. And yet it keeps happening. Sigh
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Post by danb on Aug 5, 2021 6:35:07 GMT
But they are Theatre Lovers thoughts that they are more than entitled to. Let’s not create conflict where there isn’t any eh? ♥️ Exactly, danb. I’m getting quite bored of ceebee challenging other people’s views when they don’t chime with his. Quite quite bored. And yet it keeps happening. Sigh But let’s not create conflict where there isn’t any.
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7,583 posts
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Post by alece10 on Aug 5, 2021 7:22:26 GMT
My thoughts: 4 out of 5. Traditional. All very safe. The set/staging you would expect. Well danced in the two big songs but not much else to comment on dance wise. Singing pretty good but inconsistent. Lovely 4 part harmonies. Acting a mix. Costumes lovely. Wilmot, Kendal and Lindsay all did their usual schtick. Lindsay's ad libs clearly scripted. Sutton Foster talented and looked fabulous in her array of costumes but looked slightly dead behind the eyes and going through the motions in lots of places. She was more talented than others on the stage - but I think I preferred Sally Ann Triplett (and most of that NT cast in fact). Foster's singing was up and down and I was never 100% comfortable with how her voice sounded. Maybe her voice is tired. Some of the leads and character actors quite poor. The show is quite imbalanced as it has some fantastic songs in Act 1 and BGB in Act 2 but then has a stretch of quite tedious songs after BGB so it dips a lot. Thank God for Anything Goes and Blow Gabriel Blow. I genuinely don't think that those numbers would have gotten their audience reactions if this wasn't out just after a long period of lockdown. Had a great seat in middle of row F of stalls but wouldn’t want to be much further back or higher as it was quite hard to hear some of the dialogue and diction in places. Lots of lighthearted fun generally but I'm not convinced it's a 5 star raves show. As much as I admire Sutton Foster as a performer, I've never felt totally engaged with any character she's playing, and as a singer she rarely delivers emotionally. Jonathan Groff pretending to be Sutton Foster is somehow more fun and more endearing than the real thing. Hey, maybe he could play Reno for the last few weeks of the run... The video of Jonathan Groff is one of my all time favourites and whenever I need cheering up I watch it. Utterly brilliant and he so could be Reno. I'd love to see that. My only gripe is the pronunciation of the word "khaki", means something totally different here in the UK. 😀
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869 posts
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Post by karloscar on Aug 5, 2021 9:48:55 GMT
As much as I admire Sutton Foster as a performer, I've never felt totally engaged with any character she's playing, and as a singer she rarely delivers emotionally. I see what you're saying, and I don't think those are weaknesses in this role. The play isn't designed to engage with the audience on any deep emotional or intellectual level, other than pure enjoyment. It's the kind of role she's great for no doubt, but even the frothy superficial roles need a bit of heart. Looking ahead, she wouldn't be in my top five actresses to play Marion in The Music Man as Till There Was You and My White Knight need a special touch of vocal magic to work well.
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Post by inthenose on Aug 5, 2021 10:14:39 GMT
As much as I admire Sutton Foster as a performer, I've never felt totally engaged with any character she's playing, and as a singer she rarely delivers emotionally. Jonathan Groff pretending to be Sutton Foster is somehow more fun and more endearing than the real thing. Hey, maybe he could play Reno for the last few weeks of the run... The video of Jonathan Groff is one of my all time favourites and whenever I need cheering up I watch it. Utterly brilliant and he so could be Reno. I'd love to see that. My only gripe is the pronunciation of the word "khaki", means something totally different here in the UK. 😀 Yes indeed! "I'm wearing khaki pants" is a very, very bad thing in the UK...
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Post by craig on Aug 5, 2021 10:31:42 GMT
Can definitely appreciate that Sutton isn't for everyone, but warmth is one of the things I think she has in spades. I don't understand the "dead behind the eyes" criticism at all.
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42 posts
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Post by ruggerlad on Aug 5, 2021 10:40:27 GMT
Can definitely appreciate that Sutton isn't for everyone, but warmth is one of the things I think she has in spades. I don't understand the "dead behind the eyes" criticism at all. Me neither. I think there’s loads of moments where warmth just drips off the stage with her
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Post by theatrelover123 on Aug 5, 2021 11:15:15 GMT
Can definitely appreciate that Sutton isn't for everyone, but warmth is one of the things I think she has in spades. I don't understand the "dead behind the eyes" criticism at all. Me neither. I think there’s loads of moments where warmth just drips off the stage with her Fair point. I think 'dead behind the eyes' was a little too strong. She definitely looked tired and/or zoned out for many numbers the other night which meant she was underpowered in places. In many of her numbers she did seem like she was just going through the motions and not adding much to give it some spark. Not in everything. She was warm and charming and talented for most of it - but it wasn't always an even performance when I saw it.
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