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Post by distantcousin on Oct 4, 2023 15:09:37 GMT
WELL, I saw the show last night. A 3 star - JUST - from me.
I went into this blindly - other than knowing the subject matter and the huge buzz around it - and wanted to love it, but just found it too flawed to embrace it.
I really wish I had listened to the music first because that was the biggest source of my disappointment. So, SO "21st century Broadway" - that bland, soft rock musical pallete that seems to apply to most musicals written since "Rent". The screechy, belt-orientated vocals too - incredibly grating on me!
There was very little that was truly theatrical satisfying about the show apart from the son's role. That was the only truly interesting element of the whole show, for me.
For a character that was mainly supposed to be experience bipolar disorder, I'm puzzled they (the director, or the writers- don't know as I haven't seen any other production) choose to focus on her depressive characteristics instead. Making Diana so shut down and numb most of the time - having a lead character with those qualities is a struggle to connect with.
I cared more about Dan. The daughter was just annoying most of the time. But I get that me as a 40 something man with no children is unlikely to relate to a 16 year old girl too. Which is why I found the subplot so unengaging. I would rather they showed more of Diana's experiences out in the world - she didn't seem to have a life beyond her home or the various healthcare facilities. I found that frustratingly limiting to the story (or lack of).
There was some very interesting, affecting and enjoyable dialogue and lyrics here and there. I wish there had been more. Instead, much of the lyrics were very predictable (I found myself pre-empting the lines in my head)
The performances were all round superb (with the material they had to work with - the Pulitzer prize accolade is baffling to me - but perhaps it's the inherently American style of the piece that I didn't connect with. I think I may have enjoyed it more had it been set in the UK/British characters)
I will revisit the cast recording as I feel there were a handful of good numbers (although there were just TOO.MANY.SONGS - not enough time for the piece to breathe)
Pretty much full standing ovation, and I can probably see why this show has become such a cult show people obsess about - because it does hit a lot of contemporary musical theatre sweet spots. Lots of sobs around me, but I felt strangely unmoved. If we'd had more of an insight into Diana, I might have felt for her some more about her plight.
But this was not really for me. It could have been so much better to me, if executed differently.
NB. Having read the comments I had no issues with Jamie Parker's singing. I thought it was excellent - maybe some of you are wedded the the original cast recording? Ironically from reading into previous comments, this does seem to be more a "singer's show" and the acting seems secondary to the audience.
I've since read The Guardian review and pretty much agree with every point they make.
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1,997 posts
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Post by distantcousin on Oct 4, 2023 16:50:58 GMT
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Post by c4ndyc4ne on Oct 4, 2023 17:03:07 GMT
small reminder that paywalls can keep journalism going, especially arts criticism, where numbers have been dwindling. otherwise we'd lose a lot of our best!
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Post by intoanewlife on Oct 4, 2023 17:05:38 GMT
small reminder that paywalls can keep journalism going, especially arts criticism, where numbers have been dwindling. otherwise we'd lose a lot of our best! Yes the Murdoch organisation is badly in need of funding... |
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Post by intoanewlife on Oct 4, 2023 17:11:47 GMT
WELL, I saw the show last night. A 3 star - JUST - from me. I went into this blindly - other than knowing the subject matter and the huge buzz around it - and wanted to love it, but just found it too flawed to embrace it. I really wish I had listened to the music first because that was the biggest source of my disappointment. So, SO "21st century Broadway" - that bland, soft rock musical pallete that seems to apply to most musicals written since "Rent". The screechy, belt-orientated vocals too - incredibly grating on me! There was very little that was truly theatrical satisfying about the show apart from the son's role. That was the only truly interesting element of the whole show, for me. For a character that was mainly supposed to be experience bipolar disorder, I'm puzzled they (the director, or the writers- don't know as I haven't seen any other production) choose to focus on her depressive characteristics instead. Making Diana so shut down and numb most of the time - having a lead character with those qualities is a struggle to connect with. I cared more about Dan. The daughter was just annoying most of the time. But I get that me as a 40 something man with no children is unlikely to relate to a 16 year old girl too. Which is why I found the subplot so unengaging. I would rather they showed more of Diana's experiences out in the world - she didn't seem to have a life beyond her home or the various healthcare facilities. I found that frustratingly limiting to the story (or lack of). There was some very interesting, affecting and enjoyable dialogue and lyrics here and there. I wish there had been more. Instead, much of the lyrics were very predictable (I found myself pre-empting the lines in my head) The performances were all round superb (with the material they had to work with - the Pulitzer prize accolade is baffling to me - but perhaps it's the inherently American style of the piece that I didn't connect with. I think I may have enjoyed it more had it been set in the UK/British characters) I will revisit the cast recording as I feel there were a handful of good numbers (although there were just TOO.MANY.SONGS - not enough time for the piece to breathe) Pretty much full standing ovation, and I can probably see why this show has become such a cult show people obsess about - because it does hit a lot of contemporary musical theatre sweet spots. Lots of sobs around me, but I felt strangely unmoved. If we'd had more of an insight into Diana, I might have felt for her some more about her plight. But this was not really for me. It could have been so much better to me, if executed differently. NB. Having read the comments I had no issues with Jamie Parker's singing. I thought it was excellent - maybe some of you are wedded the the original cast recording? Ironically from reading into previous comments, this does seem to be more a "singer's show" and the acting seems secondary to the audience. I've since read The Guardian review and pretty much agree with every point they make. Seems we pretty much agreed on everything, only your score was far too generous  I will be even less impressed if this transfers when A Bands Visit which sold better, got better reviews and was an infinitely better show is gone forever while this soulless, joyless mess gets to live on... |
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Post by punxsutawney on Oct 4, 2023 18:03:22 GMT
I will be even less impressed if this transfers when A Bands Visit which sold better, got better reviews and was an infinitely better show is gone forever while this soulless, joyless mess gets to live on... Don't know how you can sell better than being sold out before the run even begins... |
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Post by zsazsa on Oct 4, 2023 20:18:10 GMT
There seem to have been many sold out, critically acclaimed productions at the Donmar that never got a London transfer. Parade comes to mind.
I really do hope this gets a transfer and I imagine the Olivier Awards will help its case.
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Post by curiouskc on Oct 4, 2023 21:27:54 GMT
I really do hope this gets a transfer and I imagine the Olivier Awards will help its case. I think someone said several pages back that if it does transfer to a larger West End theatre it'll be in summer 2024 and if at that point they can be promoting 'Caissie Levy in her Olivier Award winning role' (with maybe a few supporting actor and production gongs too) then it'll be all the better for another sell out run. Speaking of the great supporting performers, I hear Ellie is still not back - hope she's well enough to return before closing night! |
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Post by doornumberthree on Oct 4, 2023 22:03:22 GMT
I really do hope this gets a transfer and I imagine the Olivier Awards will help its case. I think someone said several pages back that if it does transfer to a larger West End theatre it'll be in summer 2024 and if at that point they can be promoting 'Caissie Levy in her Olivier Award winning role' (with maybe a few supporting actor and production gongs too) then it'll be all the better for another sell out run. Speaking of the great supporting performers, I hear Ellie is still not back - hope she's well enough to return before closing night! My heart is breaking for her, I hope she’s well enough to do the final two shows at least. I think she might be back tomorrow night hopefully |
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Post by theoracle on Oct 4, 2023 22:15:23 GMT
I do think this would get lost in a bigger venue though - part of the charm of this piece is the intimacy, being able to sit around the family kitchen watching these characters unfold. Is it possible that this could get a second run next year at the Donmar, considering demand for tickets are still high? Maybe for a limited 6 week run? I would just really like a cast recording - the Broadway cast recording just doesn’t sound the same after hearing this cast. Would love to listen to Jack Wolfe’s vocals on the go and Caissie’s I Miss The Mountains just sounds that bit sadder
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Post by mrbarnaby on Oct 4, 2023 22:35:50 GMT
I do think this would get lost in a bigger venue though - part of the charm of this piece is the intimacy, being able to sit around the family kitchen watching these characters unfold. Is it possible that this could get a second run next year at the Donmar, considering demand for tickets are still high? Maybe for a limited 6 week run? I would just really like a cast recording - the Broadway cast recording just doesn’t sound the same after hearing this cast. Would love to listen to Jack Wolfe’s vocals on the go and Caissie’s I Miss The Mountains just sounds that bit sadder There is absolutely no financial sense in transferring this for only 6 weeks. |
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Post by Jon on Oct 4, 2023 23:24:13 GMT
I do think this would get lost in a bigger venue though - part of the charm of this piece is the intimacy, being able to sit around the family kitchen watching these characters unfold. Is it possible that this could get a second run next year at the Donmar, considering demand for tickets are still high? Maybe for a limited 6 week run? I would just really like a cast recording - the Broadway cast recording just doesn’t sound the same after hearing this cast. Would love to listen to Jack Wolfe’s vocals on the go and Caissie’s I Miss The Mountains just sounds that bit sadder There is absolutely no financial sense in transferring this for only 6 weeks. I agree, musicals are expensive to put on and run so they'd need at least 13-16 weeks minimum. |
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Post by eatbigsea on Oct 4, 2023 23:44:44 GMT
I thought this was very moving. Graham Norton was in the house, which caused something of a buzz. Caissie Levy was phenomenal, I thought as strong an actor as a singer. Jamie Parker’s acting was stupendous, except for his American accent which was sometimes weirdly twangy, and I remember his NY accent in Guys and Dolls years ago being much stronger. Lucy Munden was in as Natalie and was great on all counts. For me, though, Jack Wolfe was the highlight, what a voice, what a star!
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1,997 posts
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Post by distantcousin on Oct 5, 2023 10:45:16 GMT
I really do hope this gets a transfer and I imagine the Olivier Awards will help its case. I think someone said several pages back that if it does transfer to a larger West End theatre it'll be in summer 2024 and if at that point they can be promoting 'Caissie Levy in her Olivier Award winning role' (with maybe a few supporting actor and production gongs too) then it'll be all the better for another sell out run. Speaking of the great supporting performers, I hear Ellie is still not back - hope she's well enough to return before closing night!
We had the understudy on Tuesday.
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Post by toomasj on Oct 5, 2023 12:14:16 GMT
Ellie is really quite lovely looking too, (not that Lucy Munden isn’t, of course!) - “you look like a star, a vision in blue” has never been more correct in this show.
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Post by dinah on Oct 5, 2023 12:59:22 GMT
WELL, I saw the show last night. A 3 star - JUST - from me. I went into this blindly - other than knowing the subject matter and the huge buzz around it - and wanted to love it, but just found it too flawed to embrace it. I really wish I had listened to the music first because that was the biggest source of my disappointment. So, SO "21st century Broadway" - that bland, soft rock musical pallete that seems to apply to most musicals written since "Rent". The screechy, belt-orientated vocals too - incredibly grating on me! There was very little that was truly theatrical satisfying about the show apart from the son's role. That was the only truly interesting element of the whole show, for me. For a character that was mainly supposed to be experience bipolar disorder, I'm puzzled they (the director, or the writers- don't know as I haven't seen any other production) choose to focus on her depressive characteristics instead. Making Diana so shut down and numb most of the time - having a lead character with those qualities is a struggle to connect with. I cared more about Dan. The daughter was just annoying most of the time. But I get that me as a 40 something man with no children is unlikely to relate to a 16 year old girl too. Which is why I found the subplot so unengaging. I would rather they showed more of Diana's experiences out in the world - she didn't seem to have a life beyond her home or the various healthcare facilities. I found that frustratingly limiting to the story (or lack of). There was some very interesting, affecting and enjoyable dialogue and lyrics here and there. I wish there had been more. Instead, much of the lyrics were very predictable (I found myself pre-empting the lines in my head) The performances were all round superb (with the material they had to work with - the Pulitzer prize accolade is baffling to me - but perhaps it's the inherently American style of the piece that I didn't connect with. I think I may have enjoyed it more had it been set in the UK/British characters) I will revisit the cast recording as I feel there were a handful of good numbers (although there were just TOO.MANY.SONGS - not enough time for the piece to breathe) Pretty much full standing ovation, and I can probably see why this show has become such a cult show people obsess about - because it does hit a lot of contemporary musical theatre sweet spots. Lots of sobs around me, but I felt strangely unmoved. If we'd had more of an insight into Diana, I might have felt for her some more about her plight. But this was not really for me. It could have been so much better to me, if executed differently. NB. Having read the comments I had no issues with Jamie Parker's singing. I thought it was excellent - maybe some of you are wedded the the original cast recording? Ironically from reading into previous comments, this does seem to be more a "singer's show" and the acting seems secondary to the audience. I've since read The Guardian review and pretty much agree with every point they make. Saw this last Friday and think this sums up some of my general feelings towards the show too - would also give it a 3 star. Couldn't fault the performances or the production but I didn't really enjoy the material, particularly the second half which just felt very bleak. In general, it all reminded me a lot of Dear Evan Hansen. Always a bit of a weird experience to not feel much emotionally when you can hear people sobbing around you. Glad that people are getting a lot more out of it than I did; the audience seemed to love it. |
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Post by c4ndyc4ne on Oct 5, 2023 13:02:22 GMT
Ellie is really quite lovely looking too, (not that Lucy Munden isn’t, of course!) - “you look like a star, a vision in blue” has never been more correct in this show. 😳 |
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Post by Being Alive on Oct 5, 2023 14:11:06 GMT
Ellie is really quite lovely looking too, (not that Lucy Munden isn’t, of course!) - “you look like a star, a vision in blue” has never been more correct in this show. 😳 Was gonna leave this, but I also pulled that face... |
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Post by toomasj on Oct 5, 2023 16:23:58 GMT
She doesn’t wear wolf ears, I suppose…
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Post by jaggedlittlepie on Oct 5, 2023 16:51:51 GMT
Ellie was back for the matinee today! Glad I got to see the show again before it closes, fingers crossed for a transfer
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Post by strawberrypie on Oct 5, 2023 17:08:11 GMT
I managed to snag a return ticket for tonight, alas for one of those god awful standing tickets. So mainly going for the audio experience lol. Glad I'll get to hear Eleanor again after having seen Lucy (great in her own way, very different take on the role!).
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5,148 posts
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Post by Being Alive on Oct 5, 2023 17:32:01 GMT
I managed to snag a return ticket for tonight, alas for one of those god awful standing tickets. So mainly going for the audio experience lol. Glad I'll get to hear Eleanor again after having seen Lucy (great in her own way, very different take on the role!). Stand on one of the far ends and you're all good for sightlines |
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Post by toomasj on Oct 5, 2023 18:49:03 GMT
Was gonna leave this, but I also pulled that face... Is it only men who can be complimented for their appearance? About six people commented on Bradley Jaden’s physical appearance in the Sondheim thread. Seems awfully sexist |
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Post by danb on Oct 5, 2023 20:36:48 GMT
Was gonna leave this, but I also pulled that face... Is it only men who can be complimented for their appearance? About six people commented on Bradley Jaden’s physical appearance in the Sondheim thread. Seems awfully sexist Oh my. This is akin to people that say “They don’t have white lives matter do they?”. Even this old fart can recognise that the two dynamics are massively different. I doubt very much that MrJaden feels sexually threatened by people eyeing him up. How can it possibly be the same? |
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Post by Deleted on Oct 5, 2023 20:50:10 GMT
If it is okay for one gender then it should be okay for other genders. If it's not okay for one its not okay for another.
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