185 posts
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Post by MoreLife on Jul 27, 2023 17:28:48 GMT
The Donmar didn’t need to cast a name. It was guaranteed to sell out regardless of who played the role. Also if she were to act the song as it will be done in the show- it may just come across badly/OTT. This is just advertising. Agreed! Look at the set-up, the golden mic, the all-acoustic arrangement, the candles burning... it's clearly meant to be a pretty-looking, pretty-sounding video, not a preview of how the number will be performed in the context of the show. And as far as advertising goes, it's classy AF! At the same time, I believe it also hints at the fact that this production of "Next to normal" will so not be a carbon copy of the original Broadway production, and it would be wrong to go in expecting it to be, or looking for Alice Ripley's Diana in Caissie Levy's performance. Let's focus on vocals, to begin with. Caissie's tone is very different to Alice's, but even beyond that, her way of using her instrument is less "rock" and more "indie", if you get what I mean. Alice will intentionally add a touch of growl / rasp to her vocals, and tends to use a chest-rich belt quality on her high notes, while Caissie will often play with vocal fry, falsetto, she will at times yodel between head and chest voice, and most of her high notes are typically sung in a headier mix-belt. Even in this video, she reserves a fuller belt sound only to parts of the final chorus. All those differences just looking at one of their tools as performers. Add in a different direction, a different vision, a brand new rehearsals process... Personally, I am very excited to see what they're working on! |
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134 posts
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Post by annette on Jul 27, 2023 18:46:06 GMT
My goodness, I didn’t expect to be quite so dog-piled upon.
I do get it that a star name wasn’t going to be necessary for a short run in a small theatre, but mentioned it as a theoretical example of why I was struggling to understand why CL in particular had been cast, as opposed to a British performer.
As some of you rightly say, the production is pretty much sold out, so what would be the need for advertising then?
I don’t want to see a carbon copy of the Broadway production, but I’m hoping to see something that packs the same emotional punch as that original production did.
Unfortunately I have personal experience of something akin to an aspect of the narrative in the show, so it’s a piece of theatre that is very dear to my heart.
I’m not sure why so many people seem to have been rather rattled by what I thought was a reasonable post, but that made me feel pretty uncomfortable, so I won’t post anything further in this thread.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 27, 2023 19:44:38 GMT
I long ago stopped trying to figure out how, if at all, some of the early promo videos (as opposed to actual B-roll from a performance) may correlate with what I actually see in a production. It just seems to vary widely.
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5,914 posts
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Post by mrbarnaby on Jul 28, 2023 7:18:50 GMT
My goodness, I didn’t expect to be quite so dog-piled upon. I do get it that a star name wasn’t going to be necessary for a short run in a small theatre, but mentioned it as a theoretical example of why I was struggling to understand why CL in particular had been cast, as opposed to a British performer. As some of you rightly say, the production is pretty much sold out, so what would be the need for advertising then? I don’t want to see a carbon copy of the Broadway production, but I’m hoping to see something that packs the same emotional punch as that original production did. Unfortunately I have personal experience of something akin to an aspect of the narrative in the show, so it’s a piece of theatre that is very dear to my heart. I’m not sure why so many people seem to have been rather rattled by what I thought was a reasonable post, but that made me feel pretty uncomfortable, so I won’t post anything further in this thread. This is a discussion board. |
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Post by toomasj on Jul 28, 2023 7:41:22 GMT
I long ago stopped trying to figure out how, if at all, some of the early promo videos (as opposed to actual B-roll from a performance) may correlate with what I actually see in a production. It just seems to vary widely. Yes, the sole purpose is to promote the show. Performers often have a fixed number of promotional hours to use up in their contracts, and whether the show is sold out or not they will always give promo interviews/performances etc. My only takeaways ever from these things are “how good is their voice?”. In this case we already knew Caissie Levy has an outstanding voice, so it was simply an early opportunity to hear the song sung beautifully in advance of the show. Mission accomplished and an excellent performance it was too. |
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Post by steven22 on Jul 28, 2023 12:31:14 GMT
I think I read somewhere (maybe on here) that Caissie won’t have a cover for this show. Is that true? The original production had at least one cover (a standby for Diana).
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5,914 posts
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Post by mrbarnaby on Jul 28, 2023 12:53:20 GMT
Pretty sure they never have covers at the Donmar
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134 posts
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Post by annette on Jul 28, 2023 13:19:03 GMT
My goodness, I didn’t expect to be quite so dog-piled upon. I do get it that a star name wasn’t going to be necessary for a short run in a small theatre, but mentioned it as a theoretical example of why I was struggling to understand why CL in particular had been cast, as opposed to a British performer. As some of you rightly say, the production is pretty much sold out, so what would be the need for advertising then? I don’t want to see a carbon copy of the Broadway production, but I’m hoping to see something that packs the same emotional punch as that original production did. Unfortunately I have personal experience of something akin to an aspect of the narrative in the show, so it’s a piece of theatre that is very dear to my heart. I’m not sure why so many people seem to have been rather rattled by what I thought was a reasonable post, but that made me feel pretty uncomfortable, so I won’t post anything further in this thread. This is a discussion board. And that was an unnecessarily snarky comment. My life is too short for such things and I’ve no interest in being an unwelcome guest at a party where newcomers aren’t always made very welcome. Cheerio. |
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Post by Scswp on Jul 28, 2023 13:34:12 GMT
Pretty sure they never have covers at the Donmar I didn’t know that. So does that mean a show is cancelled if one of the performers is ill? Or is a ‘cover’ technically a different thing to an ‘understudy’? |
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Post by toomasj on Jul 28, 2023 13:55:30 GMT
Pretty sure they never have covers at the Donmar I didn’t know that. So does that mean a show is cancelled if one of the performers is ill? Or is a ‘cover’ technically a different thing to an ‘understudy’? The first thing. I am sure casting directors are very aware of high dependability when casting at fringe venues precisely because of a lack of covers. The performance is cancelled. Very occasionally a director might go on (sometimes on book) as I can recall happening at the Southwark Playhouse previously, but realistically for this show there is no chance of that. |
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352 posts
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Post by Scswp on Jul 28, 2023 14:16:03 GMT
I didn’t know that. So does that mean a show is cancelled if one of the performers is ill? Or is a ‘cover’ technically a different thing to an ‘understudy’? The first thing. I am sure casting directors are very aware of high dependability when casting at fringe venues precisely because of a lack of covers. The performance is cancelled. Very occasionally a director might go on (sometimes on book) as I can recall happening at the Southwark Playhouse previously, but realistically for this show there is no chance of that. Ok, that’s interesting to know. I think the risk of leads missing an odd show here and there in a musical is quite high, though, isn’t it? Far more likely than in a play (due to the demands of the singing). With a severe cold or throat infection, getting through a play is still likely possible (though challenging), but singing a demanding score with such illnesses may not be possible. Thanks for the information. I always assumed there would be another cast member who may be ‘dragged on’, even if they’re not the official understudy etc… |
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185 posts
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Post by MoreLife on Jul 28, 2023 14:25:26 GMT
Pretty sure they never have covers at the Donmar I didn’t know that. So does that mean a show is cancelled if one of the performers is ill? Or is a ‘cover’ technically a different thing to an ‘understudy’? I also would have immediately said that there would not be covers/understudies, as that's the usual Donmar policy, but having just checked... the website actually lists covers for Diana (Carolyn Maitland), Gabe/Henry (Joshua Gannon), Dan/Dr. Madden/Dr. Fine (Ben Morris), and Natalie (Lucy Munden). I can't remember seeing their names when the casting for the leads was announced, but given that the run has sold out and it would be virtually impossible to make up for cancellations, having covers seems a very wise choice. |
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Post by curiouskc on Jul 28, 2023 14:26:59 GMT
I think I read somewhere (maybe on here) that Caissie won’t have a cover for this show. Is that true? The original production had at least one cover (a standby for Diana). There are now four cover actors listed on the N2N page of the Donmar website. Two female covers for Di and Natalie and one younger male and one older male covering the roles of Gabe/Henry and Dan/Dr Madden/Dr Fine respectively. I had also heard that Donmar don't use understudies but looks like they have for this show. I'm guessing these will be used for emergencies rather than giving the leads days off as with other West End shows. |
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Post by toomasj on Jul 28, 2023 14:43:37 GMT
I didn’t know that. So does that mean a show is cancelled if one of the performers is ill? Or is a ‘cover’ technically a different thing to an ‘understudy’? I also would have immediately said that there would not be covers/understudies, as that's the usual Donmar policy, but having just checked... the website actually lists covers for Diana (Carolyn Maitland), Gabe/Henry (Joshua Gannon), Dan/Dr. Madden/Dr. Fine (Ben Morris), and Natalie (Lucy Munden). I can't remember seeing their names when the casting for the leads was announced, but given that the run has sold out and it would be virtually impossible to make up for cancellations, having covers seems a very wise choice. Well spotted! Good for them casting covers in this case, as you say very wise. |
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Post by steven22 on Jul 28, 2023 18:06:56 GMT
I have no doubt Caissie will be on as much as she can but I swear if she is out when I’m there I’m going to be devastated. I bought for two shows when in London in September. Crossing fingers.
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Post by lou on Jul 29, 2023 7:58:26 GMT
Posted a ticket for sale on the noticeboard. Saturday 9th September 2:30pm show.
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Post by jacobjb25 on Jul 29, 2023 10:22:47 GMT
I have no doubt Caissie will be on as much as she can but I swear if she is out when I’m there I’m going to be devastated. I bought for two shows when in London in September. Crossing fingers. Carolyn Maitland will be sublime. I'd happily see either. |
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Post by mistressjojo on Jul 29, 2023 11:40:42 GMT
Am I the only one here who booked this solely on the presence of Jamie Parker?
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Post by toomasj on Jul 29, 2023 11:43:03 GMT
Am I the only one here who booked this solely on the presence of Jamie Parker? Possibly, but you did brilliantly to get a seat given the run was “officially” sold out weeks before the cast were even announced. Not sure if you’re aware of the show plot but it is very much focused on Diana, the female lead. I am sure Jamie Parker will provide good support. |
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Post by apubleed on Jul 29, 2023 12:02:25 GMT
Ive never seen a production of next to normal where the Dan really stood out or held their own against Diana - it always does seem to very much feel supporting (I wonder if Brian D James might be the person I should have seen). However, I was pleasantly surprised when they announced Jamie Parker and I wonder if things might feel a bit different this time. I hope so.
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Post by curiouskc on Jul 29, 2023 14:38:32 GMT
Am I the only one here who booked this solely on the presence of Jamie Parker? I am going for the show itself, more so than any of the performers, but being a Six of Crows fan, I first heard about the production when Jack Wolfe was cast. He has a really beautiful voice and I think he'll be a great choice for Gabe. Definitely different from Aaron Tveit but in a way that'll make for a fresh take on the role. |
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Post by toomasj on Jul 30, 2023 16:00:21 GMT
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Post by dippy on Jul 31, 2023 16:13:31 GMT
A few tickets on their website for the last matinee at the moment, no idea why but I'm not complaining, was able to get one.
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Post by toomasj on Jul 31, 2023 17:53:03 GMT
A few tickets on their website for the last matinee at the moment, no idea why but I'm not complaining, was able to get one. Congratulations - the Donmar are always very fast at putting returns back on sale and you’ve struck gold. Going back to the understudy Diana, Carolyn Maitland, I remember her being quite good as Ellen in Miss Saigon in the revival and have seen her in little else! I wonder if she’ll get an invite-only show if she doesn’t get to go on as a cover? |
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Post by amybenson on Aug 1, 2023 9:06:40 GMT
A few tickets on their website for the last matinee at the moment, no idea why but I'm not complaining, was able to get one. Thanks for the tip! There are still some tickets available if anyone's looking if anyone's looking  |
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