19,788 posts
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Jun 2, 2021 16:36:55 GMT
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Post by oxfordsimon on Jun 2, 2021 16:53:27 GMT
Ooooooo I have long wanted to see this show
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8,160 posts
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Post by alece10 on Jun 2, 2021 17:09:33 GMT
Interesting and something I have not heard about before.
Loved the books and original TV series, not so keen on "Further tales" and am only half way through it.
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5,906 posts
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Post by mrbarnaby on Jun 2, 2021 19:26:33 GMT
Why has this sunk without a trace? Maybe it was terrible?
Going to have to watch to find out!
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Post by oxfordsimon on Jun 2, 2021 21:28:20 GMT
Of course Judy Kaye wouldn't be allowed to play Mrs Madrigal today...
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2,761 posts
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Post by n1david on Jun 2, 2021 21:54:29 GMT
I had a ticket for this in SF and then my business trip got cancelled so I didn't see it. Assumed it would have a later life somewhere so wasn't too bothered but of course it doesn't seem like it will have. Think I'll have to give it a try to see what I missed.
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584 posts
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Post by princeton on Jun 2, 2021 22:26:38 GMT
I did see it in SF and whilst it wasn't terrible, and there were some lovely performances, it didn't really land or at least not enough of the time, even though you could tell that the audience was willing it to be brilliant. The music was fun but not particularly memorable and the book whilst evoking some of the spirit of the books veered toward over-sentimentality - and it takes key bits of the plot from books one and two and so there was a lot to fit in and so many characters. Interestingly given that much of the excitement was seeing it in the city in which it was set - it almost lacked a sense of place and the sets certainly didn't evoke the magic of Barbary Lane. It may have simply been that expectation was too great, as on paper it had all the signs of mega hit, but it clearly needed an awful lot more work if it was going to have a life beyond San Francisco. Of course it may have got worse in my memory - so am looking forward to being able to see it again.
There was a one-night concert version in NYC a few years later with some of the original cast - although Mrs Madrigal was played by Justin Vivian Bond.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 3, 2021 13:24:00 GMT
The music and lyrics are not good. Most songs were about something that just happened or was happening, it was rarely about how the character was feeling and the songs do nothing to advance the plot. So then why make it a musical? And does quiet, awkward, Mary Ann Singleton really seem like the type of character that would stand centre stage and belt her fqce of? she gets a big number called Paper Faces.
All the best lines are lifted straight from the books.
And the basic set does nothing to suggest a time or place.
There's a reason it never progressed or been done since. Save your money.
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4,214 posts
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Post by anthony40 on Jun 3, 2021 16:29:51 GMT
FYI Jake Shears (lyrics) is currently working with Elton John (music) and James Graham (book) on a new musical about 80s TV evangelist Tammy Faye Bakker Yes, yes I am aware of this. I read or heard it somewhere; possibly on this site! Lol! |
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Post by craig on Jun 8, 2021 11:33:24 GMT
My bf is quite a big Jake Shears fan, so we're planning on streaming this later this month. Great to hear he's working on a new musical with Sir Elt too.
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4,991 posts
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Post by Someone in a tree on Jun 24, 2021 17:53:17 GMT
I quite liked but mostly for the score. The production is dull and the book needs to cut some characters and subplots and just focus on a few key areas. But such a good score.
I'm guessing no commercial recording is available?
Are any of the songs on any of the albums? Please and ta
- thanks Burly for the heads up
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