19,679 posts
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Post by BurlyBeaR on May 20, 2022 6:20:39 GMT
I find bad wigs to be particularly offputting in ANY production. I can look past costume choices to an extent but when someone has something ridiculous plonked on their head I find myself obsessing over it.
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148 posts
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Post by FJ on May 20, 2022 8:56:21 GMT
Well I went into this expecting the worst, and whilst it wasn't great, I didn't end up hating the whole show as much as I thought I would. I guess I enjoy the book and score enough that I was able to see past lots of the (many) bad decisions thankfully, and had an enjoyable evening.
Starting with the 'Positive's:
I thought Warner, Callahan and Paulette were all very good, also most of the ensemble were great, and some very funny performances in some of the smaller roles by the ensemble (Billy Nevers in particular).
Quite liked the TikTok and Instagram updates, thought they actually worked quite well.
I enjoyed the second act more than the first. I really wasn't too convinced by the interval but I think it picked up.
The Not-so Positives.
Whilst I thought Courtney was extremely talented, just hearing her perform some of the songs concert-style would have been great. I just didn't really believe her as Elle. I've seen the show twice before and there is far more of a transformation from ditzy-acting malibu girl to Harvard Law School grad, and I just did not see this transition.
As fantastic as it is to see so much diversity in the cast, I also thing it detracted from one of the main plot points. Elle didn't stand out at Harvard.
I do feel bad for Isaac as the sing is not in their vocal range and to have to open the whole show I think makes it more noticeable. For me it was just the singing that didn't work, I thought they portrayed the part very well, but agree with the others in that I think this was a poor casting choice.
Sound issues galore. Particularly last night when Emmett was signing, which was a real shame as I think he was really giving a great vocal performance but the mic was cutting in and out for him all evening.
Cheap, Cheap, Cheap. Was there just no budget for the production? No money clearly went on set or costumes, so it's not immediately visible where any money went.
Spring Awakening is a perfect recent example of how great very simple staging can be. Here it did not work though.
As I said though, as much as I am criticising it, I did have an enjoyable evening, and really loved the venue having never been there before, and front row is a steal for £15 on the day. So if you are able to see past some very poor directorial, casting and production decisions (which is a big ask), it's not a bad evening out.
Edit: Can't believe I forgot to mention the dogs - dreadful.
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Post by ladidah on May 20, 2022 9:18:34 GMT
Why haven't they fixed the mics yet?
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3,430 posts
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Post by ceebee on May 20, 2022 9:31:30 GMT
Whilst I haven't seen this production, based on the feedback of others, can Regent's Park OAT afford to put crap like this on to a 50% full house? Maybe time to focus on production values and quality and stop experimenting with stuff that doesn't work or appeal...
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362 posts
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Post by JJShaw on May 20, 2022 9:32:58 GMT
As fantastic as it is to see so much diversity in the cast, I also thing it detracted from one of the main plot points. Elle didn't stand out at Harvard. I think you've hit the nail on the head here! I am sure the no one on here is against widening our casting and diversity, but this is perfect example of "don't be diverse for diversity sakes", it still has to serve the show. With so much of the show being very unusual choices, I would like to read an interview seeing where Lucy was coming from, and also why the production looks the way it does. Was it all intentional? Elle's costumes and wigs are where the budget need to go for this show. Anyone who understands the show knows that that is pretty much a non negotiable. As you said, she needs to stand out. She is a Malibu fashion girl who is blonde and has been seen as just a vapid airhead who looks gorgeous the whole time who manages to prove people wrong. That needs to be abundantly clear. Hopefully the misfires of this production don't deter producers from casting outside the norm. |
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Post by ThereWillBeSun on May 20, 2022 9:40:52 GMT
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Post by ladidah on May 20, 2022 9:48:36 GMT
As fantastic as it is to see so much diversity in the cast, I also thing it detracted from one of the main plot points. Elle didn't stand out at Harvard. I think you've hit the nail on the head here! I am sure the no one on here is against widening our casting and diversity, but this is perfect example of "don't be diverse for diversity sakes", it still has to serve the show. With so much of the show being very unusual choices, I would like to read an interview seeing where Lucy was coming from, and also why the production looks the way it does. Was it all intentional? Elle's costumes and wigs are where the budget need to go for this show. Anyone who understands the show knows that that is pretty much a non negotiable. As you said, she needs to stand out. She is a Malibu fashion girl who is blonde and has been seen as just a vapid airhead who looks gorgeous the whole time who manages to prove people wrong. That needs to be abundantly clear. Hopefully the misfires of this production don't deter producers from casting outside the norm. I agree, a great point. Everyone was so bright and fun and colourful she didn't stand-out at all. |
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362 posts
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Post by JJShaw on May 20, 2022 9:54:33 GMT
Oh wow I didn't know they'd done an interview, thanks so much!
An interesting read, mostly what I'd expect, a few things did make me chuckle in how exhausting they were to read. Interesting to get some tidbits on her and Toby's future projects.
Most interesting though was that she was approached to direct it, and didnt know the show before being asked.
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362 posts
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Post by JJShaw on May 20, 2022 9:56:01 GMT
I think you've hit the nail on the head here! I am sure the no one on here is against widening our casting and diversity, but this is perfect example of "don't be diverse for diversity sakes", it still has to serve the show. With so much of the show being very unusual choices, I would like to read an interview seeing where Lucy was coming from, and also why the production looks the way it does. Was it all intentional? Elle's costumes and wigs are where the budget need to go for this show. Anyone who understands the show knows that that is pretty much a non negotiable. As you said, she needs to stand out. She is a Malibu fashion girl who is blonde and has been seen as just a vapid airhead who looks gorgeous the whole time who manages to prove people wrong. That needs to be abundantly clear. Hopefully the misfires of this production don't deter producers from casting outside the norm. I agree, a great point. Everyone was so bright and fun and colourful she didn't stand-out at all. I took similar issue with Anyone Can Whistle where the Cookies didn't look too dissimilar to the Mayoral group; sparkly bum bags, fringe on lapels etc and even Hapgood with their psychedelic top and neon trousers. it was ALL bright so everything just blended. |
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Post by ladidah on May 20, 2022 10:08:50 GMT
In Legally Blonde the film she really does stand out amongst all the preppy kids.
But in this one everyone is in pink and orange.
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Post by oxfordsimon on May 20, 2022 10:35:03 GMT
That interview shows the value in training and getting experience before embarking on major professional projects.
There is a significant gulf between being a history student putting on a short piece with mates in Edinburgh and directing a major book musical for a large venue.
There is a huge amount for any director to come to terms with directing a musical outdoors. It is a very different experience putting on theatre outside of an indoor theatre space. More than you might imagine.
Yes, Six has had huge international success. But is that down to her directing ability? I honestly don't believe so.
Has it given her sufficient grounding in being a director that she can just be given huge projects? Again, I don't believe so.
There is so much to be said for putting in the effort to learn your craft as a director. Doing small scale stuff, getting some training, working as an assistant director on a range of projects. That way you make your mistakes away from the sort of scrutiny that this production will certainly bring.
And it does sound like there are a number of rookie errors that would never have happened if a more experienced director had been at the helm.
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19,679 posts
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Post by BurlyBeaR on May 20, 2022 10:59:13 GMT
You don’t need to be an experienced director to see that what you’re presenting on stage looks cheap and awful though surely? Someone came along with those costumes and that set and she signed them off. Any of us would have said “no, it looks awful” and most of us aren’t experienced directors. Sounds to me like she has poor judgement as well as lack of experience.
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Post by oxfordsimon on May 20, 2022 11:25:52 GMT
You don’t need to be an experienced director to see that what you’re presenting on stage looks cheap and awful though surely? Someone came along with those costumes and that set and she signed them off. Any of us would have said “no, it looks awful” and most of us aren’t experienced directors. Sounds to me like she has poor judgement as well as lack of experience. If you have been an integral part of the decision making process about the aesthetics of the show from the outset then it is very easy to only see what you want to see. It is all too easy to develop tunnel vision and be convinced that your approach is perfect. We are seeing the images and the show for the first time. She has been part of it for months. This is what she and her team worked on so it must be fabulous. She can't see the Woods from the trees.... |
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Post by robertb213 on May 20, 2022 12:20:01 GMT
I've been invited to review the media night on Wednesday 25th, does anyone want to use my second ticket and experience how bad this show might be with me? Drop me a message if so 😁
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Post by ladidah on May 20, 2022 13:19:32 GMT
Although the budget for staging may have been tight, pretty much anything would have been better than the streamers looking like hay.
Even just the wood painted pink. Those little circle benches were awful, the cast were pushing them about like they were getting ready for PE!
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Post by Matt on May 20, 2022 14:11:11 GMT
“I was like... oh, I don’t know if that’s going to be my vibe,”
Then maaaaybe dont risk it for your solo directorial debut?
Yeah, you can push your boundaries and try something new, have a challenge, but maybe take something more comfortable on to get some experience? Six was massively successful but that doesn't mean you are now a pro and dip your toes in unknown water.
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Post by Deleted on May 20, 2022 15:05:20 GMT
I've only been to outdoor plays but does the sound and weather conditions have an effect on the sound quality or can the sound system overcome this?
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Post by oxfordsimon on May 20, 2022 16:41:46 GMT
Wind direction and strength both affect sound conditions. Humidity can do the same.
Ambient noise from trees and wildlife do alter things.
It isn't easy but they have been doing outdoor theatre there for long enough to have worked out what should work there.
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632 posts
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Post by ncbears on May 20, 2022 18:56:56 GMT
In Legally Blonde the film she really does stand out amongst all the preppy kids. But in this one everyone is in pink and orange. Yikes, when I directed this show in the States (for a community theatre where our total budget was --- not a lot), I had the UCLA scenes with everyone wearing bright colors - and for the Harvard scenes, the students had to be in brown or dark blue colors - to be "drab" - because Elle does have to stand out. Especially Vivienne's wearing last year's sample sale (the actor playing Vivienne was not happy with her outfit but understood the purpose). |
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Post by lolalou on May 20, 2022 20:28:02 GMT
In Legally Blonde the film she really does stand out amongst all the preppy kids. But in this one everyone is in pink and orange. Yikes, when I directed this show in the States (for a community theatre where our total budget was --- not a lot), I had the UCLA scenes with everyone wearing bright colors - and for the Harvard scenes, the students had to be in brown or dark blue colors - to be "drab" - because Elle does have to stand out. Especially Vivienne's wearing last year's sample sale (the actor playing Vivienne was not happy with her outfit but understood the purpose). Yep. This is directing 101. It’s really not rocket science is it to read the script and make artistic choices based on what the material is telling us. What’s the point of having everyone in pink and orange? Elle is supposed to literally stop people in their tracks like a flamingo dropped into a penguin enclosure at Harvard? Sounds like Ms Moss hasn’t done her homework and decided instead to attempt a ‘fresh take’ without really understanding the material. |
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Post by ThereWillBeSun on May 20, 2022 21:59:11 GMT
Yikes, when I directed this show in the States (for a community theatre where our total budget was --- not a lot), I had the UCLA scenes with everyone wearing bright colors - and for the Harvard scenes, the students had to be in brown or dark blue colors - to be "drab" - because Elle does have to stand out. Especially Vivienne's wearing last year's sample sale (the actor playing Vivienne was not happy with her outfit but understood the purpose). Yep. This is directing 101. It’s really not rocket science is it to read the script and make artistic choices based on what the material is telling us. What’s the point of having everyone in pink and orange? Elle is supposed to literally stop people in their tracks like a flamingo dropped into a penguin enclosure at Harvard? Sounds like Ms Moss hasn’t done her homework and decided instead to attempt a ‘fresh take’ without really understanding the material. Please no one ever let them direct anything ever again. |
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Post by oxfordsimon on May 20, 2022 22:22:19 GMT
Yikes, when I directed this show in the States (for a community theatre where our total budget was --- not a lot), I had the UCLA scenes with everyone wearing bright colors - and for the Harvard scenes, the students had to be in brown or dark blue colors - to be "drab" - because Elle does have to stand out. Especially Vivienne's wearing last year's sample sale (the actor playing Vivienne was not happy with her outfit but understood the purpose). Yep. This is directing 101. It’s really not rocket science is it to read the script and make artistic choices based on what the material is telling us. What’s the point of having everyone in pink and orange? Elle is supposed to literally stop people in their tracks like a flamingo dropped into a penguin enclosure at Harvard? Sounds like Ms Moss hasn’t done her homework and decided instead to attempt a ‘fresh take’ without really understanding the material. But it is clear that she doesn't believe in the source material. Bringing in a dramaturg shows that. The intention from the outset was to change/'improve' it. She wants to tell a different story to the one intended by the original creators both of the film and the musical. It is theatre and we are used to that sort of thing. But if you want to deviate from what is expected from a piece, you first have to understand the original and have a clear reason for every change you want to make. Everything has to hang together at least as well as the original. If it doesn't, you have failed as a director. If the revised story you are trying to tell doesn't make sense - you have failed as a director. Reimagining a musical is not something that a rookie director should ever undertake. It is the sort of thing that students do and quickly learn from. (I am reminded here of a student version of Sweeney Todd set in an operating theatre....) You need a lot of experience to direct a big cast show like LB. It might not be the deepest of stories with the most nuanced of characters but it is a show with heart, warmth and humour. It takes a lightness of touch. It takes understanding. Can it be refreshed? Sure. Does it need to be? Arguably not. Just because you can do something does not mean you necessarily should... |
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632 posts
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Post by ncbears on May 20, 2022 23:19:15 GMT
Vivienne’s first line is something like “all that pink you’re wearing … is that even legal?”
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7,064 posts
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Post by Jon on May 20, 2022 23:22:08 GMT
You have to wonder whether Timothy Sheader just allowed free reign rather than stepping in when it was clearly not working.
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Post by stagebyte on May 21, 2022 0:36:48 GMT
In the rush for a modern ‘fresh take’ she’s created a mess. I hope the critics are brave enough to call this out. The heart is in the right place and the intention is clear but in this case it has not worked.
Mis casting non binary and trans folk does nothing but expose them in roles that are not suited. It doesn’t encourage it deters and I feel for IH in this case
Perhaps Brooke, Chutney or Elle’s Mom would’ve been a more suited casting?
As for the clothes on Elle. If you are going to cast a plus size actor (and why not?) at least get clothes that flatter. In the script Elle is an up to the minute fashionista and wouldn’t be seen dead in these costumes.
It’s like they didn’t read the script or the production team are ‘yes people’
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