4,962 posts
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Post by Someone in a tree on Jun 23, 2022 13:44:40 GMT
Thank heavens this wasn't a literal interpretation like the Savoy theatre
I thought CB was great.
Elle may think she is classy but is she?
Loved the contrasting pale tones the Harvard folk wear, dogs, choreography and the diverse cast. All fabulous.
The set missed a trick and the 'fly curtains' should be hot pink - LB the musical does not pretend to be classy and does not deal with with sophisticated themes so the design paid off in spades.
My friends and I all loved it and the audience appeared to also.
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Post by fluxcapacitor on Jun 23, 2022 13:58:42 GMT
LB the musical does not pretend to be classy and does not deal with with sophisticated themes so the design paid off in spades. I disagree. I think the original production (both Broadway and West End) had a level of class and heart to it which elevated it. It may never have dealt with sophisticated themes, but what it did deal with it did with dignity and respect. I personally think this production - at least visually - cheapens the whole thing and makes it feel much tackier than it ever should be. It's a passable production, yes, but - IMO - that's only really because the original material is so strong that it still shines through. |
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Post by inthenose on Jun 23, 2022 14:49:49 GMT
I don't think it is a passable production. I thought it was dire.
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Post by emilycornnuts on Jun 23, 2022 16:42:43 GMT
I saw it yesterday. I was really unsure about the first half, but it picked up after the interval. I thought Courtney was brilliant! Lauren Drew’s ability to skip and sing was also really impressive. I wouldn’t rush back, but it was a fun evening out.
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Post by keekio2 on Jun 25, 2022 13:49:56 GMT
Just watched the west end live performance Isaac really can’t sing this score
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Post by cezbear on Jun 25, 2022 13:57:03 GMT
Just watched the west end live performance Isaac really can’t sing this score This reminds me, I made a repeat visit this week on a whim and the ladies next to me spent much of the interval talking about how bad Isaac's vocals opening the show was, and they thought something was really wrong. Unfortunately no, that's just how he sounds. |
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1,481 posts
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Post by steve10086 on Jun 25, 2022 14:02:31 GMT
Can’t decide which role was cast worse… Margot or Bruiser
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Post by anthony on Jun 25, 2022 14:13:22 GMT
Actually tragic.
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Post by vickyg on Jun 25, 2022 14:36:21 GMT
I was actually embarrassed listening to this and watching non theatre lovers walk past st Martin in the fields thinking that this is what the west end has to offer. |
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1,929 posts
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Post by LaLuPone on Jun 25, 2022 14:42:07 GMT
Really was a mess. It’s bad enough that the sorority girls’ costumes look cheap but it’s unforgivable that the dress Elle reveals into that’s supposed to be “perfect” looks like a pink bin bag.
Also agree that considering the whole thing of the production is supposed to be “progressive” and woke, the stereotyped dog comes across as a bit homophobic. Thank god it’s a gay actor playing the role at least.
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Post by oxfordsimon on Jun 25, 2022 15:32:07 GMT
It wasn't as awful as I was expecting.
Sure Isaac wasn't matching the vocal standards of the rest of the ensemble, but the voice wasn't as bad as the early reports.
The choreo is just a bit frantic for my taste. Not every word needs a gesture or a move. Stillness is a vital contrast.
The Elle wig really doesn't fit well. And the costumes are primarni at best.
But the source material is fun enough to survive.
The dog, however, was not a good idea.
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Post by d'James on Jun 25, 2022 15:43:18 GMT
What was that? Why would they promote that. Dreadful song, costumes, frenetic is an understatement.
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Post by cezbear on Jun 25, 2022 15:50:03 GMT
Perhaps it's just my ears but I felt like Isaac's mic was turned down a little. Which would seem wise!
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8,109 posts
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Post by alece10 on Jun 25, 2022 16:03:03 GMT
Oh dear! That was not good at all.
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Post by oxfordsimon on Jun 25, 2022 16:03:45 GMT
At least it was better than last year's Cinderella fiasco...
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Post by theatrescribe on Jun 25, 2022 16:06:41 GMT
Compare to the original version
Choreography far better, cleverer and less frantic (I know it was West End Live but still no need for all the manic movement) - and far better vocals
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5,817 posts
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Post by mrbarnaby on Jun 25, 2022 16:19:59 GMT
Dear god this is just dreadful.
Cannot wait till it’s closed and not inflicting pain on audiences.
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Post by FairyGodmother on Jun 25, 2022 16:22:29 GMT
I can't help thinking the costumes look a bit... tacky. I'm fairly certain that in other productions even if some look a bit silly because they so "in" they don't look cheap.
(Although I do think the mobile phones and selfie actually fit well.)
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Post by stagebyte on Jun 25, 2022 16:30:02 GMT
Pressed the video by accident while I was out in a group:
Can’t repeat the comments but they began with WTF is that?
Anyone who thinks Isaac should open the show with that needs to close their eyes and actually LISTEN to the vocals. I’m sorry but he might be able to ‘act’ it but that was beyond awful. The contrast when the second singer came in was marked and I think a poster further up is right. His mic has definitely been turned down when they sing as a three.
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Post by stagebyte on Jun 25, 2022 16:34:36 GMT
It’s such an over crowded industry I feel sorry for the genuine triple threats who get overlooked in favour of ticking a box and ‘making history’
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Post by thesoberpanda on Jun 25, 2022 16:52:29 GMT
I actually didn't hate the performance as much as I thought I would. They elephant in the room is definitely Isaac which pains me to say as I've seen them be absolutely amazing in Rent but I feel that this wasn't the part for them. I thought both Luke and Allie were both fun but Courtney shines with how much fun she's having.
The Mrs also pointed out that Bruiser being dressed like that is a nod to cats (this may well have been mentioned before and I've missed the post) and this makes me hate it a little less ... It's kinda amusing and some of the facial expressions are priceless.
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345 posts
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Post by Sam on Jun 25, 2022 16:57:16 GMT
Really put me off this now.
The contrast in vocal at the start was very stark. I also felt a lot of the comic timing was off in the second part of the song. It felt a little rushed and less like a conversation than it usually does.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 25, 2022 17:18:09 GMT
I didn't think the performance overall was that bad. However I actually feel sorry for Isaac, that was not good at all. Below amateur level that I've seen. Almost like those bad auditions you'd get on xfactor.
Elle has a great voice, but the valley girl character of Elle is no where to be seen. She doesn't seem naive, superficial or 'dumb', she seems pretty self assured and confident already. A key part of the Elle character at the beginning seems to be missing
Everything seems extra camped up which doesn't work as the show already is camp. So it all comes across as over acting.
As for the dog, I dont want to use the word offended, but for a show claiming to be progressive I find it more insulting that they chose to do such a stereotypical camp gay dog to get laughs. How can you claim to be progressive, inclusive and representing the queer community and then direct such an old fashioned cliche.
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Post by inthenose on Jun 25, 2022 17:18:38 GMT
Good lord. When I saw it I noted it was probably the worst professional production I've ever seen - or at least right up there.
Who would watch this and go "this looks great, I NEED to book and see this".
I watched this through my fingers. Beyond terrible. Especially Isaac.
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3,307 posts
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Post by david on Jun 25, 2022 17:21:56 GMT
Good lord. When I saw it I noted it was probably the worst professional production I've ever seen - or at least right up there. Who would watch this and go "this looks great, I NEED to book and see this". I watched this through my fingers. Beyond terrible. Especially Isaac. When I saw it today at WEL, it wouldn’t of encouraged me to get a ticket in all honesty and I’ve not seen the OAT show. The dog though 😮. |
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