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Post by danb on Jun 25, 2022 18:16:17 GMT
I had to switch it off. I find forced inclusivity more offensive than exclusion when it is done as ineptly as this. I thought Isaac was outstanding in ‘Rent’. His career may end up blighted by this one crazy decision. They could have chosen any number of the other female roles with a less challenging vocal track to make the same point. The same is true to an extent about their choice of show & venue to try and ‘reinvent’. Just because you can do something really doesn’t mean you should. The reaction to this is hardly about to encourage others to do the same is it? Whilst I’m sure they thought they were smashing down doors all they’ve done is locked them behind themselves.
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Post by cezbear on Jun 25, 2022 18:39:16 GMT
I had to switch it off. I find forced inclusivity more offensive than exclusion when it is done as ineptly as this. I thought Isaac was outstanding in ‘Rent’. His career may end up blighted by this one crazy decision. They could have chosen any number of the other female roles with a less challenging vocal track to make the same point. The same is true to an extent about their choice of show & venue to try and ‘reinvent’. Just because you can do something really doesn’t mean you should. The reaction to this is hardly about to encourage others to do the same is it? Whilst I’m sure they thought they were smashing down doors all they’ve done is locked them behind them. Who did Isaac play in Rent? Can't seem to find it. I keep thinking I could overlook the cheap costumes and set... except, no, they're charging something like £65-70 for all seats. Where did that money go? Not on real dogs, not on costumes, not on sets. I don't hate the production completely (mainly because of a couple of standout performances and the material itself) but I do feel very robbed sitting in an expensive seat watching something that looks knocked together by ameteurs. |
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Post by danb on Jun 25, 2022 18:40:23 GMT
I think he was the waiter & Steve. Not massive roles but enough to show your comic and vocal chops.
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Post by alece10 on Jun 25, 2022 19:02:49 GMT
It even made it to the London Evening news on ITV. Article about WEL featured this show.
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Post by thesoberpanda on Jun 25, 2022 19:09:20 GMT
I believe they also covered for Alex as Angel too
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Post by Dr Tom on Jun 25, 2022 20:20:28 GMT
Who did Isaac play in Rent? Can't seem to find it. They were mostly ensemble and Gordon for most of the run. Took over as Angel towards the end (and was very good in that role too). |
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Post by danb on Jun 25, 2022 20:23:47 GMT
Gordon…that’s it. The life support guy anyway…
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Post by Dawnstar on Jun 25, 2022 21:04:43 GMT
Having just watched the WEL video I'm surprised that the store manager is being played by a man. Given the role was scored for a woman, I don't think the lines sound nearly as good sung by a man. Not as bad a changing the gender for Margot, given it's only a few lines, but still not ideal. (Thanks theatrescribe for posting the clip with the original cast: I needed the reminder that I do actually like this show, something the WEL video made me doubt!) |
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Post by cezbear on Jun 25, 2022 21:33:39 GMT
Having just watched the WEL video I'm surprised that the store manager is being played by a man. Given the role was scored for a woman, I don't think the lines sound nearly as good sung by a man. Not as bad a changing the gender for Margot, given it's only a few lines, but still not ideal. (Thanks theatrescribe for posting the clip with the original cast: I needed the reminder that I do actually like this show, something the WEL video made me doubt!) That's one of the few changes I actually like! Listening to the original cast I find the store manager lines a bit underwhelming now. Billy Nevers really shines in the ensemble for me. Ok, that's enough positive comments out of me. |
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Post by stagebyte on Jun 25, 2022 22:45:29 GMT
Oh my god you guys
The comments on the video - yikes. Be interesting to see if the production team pull a Lloyd Webber and attempt to wipe it from the internet
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Post by oxfordsimon on Jun 25, 2022 23:27:23 GMT
The comments are more supportive than the performance deserves.
But this production team will never be forgiven for exposing one of their cast members to scorn. Flaws in the casting and directing processes have left Isaac in an impossible position.
That isn't being inclusive. That is exploitation on a young performer to make a production seem something that it really isn't.
The more I think about the dog, the more homophobic it gets. It plays up to the worst camp stereotypes and that removes any right they have to consider themselves to be progressive.
They aren't. They are exploitative and crass.
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Post by tom on Jun 26, 2022 6:28:14 GMT
I was expecting worse from Isaac based on the comments in here to be honest but they weren't that bad in the WEL video. The dog was annoying though.
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Post by ronnette on Jun 26, 2022 7:14:18 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. This is awful. I’ve seen amateur groups absolutely trounce this. What on Earth are they thinking :-( |
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Post by terrylondon79 on Jun 26, 2022 8:11:46 GMT
I just made the mistake of watching that video nasty. To see if I'd been to harsh. Now they still seem instead of singing the notes.
The gay gimp man in dog costume is still offensive. Appealing to the daily mail readers in the audience giving them something to laugh at.
Still in shock that they think gay men should be the subject of ridicule.
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Post by angelcake on Jun 26, 2022 9:51:06 GMT
That recording does not show them in a great light at all. I’ve seen an amateur performance of this show and I genuinely think it was better.
To be fair though if I were involved in a show I’d run for the hills if offered the chance to perform at West End Live, the recordings always sound so ropey!
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Post by Deleted on Jun 26, 2022 9:54:52 GMT
I'm not sure I agree with that to be honest. I've watched most of yesterday's performances and they are all pretty great. Especially out of context in a concert setting.
It really annoys me seeing all the fans blaming sound people for Legally Blondes poor performance. Sound doesn't change the ability to carry a tune, plus as others have said other members of the cast sounded great.
Out of the other shows Lucie Jones in Wicked especially is a whole other level. She really works the crowd and puts in an amazing performance
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Post by dollybm on Jun 26, 2022 9:57:02 GMT
I saw a short video of Bend and Snap (hadn’t realised until I saw it that they also performed this) and to add to what everyone else has eloquently pointed out I’m also confused about why they changed the choreography in that number so they’re no longer doing the actual bend and snap?
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Post by Deleted on Jun 26, 2022 10:25:37 GMT
Bend and snap its an..er...choice. the costumes really don't help either
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Post by Dawnstar on Jun 26, 2022 11:03:42 GMT
Bend and snap its an..er...choice. the costumes really don't help either Are those the costumes that the Greek Chorus wear in that scene in the actual show or did they just not have time to change costumes from the opening number at WEL? |
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Post by cezbear on Jun 26, 2022 11:11:54 GMT
Bend and snap its an..er...choice. the costumes really don't help either Are those the costumes that the Greek Chorus wear in that scene in the actual show or did they just not have time to change costumes from the opening number at WEL? Pretty sure those are the scene costumes (they don't really change that much). |
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Post by Dawnstar on Jun 26, 2022 11:32:12 GMT
Pretty sure those are the scene costumes (they don't really change that much). Oh, so they don't have different costumes to differentiate between the real Delta Nus & the Greek Chorus when they're appearing as figments of Elle's imagination? |
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Post by cezbear on Jun 26, 2022 12:06:06 GMT
Pretty sure those are the scene costumes (they don't really change that much). Oh, so they don't have different costumes to differentiate between the real Delta Nus & the Greek Chorus when they're appearing as figments of Elle's imagination?
They do but both sets are just PINK PINK PINK with the odd missing sleeve or leg or something, unless you were really paying attention you'd have no idea it was meant to differentiate!
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Post by christya on Jun 26, 2022 12:16:59 GMT
Both those clips are an absolute embarrassment. That first one - Isaac's vocals are appallingly bad (seriously, off key and cracking from a professional?) and assuming he can actually sing, whoever put him in this position has done him a massive disservice. Overall though, it's just so messy, uneven and amateur. I've literally seen better amateur productions. What a mess.
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Post by trapdoor on Jun 26, 2022 13:36:37 GMT
Granted, totally get your point and share your opinion, however just to flag Isaac’s pronouns are they/them, so, respectfully, maybe edit your post to reflect that.
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Post by robertb213 on Jun 26, 2022 13:39:48 GMT
Granted, totally get your point and share your opinion, however just to flag Isaac’s pronouns are they/them, so, respectfully, maybe edit your post to reflect that. Isaac goes by all pronouns (they/he/she) as per the programme and Twitter. |
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