195 posts
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Post by tal on Jul 7, 2023 14:40:56 GMT
Me too! I was very happy when I saw those tickets. I still don't get why they call this a lottery, though. Everybody who signed up gets the link, and the tickets are on a first-come first-served basis, right? Well I think the info text includes a reference to ‘if you’re selected…’ you’ll receive the email and can buy the tickets, but so far I’ve received the email every Mon and Fri, so they’re probably flexing how many emails are sent based on sales and number of sign ups. Perhaps right now they’re just emailing everyone who’s signed up! I suspect the seats available are better in the Friday lottery (upcoming week) than the Monday one (next four weeks) as they’ve got a better idea of what they need to sell for imminent performances. Just a theory though as of course it’s only been running a few weeks. That makes a lot of sense, especially about the seats being better on Friday. What made me think that they're emailing everybody was that the email didn't say anything about me being selected or anything like that. It just said "The Crazy 4 You Ticket Lottery is now open!". In any case, that works for me! I'm really looking forward to watching the show next week. I fell asleep during a very boring production of the show I saw many years ago, but I have a feeling this one will not put me to sleep  . |
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Post by A.Ham on Jul 7, 2023 15:58:06 GMT
In any case, that works for me! I'm really looking forward to watching the show next week. I fell asleep during a very boring production of the show I saw many years ago, but I have a feeling this one will not put me to sleep . Based on all the rave reviews, and those big tap routines, I think that's unlikely this time! |
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Post by mrnutz on Jul 8, 2023 18:35:24 GMT
I know I'm in the minority here (and everywhere), but I didn't really enjoy this.
The dance routines couldn't save what was - for me - a razor-thin plot and obvious, corny jokes that could be seen on the horizon some time before they landed.
Charlie Stemp - though a fantastic dancer - had an average voice, particularly in the first half. Possibly an off night!
I kept comparing it to Anything Goes which had a similarly ridiculous plot but some huge dance moments that really wowed.
A disappointed-as-I-was-looking-forward-to-great-things 3/5.
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5,795 posts
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Post by mrbarnaby on Jul 8, 2023 19:17:13 GMT
I know I'm in the minority here (and everywhere), but I didn't really enjoy this. The dance routines couldn't save what was - for me - a razor-thin plot and obvious, corny jokes that could be seen on the horizon some time before they landed. Charlie Stemp - though a fantastic dancer - had an average voice, particularly in the first half. Possibly an off night! I kept comparing it to Anything Goes which had a similarly ridiculous plot but some huge dance moments that really wowed. A disappointed-as-I-was-looking-forward-to-great-things 3/5. I’m quite staggered that you think the dance routines in Anything Goes trumped those in Crazy. And Charlie Stemps voice.. what do you want…Pavarotti ? |
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Post by eoghan31 on Jul 8, 2023 19:25:49 GMT
Lots to admire but like mrnutz I found the plot way too thin and tired. No denying that we have in Charlie Stemp a dancer who in a leap covers the whole stage effortlessly but I found his voice at the matinee I attended last week lacking in the rich tone required for those Gershwin songs. Show looks good and fits the theatre like a glove but it just felt a tad too creaky.
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5,795 posts
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Post by mrbarnaby on Jul 8, 2023 19:29:19 GMT
Creaky plot can be applied to most classic musicals. Really don’t think it’s a problem when what’s onstage is as skilfully and joyfully done as this.
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Post by mrnutz on Jul 8, 2023 20:00:33 GMT
I know I'm in the minority here (and everywhere), but I didn't really enjoy this. The dance routines couldn't save what was - for me - a razor-thin plot and obvious, corny jokes that could be seen on the horizon some time before they landed. Charlie Stemp - though a fantastic dancer - had an average voice, particularly in the first half. Possibly an off night! I kept comparing it to Anything Goes which had a similarly ridiculous plot but some huge dance moments that really wowed. A disappointed-as-I-was-looking-forward-to-great-things 3/5. I’m quite staggered that you think the dance routines in Anything Goes trumped those in Crazy. And Charlie Stemps voice.. what do you want…Pavarotti ? Unless you're present at every performance you can't really vouch for his voice on any given night? |
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5,795 posts
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Post by mrbarnaby on Jul 8, 2023 20:57:39 GMT
I’m quite staggered that you think the dance routines in Anything Goes trumped those in Crazy. And Charlie Stemps voice.. what do you want…Pavarotti ? Unless you're present at every performance you can't really vouch for his voice on any given night? The point is I cannot believe you are finding fault in his performance when what he’s doing is so extraordinary. |
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540 posts
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Post by drowseychap on Jul 8, 2023 22:45:05 GMT
Just saw evening performance and I’m not going to be popular but myself and partner both said we enjoyed it but we’re not blown away as we had been expecting from all the other reviews
Had great seats row F stalls closest you want to be really is E as others 2 rows are quite low as stage is very high
We love that era of music , huge Charlie Stemp fans , knew nothing about the show before attending … just couldn’t put our finger on why we didn’t LOVE ❤️ it .
Only thing I could put it down to was no huge songs apart from rhythm which got part standing ovation but I found although many other songs quite sweet my mind wondered during them
I think with one or two bigger songs I’d have been ❤️❤️❤️❤️about the show
Loved the set , staging , costumes, choreography, strong cast ,
I’d see it again on an offer but full price I’d see something else
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Post by oxfordsimon on Jul 8, 2023 22:52:53 GMT
I do agree that as a musical, it is a weak book with an unconvincing plot and some very sketchily drawn characters.
It is very much down to the charisma of the performers and the strength of the score to distract you from all that
Stemp is the sort of modern showman who can make something out of this sort of piece
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7,054 posts
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Post by Jon on Jul 8, 2023 23:07:39 GMT
Let's be honest, where Gershwin musicals in the 1930s Pulitzer Prize Winning? Audience don't watch Crazy For You for the plot and don't forget 42nd Street was praised to the hilt here and that has a similar thin plot.
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Post by oxfordsimon on Jul 8, 2023 23:12:26 GMT
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1,132 posts
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Post by Stephen on Jul 8, 2023 23:26:39 GMT
What's the march sitch? Any posters for sale?
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660 posts
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Post by Oleanna on Jul 8, 2023 23:53:14 GMT
Lest we forget that this isn’t a classic show from the pre-Golden Age, this is is a 31 year old show, and it’s fair for criticism of it to bear this in mind.
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8,096 posts
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Post by alece10 on Jul 9, 2023 8:30:21 GMT
What's the march sitch? Any posters for sale? Not sure about posters but there was a good range of stuff including a rather cute Teddy bear. |
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8,096 posts
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Post by alece10 on Jul 9, 2023 8:35:42 GMT
I love thin plots!
Probably cos I'm thick so thinner the better.
This show and 42nd Street are 2 of my favourite musicals so that said a lot.
But seriously every musical does not need to have a deep involved plot that taxes the brain. There are plenty if those out there for people. But equally we need some fun musicals that don't require the audience to analyse the plot but just go along and enjoy the music, songs and dancing and come away with a smile on your face.
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Post by oxfordsimon on Jul 9, 2023 8:39:33 GMT
I love thin plots! Probably cos I'm thick so thinner the better. This show and 42nd Street are 2 of my favourite musicals so that said a lot. But seriously every musical does not need to have a deep involved plot that taxes the brain. There are plenty if those out there for people. But equally we need some fun musicals that don't require the audience to analyse the plot but just go along and enjoy the music, songs and dancing and come away with a smile on your face. Absolutely true. But you need the performances to cover up for the shallowness in the book. These shows have great songs and plenty of opportunities for dazzling choreography. The lack of depth isn't fatal as long as the production knows what it is dealing with and sets out to entertain not to pretend that it is great drama. |
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Post by BVM on Jul 9, 2023 8:43:38 GMT
Just saw evening performance and I’m not going to be popular but myself and partner both said we enjoyed it but we’re not blown away as we had been expecting from all the other reviews Had great seats row F stalls closest you want to be really is E as others 2 rows are quite low as stage is very high We love that era of music , huge Charlie Stemp fans , knew nothing about the show before attending … just couldn’t put our finger on why we didn’t LOVE ❤️ it . Only thing I could put it down to was no huge songs apart from rhythm which got part standing ovation but I found although many other songs quite sweet my mind wondered during them
I think with one or two bigger songs I’d have been ❤️❤️❤️❤️about the show Loved the set , staging , costumes, choreography, strong cast , I’d see it again on an offer but full price I’d see something else So I've not seen this yet (though will do) but in anticipation of seeing it I dug out the 1993 OLC Ruthie Henshall recording to give another listen. Must say apart from I Got Rhythm, I found it whilst not unpleasant, just a bit of a yawn fest. Music is such a personal thing and you can't really argue "good" vs "bad" as everyone hears things differently but I was pretty bored by the score sadly. Compared (for me) to 42nd Street which is banger after banger (Dames, Young and Beautiful, We're In The Money, Lullaby Of Broadway, 42nd Street etc etc). Anyway, then remembered that I actually saw a tour of this in Manchester circa 2017 with Tom Chambers of Holby City and Strictly fame - which had almost forgotten. What I can recall was just that it was a very unremarkable show! Anyway, a mediocre show can be lifted by a stunning production so look forward to checking this out at some stage. And big Charlie Stemp fan so would want to see him! |
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8,096 posts
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Post by alece10 on Jul 9, 2023 8:55:15 GMT
I love thin plots! Probably cos I'm thick so thinner the better. This show and 42nd Street are 2 of my favourite musicals so that said a lot. But seriously every musical does not need to have a deep involved plot that taxes the brain. There are plenty if those out there for people. But equally we need some fun musicals that don't require the audience to analyse the plot but just go along and enjoy the music, songs and dancing and come away with a smile on your face. Absolutely true. But you need the performances to cover up for the shallowness in the book. These shows have great songs and plenty of opportunities for dazzling choreography. The lack of depth isn't fatal as long as the production knows what it is dealing with and sets out to entertain not to pretend that it is great drama. Which is exactly what this show does. |
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Post by theatreian on Jul 9, 2023 9:13:56 GMT
Which is exactly what this show does. Exactly. What most people want is pure unadulterated entertainment where they can forget their problems , relax and listen and watch great performers do their thing. A thin plot as has been said is ok as long as the performances and spectacle cover for it. I remember going with someone to Les Mis(one of my favourite shows) and they didn't have a clue what was going on which did spoil it for them. WE are all different and will want different things, but for musicals most of us what a great show which will make us forget and just marvel at what is on stage. |
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Post by Oleanna on Jul 9, 2023 10:04:46 GMT
Lest we forget that this isn’t a classic show from the pre-Golden Age, this is is a 31 year old show, and it’s fair for criticism of it to bear this in mind. Except the plot/script is adapted by Ken Ludwig from Gershwins' 1930 "Girl Crazy" with added songs from the brothers backlog It is. However, I think it’s fair to say that it’s less of an adaptation and more “inspired by”. The shows are clearly in the same style and with the same approach, but bear little resemblance to the casual viewer. Crazy For You is not Girl Crazy with a couple of tweaks. In fact, the original tagline was “The new Gershwin musical comedy”. |
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Post by oxfordsimon on Jul 9, 2023 10:18:12 GMT
Absolutely true. But you need the performances to cover up for the shallowness in the book. These shows have great songs and plenty of opportunities for dazzling choreography. The lack of depth isn't fatal as long as the production knows what it is dealing with and sets out to entertain not to pretend that it is great drama. Which is exactly what this show does. I am no denying that. Just being honest about the book and characters not being that great. The show is a star vehicle for the two leads with a few comic cameos. And some glorious Gershwin tunes |
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Post by Boob on Jul 9, 2023 12:23:35 GMT
The book, in my opinion, is very well crafted and plotted (for this kind of show). Stroman, superlative choreographer that she is, is just not a good enough director to make it fly beyond the spectacular dance numbers. She’s an efficient stager, but not a storyteller or actor’s director. I far preferred the Regent’s Park production, in part because of the utterly winning performances from Sean Palmer and Clare Foster. They brought genuine charm, romance, vulnerability and heart to their characters where I found Stemp and Anderson perfectly good, but effortful and left me a little cold.
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Post by jek on Jul 9, 2023 14:17:04 GMT
I have very happy memories of Luke Thallon and Lucie Fletcher performing in this at the Guildhall five years ago. Too busy being carried away by the joy of the performance (and the proud parents in the audience) to worry about the plot.
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