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Post by apubleed on Oct 9, 2023 10:03:56 GMT
Bernadette is an old school Broadway performer who does 8 shows a week always and hasn’t missed a single performance in almost 20 years (since Gypsy). I don’t believe she missed a single performance of Night Music, Follies or Hello, Dolly! Of course she isn’t getting any younger but the chances that you will see her in the show is extremely high.
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Post by mrbarnaby on Oct 9, 2023 14:51:17 GMT
How does one get a rush ticket? Do you have to run into the box office breathlessly and ask for a great cheap seat at the last minute?
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Post by Being Alive on Oct 9, 2023 15:07:06 GMT
How does one get a rush ticket? Do you have to run into the box office breathlessly and ask for a great cheap seat at the last minute? TodayTix at 10am on the day |
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Post by solangelafitte on Oct 9, 2023 15:24:45 GMT
I'd add to that, it may seem at 10am tickets have been snatched up but I've had a number of friends get good ones at around 10:15/10:20 after the initial rush. So if you try at 10 on the dot and it says all tickets are being held people should keep trying because there's a good chance you'll get something. Failing that, the dynamic pricing throughout the day of the performance has been pretty good from what I've seen and friends have told me, with most of grand circle going for £20 and a number of dress circle going for £40 a couple of hours before showtime. Don't know if that's every show but that's from a sampling of about 6 or 7 performances so maybe worth keeping an eye on.
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Post by strawberrypie on Oct 9, 2023 16:01:52 GMT
Yeah, I got a single rush ticket at around 11am this morning for tonight, Stalls Row E side, so definitely worth checking throughout the day.
Can't wait!
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Post by SuttonPeron on Oct 9, 2023 16:43:42 GMT
There seem to be lots of great seats at bargain prices if you can risk it and wait for dynamic pricing. Some of them cheaper than rush and with a great view.
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Post by jay78uk on Oct 10, 2023 7:57:54 GMT
So enjoyed this last night.
I didn't expect to laugh so much- the comedy numbers were so on point.
All performers were absolutely excellent- it was a performance master class, both from an individual and company perspective.
I was a bit surprised by the set list on three fronts:
- the WSS segment didn't work for me- Tonight has never been a favourite of mine musically or lyrically and it was disappointing to have Pacific Overtures, Assassins and Roadshow missing.
- the laser focus on Sondheim's greatest hits a bit odd given I can't imagine there are many people attending that aren't already Sondheim fans. Replacing two or three 'bangers' with more reflective songs would have added depth. In Buddy's Eyes and Liaisons would be great editions.
- finally I was surprised someone in a tree didn't get a look in given it was Sondheim's favourite.
It also felt lazy to include the ALW/Sondheim video, even in abbreviated form- why not use lesser known footage to more powerful effect? Presumably because it didn't have CM as the subject matter...
But I am nit picking- it was a wonderful night and I salute the wonderful performances, particularly given they were playing to a ¾ full house on a Monday night.
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Post by JJShaw on Oct 10, 2023 12:12:08 GMT
So enjoyed this last night. I didn't expect to laugh so much- the comedy numbers were so on point. All performers were absolutely excellent- it was a performance master class, both from an individual and company perspective. I was a bit surprised by the set list on three fronts: - the WSS segment didn't work for me- Tonight has never been a favourite of mine musically or lyrically and it was disappointing to have Pacific Overtures, Assassins and Roadshow missing. - the laser focus on Sondheim's greatest hits a bit odd given I can't imagine there are many people attending that aren't already Sondheim fans. Replacing two or three 'bangers' with more reflective songs would have added depth. In Buddy's Eyes and Liaisons would be great editions. - finally I was surprised someone in a tree didn't get a look in given it was Sondheim's favourite. It also felt lazy to include the ALW/Sondheim video, even in abbreviated form- why not use lesser known footage to more powerful effect? Presumably because it didn't have CM as the subject matter... But I am nit picking- it was a wonderful night and I salute the wonderful performances, particularly given they were playing to a ¾ full house on a Monday night. Very much agree with all this! Not a huge WSS fan either, and I understand that the focus is on CamMac produced shows (because of course he must insert himself into a tribute...!) It still is a shame that all his shows couldn't represented by at least one song, and they were only short of a few as well! Is it a rights issue or an ego issue? (sorry if that's too rude!) |
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Post by shownut on Oct 10, 2023 12:28:48 GMT
So enjoyed this last night. I didn't expect to laugh so much- the comedy numbers were so on point. All performers were absolutely excellent- it was a performance master class, both from an individual and company perspective. I was a bit surprised by the set list on three fronts: - the WSS segment didn't work for me- Tonight has never been a favourite of mine musically or lyrically and it was disappointing to have Pacific Overtures, Assassins and Roadshow missing. - the laser focus on Sondheim's greatest hits a bit odd given I can't imagine there are many people attending that aren't already Sondheim fans. Replacing two or three 'bangers' with more reflective songs would have added depth. In Buddy's Eyes and Liaisons would be great editions. - finally I was surprised someone in a tree didn't get a look in given it was Sondheim's favourite. It also felt lazy to include the ALW/Sondheim video, even in abbreviated form- why not use lesser known footage to more powerful effect? Presumably because it didn't have CM as the subject matter... But I am nit picking- it was a wonderful night and I salute the wonderful performances, particularly given they were playing to a ¾ full house on a Monday night. I was there last night as well and there is nearly no need for me to post my own thoughts as you have said everything I was thinking. Great minds and all.... :-) That said, much as I enjoyed it from start to finish (including the fantastic design/projections) I too was let down that ASSASSINS and other composed works were left out in favour of his lyrical work on WEST SIDE STORY and GYPSY. This show has enough fire power that it doesn't need the help of those more popular works. The other omissions that were glaring were "Finishing The Hat" and "Move On" (or was it there and I just don't remember?). The only misstep for me was the revised/rethought version of "Could I Leave You" which stuck out like a sore thumb given the straightforward rendering of the other numbers....and with Janie Dee in the house?....c'mon. For someone with as many notable songs as Sondheim there are bound to be omissions but having a better framework other than 'Cameron introduced these works' (which wasn't true of several shows), might have cleared the way for a better format with less exclusions. A solid 4 stars from me. |
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Post by ladidah on Oct 10, 2023 12:37:16 GMT
I completely agree with the video of Cameron and Andrew, really strange. An in-joke...
Would have been much better to have a short video of a performance, or of him discussing his work/process.
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Post by nicolaa on Oct 10, 2023 13:00:08 GMT
Is it Cam Mac as the off stage "producer" voice?
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Post by ladidah on Oct 10, 2023 13:03:24 GMT
Yes, I think so.
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Post by mrbarnaby on Oct 10, 2023 13:48:33 GMT
I agree to re the ALW/SS video. It’s purely about Cameron, in all respects. No one wanted or needed it. It’s also not funny once you’ve already seen it.
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Post by alece10 on Oct 10, 2023 14:35:37 GMT
I agree to re the ALW/SS video. It’s purely about Cameron, in all respects. No one wanted or needed it. It’s also not funny once you’ve already seen it. It's actually the video that was used at the Hey Mr Producer concert many, many moons ago. |
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Post by jay78uk on Oct 10, 2023 15:31:01 GMT
:--) I clearly have my finger on the pulse!
I suppose CM has been clear in his marketing that this is a ‘big broadway show’ which explains the firm focus on big show numbers from Sondheim’s back catalogue.
I’m a huge fan of the pet shop boys and similarly I get a bit irritated when their concerts trot out their greatest hits each and every tour. But I understand its what audiences typically want.
I love most of the songs they picked, but it did feel at times a little relentless- I’m not sure if you need both ladies who lunch and I’m still here… given they are of similar sentiment and delivery.
I suppose it’s my love of Sondheim that makes me feel aggrieved his more intellectual musings were missed- putting it together and someone in a tree being prime examples, and his lovely song cycles such as now/later/soon from a little night music.
The set list also missed out his more political songs, one of my favourites being gun song from Assassins. Having the cast lining up their gun sights on the audience would have added another dimension. Maybe straight after sweeny todd.
May I also ask for Johanna from Sweeney and pretty lady from Pacific Overtures because they are both so damn gorgeous.
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Post by solangelafitte on Oct 10, 2023 16:23:41 GMT
Is it Cam Mac as the off stage "producer" voice? Yes and Bernadette's delivery of "Oh, Cameron" in response to hearing it the night I went was the hardest I laughed all evening. Just perfect. |
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Post by solangelafitte on Oct 10, 2023 16:25:12 GMT
I agree to re the ALW/SS video. It’s purely about Cameron, in all respects. No one wanted or needed it. It’s also not funny once you’ve already seen it. It's actually the video that was used at the Hey Mr Producer concert many, many moons ago. Since we had that part of Hey Mr Producer forced on us I'm at least grateful we got a recreation of Bernadette's You Gotta Get a Gimmick and the Broadway Baby number as part of the package. |
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Post by mrbarnaby on Oct 10, 2023 17:09:23 GMT
I agree to re the ALW/SS video. It’s purely about Cameron, in all respects. No one wanted or needed it. It’s also not funny once you’ve already seen it. It's actually the video that was used at the Hey Mr Producer concert many, many moons ago. I know my darling! |
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Post by theatrefan2018 on Oct 11, 2023 2:54:31 GMT
Thank you for all the tips on getting cheap tix for Old Friends!
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Post by Mark on Oct 12, 2023 9:52:04 GMT
Got a great rush ticket in the stalls yesterday. Must say, I was a little disappointed, and only just managed to rate this as 4 star due to act two really picking up and delivering.
Clare Burt was absent, which led to an absolute car crash in “The Little Things You Do Together” because Janie Dee didn’t know any of the words. I just wanted to curl up into a ball with embarrassment. Are these covers not planned in advance? It really put me on edge for the rest of act one, which overall I found just lacking a bit of energy. It certainly felt like a Wednesday Matinee, and I’m used to going to matinee performances.
Jo Riding was great in Not Getting Married - a shame she’s so underused throughout. Make no mistake, to me the highlight was Bernadette Peters. Her acting through song is second to none, and her understanding of Sondheims lyrics truly a masterclass. Send in the Clowns and Losing My Mind were absolute knockouts. Lea was great and would make a great Lovett and Rose, and whilst her voice is powerful and strong, I didn’t think they worked great out of context, although for that I’ll blame the direction.
So yes, Act one, 3 star, act two 4.5 star. So settling on 4 overall. Fun, but not without flaws.
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Post by thistimetomorrow on Oct 12, 2023 10:25:40 GMT
I can't remember what other songs Clare was supposed to do (was it 'Ladies Who Lunch'?), but did Janie also cover that song? |
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Post by Mark on Oct 12, 2023 10:29:18 GMT
I can't remember what other songs Clare was supposed to do (was it 'Ladies Who Lunch'?), but did Janie also cover that song? She did, and she did that better for sure. |
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Post by lonlad on Oct 12, 2023 10:40:42 GMT
Janie is notorious when it comes to her lines - she was in a two hander at the Finborough a season or two ago where she seemed to know almost none of the lines at the performance I saw: it was like something out of NOISES OFF. When she's on form, she's brilliant.
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Post by jay78uk on Oct 12, 2023 11:33:38 GMT
Oh dear, poor Janie. How busy was the matinee performance? I’m planning to see the show again as I enjoyed it so much first time round… would like to revisit around Christmas time if it manages its full engagement. Oh, does anyone know how much the rather lovely programme costs?
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Post by david on Oct 12, 2023 11:42:57 GMT
Oh dear, poor Janie. How busy was the matinee performance? I’m planning to see the show again as I enjoyed it so much first time round… would like to revisit around Christmas time if it manages its full engagement. Oh, does anyone know how much the rather lovely programme costs? I think I paid around £12 for the programme. |
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