Post by mkb on Dec 15, 2021 1:53:41 GMT
With hundreds of unmasked, super-spreading 8-10 year olds present, I feared the worst. But they were impeccably behaved and rapt throughout.
Oh how I wish I could say the same for me! Don't get me wrong: I too was well behaved, just not engaged in this production.
Despite three understudies and the consequent juggling of actors in several featured rôles, the cast were good. I thought Jack Wolfe had particularly strong stage presence, and clearly has a bright future on stage and screen.
It's been a while since I had the pleasure of a Strallen -- there was a time when one seemed to pop up in every other musical. Here, it's Summer and she's good, but perhaps not quite as deliciously wicked as the part deserves.
I liked the set design, with its washed-out browns and echoes of Victorian fairground. The elephant -- especially its ears and its movement -- is magnificent.
So what went wrong?
The problem is the narrative. What little there is moves at a glacial pace, and, with a few exceptions, the songs reflect on what is happening rather than drive the plot forward. Characters are under-developed, and song lyrics are functional rather than witty.
Evidently, young kids love this show, but I don't think it works for the rest of the family.
Two stars.
Act 1: 19:18-20:27
Act 2: 20:48-21:56
Oh how I wish I could say the same for me! Don't get me wrong: I too was well behaved, just not engaged in this production.
Despite three understudies and the consequent juggling of actors in several featured rôles, the cast were good. I thought Jack Wolfe had particularly strong stage presence, and clearly has a bright future on stage and screen.
It's been a while since I had the pleasure of a Strallen -- there was a time when one seemed to pop up in every other musical. Here, it's Summer and she's good, but perhaps not quite as deliciously wicked as the part deserves.
I liked the set design, with its washed-out browns and echoes of Victorian fairground. The elephant -- especially its ears and its movement -- is magnificent.
So what went wrong?
The problem is the narrative. What little there is moves at a glacial pace, and, with a few exceptions, the songs reflect on what is happening rather than drive the plot forward. Characters are under-developed, and song lyrics are functional rather than witty.
Evidently, young kids love this show, but I don't think it works for the rest of the family.
Two stars.
Act 1: 19:18-20:27
Act 2: 20:48-21:56
