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Post by Mr Snow on May 11, 2018 9:30:51 GMT
It’s been a loooong time since Dennis Lawson and Sian Philips hooked me into musical comedy with a WE revival of Pal Joey. I thought is so good I went about 5 times in one summer.
It doesn’t get revived despite some of the best songs ever, Bewitched, I could write a book (Lady is a Tramp in the film version) etc. I read an interview where Hytner said he wanted to do it but couldn’t work out a ‘fix’ the second half. I’ve never quite understood that. I’m sure just one more Rogers & Hart song added after the interval is needed. Also when it was first produced they were wary of the fact the main character is something of a ‘heel’. Today we are used to plots featuring this and an ending showing Joey, down on his luck until some new woman has the misfortune to meet his considerable charm could show the cyclical behaviour of such characters and end on a bittersweet upnote.
(Although in the age of “Me Too” the timing might not be right for a musical about a “loveable rogue”. There’s no suggestion of coercion, but a womaniser he remains.)
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Post by Mr Snow on May 10, 2018 10:35:37 GMT
I've only seen the recent Menier production and I thought it worked very well? IN fact it's vaulted straight into my (admittedly huge) top 5 musicals list. For fans this is worth a listen. Some of the reasons why its had a 'problematical' history are discussed. www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0654110
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Post by Mr Snow on May 10, 2018 10:29:41 GMT
I like this thread
The Sound of Music needs some edge?
Not all the guards at that concert hall would have been asleep.
Last scene.
The family ascend the hill towards Switzerland, softly Lisle(?) starts humming “the Hills are alive….” When a shot rings out and she falls.
Maria starts to sing and the others join in as they race up the hill. One by one they are picked off as the Orchestra gets quieter.
Finally, Maria stands alone and turns to face her pursuers.
The curtain falls as she’s singing “’til you find your….”
A shot rings out…
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Post by Mr Snow on May 8, 2018 20:04:08 GMT
Although I prefer real ale, I will happily drink wine (and the more I drink, the happier I become!) What I've never tasted, in any glass, is raspberries or freshly mown hay, etc. if you're that keen I can strongly recommend the following. Find a clean empty 1L bottle. loosely fill it with Raspberries and then add sugar - about enough that would fill the bottom 2cm. Top up with a cheap Vodka - Lidl's is fine Leave in a dark cool place for about 3 months. Strain through a coffee filter. and Hey Presto Raspberry Vodka - its surprisingly nice. Lovely after a piece of dark chocolate which you made in an ice tray with the remains of the (Now dangerously alcoholic) raspberries mixed in! I do know what you really mean About 20 years ago Jonathon Ross was compering a TV based quiz show. They had the then TV wine experts, oz. Clarke on pne team and Jilly Goolden on the other. They showed a clip of the two of them opening a bottle and then cut, just as their descriptions began. Next a new bottle, same, producer and vintage, was opened and served to them. They had a second chance to describe the wine and then the original comparisons were played. Neither of them used nay of the same words or phrases, but at least they liked it both times.
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Post by Mr Snow on May 5, 2018 4:29:19 GMT
It's infuriating reading that some of you are only discovering anything about Kelli O'Hara just now. “Infuriating”? Why?
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Post by Mr Snow on May 4, 2018 5:40:25 GMT
Had a pick of £15 front and second row seats today, interesting. Last time, it was a struggle to get a single top price seat at all. Presumably members only at this stage(sic)?
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Post by Mr Snow on May 3, 2018 19:14:54 GMT
So I have to admitt I'd never heard of Ms. O'Hara until this was annouced. We had the Met Saturday Matinee on R3 a few weeks ago as background and I was amazed to hear the announcer at the end say she'd sung Despina. www.newcriterion.com/issues/...chronicle-9785“The great surprise of this production—even more than the bearded lady or snake-handler—was Kelli O’Hara in the role of Despina. O’Hara is maybe the greatest Broadway star of her age. And here she was in an opera, singing a role that is heavy on recitatives. In fact, Despina does relatively little singing—real singing, apart from recitative. When O’Hara had a chance to sing, I was delighted. Yet she handled her recitatives well too—with accurate pitch, for example. And her Italian was genuine Italian. She was perhaps a bit small of voice, but not too small, and I had this thought: if she has no need of being miked in this vast opera house, why does she have to be miked in the comparatively small theaters in which she spends her career? The overamplification of Broadway is one of the scandals and outrages of our age. In any event, Kelli O’Hara was fearless in her Mozart—and fearless in Mozart is a very hard and good thing to be. May I say that few Despinas have ever been so beautiful? Also, I doubt the role was ever better acted. Finally, here is the big question: If you had no idea—if you knew nothing about Kelli O’Hara, this great, world-famous star of the musical theater—would you think she was an opera singer? A real, full-time opera singer? I think the answer is yes.” I note todaytix say no seats currently available, but after watching these two, I'll confess. I'm prepared to kill for a ticket.
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Post by Mr Snow on May 3, 2018 13:27:21 GMT
Mike Leigh’s films are patronising and boring.
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Post by Mr Snow on May 3, 2018 5:43:09 GMT
I’d agree with this too. I love Tim’s lyrics for Chess but even on most cast recordings, it’s not easy to decipher what’s being sung in some numbers. I find the reviews surreal. As a long time Chess fan, I thought this was the most satisfying production I’ve seen to date. I had reservations about the casting but for the most part, I thought they sang beautifully. I’m not saying it’s a perfect show but any reviewer worth his salt should be aware of this show by now and be able to accept it for what it is. I can’t fathom why anyone would feel the need to leave at half time. I can’t agree more. It’s been treated by the reviewers as a new show. They should take the show for what it is a focus on the production values and singers. I really think it is an excellent production.I've tried to help you see it as they did. Thats their job. I've never seen it and so their perspective is similar to mine and most of the population. Occasionally a production arrives that makes sense of a 'problem' piece, should they then just comment on the production values?
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Post by Mr Snow on May 2, 2018 13:50:18 GMT
Sort of related Someone in our extended family was Mrs Snows Secret Santa. Someone had thought about her interests and purchased a Walking Tour of West End Theatres for 2. www.musicaltheatrewalkingtour.com/ So while half of London punished the pavements a small group of 4 of us joined Neil Maxfield for a jaunt round Soho and Covent Garden. Neil is a genial host and a real enthusiast for his subject, but not in a heavy academic way. He likes to sing a song relevant at many stops and interacted with all of us. (Apparently without the London Marathon as competition, groups can be much larger). The pace was easy and we had a lovely time in the sunshine. Architecture isn’t really the point of it but I liked the history of each theatre and the reference to some of the shows presented before even I was born, through to the current shows. For the real aficionado many of the tales are well worn but I’m sure he’d vary the content depending on the interests of the group. I would recommend as a pleasant Sunday activity for someone who was introducing someone else to musicals and we found enough to make it worthwhile.
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Chess
May 2, 2018 13:25:14 GMT
Post by Mr Snow on May 2, 2018 13:25:14 GMT
The reviews on the negative side I would say.... 5* Daily Express 4* Mark Shenton (who likes everything) for London Theatre 4* WOS (who we don't mention). 3* Mail 3* Broadway World 2* The Stage 2* The Times 2* Time Out 2* Evening Standard 2* The Indy Arts No reviews (as yet) from the Guardian or Telegraph. But don’t forget People on here loved it and found it stylish and wonderful Although you can’t hear half of what they are singing My friend who is desperate to like all musicals said to me “Isn’t it the same in opera” To mention the word “opera” alongside chess was the funniest thing I have heard for ages I do wonder that the ENO hang their heads having to try and fill the large auditorium with this sort of rubbish every year now Sweeney Todd, Carousel, "rubbish". ahh Parsely....
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Post by Mr Snow on May 2, 2018 11:23:59 GMT
Help me remember the maths, I think these are the sums mentioned as applying in 1934. Happy to be corrected or others added. According to the extensive research I’ve done (one search) need to multiply by 68.1 to account for inflation.
And so we get
Top price tickets $4.40, Now $299
Wages $22 a week. $1500
Bowl of chilli 10C $6.81 This is also what’s pulled from the drain leading us nicely into We’re in the Money!
Anything else mentioned?
Well the mind does drift off a little on what is my 4th visit to this production. But my Mum LOVED it!
Who was covering Clare last Friday? She moved well and it was nice to see someone else in the role.
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Post by Mr Snow on May 1, 2018 10:13:59 GMT
Sadly my mind is at a much lower place than yours. I awoke with this little ditty running through my head.
Hooray, Hooray, the first of May, Outdoor sex, begins today.
Also as a party bore I can never hear September in the Rain on the radio, without reminding Mrs. Snow (or anyone else trapped in the car with me) that they are playing it in the wrong month.
“Now spring is here…”
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Post by Mr Snow on Apr 26, 2018 9:44:53 GMT
Rylance was very good in his recent film roles like Dunkirk and Ready Player One. I thought he was terrible in Bridge of Spies, really annoying. Even before he opened his mouth he was ACTING! In film the craft needs to be invisible.
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Post by Mr Snow on Apr 25, 2018 8:05:01 GMT
I once read that singing “Private Dancer” by Tina Turner was a sure fire way to get rid of an ear worm. Apparently it doesn’t stick and erases all other songs. It has always worked for me! The one I read about was God Save the Queen. It is a dirge, totally without musical merit and gets you thinking of other things and…it works.
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Post by Mr Snow on Apr 23, 2018 9:01:25 GMT
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Post by Mr Snow on Apr 23, 2018 7:24:16 GMT
I think the papering discussion is an interesting one really. Just one question if I may, if papering companies continue to operate as they do (and for clarity I believe they should myself) if you were offered a papered ticket would you accept it? Or would you reject it and pay full price on principle? I would accept it if it was publicly offered rather than being from some sort of secretive club as they come across at present. If membership of the service was more widely publicised and thus available to more people, then I wouldn't object so much. The sense of superiority and boasting that comes across from some people who get comps is what really infuriates me. In that sense, if the membership was wider and it wasn't the same people getting freebies time and time again (it's fairly obvious that some people on this board frequently get to go to shows for free who aren't there to review), then I admit I would be less begrudging and I would be willing to set aside my dislike of how it distorts the popularity of a show - after all, if a show isn't making money it will become obvious eventually. It's all the insider comments of "such and such show is papering heavily" that grate. If I was offered a free ticket from a papering company now then yes, I probably would take it, because I have bills to pay like everyone else and a bit of cash saved is always welcome. But I'm afraid I'd find it very difficult to stick to the cult of secrecy about where I'd got the ticket from, though I wouldn't be boasting about it in the theatre or on here. But… What papering companies do, has to be ‘secret’? Producers wouldn’t go near them if they advertised how cheap some seats go for. It’s upto producers to decide whether to engage them and I believe even subsidised theatre's have done this on occasions. Producers do it mainly because those who pay to go to the theatre, enjoy it more if the place isn’t half empty. Arguably actors perform better when there are enough in the audience to give them something back. And it can help a show survive with good word of mouth during a lull or until a new cast arrives. Really its just another marketing tool. I have heard of occasions where its to ensure a full house when they know a VIP will be attending. If someone who gets a papered ticket is overhead announcing it out loud in the Theatre, then they will have been told that they can expect to lose their membership. They really are spoilers. To declare my interest I have received the odd ticket for next to nothing, via such a company. I am also sure I’ve paid top whack sitting close to someone who’s been papered. But I don’t know at which shows and I doubt its been often. One final point. I dont think these qualify as a "secretive club" not open to all. They would love to advertise and gain new members, but that would defeat the object. I'm sure with a little use of Google you 'll find out who the players are.
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Post by Mr Snow on Apr 23, 2018 5:42:29 GMT
Was it because he thought MG had figured out he killed the mother? When he's drunk in the hallway in episode 3 he looks up to an unseen character and says "oh, of course - it was you" or words to that effect. Fate sealed! Did I miss something? How did Nighy get him upstairs, undress him, get him into the shower, inject him....all unobserved. Quite enjoyed it but not Bill Nighy or the accents of the kids grown up, they all seemed a little forced. And the direction was a little indulgently artistic... I'll stop now. "Quite enjoyed it", will do.
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Post by Mr Snow on Apr 19, 2018 13:18:48 GMT
Yes, the weather's very pleasant today,🌞 but really? Shorts and sandals? I was sitting on one bench, and opposite me was sitting, fully clothed, another gentleman. Betwixt us walked a man of senior years wearing a pair of khaki cargo shorts. Nothing particularly wrong with that in this weather, except he rather spoilt the look by also wearing oxblood slip-ons, fully extended formal socks and a grey tweed jacket. I smiled at the man sitting opposite, and he smiled back at me. First "T-Shirt, no coat brought" visit to the theatre of the year You wear a T-shirt to the theatre? That really belongs in the bad behaviour thread. I'm sure someone as stylish as @ryan would not be seen dead in a T-shirt! You are Elisabeth Vincentelli and I claim my $5.
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Post by Mr Snow on Apr 19, 2018 10:43:50 GMT
How very modern, a job share between Philip Quast and Peter Forbes.
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Post by Mr Snow on Apr 17, 2018 14:59:46 GMT
Here's the full song without interruptions Miss LuPone looks like she’s hearing that song for the first time and loving it. Miss Giedroyc looks like she’s trying to remember if she still has any cake left in the freezer for dinner.
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Post by Mr Snow on Apr 12, 2018 9:52:14 GMT
Overheard two different conversations yesterday with people excited to see Lulu. The first was at Sunset Boulevard, with a group of gents sat behind me who sounded like they came to London for a few days every so often to check out the latest shows (they had seen practically all the musicals playing but were looking forward to going back to 42nd Street with Lulu in the cast). The second was on the tube home, after listening to a well-spoken Chelsea resident complaining about all aspects of Sunset Boulevard, he also then said similar things about Lulu. So whatever you may think, she certainly has people talking about her and interested in seeing her performance. But then folks love a good train wreck. And public executions were the hotest ticket in town!
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Post by Mr Snow on Apr 11, 2018 10:56:24 GMT
Saw this show at the Hackney Empire only few years ago. It’s an OK excuse to dig out some great songs and that’s a top class pairing.
Devised by Sheldon Epps. That name bugged me until I discovered he’d been a writer on Frazier.
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Post by Mr Snow on Apr 10, 2018 5:48:12 GMT
I presume you are interested in historical memorabilia as well as new items and, if so, I can make a few suggestions but I would need other members to confirm whether or not those places are still going as I haven't actually visited them lately: 1. Travis and Emery in Cecil Court. A second-hand shop almost exclusively concerned with classical music but they used to have a small section on popular music and particularly musical theatre. 2. David Drummond at Pleasures of Past Times. Another shop in Cecil Court which deals with all kinds of historical theatrical memorabilia. 3. At Alfie's Antique Market at 13-25 Church Street, Marylebone (NW8 8DT), there used to be a dealer upstairs who sold second hand theatre programmes. I went there only a couple of times some years ago and bought a splendid selection of programmes, including the famous musicals of the 1920s and 30s at Drury Lane like 'Rose Marie' and 'The Desert Song' and then later shows like 'Oklahoma' and 'South Pacific' at what I considered very reasonable prices. Can any other members say whether those three places are still going, especially No.3 above? I wouldn't want theatreman making the trip to Church Street to find that either the programme dealer was gone or indeed that Alfie's itself was no longer there! Travis and Emery still there a couple of weeks ago. I have had some luck in the past scouring the bookshops in Charing Cross Rd. As this is provoking nostalgia, does anyone else remember the Soho record shop that sold only soundtracks? Bottom of Dean st, nr The French House? This thread has prompted my memory and so an anecdote. I used to be quite friendly with a client and his wife who were the most flamboyant couple I ever met. I have connections with the flower trade and one day he called from abroad in a panic saying he’d forgotten her Birthday (“today”) and his life wouldn’t be worth living if I couldn’t help him out. A few days earlier they had been watching a VHS(!) where Katherine Hepburn descended a staircase carrying a large bunch of flowers and his wife had said it was the most glamorous thing she’d ever seen. He wanted me to get those flowers for her. I’ve forgotten the name of the film but I called the now long gone Cinema Bookshop in Great Russell St and described this image to them. They asked for a few minutes and after going through their books surprised me by calling back and describing the image where she was clearly carrying Calla Lillies. Problem solved. Aftermath. Sadly this heroic act only saved the day for a short time as it turned out this was a “marriage of convenience” which didn’t last. This all sounds like I’m describing something from Victorian days, but it was less than 30 years ago.
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Post by Mr Snow on Apr 8, 2018 8:29:30 GMT
If you're familiar with Macbeth (the play), I would have thought that you'd enjoy seeing how the story is interpreted in a different art form. There's quite a lot of Shakespeare's words in the text and the plot is essentially the same, so you'd have a head start in following the plot. Verdi is (in my opinion) one of the more musical composers, like Puccini, so there is some lovely music in there, and Anna Netrebko makes for a compelling Lady. So, if you're interested in trying more opera, I'd have thought this would be a good next step for you (and I write as still something of an opera novice myself). But only you can determine the value of spending that £17 somewhere else instead... Thank you. I think I'll give it a go. I liked the operas I've seen so far, and I do know the play, so it'd be interesting to see. I don't think I fancy Wagner type operas, but I imagine Verdi should be fairly accessible. I hope you do go and report back. Macbeth isn't the close to being the first Verdi I'd recommend someone to try, but you won’t hear a better performed version anytime soon. Fabulous evening.
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