351 posts
|
Post by Raven on Apr 20, 2017 19:15:11 GMT
I'm really looking forward to seeing this on Sunday! Will be sure to post my thoughts.
|
|
351 posts
|
Post by Raven on Apr 20, 2017 18:58:41 GMT
I must admit having read some reviews, both on here and elsewhere, I decided I wouldn't contemplate returning to see the Phantom until Ben left. Out of curiosity - and to make my own judgement - I decided to watch Ben's performance and was pleasantly surprised. There are a few niggles for me, such as his pronunciation (or should I say diction?) of some phrases and words throughout the song. However, I guess what makes the show interesting and keeps it fresh is each actor's own individual depiction of the Phantom's character. Ramin has always been my favourite and felt his vulnerable portrayal really worked. I might find myself going to see the Phantom again after all just to make my own full judgement having then seen the full show.
|
|
351 posts
|
Post by Raven on Mar 4, 2017 19:47:38 GMT
Sorry to resurrect an old board but! For all those who, like me, were asking for a cast recording, this might be a hint about Murder Ballad. Either that, or Victoria recording her own solo album perhaps?
|
|
351 posts
|
Post by Raven on Feb 21, 2017 21:31:08 GMT
Haha, sorry guys! Totally got sent to an article that made me think she was doing the UK tour of Wicked when it's really a solo tour. I put my hands up, guilty as charged! My bad...
In that case, Natalie can do the whole tour as Elphaba, ha. In all seriousness, I would pay a lot of money to see her as Elphaba as I never caught her when she was understudying the role.
|
|
351 posts
|
Post by Raven on Feb 21, 2017 19:05:37 GMT
I honestly LOVED Natalie. This was the first time i saw her but i already think she is going to be a star. I thought she was brilliant in every aspect and a real highlight. I agree. When I saw Wonderland back in January it was also my first time seeing Natalie and she really stood out for me. Based on all the rave reviews and praise specifically about her I do think this role will really launch her career. UK tour Elphaba for the venues where Rachel Tucker does not appear please?
|
|
351 posts
|
Post by Raven on Feb 19, 2017 18:47:23 GMT
This may well be a question with an obvious answer, but I'm not sure from the website... Is La Strada at the Other Palace and subsequent tour a musical, or a play with music? It's being described as a "musical adaptation" on the official Other Palace website: www.theotherpalace.co.uk/theatre/la-strada/So from that I would personally say a musical.
|
|
351 posts
|
Post by Raven on Feb 19, 2017 18:43:13 GMT
I saw this earlier today and must echo everyone's comments. I was blown away by the whole show! The choreography is just so energetic and dynamic, the cast (in particular Kara and Jeremy) were first class and pure talent and the songs were brilliant. I left my local cinema with a big smile on my face. Must also say the Pantages Theatre, where it was filmed, is just stunning.
I'm holding out some hope for a DVD release. I do hope that due to previous shows being successfully filmed and screened to cinemas (Phantom, Miss Saigon etc) that it means Disney won't hesitate to release this.
(On a side note, to avoid any confusion, my username has recently been changed from Mystifyre. My profile is still all the same!)
|
|
351 posts
|
Post by Raven on Feb 2, 2017 20:12:19 GMT
I really wish they were do a cast recording of this production as a few of the songs have been added/changed since the Broadway recording.
Also, does anyone have any ideas of Natalie McQueen's Hatter schedule? I've heard she does some matinees but is there specific performances she doesn't do? I'm considering catching Wonderland again at some point.
|
|
351 posts
|
Post by Raven on Jan 30, 2017 20:35:13 GMT
I've thought of another one: The Phantom. Loathed as a child by his mother, spending the vast majority of his childhood in a circus where he was a cruel "spectacle" and a laughing stock. Seeked refuge in the cellars of the opera house to escape from the world, fell in love with the pretty chorus girl and uses his passion to help her succeed and is ultimately rejected and his love unrequited (if we are to forget about Love Never Dies).
Also, Nancy from Oliver. Corrupted as a child and forced into a life of crime and (it is implied) prostitution yet still remains a sympathetic and motherly figure to Oliver and Fagin's gang. Despite being abused by Bill she still sticks by him and is ultimately murdered.
|
|
351 posts
|
Post by Raven on Jan 30, 2017 19:46:16 GMT
What about Angel from RENT? A character who teaches the group about the importance of love and acceptance and is nothing but kind and charitable yet his/her life is cut short from HIV.
|
|
351 posts
|
Post by Raven on Jan 29, 2017 20:30:05 GMT
I have both recordings, but bought the original one a few years ago on eBay. You could try there. I personally think that the Hatter has two of the best songs in the show and they're both big power ballads. Now with the addition of a new song with Alice, the Hatter may end up being the slightly better part (with the exception of 'Finding Wonderland' - which is the best song). Alice's other songs are a bit ordinary IMO. Still looking forward to seeing it though. Does Natalie McQueen do the huge 'mad' belting ending to 'I Will Prevail' or does she do the slightly lower modified ending like Kate Shindle had to adopt during the course of her run? I also meant to ask: there are two recordings? The one I have found is the Original Broadway Cast recording from 2011 which I have found on Amazon: www.amazon.co.uk/Wonderland-Original-Broadway-Cast/dp/B004RV6ZW0What is the other recording that you have?
|
|
351 posts
|
Post by Raven on Jan 29, 2017 14:03:28 GMT
I have both recordings, but bought the original one a few years ago on eBay. You could try there. I personally think that the Hatter has two of the best songs in the show and they're both big power ballads. Now with the addition of a new song with Alice, the Hatter may end up being the slightly better part (with the exception of 'Finding Wonderland' - which is the best song). Alice's other songs are a bit ordinary IMO. Still looking forward to seeing it though. Does Natalie McQueen do the huge 'mad' belting ending to 'I Will Prevail' or does she do the slightly lower modified ending like Kate Shindle had to adopt during the course of her run? Thank you! I shall have a look on eBay and Amazon. As for "I Will Prevail", Natalie did do the huge belting at the end and it was just brilliant!
|
|
351 posts
|
Post by Raven on Jan 29, 2017 12:39:34 GMT
I saw this last night and really enjoyed it. I felt the second act was much stronger overall than the first half although the opening song "Worst Day of my Life" kick started the show well. The duet "This Is Who I Am" between Kerry and Natalie gave me goosebumps! Their voices harmonised so well and that was the big stand-out song for me, as well as "Through The Looking Glass".
Performance wise, I loved Natalie's portrayal of the Mad Hatter. She stole every scene she was in, often almost overshadowing Kerry. I do think this could be the year that Natalie has her breakthrough and can understand why critics have been saying she's one to watch. Kerry's vocals were as strong as ever. On occasion, I felt her acting at the beginning wasn't as strong however this improved as the show went on. Could just be she's still settling into the role as this is their first week of performances so not going to dwell too much on that. Stephen Webb cranked up the charm as Jack and brought some good humour to the show.
Overall, I personally enjoyed the evening. There were some slow moments at the beginning with some weaker songs, however the second act more than makes up for this.
On another note, does anyone know where I can find a recording of Wonderland? I've looked through YouTube but didn't have much success. I'm sure I read somewhere there does exist an older recording of the original production.
|
|
351 posts
|
Post by Raven on Jan 27, 2017 19:19:05 GMT
I agree. I saw it twice last year and I rarely go back to see show again in the same year but I enjoyed it so much I couldn't resist. It's just as other people have said: a means of escapism and a feel-good show. I left the theatre both times absolutely buzzing and wanting to go in and see it all over again! I also don't see this leaving the West End anytime soon as Elena Skye has posted several images on Snapchat and the like showing the front of house sign saying house full so it's still clearly going strong.
|
|
351 posts
|
Post by Raven on Jan 12, 2017 21:52:46 GMT
First theatrical experience: The earliest I can remember was when I was around 8 and it was a local play production of The Snow Queen.
First musical (Amateur): Me and My Girl, 2006
First musical (Professional): Cats, Edinburgh Playhouse, 2006
First onstage appearance: Performing an excerpt of the script/songs of Sister Act as part of the West End Stage experience in 2013 at Her Majesty's Theatre.
First West End Show: The Lion King, Lyceum Theatre, 2008
First Broadway Show: Wicked, Gershwin Theatre, 2013
|
|
351 posts
|
Post by Raven on Jan 11, 2017 19:45:48 GMT
I work for a travel agency and the most popular central hotels we sell are:
St Giles Hotel President Hotel Bedford Hotel Travelodge Covent Garden Holiday Inn Kings Cross Bloomsbury
|
|
351 posts
|
Post by Raven on Dec 2, 2016 19:23:25 GMT
We seriously need a cast recording. I need to listen to VHB's amazing "again and again and again" again and again. Ugh, it gave me chills both times. Well, the whole show gave me chills, but she's just too incredible. Agreed! VHB steals the show and I prefer her vocals to Rebecca Naomi Jones. However, the off-Broadway cast recording wlll have to suffice for now.
|
|
351 posts
|
Post by Raven on Dec 1, 2016 20:27:20 GMT
A video of "Mouth Tattpp" has just been uploaded to Murder Ballad's YT account today.
All these filmed clips suggests the production has been filmed in its entirety, but maybe not. I'm still holding out for a cast recording...
|
|
351 posts
|
Post by Raven on Dec 1, 2016 20:19:38 GMT
I can name several musicals right now who have several (and some predominantly) non-white actors: *Book of Mormon *Dreamgirls *Matilda (some of the child cast and Mrs Phelps) *The Lion King *Wicked (Boq) *Charlie & The Chocolate Factory (Violet Beauregarde) *Kinky Boots (Lola) *School of Rock (Patty) *In The Heights *Les Miserables *Thriller Live
I think the West End has improved and is more diverse than it used to be. Sure, there are still many musicals who don't currently, or have never, cast non-white actors as leads and perhaps that can be seen as something to change but I think the West End is doing better than Broadway.
|
|
351 posts
|
Post by Raven on Nov 27, 2016 15:20:51 GMT
|
|
351 posts
|
Post by Raven on Nov 8, 2016 21:53:46 GMT
I have cast my votes for the vast majority of categories but must agree I found the nominee lists for each category overwhelming. It's almost like every current or most recent actor/actress that has been in a show has been nominated for an award. Bit excessive I must say and feel the nominee lists for each category should be narrowed down further.
I must also agree with the award being unfair by almost being a competition of who is more popular and has more fans rather than the general public voting purely for who is genuinely talented in the role and deserves the recognition.
Had to laugh at Ramin's video! It's very true.
|
|
351 posts
|
Post by Raven on Nov 7, 2016 19:42:08 GMT
Yes! That must have been a very interesting discussion. I would love to know what alternates you came up with! I would put the following in spoiler tags but for whatever reason I seem to be unable to. So for anyone who hasn't seen the show: Don't read on unless you don't mind knowing what does not happen!
All those scenarios are very plausible and would give a good twist at the end but must admit I do find the last scenario the most intriguing. Steffi, I think you should go to the producers with this brilliant scenario of yours as the more I think about it, the more brilliant it sounds.
{Spoiler - click to view}I found the Narrator to be an almost sinister presence in the vast majority of the scenes with her smirk and the look of enjoyment as things played out in front of her. She gave the show that dark, edgy feel as she observed from the corners. Like her presence is a word of caution as she is only ever acknowledged by Tom. So, the whole "kill to get out of the story" scenario could really work as she could be seen as playing with all of their minds; manipulating the story and their actions. If that makes sense.
|
|
351 posts
|
Post by Raven on Nov 6, 2016 21:08:15 GMT
Thanks, Steffi! I assumed that would have been the case but when it was mentioned I actually thought the different outcomes would have been quite interesting as each character has their own justification for committing the murder so it could have worked that way too, I guess. Totally agree. The first time I saw it we had an interesting discussion with Norman (Bowman) afterwards about possible different endings. We came up with quite a few variations and each seemed completely plausible. Yes! That must have been a very interesting discussion. I would love to know what alternates you came up with!
|
|
351 posts
|
Post by Raven on Nov 6, 2016 21:06:34 GMT
Can anyone who has seen Murder Ballad more than once clarify this for me. A couple of people have mentioned to me that they switch up who is the murderer and victim in the show, a bit like The Mousetrap. Is this true? Wait. They change the outcome of The Mousetrap? How often is it different? I just assumed it was a known thing. I don't know how often they change it around but I'm sure I read an article saying they change the outcome to keep it secret. I'll try and find it and post it here if I do. Perhaps I'm wrong or they used to do it but no longer do so.
|
|
351 posts
|
Post by Raven on Nov 6, 2016 18:58:52 GMT
Thanks, Steffi! I assumed that would have been the case but when it was mentioned I actually thought the different outcomes would have been quite interesting as each character has their own justification for committing the murder so it could have worked that way too, I guess.
|
|
351 posts
|
Post by Raven on Nov 6, 2016 18:14:19 GMT
Can anyone who has seen Murder Ballad more than once clarify this for me. A couple of people have mentioned to me that they switch up who is the murderer and victim in the show, a bit like The Mousetrap. Is this true?
|
|
351 posts
|
Post by Raven on Nov 6, 2016 12:01:40 GMT
He has signed on for another year, no idea where the talk of him leaving in January has come from, don't worry! Okay sorry I just seemed to recall reading that but I was wrong. It's probably because the show was booking until January when the cast change was announced; must've got confused. I love how Kinky Boots has a full MT cast, I think it needs that MT cast rather than a star playing Charlie or Lola Must agree with you in regards to the full MT cast. This particular show doesn't need a "star name" for the leads, just pure talent. I think it may also be the reason this show gets rave reviews night after night. Must say, I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the new cast this week. We had Paul Ayres as Charlie and I enjoyed his interpretation better than Killian's. Elena Skye also brought her own quirks to Lauren and although I enjoyed her performance I did find myself missing Amy in the role. Matt, as always, was simply brilliant as Lola and totally steals the show. He gives just the right amount of sass and flare to the role. The ensemble is also very strong and bring great energy to the show. I have no doubt I'll be back to see Kinky Boots again soon!
|
|
351 posts
|
Post by Raven on Nov 6, 2016 11:34:54 GMT
As I don't live very close to London my theatre visits are not nearly as impressive as some of you on here. Having seen Les Mis the most (four times) I have to say that I have spent the most time in the Queens Theatre.
Also, I love how quite a few members keep a spreadsheet record of their shows. I keep mine listed in a Word ducument with the dates of each performance.
|
|
351 posts
|
Post by Raven on Nov 5, 2016 18:22:01 GMT
I saw this on Wednesday night and really enjoyed it. I thought David Finn was a convincing Dewey and the kids are so talented and looked like they were having the time of their lives. A few songs have been cut since the Broadway album release but didn't miss them, to be honest. I was in stalls row D 13 and 14 and these were really central seats with a fantastic view.
|
|
351 posts
|
Post by Raven on Nov 5, 2016 18:14:35 GMT
Glad to hear that row D is somewhat decent. I couldn't choose a row when I booked through lovetheatre, but I hoped D would be far enough back to have a decent view. You miss feet and a little bit of the action of the floor, but the vast majority of the show is in full view from this row. Hope you enjoy it. When do you go?
|
|