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Post by westendcub on Sept 28, 2016 22:18:13 GMT
I can't wait for this show...exiciting news!!!
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669 posts
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Post by westendcub on Sept 26, 2016 21:34:23 GMT
Adored this musical this evening, I went in fresh not knowing any numbers and not much about its story (aside from its tag line) and was blown away.
My second time in this space and it's great to be so close and feels almost like you are part of the show.
These three West-End ladies are all in the top of their game here and clearly see they love this show and the characters they play. Lauren was a real highlight really showing her range and Ashleigh stunned with 'Cute boys with short hair cuts'.
This is such a poignant tale about friendship through the years (it has a 'Beaches' vibe at times) and I loved the costumes and props (and wigs) to show the passage of time.
I now must track down a cast recording, tonight was a discovery and do recommend seeing before it closes on Saturday if you can!
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Post by westendcub on Sept 25, 2016 13:39:03 GMT
I attended on its first night, was my 2nd time at the venue and must agree it really is worth a visit.
This was my first time experiencing the piece, had not heard the music before or knew too much about the story (the history it's based on).
Overall I enjoyed the show but an unusual comment from me is that Act 1 needs trimming and is at times plodding with too much dialog scenes. The songs tell its story and Act 2 which was mainly song was far stronger than its first, the strength of this musical is it's clever offbeat non linear score.
The performances were terrific, some sound issues but was its first night so was expected and am sure will be tightened up before it officially opens.
It brought tears to my eyes so am glad I have seen the show and it's a moving night at the theatre in a beautiful surrounding.
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669 posts
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Post by westendcub on Sept 20, 2016 21:31:38 GMT
Just out of interest, how early do you think people are going to day seat for the final day? Think will be an early queue for you George..for my recent fave 'Made in Dagenham' I couldn't handle the stress of dayseating which I've only done once that I booked a seat but I believe Daniel was in the queue from 5.30am..he will of course correct me but it was early and there was a whole crowd and like any show 'Funny Girl' has its fans but you should go (may be worth just getting a seat and do it solo if no one you know can make it)
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Post by westendcub on Sept 20, 2016 21:24:07 GMT
Broken records!!
Happy to hear Sheridan Smith is touring with this production, she is a brilliant 'Fanny Brice' whom I've seen twice at Chocalate Factory..I expect Manchester to be a big seller and great atmosphere..I need to move onto different shows but those seeing on tour for the first time, what a great show you have to look forward to in 2017!!
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669 posts
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Post by westendcub on Sept 20, 2016 21:17:48 GMT
Adore the score, it's so beautiful and epic..I hope it gets a life on the fringe scene, would love to see it.
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Post by westendcub on Sept 19, 2016 9:41:14 GMT
'The Letter' both in 'Billy Elliot' and 'Made in Dagenham'
'Easy Terms', 'Prison Song' and 'Tell me it's not true' - 'Blood Brothers'
'Come what may' - 'Moulin Rouge'
'Edelweiss' - 'The Sound of Music'
'You'll be in my heart' - 'Tarzan'
Finale song in 'Finding Neverland' 'When your feet don't touch the ground'
'Innocent Soldier' - 'Mrs Henderson Presents'
'Lady's Maid', 'We'll meet tomorrow' and the final song in Titanic'
'She used to be mine' - 'Waitress'
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Post by westendcub on Sept 19, 2016 9:20:57 GMT
Yes I have now been at 3 final night shows for 'MID' - West-End, Wolverhampton and now Hornchurch!!!
Nothing will quite beat that amazing atmosphere of the West-End closing night, Les Mis 30th came close!
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669 posts
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Post by westendcub on Sept 19, 2016 8:58:43 GMT
I went to the last night on Saturday in Hornchurch for a 2nd dose of this current production (now in Ipswich) and boy it's such a strong strong.
It was a full house on Saturday night and the cast played it like a last performance, really went for it. Many laughs and tears.
It's a wonderful show and so pleased it's had a new lease of theatre life!
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669 posts
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Post by westendcub on Sept 15, 2016 12:17:50 GMT
I've told the story before, I'm sure, but the one time I met someone I was a fan of, I froze and mispronounced my name so the person had to double check with me what I'd said. Since then I don't try to meet people and just thank the ones I've really liked on Twitter. I don't even know why, but Ruthie Henhsall - I just completely lost it. I didn't make any sense, my voice wasn't working. I said something really stupid. I've met people I liked much more, but Ruthie Henshall just did me in. She was nice but I felt so embarrassed immediately after. Why Ruthie? What about her? I'll never know. I'll never try it again, oh no, not with Ruthie. Lin Manuel Miranda seems like he has it pretty rough generally at stage doors, if youtube videos are to be believed. He is amazing though, I'd probably throw myself at him too. I've had drinks completely randomly with her now ex-husband! He was playing 'Roger' in 'Rent' (must have been 2006 on Broadway) and after the show we decided to nip in the bar that was just near the theater (think it was called 'Thirty Two Bar'). We noticed some giggly types on a table ('Rentheads') and went to order our drinks, well it turns out a lot of the 'Rent' cast were in. It was quite limited for tables so we ended up on a table next to them and just got chatting and well then joined them for a few hours drinking! I forget his name but he was lovely, I remember him telling me that had meet via 'Peggy Sue got Married' show. It was funny because the table with the giggly girls just stared at us the whole time and then eventually left, it can be interesting seeing on the other side so to speak.
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669 posts
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Post by westendcub on Sept 14, 2016 12:35:10 GMT
I did a focus group recently for 'Smiths of Smithfield (SOS)' which is a resturant in Smithfields/Farringdon as had booked a table and then filled out a feedback survey.
It was great, 1.5 hours with a group of others discussing anything from the look of the venue, what emotions made us book and respond to a survey to the best part sampling from their menu and then rating dishes. It was quite fun and I rather enjoyed giving my opinion!
We all got a £50 voucher to use at the restaurant, which I took a good friend and we had a lovely meal there!!
Would love to do a 'Groundhog Day' focus group (enjoy it if you get picked!)
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Post by westendcub on Sept 8, 2016 12:03:47 GMT
I think if they moved 'Playing Nancy' or were to cut it they will loose one of the shows best moments and its best song.
For me, it worked so well and was an inspired opening song of Act 2.
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Post by westendcub on Sept 5, 2016 22:05:53 GMT
So I got the opportunity to go along and see this tonight, just wow what a stunning take on the show and a beautiful production.
The cast were all on form and I love the actor/musician angle with the stripped back set. It just works so well and really pushes through the story and solidarity of the 'Ford' women.
I liked that Daniella had a different feisty take on 'Rita' and didn't copy Gemma's performance (of course she may not have seen the production when it was on in London of course!). There was a big dramatic moment that corrects itself here (was done too quickly on the West-End and here it takes a moment to soak in the moment!
Oh I have now found my new theatre crush, Alex as 'Eddie O'Grady' I just wanted to snuggle (great guitar player and that voice on 'The Letter').
Great standing ovation, my 10th time at this show and yes I cried!
I can't wait to return to this on closing night to 'Stand Up'.
5*
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669 posts
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Post by westendcub on Sept 3, 2016 7:53:40 GMT
Made in Dagenham Viva Forever
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Post by westendcub on Sept 2, 2016 9:02:06 GMT
Interestingly today my video of Playing Nancy was taken down due to a copyright claim from some random guy called "Tim Minchin". Not sure what right he has to the song, if any. A shame, but I'll live. Oh no I really enjoyed it too and listened on the daily but if it's a step closer to a cast album then I'm happy!!
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669 posts
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Post by westendcub on Sept 1, 2016 21:50:00 GMT
Just to note, this random Melodie girl myself and Steve have quoted, she practically went in wanting to hate it by saying before the show began: twitter.com/_MellyM_?ref_src=twsrc%5EtfwSo her views really shouldn't be bible as it is quite clear she went in with a negative mindset from the get-go. Can I just say I was a little wary to see people relying on this Melody off Twitter!!!
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Post by westendcub on Aug 23, 2016 11:46:46 GMT
Wow what a lovely voice, I love your version of 'Playing Nancy' it's definitely one of the breakaway songs from the show, can imagine this song being an solid audition piece for a female part.
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Post by westendcub on Aug 19, 2016 15:24:58 GMT
May of already come up...But i have often seen shows when the couple in front of me continuely talk throughout the show.. their heads coming together for each convo which completely cuts off your sight line each time. What gets me is i am so aware of the people behind me that i DONT do this etc and make a point not to. Guys in front...not a clue...Banging their heads together loving the show...Grrrr I do hope you tap these people and tell them to stop...I do!!
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669 posts
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Post by westendcub on Aug 19, 2016 15:14:45 GMT
That tattoo....swoons
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Post by westendcub on Aug 19, 2016 15:10:59 GMT
Enjoy it - It's a guilty pleasure of mine and I enjoyed it when I went for a 3rd time in January!
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669 posts
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Post by westendcub on Aug 11, 2016 22:00:09 GMT
I'm off to this tomorrow night with Treckkie Monster and friends down in Plymouth!!
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Post by westendcub on Aug 10, 2016 17:29:04 GMT
Oh. What was their song called? I just located it, it's within the number 'New Moon'
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Post by westendcub on Aug 10, 2016 17:28:22 GMT
Found it, in 'New Moon' for some reason I thought it was earlier in the act...wow this is such w good song, so much going on and foreboding
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Post by westendcub on Aug 10, 2016 17:23:01 GMT
Listening to the Broadway cast recording, I noticing that the 2nd class eloping couple (green grocers son) duet is missing??
If I'm listening right was this added when it became a 'chamber piece'?
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Post by westendcub on Aug 10, 2016 12:18:51 GMT
I too don't think it needs star names, it's a pure ensemble piece - there is no star bow at the end, all the cast are equal - not saying a 'star' wouldn't fit to that ethos - there was a big crowd waiting for Niall do a star in stagey circles is in it currently!!
I would say it need to remain the chamber piece version - it doesn't ever need to go back to a big cast, the multiple roles really adds to the theatrical experience and the strong vocals in this cast it sounded like a chorus of 40!!
Also keep the set simple like it is now, sometimes less really is more.
It's just wonderful, I hope to see it soon (would travel to see it)
Sail on.......
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