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Post by Cardinal Pirelli on Nov 18, 2018 20:05:30 GMT
But what if you’re in the camp who love it? No seeing a lot of strong love it comments here, but we will find out after I attend. It’s got four star reviews pretty much across the board. What’s the problem? Generally reviewers are not so close in their opinions, so force of numbers does mean something.
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Post by pianowithsam on Nov 18, 2018 20:15:49 GMT
I really loved this! I went last night but earlier in the week was given a press night ticket so I’ve had two visits in the space of a week. Last night I sat in the front row £15 seats and it was far too close, Tuesday I was middle Row O of the stalls and the view was perfect for the full spectacle. I love the spin on Greek myths (didn’t need the programme to brush up on it because I’ve always enjoyed the stories), the lighting and effects were fantastic. I’d say on Tuesday I would’ve agreed with comments on the casting of Orpheus but his voice is really growing on me after the second watch, despite being incongruous to the rest of the cast in style and tone. The musicians are incredibly skilled and a joy to listen to — I actually recognised the drummer as a jazz musician I’ve seen perform a number of times. I’d say a couple of the songs don’t hit as well as others, but it’s a solid four stars from me! I’m very happy I have another set of tickets booked for later in the run, even though I wasn’t expecting it to be the third time seeing it! Going towards the end of the run. Sitting in row D, side block. Good view?
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Post by pianowithsam on Nov 18, 2018 20:18:45 GMT
I really loved this! I went last night but earlier in the week was given a press night ticket so I’ve had two visits in the space of a week. Last night I sat in the front row £15 seats and it was far too close, Tuesday I was middle Row O of the stalls and the view was perfect for the full spectacle. I love the spin on Greek myths (didn’t need the programme to brush up on it because I’ve always enjoyed the stories), the lighting and effects were fantastic. I’d say on Tuesday I would’ve agreed with comments on the casting of Orpheus but his voice is really growing on me after the second watch, despite being incongruous to the rest of the cast in style and tone. The musicians are incredibly skilled and a joy to listen to — I actually recognised the drummer as a jazz musician I’ve seen perform a number of times. I’d say a couple of the songs don’t hit as well as others, but it’s a solid four stars from me! I’m very happy I have another set of tickets booked for later in the run, even though I wasn’t expecting it to be the third time seeing it! D55 & 56 to be exact.
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Post by ctas on Nov 18, 2018 20:20:58 GMT
I’ve booked F side block for December - it should be fine but I think the front row was just too close. Likely the same for B and potentially C. The staging of Wait For Me and Wait For Me II was phenomenal from a bit of distance and lost in dry ice in row A!
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Post by pianowithsam on Nov 18, 2018 21:38:53 GMT
I’ve booked F side block for December - it should be fine but I think the front row was just too close. Likely the same for B and potentially C. The staging of Wait For Me and Wait For Me II was phenomenal from a bit of distance and lost in dry ice in row A! www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/sites/default/files/Olivier-Theatre-seating-plan.pdfLooking at this, D row on the side block looks of a decent distance. It lines up with your row F. Just want to make sure I have a good view. Very much a fan of the soundtrack :3
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Post by Deleted on Nov 18, 2018 21:56:55 GMT
No seeing a lot of strong love it comments here, but we will find out after I attend. It’s got four star reviews pretty much across the board. What’s the problem? Generally reviewers are not so close in their opinions, so force of numbers does mean something. I was referring to the mixed comments here and what people have specifically not liked, not the critics' reviews.
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Post by poster J on Nov 19, 2018 3:28:15 GMT
Generally reviewers are not so close in their opinions, so force of numbers does mean something. That's a bit of a stretch, lots of shows get pretty similar reviews from the majority of the critics... Anyway, people are entitled to make up their own minds - there is certainly not unanimous praise for this, but frankly there isn't unanimous praise for any show so I don't know why that would surprise anyone.
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Post by Cardinal Pirelli on Nov 19, 2018 9:09:53 GMT
Generally reviewers are not so close in their opinions, so force of numbers does mean something. That's a bit of a stretch, lots of shows get pretty similar reviews from the majority of the critics... Anyway, people are entitled to make up their own minds - there is certainly not unanimous praise for this, but frankly there isn't unanimous praise for any show so I don't know why that would surprise anyone. Which is my point, that people should make up their mind rather than let some random bunch of people persuade them otherwise.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 19, 2018 10:00:07 GMT
No seeing a lot of strong love it comments here, but we will find out after I attend. They started really strong and then seem to have tailed off, haven’t they. Sounds like it’s still a work in progress, and at least one mis-cast role. I’m seeing it on Tuesday, still very excited as I like the folkier end of things. I do wonder how much demographic and the sort of music you generally listen to plays into this one. I also loved Sylvia and the WIP nature of that seemed to enrage a lot of people, so I think I am less worried about if it’s finished or not. I do wish I could exactly calibrate my taste with a couple of other people on here. There must be a way to find your “theatreboard match” :-) I’m always on here on mobile though and quite often I lose track of whose posts I am reading (ADD + old eyes + avatars= confusedsooz). Unless they are idiosyncratically formatted (@parsley ), smutty (@ryan ), puntastic (@theatremonkey ) or generally saying things I wish i’d said (@emicardiff and @baemax ) Aw that's nice. But in fairness @ryan and I often cross over on the smut levels, to be fair (He is the master, I learned it all from him)
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Post by Deleted on Nov 19, 2018 10:07:18 GMT
But in fairness Ryan and I often cross over on the smut levels, to be fair (He is the master, I learned it all from him) From a lump of clay . . . .
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Post by Stasia on Nov 19, 2018 14:05:00 GMT
I missed out all the cheap ticket options and now the cheapest for the only two dates me and Hadestown are in London on the same time (Jan 4 and 5) are 50 quid and more.
I will obviously try Friday Rush but if someone who reads this has got a spare seat for January 4 or 5 and it is on a cheap side, feel free to offer it to me!
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Post by pianowithsam on Nov 19, 2018 18:05:02 GMT
Yes, except one moment when they are in front of you for a bit and the actors may block the view to the rest of the stage. Won't miss anything and you will enjoy them being close. Great, thanks!
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Post by Deleted on Nov 19, 2018 18:31:54 GMT
Oh Mighty and Eternal Theatre Gods:
Forgive my sins for considering the varied and thoughtful opinions of others for one of only a few slots remaining on a trip I make only twice a year.
Henceforth, I shall walk blindly toward the footlights and refuse a life of regret over what might have been if I indeed choose poorly and the show doth sucketh.
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Post by latefortheoverture on Nov 19, 2018 23:56:12 GMT
Well just got in from this and I'm still debating what I finally thought of this.
Some parts were beautiful and other parts I just hated.
Eva Noblezada was bloody amazing, I've been waiting to see her onstage for ages and she did not disappoint. I believed every single word she said on stage. A masterclass in acting. She shone with what she had, and her voice sounded like pure gold. She's worth the ticket price alone and I'd definitely go back to see her.
I was let down by Reeve Carney, I really, really don't know whether it was him or his character..... Some parts of his tale I enjoyed, but for the most part he kind of bugged me, unsure if it was the way he sang or if the character just isn't written that well. That song he kept singing throughout about the gods started to irritate me after a while, but when he done it for the final time and the 'la la la' bit was quite nice with all the staging and the lighting. And don't get me started on that last part, WHAT A Tw*t!
Really enjoyed watching Amber Gray, I can see why she came to London with this show, she really does the part of Persephone justice. Andre de Shields was nice, he played a nice role, sort of in-between narrator and one of the fates I would say. Which may explain why his suit is similar in colour.
I thought Patrick Page was ok, but I just didn't see the point of having someone singing that low; I found it hard to understand, and after he'd sung a few words the gimmick was over. Is this done intentionally, and if so why? Could it be that he is is 'LOW' in the underworld? I'm probs just overthinking for an excuse here! I think it may sound better with just a normal voice, instead of such a low bass voice. The duet he sung with Persephone at one point really felt odd because of his voice, it just didn't blend nicely IMO.
Really enjoyed that fates and I did like what they added to the narrative. All three of the ladies were especially good. The ensemble done well I thought, there isn't really any moments for them to shine as such, but they done really good.
I enjoyed the score in some places, others it fell flat. Why wait for me isn't the Act 1 closer just does not make sense to me. I get the ending of Build the wall, but that whole song was just so boring and bland, whereas Wait for me had a nice rhythm and great staging. Especially when the set moved!
I loved to orchestrations of the show, it was done beautifully I must add. All 7 members of the band done a smashing job!
Again a bit element which was very hit and miss was the staging/choreography. At points the staging and choreo was stunning. Innovative and well thought out. Other times it was just boring, to go from one end of the spectrum to the other is a little worrying, definitely something which needs to be added to before they eventually go to Broadway.
I did enjoy the set- it done what it needed to do, I don't what they could've added to aid it in any way. I did wonder at first how we would tell if we were in the underworld or in 'normal' land, but it was soon made clear with the nice lift, I particularly enjoyed that!
Overall I did enjoy it, there is definitely changes to be made, and hopefully in time, they do them to the correct areas. If the right changes are made this show has the potential to be a run away success IMO, to wish I would love to see.
MAKE WAIT FOR ME THE ACT 1 CLOSER!!!
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Post by latefortheoverture on Nov 20, 2018 0:05:58 GMT
{Spoiler - click to view} I thought the staging of the fatal ending was down really, really well. Seeing her go back down, looking full of fear and sadness was heartbreaking to say the least. Then the part when Eurdyce reappeared at the end to restart the story broke my heart a little more. Eva looked so happy. God Orpheus was a bloody prat, the more I dwell on it, the more I hated him!
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Post by Mark on Nov 20, 2018 7:41:11 GMT
I went to this middle of last week and found it very average. I agree with theatremonkeys opinion for the most part - some nice numbers but otherwise I didn’t think it had a lot going for it. Other than the performances that is which were excellent. I don’t think it’s ready for Broadway and think it will really struggle there
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Post by viserys on Nov 20, 2018 8:27:57 GMT
God Orpheus was a bloody prat, the more I dwell on it, the more I hated him! Well, the old Greek myths are generally not a barrel of laughs, are they.
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Post by Stasia on Nov 20, 2018 14:48:12 GMT
"He really listens!"(c) Managed to find a 15 quid stalls seat for the date I needed, I guess it was a return. Very happy I'm seeing it. Can't miss a show with "Once vibes", can I?
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Post by Deleted on Nov 20, 2018 21:56:06 GMT
If you are going style your Orpheus like Jeff Buckley on the cover of Grace, you’d better make sure he has the vocal chops to carry it off.
And poor Reeve doesn’t.
This is flaccid. We left in the interval.
By the time we left, Orpheus and Morpheus were tied for worst piece of casting. Hades was rumbling away like Jonny Cash while cut-price Thandie Newton in Westworld is trying to sing with him.
There’s little dramatic logic to the staging and the use of the revolve/lift. Eurydice sinks down into the underworld on the lift (as we would expect) so why then would she rise up from below to meet Hades and Persephone? Is there a basement in Hell? Is this where new arrivals are sent? Clearly I need to get out more (or see things that don’t allow my mind to wander like this.)
I’m having a bad run...
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Post by Deleted on Nov 20, 2018 22:28:59 GMT
Gosh. I seem to be very much in the minority that liked Reeve Carney. I actually thought he was perfect casting in this. Vocally I also thought he had one of the more interesting voices in the cast too.
I’m on Team Reeve.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 21, 2018 7:01:03 GMT
Wasnt just me then... Oh and @ryan I'm with you, Reeve did a good job with what he had but the issue lies in him having very little to work with. Orpheus in this rendition is a very badly written character. "Hi, We've not met before but lets get married. Hang on though while I try write this song. Oh sh*t she's gone. Wait! Squeal. Cry. Turn."
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Post by Deleted on Nov 21, 2018 8:30:40 GMT
To be fair, none of the characters are particularly well written. Orpheus is a dreamy poet type so I think the way his character is written is perhaps the best of the lot and I think he pitches it just right. Eurydice is a different matter and I’m not sure whether that’s because the character is so all over the place or because Eva Noblezada plays every scene with the same blank expression like she’s just woken up and not had a coffee yet. She has a nice voice though.
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Post by partytentdown on Nov 21, 2018 9:12:14 GMT
Can anyone give me a bullet point explanation of the original myth? I've looked it up but it's very long...
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Post by couldileaveyou on Nov 21, 2018 9:20:38 GMT
Can anyone give me a bullet point explanation of the original myth? I've looked it up but it's very long... Orpheus is an incredible musician, so good that he can tame wild animals and move stones to tears with his lyre. He's in love with Eurydice, but on their wedding day she is bitten by a venomous snake and dies. Orpheus goes to Hades to get her back, tames Cerberus with his music and moves the god of the underworld to the point he accepts to let Eurydice go, at the condition that Orpheus won't turn to see if she is following him until they have left the underworld. A few steps before leaving Hades, Orpheus turns and Eurydice is lost for good.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 21, 2018 9:52:09 GMT
Wasnt just me then... Oh and @ryan I'm with you, Reeve did a good job with what he had but the issue lies in him having very little to work with. Orpheus in this rendition is a very badly written character. "Hi, We've not met before but lets get married. Hang on though while I try write this song. Oh sh*t she's gone. Wait! Squeal. Cry. Turn." Totally not just you. Your lyrics are better than the musical. It was so “love dove glove” I was beginning to suspect James Blunt was involved.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 21, 2018 9:53:09 GMT
Gosh. I seem to be very much in the minority that liked Reeve Carney. I actually thought he was perfect casting in this. Vocally I also thought he had one of the more interesting voices in the cast too. I’m on Team Reeve. Not just you. I can confirm that the lady in the bag check also liked him because she told me when we were collecting our bags in the interval.
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Post by demonbarber on Nov 21, 2018 10:49:06 GMT
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Post by harlow on Nov 22, 2018 10:47:11 GMT
Gosh. I seem to be very much in the minority that liked Reeve Carney. I actually thought he was perfect casting in this. Vocally I also thought he had one of the more interesting voices in the cast too. I’m on Team Reeve. I’ll join you in that minority. The flaws I saw in his character were wholly due to the writing than the performance which I thought was pitched beautifully.
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Post by partytentdown on Nov 22, 2018 10:56:25 GMT
If anyone ends up with a cheapish ticket spare I'll take it off your hands!
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Post by artea on Nov 24, 2018 0:57:49 GMT
When Trevor Nunn took over the NT he was told to increase ticket sales. He did so - mainly by putting on a wonderful series of great musicals. Nicholas Hytner came in and promptly banned them, for being too popular presumably - though he could do with a bit of popular now at the Bridge. Rufus Norris finally reversed this policy when he brought in Follies. So to Hadestown. It's neither a play nor a musical and I fear it's irredeemable. It's a rock concert playing a short residency in a theatre for no apparent reason. It's a band, quite a lot of energetic if repetitive dancing in a sub-Madonna sort of way and singers singing unexceptional songs. I thought only the Fates sang really well, both individually and in harmony. The band even gets introduced at length at the start of the 2nd half, each of the instrumentalists doing the usual solo bit on mention of his/her name. It's a rock concert. We're expected to go wild. I fully expected "Well, hello London it's great to be here" but it didn't happen. It wouldn't have been out of place.
The Olivier stage is made smallish. The set is a reflection of the Olivier stalls with the band taking up much of the semi-circular space at the back. Principals and dancers are mainly kept to a small area at the front and revolves barely stop. Travel to the underworld is two-way, if I understood correctly. If you go down you can come back up no problem. Everything is designed to give the impression of lots happening for a purpose but it doesn't get anywhere. It's an awkward blind alley.
The sound is strange. Singing voices are over-amplified on top of the sound of the band. Voices and music remain separate throughout. It's artificial-sounding. There's a basso profundo doing a Lee Marvin in Wandering Star. His voice is a long way away from any other singer and doesn't harmonise easily. Eurydice is ok until she starts to push her voice. Some of the lyrics are just trite. I'm sure I heard "king of mortar, king of bricks [something something something] Styx". If you left at half-time (or think about leaving at half-time), be assured that nothing changes or gets better in the second half. There's even a scripted encore to keep you seated if you don't get out quickly. I expected musical theatre. I didn't expect an unexceptional rock concert.
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