544 posts
|
Post by amp09 on Nov 5, 2019 0:06:15 GMT
Oliver Savile didn’t appear as Whizzer in act two. Matthew Mckena (Who was on as Mendel covering Joel Montague in Act One) went on as Whizzer in Act Two. Montague played Mendel In the second act which was delayed 15 minutes. Very interesting night at the theatre, never seen an understudy covering two main characters in one night. The guy did an amazing job. Really happy to have seen this before it closes. Wow, very lucky Joel was available to come in, otherwise I guess they’d have had to cancel the second act - which I preferred much more than the first. If he had an understudy on for him then he must’ve had other engagements, so weird he was available and able to get to the theatre so quickly.
|
|
372 posts
Member is Online
|
Post by edi on Nov 5, 2019 7:10:37 GMT
Saw it last night and I am so glad I went. I was really put off by the reports on walk outs and boredom and the general bad reviews.
It really shows how differently we see things because the first part was my favourite by a long shot. It had a neurotic woody Allen movie vibe to it and I enjoyed the story and the very witty lyrics. I kept thinking the second part will be even better.
Well not for me. Even though it has a poignant story line it looses the sharpness about it. I am not a fan of ballads and there are many in the second part. I am not saying I didn't like it I am just saying I preferred the first part.
It's a shame they didn't announce the cast issues as the break just went on and on and got me out of the mood a bit. I would have gone to the bar to have a drink. There must've been some rumour going around because people who did go to the bar didn't return until late.
|
|
334 posts
|
Post by adrianics on Nov 5, 2019 13:23:59 GMT
My wife and I went to the bar after lights up and there was most definitely an announcement.
I too had never seen anything like it, particularly bizarre was that they managed to convince Joel Montague to come in (I have to say he looked less than impressed during the bows), but the cast did brilliantly under difficult circumstances.
Unfortunately, for me the whole situation rather blew the established chemistry and dynamics apart; McKenna's portrayals of both Whizzer and Mendel were drastically different to Montague and Savile's, and I don't doubt that the performances of the others adapt to the different potrayals too, so it was hard to remain invested.
Ultimately I can see why this production is Marmite, I found a lot to enjoy about it (particularly the music and lyrics, and performances) but can see why people would find it hard to engage with.
|
|
18,801 posts
|
Post by BurlyBeaR on Nov 5, 2019 13:31:48 GMT
Joel Montague can’t have been far away if the second half was only delayed 15 minutes. That’s a lesson to never answer a phone call from work on your day off.
|
|
372 posts
Member is Online
|
Post by edi on Nov 5, 2019 21:27:25 GMT
I didn't hear the announcement and neither did my partner. As the break got longer and longer I did realize something wasn't right, though. I was quite relieved when it re-started as I was worried it will be stopped. I think the break was around 45 mins which is 25 mins extra.
Also, anyone noticed the little boy making the mistake "hi Jason?" when he saw the "new" Whizzer? It was just so funny.
|
|
4,591 posts
|
Post by Someone in a tree on Dec 13, 2019 1:18:46 GMT
I recently watched the Broadway production on Broadway HD and wowsers so much stronger than the production we got at the Other Palace. I totally recommend.
|
|