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Post by talkstageytome on Apr 29, 2018 17:46:40 GMT
YES! I saw this yesterday afternoon after being SO sure that I wasn't going to be able to make it up there in time. Firstly, I am in LOVE with the Hope Mill Theatre. Such an atmospheric venue and so perfect for Spring Awakening! Spring Awakening was one of the first musicals I ever really got into (it was around the time I saw the first season of Glee. The Jonathan Groff effect, I'm sure you understand! ) and although I've seen it live in a couple of iterations since, this is definitely my favourite. The gorgeous lighting design really stood out to me, as well as the amazing band who made every number sound so fresh and wild. The cast was also fantastic. SO many profesional debuts - Spring Awakening really is an amazing musical to showcase young MT talent in. I was so impressed with the central trio, but thought the entire ensemble were brilliant. They bought such electric energy to the stage. As per usual, I've written a full review on my blog but basically, yeah, I loved it! What a shame it's closing this week!
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Post by Jonnyboy on May 1, 2018 18:13:51 GMT
Wow just wow, slightly lost for words, what a performance, pitch perfect, high energy and so emotional, everything I wanted it to be and more! The acting, lighting, staging were top notch and the angry jarring choreography a sight to behold, can't recommend this enough. Also agree with BurlyBear the Song of Purple Summer was the best version I've heard. I was there too! Were you front row face on? I have a feeling I saw you! I wish I’d booked for an earlier performance so I would have time to go back again. Sadly, once will have to suffice. The staging, lighting and cast are phenomenal. I found the first half more compelling, dealing with the build-up. For some reason, the second half left me a little cold, maybe because so much happened so fast that I couldn’t emotionally connect. But that’s the fault of the musical and not the Hope Mill. Another huge hit, nevertheless. I love the soundtrack too, having never heard it beforehand. Currently listening to the German version on Spotify. Is there no English version available on Spotify? I might have to buy the CD instead... Oh and I took advantage of the programme and mug deal
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Post by BurlyBeaR on May 1, 2018 19:29:21 GMT
This must have a good chance of a transfer surely?
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Post by Jonnyboy on May 1, 2018 20:27:32 GMT
This must have a good chance of a transfer surely? I would have thought so! Hope Mill is one of the best things that’s happened to Manchester in years!
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Post by spendleb on May 2, 2018 11:42:58 GMT
Wow just wow, slightly lost for words, what a performance, pitch perfect, high energy and so emotional, everything I wanted it to be and more! The acting, lighting, staging were top notch and the angry jarring choreography a sight to behold, can't recommend this enough. Also agree with BurlyBear the Song of Purple Summer was the best version I've heard. I was there too! Were you front row face on? I have a feeling I saw you! I wish I’d booked for an earlier performance so I would have time to go back again. Sadly, once will have to suffice. The staging, lighting and cast are phenomenal. I found the first half more compelling, dealing with the build-up. For some reason, the second half left me a little cold, maybe because so much happened so fast that I couldn’t emotionally connect. But that’s the fault of the musical and not the Hope Mill. Another huge hit, nevertheless. I love the soundtrack too, having never heard it beforehand. Currently listening to the German version on Spotify. Is there no English version available on Spotify? I might have to buy the CD instead... Oh and I took advantage of the programme and mug deal Yes that was us! I bought the soundtrack (the original Broadway Cast) years ago tbh, noticed it doesn't seem to be on any of the streaming places now, I did actually think a few of the songs were far superior in this version, more gritty but then hearing them in context probably helped?
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Post by talkstageytome on May 3, 2018 18:44:41 GMT
Closing tonight. I'd definitely like to see this come down.
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Post by Deleted on May 3, 2018 20:04:04 GMT
Closing tonight. I'd definitely like to see this come down. Always thought it odd to close it on a Thursday, bit of a strange choice but must have some reasoning behind it though.
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Post by BurlyBeaR on May 3, 2018 21:25:45 GMT
That really got into my brain after the first preview and I said I’d go back so thought I’d do closing night. Sat way up at the back this time. Some really gorgeous songs in this and the harmonies in Song Of Purple Summer were fantastic. Loved it. Totally deserves a transfer.
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Post by showtoones on May 3, 2018 21:42:00 GMT
Is there a theatre where this could transfer straight away?
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Post by BurlyBeaR on May 3, 2018 22:04:28 GMT
By coincidence Sheffield Uni are doing Spring Awakening until Saturday this week if you’re in the area www.sutco.org
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Post by Dan213 on May 3, 2018 23:00:53 GMT
By coincidence Sheffield Uni are doing Spring Awakening until Saturday this week if you’re in the area www.sutco.orgSaw it tonight. It's a fantastic production, the best piece of amateur theatre that I've seen.
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Post by hulmeman on May 4, 2018 8:20:06 GMT
I've had several goes at writing down my thoughts on this show. Let's see, I knew nothing about this show, except that which was written here and my fondness for Hope Mill Theatre.
From the loud and edgey opening number, I wondered how long I would last before running out. I realised early on that I am perhaps not the target audience for this show. But suddenly, the show took over and the variety of the musical styles started to resonate with me.
Then the lead performance from newly graduated Darragh Cowley stamped his mark all over the piece. I don't think I have ever seen a performance that dominated but did not over whelm a production like his. I just feel sorry for Darragh that he chose "Spring Awakening" over say X-factor, because by choosing that route he would surly be an instant star. Instead, we will have to watch his more gradual rise. What a performer.
Take a moment to appreciate the lighting plot and the direction, both of which seemed fresh and innovative to me. That clever set and the ensemble work of the cast.
It's one of those shows I wish I'd seen earlier in the run, so I could go back and see it again!
See, it's the joy of musical theatre - there is always something to surprise and delight you! This for me, was such an event.
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Post by richey on May 4, 2018 9:46:26 GMT
Am so annoyed that I only found this once it was too late to fit in a visit. I'd never really heard much about it before but my Facebook has been full of local friends who have raved about it. Sadly by the time I picked up on it I couldn't find time to see it.
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Post by Deleted on May 4, 2018 10:26:06 GMT
Was there on the press night and just had to go again. So pleased we chose the last night as the atmosphere was even better. I'd never been to Hope Mill before despite it being on my doorstep, but I'll definitely be back. What a wonderful intimate space.
Last night we chose to sit closer to the action and it made it even more intense. An excellent cast with such energy and some future stars for sure. The final Song Of Purple Summer moved me almost to tears, probably because I could see genuine tears in the cast's eyes too.
A show that will stay with me for a long time and a venue I can't wait to visit again.
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Post by BurlyBeaR on May 4, 2018 17:01:18 GMT
Strong hint at a transfer
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Post by showtoones on May 4, 2018 18:07:36 GMT
Strong hint at a transfer How does that hint of a a transfer? Because they said Goodbye for Now? That's hardly a strong hint LOL. Believe me I WANT THIS TO COME IN and my fingers are crossed
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Post by Dan213 on May 4, 2018 18:26:16 GMT
Strong hint at a transfer How does that hint of a a transfer? Because they said Goodbye for Now? That's hardly a strong hint LOL. Believe me I WANT THIS TO COME IN and my fingers are crossed Should imagine the #goodbyefornow followed by the wink emoji is quite a good indicator. Not sure why else you'd put a winking face in
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Post by BurlyBeaR on May 4, 2018 18:33:40 GMT
^^^ exactly!
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Post by pajonk on May 11, 2018 20:36:38 GMT
Did you make it to Manchester pajonk and if so what did you think of the show? and did you manage to see the footy!? I did! (Sorry, didn't have much time to write my thoughts earlier). My expectations were high, but the show definitely met them. What a brilliant performance! It was one of the very few shows, during which no other thoughts came to my mind besides regarding what was happening on stage. No words - a pure perfection from start to finish. At first I was surprised by the choice of actor who played Moritz. However, as my girlfriend noticed, while Darragh Cowley may not meet Hollywood standards of a men's beauty, there is something utterly alluring about him. I think she's right, and in the end I totally changed my prior thought - he is perfect for this role. It's funny to me, that from my perspective, at the first glance this show may look like a semi-amateur production (a tiny theatre in the outskirts of town, very young cast, etc.), but in the end the whole show is top-notch. Brits, I have no idea how you do it! I didn't see the match. I went to the pub you recommended, but a boxing fight was broadcasted... As I said, nobody is interested in Spanish football in the UK.
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Post by david on Mar 3, 2019 21:55:27 GMT
A thoroughly deserved win at the WOS awards tonight for Best Regional Production for the Hope Mill Theatre team, cast and production crew.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 3, 2019 21:59:16 GMT
A thoroughly deserved win at the WOS awards tonight for Best Regional Production for the Hope Mill Theatre team. I hope and pray this win will propel the show to transfer to London some time this year. I love the score but am yet to see the musical itself.
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Post by david on Mar 3, 2019 22:02:30 GMT
A thoroughly deserved win at the WOS awards tonight for Best Regional Production for the Hope Mill Theatre team. I hope and pray this win will propel the show to transfer to London some time this year. I love the score but am yet to see the musical itself. Fingers crossed someone will see the light (the SWP I think would be an ideal venue for it). It was one of the best things I’ve seen at the Hope Mill.
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Post by talkstageytome on Mar 4, 2019 1:16:39 GMT
It'd be a TRAVESTY if we didn't see this production again. Unquestionably my no.1 show of last year. So well deserved tonight.
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Post by QueerTheatre on Mar 4, 2019 8:27:44 GMT
Unfortunately another London theatre hold the rights to the musical until the end of the year, they don’t plan on doing it but they’re refusing to release the rights... and by next year most of the young cast will have aged out of the roles.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 4, 2019 8:31:18 GMT
Unfortunately another London theatre hold the rights to the musical until the end of the year, they don’t plan on doing it but they’re refusing to release the rights... and by next year most of the young cast will have aged out of the roles. ... why does this feel like an Other Palace move, or Southwark Playhouse.
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Post by QueerTheatre on Mar 4, 2019 8:48:38 GMT
Neither of them! And I have already said more than I should so I’m afraid the answer lies locked up in the almeida admin office.... oops!
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Post by stevejohnson678 on Mar 4, 2019 9:41:27 GMT
What a shame that despite last night's deserved award this won't be transferring. It merited a London run far more than Aspects of Love and would have been a great fit for Southwark Playhouse.
I'm gutted the iconic suspended parallelogram didn't win the WhatsOnStage award for best set too.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 4, 2019 9:44:34 GMT
I'm gutted the suspended parallelogram didn't win the WhatsOnStage award for best set too. Don't worry, a few more shows in the bag and it will rightly achieve its accolade of Award for Services to Theatre.
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Mar 4, 2019 9:54:41 GMT
It outshone Aspects in every respect, I agree.
Why would a theatre withhold the rights if they have no intention of staging a production? I don’t get it. If you’ve purchased the rights wouldn’t it make more financial sense to stage a transfer of a proven production before the time runs out?
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