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Post by Scswp on Nov 23, 2020 17:21:44 GMT
Yes, I think YF was 2008 - I may be wrong on that!
I think the dancing in Anything Goes can be adapted according to the performer playing Reno.
The dance routine in the song ‘Anything Goes’ is quite an extensive one. I think Elaine Paige performed part of the dance, but not all of it. In ‘Blow, Gabriel, Blow’, the dance section is very long, but when Paige played it, she performed very little of the routine herself. Sutton Foster’s performance was considerably more dance-heavy.
What I’m basically saying is that Reno’s dance ‘commitment’ is a very moveable goalpost. I suspect MM’s performance may be more in line with Paige’s (and LuPone’s) than Foster’s. We shall see...
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Post by Scswp on Nov 23, 2020 16:34:38 GMT
I wonder if MM will be playing the matinees or having scheduled days off? If she's not doing matinees I'd assume we'd know that by now It surely would have been announced if MM were not performing the matinee shows. She didn’t have an alternate for her role in ‘Young Frankenstein’ on Broadway, so I rather think she’ll be performing all eight shows a week here too. Sadly, when I saw YF on Broadway, she was off the night I went. I assume she was ill. Her understudy, judging by the performance of MM on the YF recording, delivered a direct imitation of her performance (certainly vocally).
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Post by Scswp on Sept 14, 2020 7:57:42 GMT
I tend to agree with comments already made that, lyrically, the song is very repetitive and ‘goes nowhere’. I also think the same applies to the music. There seems to be no ‘progress’ or ‘build’, so the song and vocal performance appear quite ‘flatline’ if that makes sense. I think it definitely needs to be made far less one-dimensional.
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Post by Scswp on Aug 31, 2020 9:55:36 GMT
You should listen to the Paul Temple plays. There are approximately 15 of them. They are old-fashioned, convoluted and, in some ways, repetitive, but they have a certain charm. Whodunnit escapism is the order of the day with these. The BBC frequently repeats them, but they are often found on YouTube too.
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Post by Scswp on Jul 26, 2020 21:02:27 GMT
I have to say that Christina Bianco was superb in the revival earlier this year in Paris. It was an English-language production and her take on the role was much more preferable to me than others I’ve seen. I’m not sure Menzel is right for this role.
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Post by Scswp on Jun 28, 2020 16:54:01 GMT
Rebecca Storm was, indeed, superb in the 1990 tour. She also sang ‘Someone Else’s Story’ - I think for the first time in any UK production. She sang it on TV too (I think at Pebble Mill), but unfortunately, there seems to be no clip of that anywhere.
She was a superb Florence, as I believe was Jacqui Scott a few years later. Unfortunately, the Birmingham leg of that tour was cancelled, so I never got to see her. I wonder why many legs of that tour (around 1995ish, I think?) were cancelled? Anyone have any information about that?
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Post by Scswp on Jun 27, 2020 11:56:53 GMT
Oh OK, thanks. I thought I would have seen some of it.
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Post by Scswp on Jun 27, 2020 11:46:29 GMT
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Post by Scswp on Jun 27, 2020 11:43:51 GMT
I never knew this, but I’ve read that Aspects of Love was made into a US TV movie in 1993. Apparently, Michael Ball and Kathleen Rowe McAllen were in it. Not sure who else starred in it, but I would assume other Broadway cast members also made transfer to TV.
Is this information correct? Has anyone seen this movie? I’ve never seen any footage of it.
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Post by Scswp on Jun 21, 2020 18:12:07 GMT
Voted for Sunset. Love that score.
Evita and JCS are also exciting scores though.
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Post by Scswp on Jun 16, 2020 6:56:03 GMT
Totally agree with these comments over last few days great to see ..... I’ve been banging on and getting some not so nice replies ... over the years at the even mention of maybe a new production of BB .... it’s crying out for it so many other shows do it ... I think it’s time And I love the show seen it 56 times over the past 20 + years Lovely to see so many people who too like me despite all the other performances of Mrs j fab or not so as they have been my ultimate has been Stephanie Lawrence when she was on form she knocked it out of the park xx 😚 I’ve seen BB three times over the years. I saw Helen Reddy first, then Stephanie Lawrence. Reddy’s performance didn’t do much for me, I’m afraid. Stephanie Lawrence was good, but I didn’t find it to be the amazing performance that so many people talk about - either vocally or emotionally. The best Mrs. J I saw was - by some margin - Niki Evans. Yes, I know she’s an X Factor graduate, but I’m not a fan of X Factor at all, so I was not influenced by the fact that ‘she had been on the telly.’ Her vocals were rich and powerful and her acting was superb. She was the only actress (vocally and emotionally) who was the complete package for me.
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Post by Scswp on May 29, 2020 7:30:23 GMT
Poor Jenna Russell, she lost Piaf and now this! Piaf has been rescheduled for next year. I received an email from the Nottingham Playhouse.
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Post by Scswp on Apr 27, 2020 7:23:23 GMT
After watching it on youtube, I've come to the conclusion that, whilst there are a few musical highlights* and the staging is really good, the book is like a bad piece of fan fiction. None of the returning characters bare any resemblence to their POTO incarnations. Christine has forgotten that the Phantom killed two people and stalked her (in fact, she apparently forgot that pretty quickly judging by the events described in 'Under A Moonless Sky'!). Raoul is a total git (except we don't see much evidence of that - even when he's drunk in the bar there's no real evidence of nastiness, just a man who realises his faults and asks "Why does she still love me?"). The Phantom is suddenly a Sex God, desired by two women (both of whom are aware of his stalkerish and homicidal tendencies). *I can't take 'Under A Moonless Sky' seriously since I saw a video which pointed out that the lyrics of the song were a badly written description of a sexual encounter! As for 'Love Never Dies' - I don't think the song works in a higher key. Christine sounded screechy on the higher notes, and the song didn't really feel like the 'big moment' song. I agree about the ‘Love Never Dies’ moment - it felt very anti-climactic! I remember feeling the same way when I saw Sierra singing it in London. The number is problematic for many reasons. I think the fact that it’s a song we’ve heard before is the first part of the problem (as well as the song itself!) I agree that the song does not work as well in a higher key. When you hear Hannah Waddingham sing it in ‘The Beautiful Game’ as a ‘build and belt number’, it has much greater impact as a theatrical moment. Maybe I feel let down by the LND version because I heard Waddingham’s version first and so I’m used to hearing it this way. The lyrics, at times, are astonishingly bad, especially considering it is the ‘big moment’ to which the whole plot has been building. There are some good moments in it (e.g. I quite like ‘it infiltrates your soul , it takes you by surprise, then seizes for control’), but lyrics like ‘Love will continue’ and ‘Love never dies once it is in you’ are laughably awful. How on earth did nobody insist on a rewrite? Sadly, the song (just like the whole show generally and, in particular, at the very end) just ‘fizzles out’ at the end. Maybe a bigger ending to the song (a ‘money note’, as it were) may have saved it, but the whole moment does not at all ‘bring the house down’ as the production team may have anticipated. Visually, the production looked stunning (better than in London) and there are some fantastic songs and passages of music (the Coney Island songs remind me somewhat of the ‘vaudeville-style’ songs in Gypsy), but on the whole, it doesn’t all coalesce into an engaging experience for me.
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Post by Scswp on Apr 15, 2020 6:38:17 GMT
I can't find a full performance of Elaine, sadly. I'll keep hunting though! There is definitely a full recording of Elaine Paige in Sunset, as the whole thing was on YouTube a while back. Someone had recorded it from what looked like a box seat. I can’t remember if it was with John Barrowman - I think it may have been with Alexander Hansen?
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Post by Scswp on Mar 21, 2020 14:19:48 GMT
Lots of happy musical memories for me. Too many to list really, but definitely seeing LuPone, Buckley and Paige in the 1990s epic take on Sunset Boulevard made for special memories. The set, the costumes, the seeing of these three musical divas in the role (I was young and had never seen anyone ‘known’ in anything I’d previously seen!) The world was a ‘bigger place’ before the Internet and I’d heard of LuPone and Buckley only via Dress Circle/cast recordings of well-known musicals. I’d obviously heard of Paige. To see these ‘names’ and to hear these voices that I’d grown up knowing (but not necessarily knowing what these stars looked like - except Paige) was a thrilling experience for a (not yet) gay young man! None of the ladies disappointed! There are lots of other memories, but Sunset has always been my fave. Oddly enough, I saw Glenn at the Coliseum years later and she actually disappointed me in the role - maybe I was too far away from the stage.
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Post by Scswp on Feb 20, 2020 11:10:40 GMT
For etiquette, one thing that confused me is that in Paris theatres you’re usually expected to tip your usher as they show you to your seat. Apparently this theatre doesn’t allow tips. Yes, tipping for ushers was also expected in Madrid when I attended a performance there. I’m not sure if this is standard practice in theatres across Europe. I didn’t particularly notice the tipping of ushers in Austria (though, to be fair, that was years ago and I was probably too young and naive at the time to have noticed anyway!) Tipping was definitely expected in Madrid.
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Post by Scswp on Feb 20, 2020 9:19:43 GMT
I’m slightly miffed that after buying an aisle seat in the stalls, it now looks like those extra pull down side seat bits have been put on sale so I’m not on the aisle any more. What’s that all about? Or perhaps I should say c'est quoi tout ça? Anyway, can’t do nowt about it now. I hope it’s not dead squashy. Ive never been to a theatre in France before, are there any etiquette differences? Do they sell ices at half time? Is there a merch stand? Can I buy a magnet? Can I eat crisps? i did notice that the seat numbering is different. I saw the matinee last Sunday and thought it was a very good production. I agree with previous posters in that I preferred the suave performance of Darius than the actor who played Nicky in this one (though, by all accounts, the real Nicky Arnstein was far from suave and debonair!) I also agree that Christina Bianco’s own voice is slightly thin and nasal, but she does sing it well and acts the part very well. I much preferred her to Sheridan Smith actually. The ending as delivered by Bianco is far more poignant and affecting than with Smith. I didn’t realise that Bianco was such a tiny lady; nevertheless, she delivers a knockout performance in my opinion. In terms of etiquette, I don’t think ice-creams or merchandise etc..were on sale at any point (certainly there was no selling of anything in the auditorium or bar area). Nobody seemed to be eating anything at any time in the auditorium (not even at the interval!) and the audience behaviour was impeccable (maybe I was just lucky!) The theatre itself is lovely. The bar is very expensive (€27 for two drinks!!!), but the production is well worth seeing. Hope you enjoy it like we did.
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Post by Scswp on Feb 9, 2020 12:24:08 GMT
Broadwayworld has just released a video of Rachel performing the song Woman in rehearsals. She really seems to be struggling with the vocals compared to Stephanie J Block. I know it’s difficult to compare them however it just seems Rachel is so miscast in this Have to disagree with your comment. Earlier in this thread, I commented that Rachel really seemed to be struggling with this song (that was after hearing the version that EP played on the radio). In the rehearsal video, I was much more convinced by her performance. Yes, there are probably some tweaks to make to the performance, but I thought it was a significantly better version than the first one I heard. Incidentally, does anyone know where and when the version EP played was recorded?
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Post by Scswp on Feb 2, 2020 16:43:54 GMT
EP has just played Rachel Tucker's version of "Woman". I'm not sure it's the kind of song you'd listen to over and over but Rachel sings it beautifully. I like Rachel, but felt she struggled a bit with this. Prefer SJB’s version if I’m honest.
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Post by Scswp on Jan 24, 2020 6:32:25 GMT
Presume all going to plan as strike now largely off!!Haha I got to and from Ghost OK yesterday, all seems normal. On my way to Funny Girl now (via the Eiffel Tower, such a tourist) What did you think of Funny Girl? How was Christina Bianco in the role? I’m seeing it in February (strikes allowing!!!) and would like to hear your thoughts.
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Post by Scswp on Jan 12, 2020 17:29:37 GMT
Where is this being staged? Any further information would be appreciated.
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Post by Scswp on Jan 8, 2020 17:57:04 GMT
I'm seeing the Saturday matinee in Northampton Me too! I’m looking forward to it.
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Post by Scswp on Dec 8, 2019 13:47:06 GMT
I love Imelda and think she could be inspired casting. I saw it with Bette on Broadway last year (although I know it’s a different production) and it was probably the craziest theater experience I’ve ever had. Like Bette would just have to breath and her fans would start hollering. Actually be nice to see it when it feels a bit less like a Bette convention - as much as I enjoyed the show lmao I agree. I saw Bette in it too and she was a hoot! A totally crazy experience indeed! I enjoyed it very much though!
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Post by Scswp on Dec 8, 2019 12:44:18 GMT
The new show site doesnt have JR in the cast! Very interesting! I wonder what has happened... I’m not JR’s biggest fan but I did think she was quite a good fit for Irene. It definitely looks like she has departed the production... I’m hopeful that we see some fantastic casting for this. Jenna Russell is doing Piaf next year, though I think that was scheduled before Dolly. I like her and thought she was very good in Grey Gardens, but think she’s probably a little too old for Irene?
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Post by Scswp on Nov 26, 2019 6:38:39 GMT
Marcus was on tonight (Monday)...was Sam out of the show ill? Was it a scheduled absence? Maybe the alternate performances are not a set schedule each week. Sometimes they mix it up a bit. Monday is generally a ‘good’ night to put the alternate on, as it gives the main star 2 days of rest. For Kim in the most recent production of Miss Saigon, the alternate shows varied considerably each week.
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Post by Scswp on Nov 25, 2019 17:29:50 GMT
Thanks for the replies re. location of the theatre. Much appreciated.
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Post by Scswp on Nov 24, 2019 16:29:47 GMT
Can anyone help please? Is the Theatre Marigny in the centre of Paris? Is it easily walkable from, say, The Arc de Triomphe? I am staying near this monument when I next visit and may go to see this if it’s walkable (easily!) following a late finish at work that day. Thanks for any help.
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Post by Scswp on Nov 21, 2019 17:10:49 GMT
Hoping this is the recent Broadway production. I don't think it can be bettered in terms of design and production values. Maybe Patti can replace and do the role over in England since she loves London so much and also since apparently Jerry Herman has barred her from doing it in the States. I love Imelda and love the idea of her doing this great classic role - let's not forget before she was a musical comedy heroine, Dolly was one of those great 'straight' female roles (The Matchmaker) - and why not? Patti was banned from doing Dolly in the States? Really? I know she was banned by Arthur Laurents from doing Gypsy for a number of years (until they reconciled), but I have never heard about Herman banning her from Dolly. Where did you read this please?
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Post by Scswp on Nov 16, 2019 19:33:37 GMT
There is, and has always been, a bit of finger-pointing at Sarah Brightman re. miming her concerts. I have to be honest and say I think there is actually some substance to such accusations. When watching her concert performances, her voice does very much have a synthetic sound to it and I don’t always think her singing is perfectly in sync. I quite like Brightman, but the sound of her voice these days never seems ‘live’ or ‘natural’. I actually think she does very little live singing these days. Just my opinion.
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Post by Scswp on Nov 16, 2019 17:38:50 GMT
Saw the matinee, pretty good, not enough to dispel memories of the Menier production but always good to see Sondheim. Sadly only about half full. Enthusiastic applause at curtain. Will book for Piaf next Spring if only to see Jenna Russell. I was there this afternoon too. I enjoyed the production, having never seen one before. I thought the ending was moving and the very end tableau quite chilling. How true the themes of this show are, particularly in this day and age of social media - the need to be seen, noticed, acknowledged, remembered etc...
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