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Post by musicalmarge on Mar 29, 2021 19:10:50 GMT
Are they still casting this??? So odd
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Post by musicalmarge on Mar 29, 2021 12:02:18 GMT
Yeah I was going to say do we reckon there'll be any rewrites on this because all I've heard about this show is how terrible the book is, trying to cram in every social issue it can without dealing with any of them sensitively or intelligently. I saw it hahahhaa
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Post by musicalmarge on Mar 25, 2021 18:47:45 GMT
Disney were massively stung by the critical and commercial failure of The Little Mermaid. That show should have been amazing and they messed it up by going off piste and getting Opera designers and Directors involved. Like someone said, you need a proper visionary like Julie Taymor to take the reins. Oh and have a basic level of taste, something that Mermaid and Aladdin were entirely missing. The problem with Frozen was that they had a window to open the show, and they had to scrabble around to get a team together at the last minute after Alex Timbers and Bob Crowley left the show. The result- this mess. Also the new songs are just not good enough, which is one of its biggest problems. Gosh.... Bob Crowley!!!!! *sighs!
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Company
Mar 25, 2021 14:26:00 GMT
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Post by musicalmarge on Mar 25, 2021 14:26:00 GMT
Does it need the rain? Worked great in London without it It’s BROADDWAAAAAAAYYYYYYY! They need things showy. London is more classy.
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Post by musicalmarge on Mar 25, 2021 14:24:52 GMT
Me too monkey. I saw Hamilton once and loved it but honestly felt and that once was enough but just knew I had to see In The Heights a second time. Very excited for the film. Agree with both, I must prefer it to Hamilton. It might not be the most elaborated book in the history of musicals but what a show! And the Southwark production was just perfect, such a dedicated cast, so full of energy, and don’t even let me start talking about Victoria Hamilton-Barrit, what a Star! In The Heights is a much better show than Hamilton. Better music, better writing and I much preferred it. Very excited to see the new movie version!
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Post by musicalmarge on Mar 25, 2021 14:23:15 GMT
I saw it on Broadway and think the Piccadilly is a good fit for the show. The Al Hirschfeld in New York isn’t a huge barn like the Palladium or Dominium. The set extends up to the side of the stage and pros arch into the stalls and dress circle anyway. It’s a fabulous visual show and I loved it. The music is stunning and it looks spectacular. I was disappointed with the weak story though sadly, this will be picked up by the critics in London for sure. It kinda spoils the whole experience sadly. Still, as a spectacle is a wow wow wow. Unless they've majorly deviated from the plot of the film, I think it's a great story. It's a tragic romance. What didn't you like about it? Looking back at my notes from NYC I had this to say about it ; (I’ll be careful with spoilers) 1 The plot is thin. In a great show there should be several layers. There isn’t much to play with here. There should be more plot running underneath, 2 The Duke was too sexy on Broadway. You need him to be a baddie. If he’s too hot and rich then why should she choose the a simple cute poor guy? 3 The tragic romance was neither funny or sad enough. I didn’t laugh and I didn’t cry. It should have done both. Instead I was amazed at the OMG set and dance routines. As a Starlight Express/Cats type visual live stage experience and piece of theatre offering style over substance it’s almost as good as it gets. I loved it. But the story was questionable and there should be more reason to hate the baddie.
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Post by musicalmarge on Mar 25, 2021 14:14:16 GMT
Sadly I think Frozen is more Aladdin than Lion King. Another movie slapped onto the stage without bringing something new or extra to it that convinces people to fork out for it instead of seeing the movie for the 244th time at home, especially when tickets for a whole family cost more than a daytrip to Disneyland including train fare and food. A spectacular ice castle might have done quite a bit for it, but it wouldn't save it on its own. They lucked out with a slightly mad visionary like Julie Taymor back then and never found someone similar who could have given things a completely different spin.
Well alledgedly the reason that the original director of Frozen, Alex Timbers (of Moulin Rouge and Beetlejuice), was replaced by Michael Grandage was that Timbers did indeed want to do something a bit different with Frozen. I can't remember exactly what his idea was (something pseudo-immersive I think), but I believe Disney weren't fans and so Grandage was brought in to helm a more traditional production. So it seems that it is Disney's (or at least Disney Theatrical's) decision to have these safe shows that don't deviate too much from the movie versions. The whole show in my opinion should be completely redesigned, I’m thinking cherry pickers that come out into the audience with blasts of cold air, a rising ice castle on hydraulics like pride rock, and a much more expensive three dimensional changing set. Remove some of the new songs too and completely change Olaf / the puppetry sadly did nothing for me in the musical either apart from the reindeer. The snowman just didn’t work.
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Post by musicalmarge on Mar 25, 2021 13:09:37 GMT
People want to see the film recreated live on stage. No. Well, yes, to some extent. But stage versions need to have a little extra magic - like Lion King did both its imaginative puppeteering and bringing authentic African sounds to the stage. Everything else Disney has churned out since has been pretty bland, Aladdin included - which didn't feel or sound "oriental" at all except in some very scrubbed-up sterilized Disneyland version. Most of the Disney stuff I've had the misfortune to sit through hasn't even made it to London - for some good reason. Little Mermaid was just dire and unimaginative, Tarzan tried with its bungee-jumping lianas but was far too long and Newsies was so saccharine it sent you into a sugar coma. Sadly I think Frozen is more Aladdin than Lion King. Another movie slapped onto the stage without bringing something new or extra to it that convinces people to fork out for it instead of seeing the movie for the 244th time at home, especially when tickets for a whole family cost more than a daytrip to Disneyland including train fare and food. A spectacular ice castle might have done quite a bit for it, but it wouldn't save it on its own. They lucked out with a slightly mad visionary like Julie Taymor back then and never found someone similar who could have given things a completely different spin. Wow!!!! THIS!!!!! Totally agree. Frozen the musical is a sweet 7/10 like Aladdin. It could have been so so so much better. Shame. Anyway they have cut that terrible True Love ballad and added a staircase. I shall not judge the London production before I have seen it. They obviously know as Frozen has finished on Broadway that it was no way near the hit of the film.
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Post by musicalmarge on Mar 25, 2021 12:13:05 GMT
And THAT is why I thought Frozen on Broadway was a flop.
Let it Go fails to come up with the goods. Sadly like the rest of the show. The only visually nice thing was the new song Monster. Great addition and the revolved/ice spikes from floor thrilling. Nothing beats this.
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Company
Mar 25, 2021 12:09:45 GMT
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Post by musicalmarge on Mar 25, 2021 12:09:45 GMT
Id have put a spoiler tag but literally have no idea how - you're welcome to edit that mods! Too late. Singing in the rain is so 1993! Fabulous
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Post by musicalmarge on Mar 25, 2021 10:26:37 GMT
The Piccadilly has the feel of the Al Hirschfeld, its feels quite intimate on broadway. I think it would get lost in a barn like the dominion I saw it on Broadway and think the Piccadilly is a good fit for the show. The Al Hirschfeld in New York isn’t a huge barn like the Palladium or Dominium. The set extends up to the side of the stage and pros arch into the stalls and dress circle anyway. It’s a fabulous visual show and I loved it. The music is stunning and it looks spectacular. I was disappointed with the weak story though sadly, this will be picked up by the critics in London for sure. It kinda spoils the whole experience sadly. Still, as a spectacle is a wow wow wow.
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Post by musicalmarge on Mar 25, 2021 10:19:51 GMT
I’ve seen bootlegs of the new Sydney production. Having the small staircase in Let it Go for the end of act 1 is so much better than the empty Broadway stage. I still have huge issues with the 1950’s type glitter curtains and no rising type Lion King pride rock meets house in Sunset Boulevard BUT it looks much better with Elsa raised and the flashing lights and smoke on the staircase looks better.
A slight improvement for what has been the most disappointing film to stage moment this decade. Yes I’m bitter haha... Also proves Disney share my feeling towards it and knew/know it’s not as dynamic and creative as it should be for the main showstopper Defying Gravity pre interval song.
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Post by musicalmarge on Mar 24, 2021 23:34:15 GMT
A discussion I can get into. I've seen the following musicals before / without ever seeing the film on which they were based: Kinky Boots, Lord of the Rings, Made in Dagenham, Hairspray, Billy Elliot, 9 to 5, Bend it Like Beckham, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels From Here to Eternity, Little Shop of Horrors, The Producers, Sleepless in Seattle, Sunset Boulevard, Waitress and Whistle Down the Wind. I will add to that list unless I watch the film of The Prince of Egypt soon! I really wish I could go into Frozen without knowing the twist. I'm sure unlike when I saw the film everyone will know it is coming. The twist is during Let It Go no Ice Castle appears! Boom! Hahaha
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Company
Mar 24, 2021 23:33:16 GMT
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Post by musicalmarge on Mar 24, 2021 23:33:16 GMT
Yeah, closing night of this show will be something I never forget. The three midshow ovations, Rosalie's jumping up and down when she got in stage, Jonny having a meltdown in the curtain call. The best of times. God west end Wendy’s are dramatic lol. I wish I was there!
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Post by musicalmarge on Mar 24, 2021 22:01:10 GMT
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Post by musicalmarge on Mar 24, 2021 12:40:35 GMT
Yeeee haaaaaaa! I can’t wait to see it again. I expect a good healthy run as well. I much preferred it on the West End to Broadway oddly enough. Was funnier and had a better cast.
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Post by musicalmarge on Mar 24, 2021 12:38:01 GMT
FAR TOO LATE is a much better song.
Though it sounds like it should be from Phantom 3; The revenge of Meg
Hahahahaha
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Post by musicalmarge on Mar 24, 2021 12:32:59 GMT
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Post by musicalmarge on Mar 23, 2021 21:25:03 GMT
This is quite a comforting sign that the world is returning to normal. Another tour of Chicago being wheeled out and ‘anyone will do as long as they’ve been on telly’ casting for Mama Morton. Fabulous The world? Germany is about to go into another lockdown!
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Post by musicalmarge on Mar 19, 2021 2:49:06 GMT
I don’t understand how they can use the same show logo for a show that’s not the same show!
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Post by musicalmarge on Mar 19, 2021 2:45:41 GMT
Reading about all the hassle everyone is having with rescheduled tickets, I'm so glad I took refunds for all mine last year. Although it depresses me more than anything, I've decided to wait until things are more settled before I start ticket buying again. SAME. I’m not booking ANYTHING until these shows are up and running. I had 15 sets of refunds - total chaos
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Post by musicalmarge on Mar 18, 2021 19:37:27 GMT
I’m refunding my entire group of 30.
I’m done with these changes!!!
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Post by musicalmarge on Mar 18, 2021 14:54:44 GMT
The new performance schedule for ANYTHING GOES starring Megan Mullally, Robert Lindsay, Felicity Kendal and Gary Wilmot. The show will now open at London’s Barbican Theatre on Friday 23 July for a strictly limited 12 week season until Sunday 17 October.
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Post by musicalmarge on Mar 15, 2021 15:17:36 GMT
While I agree with parts of what she says (for example, fans tend to love the Mormons rather than the Africans, which is sad), her point about the Mormons coming to the village and the ending not REALLY being happy because people still have AIDS etc, is, in my understanding, the entire point of the show is it not? The show literally makes fun of white saviours - "We're here to save you and here's our religion to help us do it!" when in fact they haven't helped at all. And many of the Africans, while naive, are far smarter than the Mormons and just want help with their actual daily problems. Sort of like they're saying "If your God is real, why should we worship him when he's clearly screwed us over?" As for representation within the audience, yes there are many cultural and economic factors which could contribute to why there are less black people than white people, but at the same time, you also have to remember that only just over 3% of the UK population is black, so statistically that's going to happen anyway. Well if 3 per cent of the UK population is black that is NOT represented in UK adverts! It’s more like 50 per cent or more. I agree times have changed and with BLM and social justice here there and everywhere BOM is past its sell by date. Funny to some is now offensive to others. I get that. Do we adapt? Change? Or is this all a passing trend?
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Post by musicalmarge on Mar 15, 2021 11:41:52 GMT
Offensive and unfunny is WHY it is funny. Lol It’s like laughing at a dying person who has cancer and one leg. Though desperately sad, sometimes black humour is needed and you can (and sometimes) HAVE to find humour in this crazy life. Book of Mormon is funny because it’s so horrendously rude, UN PC, racist, mocks religion, sexuality and life in general No, not everyone needs black humour. I don't think there is any circumstance in which I would find laughing at a dying person who has cancer funny. That is grossly offensive. Actually without going into personal details about my life. You do find humour in the darkest times in your life. That’s exactly what you do. In my times visiting ICU in hospital I’ve laughed more than I cried. It’s called survival. So yes, you can laugh at someone who has cancer (including yourself). Offensive yes? Reality yes.
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Post by musicalmarge on Mar 15, 2021 11:28:18 GMT
I saw this and was bored to death.
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Post by musicalmarge on Mar 15, 2021 10:17:59 GMT
Siobhan Dillon was asked to do a one take version of SUTBM. its linked to her work for 'Breast Cancer Haven' as she explains. There's another version on her album, One voice. I hate to say it, but I'm not keen on this rendition. It all feels a bit... placed. Overly planned somehow. The emotion doesn't feel genuine. She has a beautiful voice, but I'm glad they went with Lucie for the role if it was indeed a choice between the two of them. Jeez. She’s sat down on a sofa, without a proper sound mix, stage setting - I think it’s a sensational version with all this in mind!
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Post by musicalmarge on Mar 15, 2021 10:09:40 GMT
I agree with every word she says. I sat through it a few years ago and never cracked a smile. I found it offensive and unfunny. Offensive and unfunny is WHY it is funny. Lol It’s like laughing at a dying person who has cancer and one leg. Though desperately sad, sometimes black humour is needed and you can (and sometimes) HAVE to find humour in this crazy life. Book of Mormon is funny because it’s so horrendously rude, UN PC, racist, mocks religion, sexuality and life in general
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Post by musicalmarge on Mar 15, 2021 7:03:49 GMT
OH GOD
HERE WE GO
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Post by musicalmarge on Mar 13, 2021 9:00:33 GMT
Will Mama Morton have leaves on her costume? Can she sing the part? Can Sinnita the singer - sing?
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