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Post by AddisonMizner on Jul 22, 2016 6:06:12 GMT
I haven't stopped listening to the Original Broadway CD since seeing the show last Saturday, and am still not bored of it. A truly beautiful score if ever there was one, and now a new one on my list of favourites. Yes, let's hope there is a London recording.
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Post by AddisonMizner on Jul 17, 2016 12:31:20 GMT
I saw the matinee of this yesterday (16th July), and it has to rate as one of my theatrical highlights so far this year along with SHOW BOAT and PEOPLE, PLACES AND THINGS.
The score is absolutely ravishing! Totally up my street. I actually think it is pretty much perfect, and would not cut a thing. It is BIG music, and completely theatrical. Not to mention it is beautifully sung, which has become something of a novelty in musicals these days. It was done full justice with proper voices! There were numerous times when I had goosebumps running up and down my spine (particularly during the choral passages). Stunning!
The production itself was simple, but effective. It just shows you don't need big flashy sets to create real emotion.
The only thing that slightly spoiled the afternoon was that the theatre was BOILING!
If Yeston's score for DEATH TAKES A HOLIDAY is anything like TITANIC, then I will fall in love with that too. Cannot wait! (Have RAGTIME first).
Just go!
5 stars.
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Post by AddisonMizner on Jul 12, 2016 6:10:45 GMT
How do you get the £15 tickets?
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Post by AddisonMizner on Jul 8, 2016 6:15:54 GMT
Are tickets on sale now?
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Post by AddisonMizner on Jul 2, 2016 19:09:43 GMT
Thank you for the code. I have just watched this, knowing next to nothing about the show previously. I absolutely LOVED it! Such a good show with just stunning music. The production and cast were impeccable. I hope this makes the trip across the pond.
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Post by AddisonMizner on Jun 30, 2016 19:41:45 GMT
Does anyone know where you can obtain a copy of the HAMILTON: THE REVOLUTION book? Seems unavailable on UK Amazon, but would like to own it.
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Post by AddisonMizner on Jun 30, 2016 6:54:10 GMT
Saw this a few weeks ago. I didn't hate it, but it wasn't good either.
I used to like JOSEPH. I was in the children's choir as a kid, but as a piece is completely bonkers! The music is all over the place, and it veers too much on panto for my taste. The endless mega mix doesn't help matters either..
The production itself was quite tacky. I agree that Joe walked as though a model, and couldn't believe for a second that he could potentially get with Potiphar's wife. The performances across the board were just ok, but then the show doesn't really call for much I the way of acting.
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Post by AddisonMizner on Jun 26, 2016 9:03:25 GMT
When searching last week I came across a website. If you google Just Jared, the top link, has pretty comprehensive coverage of the Tonys including videos of all the performances. Thanks for that, djdan14.
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Post by AddisonMizner on Jun 26, 2016 8:58:54 GMT
I saw the matinee of this yesterday (25th June). It was enjoyable, but overall I felt it lacked something.
The story itself feels very slight, and all characters, barring Fanny, are rather one-dimensional. I also felt that it was more than a little old-fashioned. For a show called FUNNY GIRL, it wasn't very funny.
Natasha J Barnes was good as Fanny (though I felt perhaps a little "shouty" at times). All other performances were just ok. Darius as Nick was very wooden.
The production itself was also just ok. I liked the moving stage, as it kept the pace of the show moving, and the set served its purpose. However, I wanted it to be a little more slick, with more energy. The first half of the show was a little flat, but picked up after that. It's a shame, as I have loved everything else that I have seen come from the Menier.
It would be interesting to see this again if Sheridan does come back, and see if it makes any major difference.
That being said, I would give it a solid 3 stars.
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Post by AddisonMizner on Jun 26, 2016 8:46:40 GMT
Booked. Sam B swung the decision. If he dumps her in this version, I've an aisle seat close to the stage, is all I'm saying. I'll fight you for her, theatremonkey! I booked my tickets for this yesterday too. Really excited!
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Post by AddisonMizner on Jun 24, 2016 6:46:10 GMT
I've been listening to the recording on and off on Spotify, and have really been enjoying it. This is despite it being quite a pop-orientated score. I would definitely have a look at this if it were to come over.
Speaking of the Tony Awards, is there anyway to watch the different performances? Barring the opening number, nothing seems available on YouTube, which is surprising. There also seems little in the way of acceptance speeches.
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Post by AddisonMizner on Jun 24, 2016 6:08:28 GMT
I'm definitely booking for this. Love JRB. Yes, would have looked a full production of BRIDGES (one of his best scores, and one of THE best theatre scores ever written in my opinion), but I love THE LAST FIVE YEARS so all is good. Sam Barks will give me something nice to look at as well!
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Post by AddisonMizner on Jun 23, 2016 18:57:55 GMT
What is the seating like at Sheffield Lyceum for anyone who has been there? Tempted to book for this out on tour.
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Post by AddisonMizner on Jun 19, 2016 12:56:56 GMT
When is ANGELS IN AMERICA open for booking? Don't want to miss out!
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Post by AddisonMizner on May 26, 2016 6:24:58 GMT
Is the theatre for this easily accessible from the centre of Manchester? Really want to see PARADE, as I've never got around to seeing a production of it. Adore the score!
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Post by AddisonMizner on May 20, 2016 19:20:59 GMT
What are the standing seats like at the Globe? Thinking of booking for MIDSUMMER.
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Post by AddisonMizner on May 15, 2016 10:14:24 GMT
Saw LEGALLY BLONDE at the Curve last night. Yes, it is not the best thing that I have ever seen, but I actually really enjoyed it. Great fun! The set was really ugly though! It looked like a giant pink spaceship! It was also rather sparse a lot of the time.
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Post by AddisonMizner on May 9, 2016 15:14:55 GMT
I wonder if Lawrence Brownlee will star in Charlie Parker's Yardbird at the Hackney Empire? Probably not.
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Post by AddisonMizner on May 3, 2016 16:44:59 GMT
This is exciting! Wasn't going to book for this, knowing that Netrebko was no longer in the cast, but this news may have just got me interested again.
Still longing to hear Netrebko live in something though!
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Post by AddisonMizner on Apr 19, 2016 16:11:52 GMT
42 nd st is next years musical at ENO I'd heard Carousel? I'm thrilled with either! I'd love Carousel too! With hopefully some great voices to sing it!
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Post by AddisonMizner on Apr 19, 2016 16:10:47 GMT
Saw in a brouchure for the St James theatre that they are doing a new production of rent this Christmas Interesting. I have never seen this show live. May have to give this a go.
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Post by AddisonMizner on Apr 18, 2016 6:27:38 GMT
Well, I've taken the plunge and booked for this! I'm actually quite excited! The score seems fun, so hopefully will not be disappointed.
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Post by AddisonMizner on Apr 17, 2016 19:41:50 GMT
I'm gutted that I missed this in the cinema. I'm a huge fan of Bryn Terfel, and would probably go and hear him sing anything! I tried to find a suitable Encore screening near me, but didn't have any luck. Here's hoping for a DVD release!
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Apr 13, 2016 7:54:57 GMT
via mobile
Post by AddisonMizner on Apr 13, 2016 7:54:57 GMT
Any chance that this will transfer?
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Post by AddisonMizner on Apr 11, 2016 17:59:47 GMT
THIS was the highlight of my London visit, having watched this on Saturday evening, being the last of the shows that I saw. As I have said previously in this thread, it is somewhat out of the ordinary for me to see something like this, as I do not really go and see plays (preferring musicals). However, with all the hype that this has received, and the accolades given for Denise Gough's central performance, I thought I would give this a go. Not to mention, I got £15 stage seats, which are the BARGAIN OF THE CENTURY! I was that close, I felt as though the actor's were giving me a private performance in my living room. It was amazing to feel the energy from the cast at such close range. If you get chance to sit here, do. There were absolutely no obstructions, and they are quite possibly the best seats in the house.
Now onto Denise Gough's performance. I know a lot has been said on here already, and so I am only repeating what has been said previously, but this was quite simply one of the best performances I have ever seen on the stage. It is up there with Imelda Staunton in GYPSY, and probably surpasses it. What Denise does is so brave and honest; the energy and physical intensity she gives to the role is remarkable. I couldn't take my eyes off of her for the entire performance! She was fully immersed into the role, so much so that I could't see the actress behind the character - she WAS Emma! She made a potentially extremely unlikeable character likeable, not only through the dry wit she brought to the role, but also the humanity, making you care deeply for her. Denise Gough certainly is an actress I am going to follow the career of from now on, and I am already planning on seeing her in ANGELS IN AMERICA next year at the National (providing I can get a ticket!) That said, the rest of the ensemble cast all give fine, quality performances.
The play itself is an absolute stunner! So well-written, with surprises at every turn. McMillan's ability to turn things on their head is remarkable. The play can absolutely break your heart and shock you one moment (as it does in the last scene between Emma and her parents), but can be hilariously funny the next. Some have said that they found the group therapy scenes overlong. I did not feel that at all, and feel they were pitched just right. I was engrossed from start to finish.
The staging too is brilliant - fresh and vibrant, proving my assertion that simple is almost always better.
It will come as no surprise that I would award this 5 stars. If I could get to London again before it closes, I would definitely be seeing this again. Don't hesitate - JUST GO!
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Post by AddisonMizner on Apr 11, 2016 17:23:18 GMT
I saw this on Saturday afternoon (9th April).
Let me state the controversial opinion in this review straight away - I don't think Glenn Close was the star of the show. Yes, she was very good, and it was nice to see her in a role she did 20 years ago, but I didn't think her performance was amazingly good, and comparing her to Imelda Staunton in GYPSY is just laughable. At no point did I feel as though I was witnessing a performance of that calibre. This is not just based purely on her singing (which was actually better than I feared it would be at this time in her life), but her acting. The audience did go crazy for her (applauding before she had even sang the last note, like some on here have said, and giving standing ovations), but I think this was more down to her reputation, and the fact that she was doing this same role 20 years, rather than being based on the performance that she actually gave. As I say, this is bound to stir up controversy.
The real star for me was Michael Xavier, and in my mind he actually carried the show. His was an excellent performance, showing why he is a performer constantly in demand. The rest of the cast were also very solid in their respective roles.
The production itself was brilliant. The score sounded glorious with the full orchestra (and a very good score it is by Andrew Lloyd Webber), and this resulted in some truly spine tingling moments. As someone said above, when the spotlight is turned on Norma just before she sings 'As If We Never Said Goodbye' and the orchestra swells, I think every hair on my body was standing on end! Also, the staging was far from being semi-staged, and it felt like a full production. I did't miss anything (though granted I am not old enough to have seen the original production). Lonny Price shows yet again that he is a master in presenting these style of shows.
All-in-all, a nice production, with another solid four-stars, but I did't leave walking on air in the same way that I had with SWEENEY TODD last year at the same venue.
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Post by AddisonMizner on Apr 11, 2016 16:56:44 GMT
I have just come back from an amazing weekend of London Theatre. I saw this on Friday night (8th April) and really liked it. Yes, the show is a little on the light-weight side, but I loved the ensemble nature of the piece, and the interwoven story lines.
I knew only the score beforehand, and to be honest, in theory this is everything I hate - a mixture of rap, hip hop, pop, salsa etc, but I absolutely loved it, and it is easily the best thing about the show! So catchy, but so well-written at the same time. A proper theatre score, developing character, and taking us from one point of the story to the other! Highlights were the opening number (probably the best opening song to a show I think there is), 'Blackout' (a stunning piece of music, combined with an excellent staging), and the Finale. However, the whole score is an absolute diamond.
The show was also amazingly performed with such energy and attack by the whole cast. The staging was excellent, and I loved being in such close proximity to the action.
However, I do have a few quibbles. Lily Frazer who plays Nina had/has pitch problems in her lower register (mostly being sharp), which took me out of the show on occasion. The high end of her voice was very good though, with no pitch problems evident. Also, as much as I love David Bedella, I don't think his role warrants an Olivier Award. Nothing against his performance, (which is very, very good), I just don't think the role is an award-winning one. If anything, Sam Mackay, deserved a nomination, as he is the one standout in this production.
Overall though, a fabulous show, with a solid four stars. It is just missing that little bit of magic that would have made this musical theatre heaven.
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Post by AddisonMizner on Apr 7, 2016 8:08:38 GMT
Imelda Staunton should tackle this!
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Post by AddisonMizner on Apr 5, 2016 18:25:52 GMT
Any more news on a DVD/Blu-ray release for this?
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Post by AddisonMizner on Apr 5, 2016 15:42:17 GMT
Never been a fan of dance, but loved Matthew Bourne's THE CAR MAN when I saw it on Sky Arts (whether that's to do with the operatic source material though!) I also really like the film THE RED SHOES, so I may give this a go.
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