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Post by Boob on Mar 7, 2019 8:32:00 GMT
Agree about the theatre being too big, but think the band on stage is a great aesthetic choice in keeping with the other touches of magical realism. It’s a simple story, but also a fantasy about hope and dreams in every day life. Not sure we’re meant to suspend disbelief, rather go with it.
Overall I was completely charmed by the show, in spite of a few issues. The second half is definitely weaker than the first - perhaps why some of you aren’t leaving on such a high. McPhee is absolutely fine, but feel the show would have oodles more heart with an actress with greater truth and spontaneity. Superb voice, though, although I wish she’d sing SUTBM more straight - it doesn’t need the riffs and embellishments. Also, it generally has the feeling of a second or third cast - perhaps because some of the casting choices, but also because the production lacks the freshness one would expect of a “new” musical about to open. It’s sometimes authentic and surprising, but often mechanical and over-choreographed.
Still, remains one of my favourite nights at the theatre in a long while. Bring on CFA next week!
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Post by HereForTheatre on Mar 7, 2019 8:42:16 GMT
Agree about the theatre being too big, but think the band on stage is a great aesthetic choice in keeping with the other touches of magical realism. It’s a simple story, but also a fantasy about hope and dreams in every day life. Not sure we’re meant to suspend disbelief, rather go with it. Overall I was completely charmed by the show, in spite of a few issues. The second half is definitely weaker than the first - perhaps why some of you aren’t leaving on such a high. McPhee is absolutely fine, but feel the show would have oodles more heart with an actress with greater truth and spontaneity. Superb voice, though, although I wish she’d sing SUTBM more straight - it doesn’t need the riffs and embellishments. Also, it generally has the feeling of a second or third cast - perhaps because some of the casting choices, but also because the production lacks the freshness one would expect of a “new” musical about to open. It’s sometimes authentic and surprising, but often mechanical and over-choreographed. Still, remains one of my favourite nights at the theatre in a long while. Bring on CFA next week! Interesting because i think most people on here have said that the 2nd act is a lot stronger than the first! It's so interesting to see how different peoples opinions can be! |
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Post by westendgurl on Mar 7, 2019 9:36:25 GMT
I saw this on Tuesday and I was so surprised at how much I enjoyed it! I knew I'd love the music because I've been listening to the soundtrack for the past year or so, but I thought the show was brilliant, and I was so surprised at the range of emotions I experienced watching it! The cast were mostly great - Katharine McPhee really impressed me - I read some of the comments on here and for me I didn't have an issue with the acting (we were front row and didn't notice a lack of emotional responses from her, and I loved her post-birth scene - I didn't expect to cry!) Her SUTBM went down really well, the applause went on for a long time! The women really own this show, I loved her chemistry with Marisha (brilliant, her voice was just wow) and Laura Baldwin who I just adored. So ditsy, funny and a brilliant singer. Their harmonies were just spot on. I admit not knowing anything about David Hunter, but he was very sweet and funny, and the Bad Idea reprise was one of the funniest reactions I've ever seen from a West End audience! Now Jack McBrayer...I loved him. He can't sing, but I guess my expectations for his voice were so low that he seemed to be ok (for a non-singer) and he was just exceptionally funny. The Never Getting Rid of me song is a bit eh, but I'm glad they got over that and he just turned out to be a lovable geek rather than a creep - I also loved him and Laura together. Shaun Prendergast was ok - likable, funny (again not keen on that one line, but that's not his fault), and Peter Hannah was better at acting than singing, but I think he may have sounded like he had a cold(?) so I'll give him the benefit of the doubt!
On the whole, I loved it. For me it wasn't quite the reaction as Come From Away, but they're two completely different shows so I'm not going to compare, I *think* the second act is possibly better than the first, I loved the music, the banoffee pie was amazing even if it did cost a LOT, and I still get emotional thinking about Lulu's diner.
Wow that was an essay for my first post!
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Post by HereForTheatre on Mar 7, 2019 9:44:53 GMT
I saw this on Tuesday and I was so surprised at how much I enjoyed it! I knew I'd love the music because I've been listening to the soundtrack for the past year or so, but I thought the show was brilliant, and I was so surprised at the range of emotions I experienced watching it! The cast were mostly great - Katharine McPhee really impressed me - I read some of the comments on here and for me I didn't have an issue with the acting (we were front row and didn't notice a lack of emotional responses from her, and I loved her post-birth scene - I didn't expect to cry!) Her SUTBM went down really well, the applause went on for a long time! The women really own this show, I loved her chemistry with Marisha (brilliant, her voice was just wow) and Laura Baldwin who I just adored. So ditsy, funny and a brilliant singer. Their harmonies were just spot on. I admit not knowing anything about David Hunter, but he was very sweet and funny, and the Bad Idea reprise was one of the funniest reactions I've ever seen from a West End audience! Now Jack McBrayer...I loved him. He can't sing, but I guess my expectations for his voice were so low that he seemed to be ok (for a non-singer) and he was just exceptionally funny. The Never Getting Rid of me song is a bit eh, but I'm glad they got over that and he just turned out to be a lovable geek rather than a creep - I also loved him and Laura together. Shaun Prendergast was ok - likable, funny (again not keen on that one line, but that's not his fault), and Peter Hannah was better at acting than singing, but I think he may have sounded like he had a cold(?) so I'll give him the benefit of the doubt! On the whole, I loved it. For me it wasn't quite the reaction as Come From Away, but they're two completely different shows so I'm not going to compare, I *think* the second act is possibly better than the first, I loved the music, the banoffee pie was amazing even if it did cost a LOT, and I still get emotional thinking about Lulu's diner. Wow that was an essay for my first post! Welcome! |
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Post by westendgurl on Mar 7, 2019 12:13:31 GMT
I saw this on Tuesday and I was so surprised at how much I enjoyed it! I knew I'd love the music because I've been listening to the soundtrack for the past year or so, but I thought the show was brilliant, and I was so surprised at the range of emotions I experienced watching it! The cast were mostly great - Katharine McPhee really impressed me - I read some of the comments on here and for me I didn't have an issue with the acting (we were front row and didn't notice a lack of emotional responses from her, and I loved her post-birth scene - I didn't expect to cry!) Her SUTBM went down really well, the applause went on for a long time! The women really own this show, I loved her chemistry with Marisha (brilliant, her voice was just wow) and Laura Baldwin who I just adored. So ditsy, funny and a brilliant singer. Their harmonies were just spot on. I admit not knowing anything about David Hunter, but he was very sweet and funny, and the Bad Idea reprise was one of the funniest reactions I've ever seen from a West End audience! Now Jack McBrayer...I loved him. He can't sing, but I guess my expectations for his voice were so low that he seemed to be ok (for a non-singer) and he was just exceptionally funny. The Never Getting Rid of me song is a bit eh, but I'm glad they got over that and he just turned out to be a lovable geek rather than a creep - I also loved him and Laura together. Shaun Prendergast was ok - likable, funny (again not keen on that one line, but that's not his fault), and Peter Hannah was better at acting than singing, but I think he may have sounded like he had a cold(?) so I'll give him the benefit of the doubt! On the whole, I loved it. For me it wasn't quite the reaction as Come From Away, but they're two completely different shows so I'm not going to compare, I *think* the second act is possibly better than the first, I loved the music, the banoffee pie was amazing even if it did cost a LOT, and I still get emotional thinking about Lulu's diner. Wow that was an essay for my first post! Welcome! Thanks! |
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Post by Deleted on Mar 7, 2019 17:08:14 GMT
What do we imagine the reviews will be like tonight for this one then??
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Post by Deleted on Mar 7, 2019 17:35:15 GMT
What do we imagine the reviews will be like tonight for this one then?? Pastry-cularly average. |
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Post by Mark on Mar 7, 2019 17:48:44 GMT
What do we imagine the reviews will be like tonight for this one then?? I think they’ll be “mixed” and “focused on the negative” |
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Post by Deleted on Mar 7, 2019 18:13:47 GMT
Will the show be beaten or will fans be whipped up? I imagine the latter will occur. |
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Post by Someone in a tree on Mar 7, 2019 18:22:53 GMT
What do we imagine the reviews will be like tonight for this one then?? . Metaphor time. The Greggs vegan sausage roll was panned by Pier Morgan but it has done wonders for its sales |
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Post by Deleted on Mar 7, 2019 18:57:18 GMT
In before the use of the phrase 'soggy bottom' in at least one review.
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Post by blobble84 on Mar 7, 2019 22:46:12 GMT
4* from The Stage
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Post by Deleted on Mar 7, 2019 22:47:25 GMT
Whatsonstage.com - 4*
The Guardian - 3*
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Post by LaLuPone on Mar 7, 2019 23:10:28 GMT
I’m having real trouble with this quote from The Guardian review.
“I couldn’t wholly believe in the plight of the pregnant protagonist, Jenna, a waitress and classy pie cook in a typical American diner. Why, I wondered, did she put up with a violently abusive husband who appropriated all her tips?”
It’s interesting that this review is written by an old balding man. Does he not realise that Jenna is literally trapped in her marriage, she has no money, even if she was able to keep her Waitress wage, that’s not really enough to make a life! She’d have nowhere to live, and she certainly would struggle to support herself AND a baby. Where would the baby go when she was at work? And I’d think it’s pretty obvious that a long-term victim of emotional and physical abuse wouldn’t have much confidence in trying to escape. It’s clear that Earl is violent, who knows what he could possibly have done if she tried to leave.
I know it’s all fiction but I’m sure there are many real women (and some men) in awful situations like this and he’s just belittling their struggles and their fears in my opinion. Rant over.
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Post by anthem on Mar 7, 2019 23:40:14 GMT
4* from the Independent.
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Post by juicy_but_terribly_drab on Mar 7, 2019 23:40:22 GMT
I’m having real trouble with this quote from The Guardian review. “I couldn’t wholly believe in the plight of the pregnant protagonist, Jenna, a waitress and classy pie cook in a typical American diner. Why, I wondered, did she put up with a violently abusive husband who appropriated all her tips?” It’s interesting that this review is written by an old balding man. Does he not realise that Jenna is literally trapped in her marriage, she has no money, even if she was able to keep her Waitress wage, that’s not really enough to make a life! She’d have nowhere to live, and she certainly would struggle to support herself AND a baby. Where would the baby go when she was at work? And I’d think it’s pretty obvious that a long-term victim of emotional and physical abuse wouldn’t have much confidence in trying to escape. It’s clear that Earl is violent, who knows what he could possibly have done if she tried to leave. I know it’s all fiction but I’m sure there are many real women (and some men) in awful situations like this and he’s just belittling their struggles and their fears in my opinion. Rant over. Wow! That quote is very ignorant. I'm honestly staggered that this aspect of the show was his issue when I feel like it's probably the strongest part of the show (or at least the film anyway, haven't seen the show yet but I doubt I'm missing much between seeing the film and listening to the soundtrack). |
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Post by anthem on Mar 8, 2019 0:19:03 GMT
5* from The Times.
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Post by priorwalter on Mar 8, 2019 0:21:52 GMT
I’m having real trouble with this quote from The Guardian review. “I couldn’t wholly believe in the plight of the pregnant protagonist, Jenna, a waitress and classy pie cook in a typical American diner. Why, I wondered, did she put up with a violently abusive husband who appropriated all her tips?” It’s interesting that this review is written by an old balding man. Does he not realise that Jenna is literally trapped in her marriage, she has no money, even if she was able to keep her Waitress wage, that’s not really enough to make a life! She’d have nowhere to live, and she certainly would struggle to support herself AND a baby. Where would the baby go when she was at work? And I’d think it’s pretty obvious that a long-term victim of emotional and physical abuse wouldn’t have much confidence in trying to escape. It’s clear that Earl is violent, who knows what he could possibly have done if she tried to leave. I know it’s all fiction but I’m sure there are many real women (and some men) in awful situations like this and he’s just belittling their struggles and their fears in my opinion. Rant over. Absolutely disgusted by this quote from The Guardian. So ignorant and from a man of course. |
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Post by hitmewithurbethshot on Mar 8, 2019 0:32:05 GMT
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Post by sparky5000 on Mar 8, 2019 0:51:45 GMT
I’m having real trouble with this quote from The Guardian review. “I couldn’t wholly believe in the plight of the pregnant protagonist, Jenna, a waitress and classy pie cook in a typical American diner. Why, I wondered, did she put up with a violently abusive husband who appropriated all her tips?” It’s interesting that this review is written by an old balding man. Does he not realise that Jenna is literally trapped in her marriage, she has no money, even if she was able to keep her Waitress wage, that’s not really enough to make a life! She’d have nowhere to live, and she certainly would struggle to support herself AND a baby. Where would the baby go when she was at work? And I’d think it’s pretty obvious that a long-term victim of emotional and physical abuse wouldn’t have much confidence in trying to escape. It’s clear that Earl is violent, who knows what he could possibly have done if she tried to leave. I know it’s all fiction but I’m sure there are many real women (and some men) in awful situations like this and he’s just belittling their struggles and their fears in my opinion. Rant over. Omg that really rankled with me also! As if it’s so easy when you’re trapped in an abuse relationship to just leave like you’re nipping to the corner shop to buy a pint of milk 🙄 |
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Post by andrew on Mar 8, 2019 0:52:04 GMT
I know that almost everyone here is expecting this to get horrible reviews, be the biggest flop in history along with Dance of the Vampires and close in a few months, but I'm pretty sure that it's here to stay. Bookmark my words.  Also, bring back Lyn Gardner. |
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Post by sparky5000 on Mar 8, 2019 0:53:10 GMT
In before the use of the phrase 'soggy bottom' in at least one review. I’ve been waiting for “half baked” but haven’t seen it yet 😄 |
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Post by sparky5000 on Mar 8, 2019 0:57:55 GMT
I know that almost everyone here is expecting this to get horrible reviews, be the biggest flop in history along with Dance of the Vampires and close in a few months, but I'm pretty sure that it's here to stay. Bookmark my words. Also, bring back Lyn Gardner. I don’t really understand why people have been expecting poor reviews. I don’t think it’s a musical masterpiece by any means, but it’s a classy, well done musical that plays well to British/international audiences. The reviews are all pretty good so far. Mainly 4 stars. The Telegraph’s review is also really glowing but they don’t give a rating. |
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Post by sparky5000 on Mar 8, 2019 1:10:01 GMT
Is anyone able to post the text of this review please, if they are subscribed? |
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Post by l0islane on Mar 8, 2019 1:30:00 GMT
I 100% agree with everyones comments about it being incredibly difficult and dangerous to leave an abusive relationship, but I also 100% agree with this part of the Time Out review - "If you’re taking ‘Waitress’ seriously, the resolution of his [the abusive husband's] plotline is so casual as to verge on irresponsible". The show may represent abuse quite well through most of the show but it ultimately undermines that in the final scenes and the actions Jenna takes are actually pretty dangerous (I work on a DV helpline and we would never advise a woman to do that) and the response of her abusive husband is totally unrealistic.
I quite enjoyed the show itself, it was pretty funny, but I got a bit sick of all the pie references!
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