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Post by danb on Jun 7, 2022 5:24:32 GMT
…which I’m secretly hoping that Adam Lambert will slip into Queen’s set tomorrow night!
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Post by filendile on Jun 7, 2022 22:37:19 GMT
Saw this tonight for the first time. Two understudies - Caught Lauren Byrne’s (probably) last show, and Michael Hamway was on for Prince Sebastian. Both were great, audience was really responsive to Sebastian’s big song (I forget what it was called). Overall found the material itself a little disappointing, the only songs that stuck with me were So Long and Bad Cinderella.
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Post by max on Jun 7, 2022 23:00:22 GMT
Also saw this tonight for the first time. Lauren Byrne was terrific, great voice and likeable characterisation; Mike Hamway also very good. Act 2 felt stronger than Act 1; the setting up in Act 1 feels a bit laboured. Act 2 would truly riproar if the Sea Witch song for Prince Charming was back in. To make space there is sooooo much that could be trimmed from elsewhere in the show still. Cinderella's 'Far Too Late' was beautiful in the hands of Lauren Byrne, but it's 'far too long', and needs a middle eight to make it more complex and then fall back into the melody. Other songs aren't anywhere near so brilliant that they deserve reprises, or to be someone's theme song that often recurs.
I think the reality level is what didn't work for me. However good the performances of the grotesque characters I think it would land better if it was played (and designed) more 'real'. Songs / moments need to do double or triple duty; 'Man's man' works but I had no interest in the dance break; as the Wedding day has been declared that could have been in parallel with wedding planners getting the court and Sebastian fitted up. After all Lloyd Webber has written a couple of standout songs about dressing up/manufacture of image: 'Rainbow High' in Evita, and 'The Lady's Paying' in Sunset Boulevard. A director could have forced more out of the moments, but way better if it was fully written that way. Instead what you see is what you get, too often, and for me it was just 'there' in front of me. It really did need someone to say: "we can do so much more here, let's work it harder, use our craft".
Not sure what the future of the show will be. It's not THAT different to a trad 'Cinderella' really is it? Not much filthiness left in the current script so the objection that it confuses audiences taste/expectations wise has largely gone (if you can cope with a gay Prince Charming). But now it's calmed down I'm left with how I felt when the show was first announced: do I really want to see a version of Cinderella when there are so many. Other than following in the footsteps of Rodgers and Hammerstein the mission and need just isn't clear, and doesn't seem to have ignited the creatives to spend their greatest talents on something ephemeral.
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Post by musicbox on Jun 7, 2022 23:19:32 GMT
Also saw this tonight for the first time. Lauren Byrne was terrific, great voice and likeable characterisation; Mike Hamway also very good. Act 2 felt stronger than Act 1; the setting up in Act 1 feels a bit laboured. Act 2 would truly riproar if the Sea Witch song for Prince Charming was back in. To make space there is sooooo much that could be trimmed from elsewhere in the show still. Cinderella's 'Far Too Late' was beautiful in the hands of Lauren Byrne, but it's 'far too long', and needs a middle eight to make it more complex and then fall back into the melody. Other songs aren't anywhere near so brilliant that they deserve reprises, or to be someone's theme song that often recurs. I think the reality level is what didn't work for me. However good the performances of the grotesque characters I think it would land better if it was played (and designed) more 'real'. Songs / moments need to do double or triple duty; 'Man's man' works but I had no interest in the dance break; as the Wedding day has been declared that could have been in parallel with wedding planners getting the court and Sebastian fitted up. After all Lloyd Webber has written a couple of standout songs about dressing up/manufacture of image: 'Rainbow High' in Evita, and 'The Lady's Paying' in Sunset Boulevard. A director could have forced more out of the moments, but way better if it was fully written that way. Instead what you see is what you get, too often, and for me it was just 'there' in front of me. It really did need someone to say: "we can do so much more here, let's work it harder, use our craft". Not sure what the future of the show will be. It's not THAT different to a trad 'Cinderella' really is it? Not much filthiness left in the current script so the objection that it confuses audiences taste/expectations wise has largely gone (if you can cope with a gay Prince Charming). But now it's calmed down I'm left with how I felt when the show was first announced: do I really want to see a version of Cinderella when there are so many. Other than following in the footsteps of Rodgers and Hammerstein the mission and need just isn't clear, and doesn't seem to have ignited the creatives to spend their greatest talents on something ephemeral. I'm glad you mentioned this, as I've had this exact thought since first seeing the show as well. 'Man's man' is by far the weakest moment of the show in my opinion and each different person I've seen the show with agreed with me that it was really cringe, felt misplaced and made them feel uncomfortable. I've always felt that a 'dressing up' song where the queen and henchmen (Is that what they're called?) train and teach Sebastian how to be more like Charming to prepare for the wedding would work so much better. There's just something about the queen singing about her son being 'so darn ripped' that really gives me the ick. I've always felt that the whole 'Beauty has a price' scene is also too dark, and removing the surgery aspect, just focusing on giving Cinderella a makeover with a much lighter, more upbeat song would've been a much better choice. The whole putting the surgery mask on her face is just...strange. Saying that, I definitely have a soft spot for this show as I find it really amusing and fun (Sometimes for the wrong reasons). It's definitely not a show to take seriously in any way, it's just a piece of lighthearted fluff that will give you a laugh for the night - I'll be sad to see it go this week!
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Post by shady23 on Jun 8, 2022 10:12:01 GMT
They only use the surgery mask because {Spoiler - click to view} Carrie actually goes off stage during the song and one of the ensemble take her place on the chair while she "transforms" offstage, she then slips back on the chair later.
If it was not for the mask it would be clear it was not her.
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Post by Oliver on Jun 8, 2022 20:49:00 GMT
Also saw this tonight for the first time. Lauren Byrne was terrific, great voice and likeable characterisation; Mike Hamway also very good. Act 2 felt stronger than Act 1; the setting up in Act 1 feels a bit laboured. Act 2 would truly riproar if the Sea Witch song for Prince Charming was back in. To make space there is sooooo much that could be trimmed from elsewhere in the show still. Cinderella's 'Far Too Late' was beautiful in the hands of Lauren Byrne, but it's 'far too long', and needs a middle eight to make it more complex and then fall back into the melody. Other songs aren't anywhere near so brilliant that they deserve reprises, or to be someone's theme song that often recurs. I think the reality level is what didn't work for me. However good the performances of the grotesque characters I think it would land better if it was played (and designed) more 'real'. Songs / moments need to do double or triple duty; 'Man's man' works but I had no interest in the dance break; as the Wedding day has been declared that could have been in parallel with wedding planners getting the court and Sebastian fitted up. After all Lloyd Webber has written a couple of standout songs about dressing up/manufacture of image: 'Rainbow High' in Evita, and 'The Lady's Paying' in Sunset Boulevard. A director could have forced more out of the moments, but way better if it was fully written that way. Instead what you see is what you get, too often, and for me it was just 'there' in front of me. It really did need someone to say: "we can do so much more here, let's work it harder, use our craft". Not sure what the future of the show will be. It's not THAT different to a trad 'Cinderella' really is it? Not much filthiness left in the current script so the objection that it confuses audiences taste/expectations wise has largely gone (if you can cope with a gay Prince Charming). But now it's calmed down I'm left with how I felt when the show was first announced: do I really want to see a version of Cinderella when there are so many. Other than following in the footsteps of Rodgers and Hammerstein the mission and need just isn't clear, and doesn't seem to have ignited the creatives to spend their greatest talents on something ephemeral. I'm glad you mentioned this, as I've had this exact thought since first seeing the show as well. 'Man's man' is by far the weakest moment of the show in my opinion and each different person I've seen the show with agreed with me that it was really cringe, felt misplaced and made them feel uncomfortable. I've always felt that a 'dressing up' song where the queen and henchmen (Is that what they're called?) train and teach Sebastian how to be more like Charming to prepare for the wedding would work so much better. There's just something about the queen singing about her son being 'so darn ripped' that really gives me the ick. I've always felt that the whole 'Beauty has a price' scene is also too dark, and removing the surgery aspect, just focusing on giving Cinderella a makeover with a much lighter, more upbeat song would've been a much better choice. The whole putting the surgery mask on her face is just...strange. Saying that, I definitely have a soft spot for this show as I find it really amusing and fun (Sometimes for the wrong reasons). It's definitely not a show to take seriously in any way, it's just a piece of lighthearted fluff that will give you a laugh for the night - I'll be sad to see it go this week! "Man's Man" is a highlight for me, a wonderful comic song both musically and lyrically. You mention that each person you saw it with didn't like it, do you feel your opinion needs to be corroborated? The "dressing up" idea you mention seems a bit obvious to me by comparison.
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Post by max on Jun 8, 2022 23:39:10 GMT
And the discussion was going quite pleasantly til then, with just some points of difference between people who generally have goodwill towards the show.
Personally I've got no problem with 'Man's man' just thought that after a while it was ready to develop more of a story function. All those merchants in the first scene (nicely introduced) would have more of a through line across the story: ribbon/flag seller, milkmaids, baker etc. All seeing a new shop window for their wares due to the wedding, as the Queen herself says of the merch opportunities. It would get further characters (beyond the wannabee brides) having a greater stake in the wedding, as a way of overcoming the effects of Cinderella's sabotage. We'd see more of those superb ensemble talents too.
Still thinking about Lauren Byrne as Cinderella, but also the talent across the board.
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Post by Oliver on Jun 8, 2022 23:47:11 GMT
And the discussion was going quite pleasantly til then, with just some points of difference between people who generally have goodwill towards the show. Personally I've got no problem with 'Man's man' just thought that after a while it was ready to develop more of a story function. All those merchants in the first scene (nicely introduced) would have more of a through line across the story: ribbon/flag seller, milkmaids, baker etc. All seeing a new shop window for their wares due to the wedding, as the Queen herself says of the merch opportunities. It would get further characters (beyond the wannabee brides) having a greater stake in the wedding, as a way of overcoming the effects of Cinderella's sabotage. We'd see more of those superb ensemble talents too. Still thinking about Lauren Byrne as Cinderella, but also the talent across the board. There was nothing unpleasant about my post. I was just making the point that it makes no difference what other people think, it's what you think that matters. The 'dressing up' for an occasion idea is a bit cliché.
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Post by musicbox on Jun 9, 2022 9:53:04 GMT
After my moaning about the constant loud chatting in the wings when I seen the show at the weekend (I didn’t complain in the end as I couldn’t be bothered with the hassle), CHF has posted a vlog which shows the cast actually doing it - skip to 8:33 to see them having a full conversation about a dictionary word in the right side wings -
Obviously I have nothing against the cast having fun and chatting, but why are they doing it literally inches from the stage? Is it a space issue at the GL?
It would be one thing is no one could hear it, but as I said I couldn’t hear parts of the show over their chatting on Saturday, I could literally hear clearly what they were chatting about over an orchestra and performers on stage with mics.
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Post by lolalou on Jun 9, 2022 11:28:18 GMT
After my moaning about the constant loud chatting in the wings when I seen the show at the weekend (I didn’t complain in the end as I couldn’t be bothered with the hassle), CHF has posted a vlog which shows the cast actually doing it - skip to 8:33 to see them having a full conversation about a dictionary word in the right side wings - Obviously I have nothing against the cast having fun and chatting, but why are they doing it literally inches from the stage? Is it a space issue at the GL? It would be one thing is no one could hear it, but as I said I couldn’t hear parts of the show over their chatting on Saturday, I could literally hear clearly what they were chatting about over an orchestra and performers on stage with mics. But did you know the meaning of the ‘word of the day’ though? 😂 Hats off to the ensemble trapped in the wings with no place to go while Carrie forces them into word games they just looked thrilled to play. I also loved the way she was waving a camera around and literally told the stage manager ‘I’m blogging today is that ok’ it was a statement not a question. Sounds like the stage manager lost control of their space a long time ago. I’m sure the crew will be relieved it’s over soon.
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Post by theatrekiwi on Jun 9, 2022 19:45:14 GMT
Saw this for the first (and last) time on Wednesday night. Had a little chuckle at the "It's not Carrie!" gasp of horror from one audience member passing the cast board pre-show. Georgina was on as Cinderella and was brilliant, as was Michael as Sebastian. Georgina's "I Know I Have A Heart" was the moment of the show for me - stunning! Only You, Lonely You also got a huge reaction. Went in with low expectations, left having really enjoyed it and had a fun evening!
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Post by musicbox on Jun 11, 2022 22:12:45 GMT
I literally never go and see shows multiple times like this, but the fact that it's closing tomorrow urged me to get another cheap ticket tonight and go solo...and it was definitely an eventful trip.
First of all my seat was brilliant, dead on centre and about 10 rows form the stage in the stalls. It was all going great until the show started and the person behind grabbed the back of my chair and kept pushing me back and forward repeatedly, almost constantly. I've literally never done this before, but I left the auditorium during Man's man as I wasn't too fussed about seeing it, and went into the foyer to speak to a FOH worker. She was absolutely lovely and sympathised with me, brought out a chart and said she actually had a spare seat closer to the stage and escorted me back in to claim it - result!
I was now in the first set of stall seats that don't move so was very pleased, then after a couple of minutes looked to my side and realised that I was sitting next to Caleb Roberts who was on holiday but seeing the show in the audience, such a bizarre string of events! It was really interesting to see a lot of the cast looking his way and discreetly acknowledging him.
To top it off, I've mentioned before that this show has turned me into a huge Victoria Hamilton-Barritt fan as she's literally incredible, and by the time I got out to the street a lot of the cast were leaving and I noticed her discreetly going down the street with no one approaching her. I literally ran over to her, politely asked her if she had time to chat, had a lovely conversation and took a photo - I'm definitely an even bigger fan now!
The que to see Carrie was absolutely humungous, so although I like her I wasn't willing to wait as it went right up to the Travelodge at the top of Drury Lane, I'm also not really a stage door person to be honest. I'm pretty sure Joel Montague was there as well, I'm not sure if he was at the show or just came to pick her up.
Such an unexpectedly eventful night for a last minute purchase, but I'm glad I went and will be sad to see it close tomorrow (I've had a ticket for tomorrow for a while).
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Post by spathzthecat on Jun 12, 2022 7:25:17 GMT
Off to see the last show, I wonder will there be any protest?
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Post by mrbarnaby on Jun 12, 2022 7:32:59 GMT
Off to see the last show, I wonder will there be any protest? Bit late now I’d say. The cast and crew should have all gone on strike when it happened.
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Post by richey on Jun 12, 2022 8:19:08 GMT
Off to see the last show, I wonder will there be any protest? Are muck-up matinees still a thing? I know technically they were during the penultimate show but now schedules have changed does it still happen? Just seen Joel's post of the queue to see Carrie last night- that looked absolutely crazy. I'm surprised it was allowed.
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Post by musicbox on Jun 12, 2022 8:57:13 GMT
Off to see the last show, I wonder will there be any protest? I’m off to the last show today as well, I’m really intrigued to see if ALW will show up and if there will be any speeches given the circumstances. Rodney Vubya was on as Charming last night and was going a bit OTT with added riffs in his number, so it’ll be interesting to see if the cast change anything for the last one as well.
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Post by richey on Jun 12, 2022 9:02:04 GMT
Off to see the last show, I wonder will there be any protest? I’m off to the last show today as well, I’m really intrigued to see if ALW will show up and if there will be any speeches given the circumstances. Rodney Vubya was on as Charming last night and was going a bit OTT with added riffs in his number, so it’ll be interesting to see if the cast change anything for the last one as well. Yup he's boasting about it om Insta. There's also one about messing around in the market scene. He really does come across as entitled and obnoxious instagram.com/stories/rodneyvubya/2858595527709209975?utm_source=ig_story_item_share&igshid=MDJmNzVkMjY=
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Post by musicbox on Jun 12, 2022 9:06:40 GMT
I’m off to the last show today as well, I’m really intrigued to see if ALW will show up and if there will be any speeches given the circumstances. Rodney Vubya was on as Charming last night and was going a bit OTT with added riffs in his number, so it’ll be interesting to see if the cast change anything for the last one as well. Yup he's boasting about it om Insta. There's also one about messing around in the market scene. He really does come across as entitled and obnoxious instagram.com/stories/rodneyvubya/2858595527709209975?utm_source=ig_story_item_share&igshid=MDJmNzVkMjY=Yeah he does come across as very arrogant in my opinion as well, I don’t understand why someone so new into their career is so entitled. To be honest the extra runs he added were all over the place and made me a cringe a little bit as they didn’t fit the melody at all, it was very self serving rather than serving the song.
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Post by marob on Jun 12, 2022 9:07:43 GMT
On one of those he says he “didn’t sing the dots.” What does that mean?
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Post by richey on Jun 12, 2022 9:09:55 GMT
On one of those he says he “didn’t sing the dots.” What does that mean? I'm no musician but I took it as he didn't sing the song as it was written
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Post by musicbox on Jun 12, 2022 9:16:38 GMT
On one of those he says he “didn’t sing the dots.” What does that mean? He basically wanted to steal the show on his final outing by turning a simple vocal into a Beyoncé number, but couldn’t possibly ever do that with someone like Victoria H-B on stage.
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Post by marob on Jun 12, 2022 9:22:34 GMT
Ohh… 💡 Dots as in musical notation. Seems kind of obvious now.
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Jun 12, 2022 9:42:45 GMT
I think I’ve heard enough about and from Rodney to last an absolute lifetime.
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Post by richey on Jun 12, 2022 9:55:37 GMT
I think I’ve heard enough about and from Rodney to last an absolute lifetime. don't look at all his affirmation posts across this week then, where he's reflecting on his "journey" during the last year.
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Post by cezbear on Jun 12, 2022 10:11:50 GMT
I think I’ve heard enough about and from Rodney to last an absolute lifetime. don't look at all his affirmation posts across this week then, where he's reflecting on his "journey" during the last year. My goodness.
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Post by musicbox on Jun 12, 2022 10:42:08 GMT
Speaking of protests...
I really don't want this to sound bad, but last night at about 10 minutes into the show my stomach jumped as I thought I was about to witness some kind of protest...a person wearing a full horse head came in late and started walking right down to the stage and I was convinced that they were going to jump on and do something, as it was right in the middle of Carrie's Bad Cinderella number. It turns out that the person was just someone who personally choses to dress as a horse, and so happened to be late and have a seat in the front row.
I really don't want that to come across as me being judgemental because I'm not - if someone wants to dress a certain way then they're free to do so and I applaud the GL for being so inclusive - but I panicked for a moment!
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Post by inthenose on Jun 12, 2022 10:49:31 GMT
I think I’ve heard enough about and from Rodney to last an absolute lifetime. don't look at all his affirmation posts across this week then, where he's reflecting on his "journey" during the last year. Out of curiosity, I had a look. Absolutely hilarious, it's almost like a parody account. What on earth is wrong with him? I think if I had to work with him I'd have a nervous breakdown.
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Post by stagebyte on Jun 12, 2022 10:55:26 GMT
Yeah he does come across as very arrogant in my opinion as well, I don’t understand why someone so new into their career is so entitled. To be honest the extra runs he added were all over the place and made me a cringe a little bit as they didn’t fit the melody at all, it was very self serving rather than serving the song. Taking the score in your own hands Reminds me of this. An attempt at showing ‘what I can do’ ? Before the curtain closes on the best opportunity he’s like to get after his behaviour
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Post by stagebyte on Jun 12, 2022 10:59:12 GMT
Speaking of protests... I really don't want this to sound bad, but last night at about 10 minutes into the show my stomach jumped as I thought I was about to witness some kind of protest...a person wearing a full horse head came in late and started walking right down to the stage and I was convinced that they were going to jump on and do something, as it was right in the middle of Carrie's Bad Cinderella number. It turns out that the person was just someone who personally choses to dress as a horse, and so happened to be late and have a seat in the front row. I really don't want that to come across as me being judgemental because I'm not - if someone wants to dress a certain way then they're free to do so and I applaud the GL for being so inclusive - but I panicked for a moment! You’re joking right. One I can’t imagine the house staff letting such a distracting thing happen in the middle of a number. If you’re not joking then I guess it’s part of the cast getting away with last minute ‘fun’
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Post by musicbox on Jun 12, 2022 11:07:25 GMT
Speaking of protests... I really don't want this to sound bad, but last night at about 10 minutes into the show my stomach jumped as I thought I was about to witness some kind of protest...a person wearing a full horse head came in late and started walking right down to the stage and I was convinced that they were going to jump on and do something, as it was right in the middle of Carrie's Bad Cinderella number. It turns out that the person was just someone who personally choses to dress as a horse, and so happened to be late and have a seat in the front row. I really don't want that to come across as me being judgemental because I'm not - if someone wants to dress a certain way then they're free to do so and I applaud the GL for being so inclusive - but I panicked for a moment! You’re joking right. One I can’t imagine the house staff letting such a distracting thing happen in the middle of a number. If you’re not joking then I guess it’s part of the cast getting away with last minute ‘fun’ No, I’m being 100% serious! They were wearing a silver glittery horse head. I’ve actually seen people dress like this on the street a couple of times, so I assume it’s a niche kind of community - each to their own! Me jumping the gun in my mind about a potential protest did distract me from Bad Cinderella though, which was a bit annoying. I noticed that they were still on their seat in the second act when the stage turns and the front stalls are facing you as well.
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