125 posts
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Post by annette on Jun 18, 2023 21:12:43 GMT
I was there at first preview too. I'm glad I've seen it as it is very different. It was very meta and tongue in cheek; there were laugh out moments. Saying that - I really didn't like the overtly sexual nature / lyrics. I think less is more. I was really anti this being staged at the Barbican as it's so big but actually it did work and thought the set design was really cool. Glad I've watched it but struggling to understand how this got so much hype in NYC. What did you think of the cast Burgundy? The cast in NY were phenomenal and I’m really keen to see the British cast. Also interested to see if a lot of the Americanisms have been changed (For instance, I had no idea who Tyler Perry was when I first saw it and had to Google him after the show). |
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125 posts
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Post by annette on Jun 18, 2023 21:27:03 GMT
Saw the West End Live performance on Youtube - Michael R Jackson should have explained he's the writer and doesn't appear in the show (though he did on Broadway). Then it would have been endearing. But without realising that (I had to look it up) he seemed unsure of the words in the first song, and then forgot/lost his place in the second one. Both feel like songs that only build with further voices joining and answering and affirming as it progresses (?), so doing it solo with a pianist trying to bang out a sense of it building was a hiding to nothing. Despite all that it made me more interested to see the real thing. West End Live does indeed seem quite....scary; the crowd seem supportive but... stuff happens there! I think you’re spot-on about the songs building with further voices Max and certainly in the NY production those voices were heavenly. Because I’m such a huge fan of the show, I was watching MRJ’s performance at WEL with my head in my hands and didn’t clock that he failed to make it clear that he was the writer and not in the cast of the show. As you said, if he’d done so and perhaps explained why the cast weren’t there, it would have been endearing and his performance would almost have been excusable. Good to hear that shambles didn’t put you off seeing the show though. Hope you enjoy it. I’d love to know what you’re referring to about ‘things happening’at WEL 😏. |
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Post by max on Jun 18, 2023 22:53:07 GMT
Hi Annette - The YouTube video starts with Michael J Williams walking on, and very deftly introducing the context of the first song. So is it possible an announcer beforehand explained who he was, and that just isn't included on the video grab? Still, it's YouTube that (sadly) memorialises these things. Ditto Carrie Hope Fletcher, last year. She felt she'd done badly, and plenty told her she had. I thought it was nothing like the disaster it was made out to be. I clicked on a video for 'Choir Of Man' from this year's and they sounded awful - totally set me against taking someone to see it. I'm really starting to wonder if the West End Live event is worth it! Lol. Just seems to make usually good performers look bad, and starts a debate about 'well if you can't sing in the open air....can't cope without the precise controlled conditions of a theatre... you're not much good etc.' |
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Post by theatregoer22 on Jun 19, 2023 18:09:28 GMT
Hi Annette - The YouTube video starts with Michael J Williams walking on, and very deftly introducing the context of the first song. So is it possible an announcer beforehand explained who he was, and that just isn't included on the video grab? Still, it's YouTube that (sadly) memorialises these things. Ditto Carrie Hope Fletcher, last year. She felt she'd done badly, and plenty told her she had. I thought it was nothing like the disaster it was made out to be. I clicked on a video for 'Choir Of Man' from this year's and they sounded awful - totally set me against taking someone to see it. I'm really starting to wonder if the West End Live event is worth it! Lol. Just seems to make usually good performers look bad, and starts a debate about 'well if you can't sing in the open air....can't cope without the precise controlled conditions of a theatre... you're not much good etc.' Maybe it's because I was already familiar with the songs, but Choir of Man were one of the highlights of West End Live for me and I'm more inclined to go and see it at some point. |
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Post by edelweiss on Jun 19, 2023 19:31:28 GMT
That's so interesting that you didn't like the Choir of Man performance from this year max - I was in the crowd and really enjoyed it hahaha! Maybe WEL just translates badly to video across the board? I remember not enjoying watching it on Youtube last year, but being there live was a lot better. Also it's interesting to find out that Michael R Jackson doesn't appear in the show, I did wonder about that at the time. I quite liked the songs but not enough to immediately want to go and see it or listen to the cast recording. I'm sure I'm missing something though as obviously it's got massive hype and a lot of awards... |
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Post by intoanewlife on Jun 19, 2023 19:57:10 GMT
I heard a rumour today that once previews are over they are removing the front row and putting a creche in...
Won't someone please save the children...
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148 posts
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Post by FJ on Jun 19, 2023 23:04:35 GMT
Sad to say it but really didn't enjoy this this evening. I just did not get it.
Found myself quite bored after about 30 minutes, and couldn't really follow a lot of what was going on. Thought the songs were all pretty forgettable and I was just so thankful it was only one act by the end as I just wanted it over.
Positives are I did really like the set design, and the cast were all fantastic, especially Kyle Ramar Freeman as Usher.
2/5 unfortunately from me.
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Post by ladidah on Jun 20, 2023 7:34:25 GMT
Will be interesting to see the reviews.
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Post by ThereWillBeSun on Jun 21, 2023 22:12:28 GMT
I was there at first preview too. I'm glad I've seen it as it is very different. It was very meta and tongue in cheek; there were laugh out moments. Saying that - I really didn't like the overtly sexual nature / lyrics. I think less is more. I was really anti this being staged at the Barbican as it's so big but actually it did work and thought the set design was really cool. Glad I've watched it but struggling to understand how this got so much hype in NYC. What did you think of the cast Burgundy? The cast in NY were phenomenal and I’m really keen to see the British cast. Also interested to see if a lot of the Americanisms have been changed (For instance, I had no idea who Tyler Perry was when I first saw it and had to Google him after the show). I thought the cast were great. I believe Usher is the Broadway standby/cover. Never heard of Tyler Perry. In that 'dream sequence' - I think only Whitney I recognised. I literally don't remember any song other than 'Usher, Usher.' |
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Post by frankubelik on Jun 22, 2023 14:07:04 GMT
This is not for everyone and the Tyler Perry references might get lost in translation but despite my misgivings going in, I rather enjoyed it! I don't think it's perfect and could still do with some trimming in my opinion but it's certainly like nothing we've ever seen before. I thought the ensemble were pretty terrific and although the leading man was good in a pretty mammoth role, I wonder if it would benefit from someone with that little something "extra". Don't go if you're easily offended though.
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Post by shownut on Jun 23, 2023 7:00:53 GMT
Caught last night’s preview and left the Barbican on an absolute theatrical high.
In my opinion A STRANGE LOOP has more daring, intelligence, creativity and heart than nearly any musical I have seen in the London in some time (The Band’s Visit being another notable tuner that thrilled me). Shows that elevate the form and aim to go in an entirely new direction, such as this one, is why I love musical theatre.
Based on the comments here, I went expecting a half-full house and a confused audience. Instead, it was a full theatre (a much younger and diverse crowd than I expected) and a very engaged and energetic audience. The buzz and positive comments I could hear when exiting the Barbican reflected that I was not the only one who was enchanted by this unique musical, rendered by a first-rate cast and led by the remarkable Kyle Ramar Freeman. Just give the guy the Olivier now. His incredible, nuanced and well-sung Usher is worth going back to see a second time. Perhaps I will.
My only 2 quibbles were the sound design (vocals were clear but the band, placed backstage, needed to be louder/stronger) and a slight dip about 4/5 of the way through that could use tightening. Otherwise, I thought the show worked a dream.
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Post by jr on Jun 23, 2023 8:47:46 GMT
Caught last night’s preview and left the Barbican on an absolute theatrical high. In my opinion A STRANGE LOOP has more daring, intelligence, creativity and heart than nearly any musical I have seen in the London in some time (The Band’s Visit being another notable tuner that thrilled me). Shows that elevate the form and aim to go in an entirely new direction, such as this one, is why I love musical theatre. Based on the comments here, I went expecting a half-full house and a confused audience. Instead, it was a full theatre (a much younger and diverse crowd than I expected) and a very engaged and energetic audience. The buzz and positive comments I could hear when exiting the Barbican reflected that I was not the only one who was enchanted by this unique musical, rendered by a first-rate cast and led by the remarkable Kyle Ramar Freeman. Just give the guy the Olivier now. His incredible, nuanced and well-sung Usher is worth going back to see a second time. Perhaps I will. My only 2 quibbles were the sound design (vocals were clear but the band, placed backstage, needed to be louder/stronger) and a slight dip about 4/5 of the way through that could use tightening. Otherwise, I thought the show worked a dream. Going next week and encouraged by this review. I also loved The band's visit, still can't understand why it didn't win any Oliviers (well, I do: chauvinism). |
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Post by shownut on Jun 23, 2023 8:58:22 GMT
Going next week and encouraged by this review. I also loved The band's visit, still can't understand why it didn't win any Oliviers (well, I do: chauvinism). Oh....that Olivier thing....just can't go there entirely (again) but yes, BAND'S VISIT was robbed. Enjoy and let us know your thoughts. |
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Post by FrontroverPaul on Jun 23, 2023 14:31:49 GMT
As a near-septuagenarian whose favourite shows are Mamma Mia, My Fair Lady and Sound Of Music I wasn't initially planning to book this from what I knew about the content.
However when I saw a front row stalls seat for £40 on Tuesday, and the 8 pm start fitted well with getting back To Victoria from Assassins at Chichester. I decided to give it a go.
Pleased to report I thought it was AMAZING and the guy playing "Usher" deserves every award going. Funny, thought-provoking, excellent performances - yes not family fare, or recommended for maiden aunts or a night out with parents, but for me a definite winner.
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5,139 posts
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Post by Being Alive on Jun 23, 2023 17:13:44 GMT
This was very easy on NT Friday Rush today - got a good seat in the stalls for next Saturday Eve with 0 hassle
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Post by shownut on Jun 23, 2023 17:19:53 GMT
This was very easy on NT Friday Rush today - got a good seat in the stalls for next Saturday Eve with 0 hassle Good to know. We definitely want to go back but not at full price. |
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5,139 posts
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Post by Being Alive on Jun 23, 2023 17:41:09 GMT
I was almost 1000 in the queue and got through very easily. I obviously want to see it but I had not interesting in paying more than £20 so this was perfect.
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Post by JJShaw on Jun 25, 2023 10:19:09 GMT
Saw it yesterday, had friends who'd seen it this week and no one had given it a positive review but I went in wanting to like it.
The opening number was... confusing, and attempted to set up a 'plot' that is never really carried through, however when the third number came around (when Usher is talking to his mom about writing) I liked that number and was assuming things would pick up.
Oh dear, for me I was wrong. They threw a bunch of concepts out that never stuck or stayed, lots of Tyler Perry references that made it feel like instead of being a meta musical about writing a musical ala [title of show] it felt more like a boy being pressured to write a Tyler Perry show (I don't know who he is and the show sort of gives you context but even then not really?) I hate to say but I'd assume about an hour in I was actually thinking 'I'm bored' for the last 30 mins or so.
Clearly I was in the minority as the audience enjoyed it, large standing ovation. The lighting design was really nice and some of the performances were good. Not sure what I was missing that so many others got, including the tony awards committee and Pulitzer prize people, I'd be happy to sit down and have someone explain to me why it was good, but when 'For Black Boys Who've Considered Suicide When The Hue Gets To Heavy' did something similar in a much more successful way, this just seemed like a large production of an off-broadway/off west end work in progress.
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Post by shownut on Jun 25, 2023 11:32:03 GMT
Saw it yesterday, had friends who'd seen it this week and no one had given it a positive review but I went in wanting to like it. The opening number was... confusing, and attempted to set up a 'plot' that is never really carried through, however when the third number came around (when Usher is talking to his mom about writing) I liked that number and was assuming things would pick up. Oh dear, for me I was wrong. They threw a bunch of concepts out that never stuck or stayed, lots of Tyler Perry references that made it feel like instead of being a meta musical about writing a musical ala [title of show] it felt more like a boy being pressured to write a Tyler Perry show (I don't know who he is and the show sort of gives you context but even then not really?) I hate to say but I'd assume about an hour in I was actually thinking 'I'm bored' for the last 30 mins or so. Clearly I was in the minority as the audience enjoyed it, large standing ovation. The lighting design was really nice and some of the performances were good. Not sure what I was missing that so many others got, including the tony awards committee and Pulitzer prize people, I'd be happy to sit down and have someone explain to me why it was good, but when 'For Black Boys Who've Considered Suicide When The Hue Gets To Heavy' did something similar in a much more successful way, this just seemed like a large production of an off-broadway/off west end work in progress. You make some good points but those going and expecting a plot will be disappointed. In fact, the lack of a through-line is highlighted in the script (jokingly) a couple of times and part of the arc of the story. Like HAIR and, arguably COMPANY, this show centres around specific themes but does not have a traditional beginning, middle and end....and I could expand on how that reflects the core of the show's purpose but don't want to spoil things for those who have yet to see it. |
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Post by thistimetomorrow on Jun 25, 2023 16:33:32 GMT
Based on the comments here, I went expecting a half-full house and a confused audience. Instead, it was a full theatre (a much younger and diverse crowd than I expected) and a very engaged and energetic audience. yes I was expecting this too, but saw it yesterday and the theatre was full and buzzing! I went in blind to this expecting it to be kind of groundhog day ish (because of the tag line about writing a musical about writing a musical etc), but it was very much not lol. Still I thought this was very good and the entire cast were excellent. I would be interested in returning to see the new Usher once Kyle leaves |
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Post by Deleted on Jun 25, 2023 17:25:40 GMT
"Throwing a bunch of concepts out" and seeing if any stick is Jackson's M.O. as a playwright. We just experienced it again in NYC with White Girl in Danger.
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125 posts
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Post by annette on Jun 25, 2023 18:34:59 GMT
Based on the comments here, I went expecting a half-full house and a confused audience. Instead, it was a full theatre (a much younger and diverse crowd than I expected) and a very engaged and energetic audience. yes I was expecting this too, but saw it yesterday and the theatre was full and buzzing! I went in blind to this expecting it to be kind of groundhog day ish (because of the tag line about writing a musical about writing a musical etc), but it was very much not lol. Still I thought this was very good and the entire cast were excellent. I would be interested in returning to see the new Usher once Kyle leaves Is Kyle definitely not staying for the full run? That’s surprising - has that been announced officially and if so, has his replacement been announced? I imagine it’s likely to be a British actor, but I’d love to see Jaquel Spivey ( the original Broadway Usher) reprise his fabulous performance again. |
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Post by annette on Jun 25, 2023 18:45:13 GMT
"Throwing a bunch of concepts out" and seeing if any stick is Jackson's M.O. as a playwright. We just experienced it again in NYC with White Girl in Danger. I think that’s doing MRJ a bit of an injustice even if that it a direct quote from him. He been working and honing ASL for about 15 years, whereas I think WGID was staged well before it was ready to be launched. Maybe that was done to keep up his profile after his Pulitzer and Tony win, but it was a mistake in my opinion, hence the less than positive reaction both from critics and word of mouth. Again in my opinion, ASL is a pretty perfect and innovative piece which left me with so many different things to think about afterwards. In comparison ,WGID was all over the place and needs to be reworked from scratch before it’s relaunched ( unless it gets scrapped entirely). Hard to believe that the same person wrote both really. |
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Post by thistimetomorrow on Jun 25, 2023 21:34:57 GMT
Is Kyle definitely not staying for the full run? That’s surprising I believe he's been cast in something in America that starts before the end of this Strange Loop run so he can't stay the full run. |
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Post by Deleted on Jun 25, 2023 23:00:54 GMT
"Throwing a bunch of concepts out" and seeing if any stick is Jackson's M.O. as a playwright. We just experienced it again in NYC with White Girl in Danger. I think that’s doing MRJ a bit of an injustice even if that it a direct quote from him. He been working and honing ASL for about 15 years, whereas I think WGID was staged well before it was ready to be launched. Maybe that was done to keep up his profile after his Pulitzer and Tony win, but it was a mistake in my opinion, hence the less than positive reaction both from critics and word of mouth. Again in my opinion, ASL is a pretty perfect and innovative piece which left me with so many different things to think about afterwards. In comparison ,WGID was all over the place and needs to be reworked from scratch before it’s relaunched ( unless it gets scrapped entirely). Hard to believe that the same person wrote both really.
I was responding to the other comments in this thread stating they thought ASL had a lot of concepts thrown in and/or the story doesn't quite congeal; hence the quotes indicating I was pulling from an earlier comment.
It is nice that you think it is a pretty perfect piece. Others obviously feel differently.
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