703 posts
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Post by theatremiss on Jun 9, 2023 15:31:37 GMT
Excellent production. Beautifully sung and acted. Would have preferred one balladeer. Loved the set. I thought the set and staging was very good. They were whipping up the audience before the start which gave it a certain feel |
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8,096 posts
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Post by alece10 on Jun 9, 2023 16:27:03 GMT
Excellent production. Beautifully sung and acted. Would have preferred one balladeer. Loved the set. I thought the set and staging was very good. They were whipping up the audience before the start which gave it a certain feel How do you whip up the average Chichester audience? Or do you mean "wake up"? 😀 |
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106 posts
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Post by highonahill on Jun 9, 2023 18:21:10 GMT
I thought the set and staging was very good. They were whipping up the audience before the start which gave it a certain feel How do you whip up the average Chichester audience? Or do you mean "wake up"? 😀 Oof 🤣 |
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Post by jr on Jun 9, 2023 21:07:47 GMT
On the train back to London and thinking about the show I've just seen. I think the update is a good idea: a live feed of a presidential debate/rally with three commentators, Fox News style. Two screens on each side and the Oval office in the background.
Unfortunately, I don't think the execution works. I found it really slow and plain. The musical numbers are generally fine but the spoken parts are very dull, lacking tension. Where the Jamie Lloyd was sharp amd scary, this plays more like a comedy and I don't think it is the right tone.
A lot of times feels like a concert version, with the actors spread over the stage and static. The acting is very uneven, I found one actor particularly bad and he has a lot of lines and a long monologue. The ending was quite abrupt.
The band sounds really good and it's not a bad production; if you like Sondheim and haven't seen it before I think it is worthy. But I am disappointed, I was expecting more.
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274 posts
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Post by emsworthian on Jun 10, 2023 9:11:21 GMT
An absolutely scathing review from the local paper has just gone online. From the sound of it the critic was not familiar with the musical and found the whole concept offensive.
I'm going this afternoon. Looking forward to it.
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910 posts
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Post by karloscar on Jun 10, 2023 12:51:11 GMT
Either the critic from the Sussex Express is incredibly dim and completely failed to understand what Sondheim and Weidman were trying to do, or this production is less clear than any poor student production of Assassins ever staged in the last 30 years.
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Post by jr on Jun 10, 2023 12:56:01 GMT
Either the critic from the Sussex Express is incredibly dim and completely failed to understand what Sondheim and Weidman were trying to do, or this production is less clear than any poor student production of Assassins ever staged in the last 30 years. I have just read the review. I think the critic is 50/50 right/wrong. I like the show and my biggest criticism of this production is of the tone they have chosen. If I wasn't familiar with Assassins, I might think along the same lines. www.sussexexpress.co.uk/arts-and-culture/theatre-and-stage/review-assassins-in-chichester-a-ghastly-misjudgement-4177612 |
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Post by nottobe on Jun 10, 2023 17:36:12 GMT
Just headed home after seeing this sitting in the train delays I'm sure lots of the other matinee attendees are in. I have never see Assassins before but have always liked the cast recording and was excited to finally see it.
I have to say I found this to be a very exciting production. As soon as you are at the theatre you feel like you are at a presidential rally and I really liked the pre show atmosphere and the world they wanted to create throughout.
If I am honest, I think this is a top notch production of a patchy musical. Sondheim's music and lyrics are the best thing and staged very well here. Every number is directed very cleverly and packed a real punch. I especially loved when the whole ensemble were used. For me the weakest thing is the book, it loses momentum and often goes on for a bit too long. But this show still packs a punch, especially when JFK is shot.
All liked a lot of the performances but if I am honest the singing of some of the women was a bit screechy and hard to make out the lyrics. For me Danny Mac and Peter Forbes were particular stand outs.
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Post by capybara on Jun 10, 2023 18:29:31 GMT
As a Sondheim fan, I have to say I had really been looking forward to Assassins this afternoon. However, I didn’t really connect with this piece.
There were some good moments, namely the score which showcased Sondheim’s genius in places. But, overall, this show drags at one hour 45m with no interval for me.
Some of the dialogue was pretty inane (I expect to be attacked for being too stupid to understand “challenging” theatre, of course!) and it just wasn’t really for me. I didn’t really like to set up/premise of how this piece was staged.
On the plus side, I thought the opening was strong and the use of the video screens was relatively effective. I wanted to love it but just couldn’t help but come away frustrated and disappointed.
However, it did receive a standing ovation and I’m sure it will appeal to many on here and beyond. A low three stars for me, due to the score - but more frustrating and irritating than genuinely interesting.
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5,139 posts
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Post by Being Alive on Jun 10, 2023 21:54:00 GMT
As a Sondheim fanatic I went in expecting to adore this and came away thinking it was...fine? It's definitely one of my least favourite shows of his which might be why.
The concept as it was does work I think, but I think there were some pacing issues that really didn't help the long run time - 1 hr 45 is a long time with no interval if it's not pacy - I was certainly willing it to hurry up in places.
This was the first time I discovered Danny Mac could act actually, which I rather enjoyed - his leading man capabilities really have increased in my opinion with this. Lots of people to highlight in a fabulously strong cast (Carly Mercedes Dyer and Amy Booth Steel were hilarious - particularly Amy) but I found Nick Holder as Samuel Buck actually to be the most commanding performance of the whole thing.
It's a strong 3 stars for me, but something was just off that I can't quite put my finger on.
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Post by oxfordsimon on Jun 10, 2023 23:02:33 GMT
I wonder whether Poly Findlay was the right choice for this. She hasn't any experience with musicals as far as I am aware. She has plenty of experience but has never helmed a musical before.
Assassins is far from being a traditional musical so I can see how she might have been viewed as a good fit. But given how it does reference a range of MT styles, perhaps someone more immersed in the genre might have brought it together more effectively. Balancing the tone of the piece does appear to be an issue for a number of commenters.
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106 posts
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Post by highonahill on Jun 10, 2023 23:29:59 GMT
Either the critic from the Sussex Express is incredibly dim and completely failed to understand what Sondheim and Weidman were trying to do, or this production is less clear than any poor student production of Assassins ever staged in the last 30 years. I have just read the review. I think the critic is 50/50 right/wrong. I like the show and my biggest criticism of this production is of the tone they have chosen. If I wasn't familiar with Assassins, I might think along the same lines. www.sussexexpress.co.uk/arts-and-culture/theatre-and-stage/review-assassins-in-chichester-a-ghastly-misjudgement-4177612This reviewer is usually spot on. I was really surprised by how he has slated the themes of this production. Reading between the lines, I believe he has been somewhat swayed by his own personal experiences; he alludes to this in his review... "Of course, your response to it all will depend how close you have come to violent crime, how much you realise that nothing is ever the same again, not least for the survivors." For the record, I saw it tonight and thought the treatment of the piece innovative and highly topical. The satirical comedy only serves to highlight how absurd the individual assassins' views are, I thought in particular how the staging of Unworthy of Your Love was cleverly commenting on obsessional fandom (for me drawing a parallel with some of the obsessive staged poring seen in the theatre fandom. Nick Holder was the standout for me, bringing alive the desperation, hopelessness and resignation felt by Byck about the world around him. Genuinely moved by his performance. I understood the concept of splitting the Balladeer's role out with the forma of a political news/game show, but I struggled with the blend of voices and with the pitch of a role originally written for a male voice being sung by a female voice - for me, it didn't always work. |
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Post by juicy_but_terribly_drab on Jun 10, 2023 23:44:57 GMT
This reviewer is usually spot on. I was really surprised by how he has slated the themes of this production. Reading between the lines, I believe he has been somewhat swayed by his own personal experiences; he alludes to this in his review... "Of course, your response to it all will depend how close you have come to violent crime, how much you realise that nothing is ever the same again, not least for the survivors." For the record, I saw it tonight and thought the treatment of the piece innovative and highly topical. The satirical comedy only serves to highlight how absurd the individual assassins' views are, I thought in particular how the staging of Unworthy of Your Love was cleverly commenting on obsessional fandom (for me drawing a parallel with some of the obsessive staged poring seen in the theatre fandom. Nick Holder was the standout for me, bringing alive the desperation, hopelessness and resignation felt by Byck about the world around him. Genuinely moved by his performance. I understood the concept of splitting the Balladeer's role out with the forma of a political news/game show, but I struggled with the blend of voices and with the pitch of a role originally written for a male voice being sung by a female voice - for me, it didn't always work. I found the line you quoted particularly interesting considering Something Just Broke - a song I actually have mixed feelings about being in the show, but I digress - seems to address the exact experience he seemingly may feel the show is insensitive to. |
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Post by jr on Jun 11, 2023 5:55:04 GMT
Really interesting that two people mention Nick Holder as the best in the cast. For me it was by far the worst of all. His speeches were too slow and without punch.
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156 posts
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Post by meister on Jun 11, 2023 7:01:24 GMT
Will be interesting to see what other critics make of it and if their views influence the box office. It is only on for another 2 weeks and has not sold brilliantly. Wonder if they will even break even.
Could we get a poll up?
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1,442 posts
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Post by theatrefan62 on Jun 11, 2023 7:20:52 GMT
Will be interesting to see what other critics make of it and if their views influence the box office. It is only on for another 2 weeks and has not sold brilliantly. Wonder if they will even break even. Could we get a poll up? Yeah I think it's the first Chichester show, certainly musical, that had a discount offer on. |
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Post by emsworthian on Jun 11, 2023 8:03:27 GMT
I felt a sense of triumph attending the performance yesterday afternoon as it was the third time I had bought a ticket for "Assassins" and the first time I have made it: first time was for an amateur production, which was cancelled without explanation, then for the Chichester 2020 season.
It appeared a slightly younger than usual Chichester audience and the cheerleaders beforehand whooped them up. A section of the audience was laughing at everything. I've got quite a dark sense of humour but I was shocked when the audience laughed when "Squeaky" Fromme said how she was devoted to Charlie (Manson) "until he went and stabbed Sharon Tate." I'm old enough to remember the slaughter of pregnant Sharon Tate and her companions and how vile it was. I supposed if you hype people up enough then the unacceptable become acceptable. That was the one time when I did start to sympathise with the Sussex Express reviewer.
On the other hand, I did laugh when Charles Guiteau was dancing up to the gallows.
I'm with jr on Nick Holder; I thought his lengthy monologues lacked impact and during the one near the end I became quite bored.
I thought it was an interesting musical and I would like to see a production by a director who takes a different approach, but not in the too near future.
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106 posts
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Post by highonahill on Jun 11, 2023 8:34:15 GMT
I felt a sense of triumph attending the performance yesterday afternoon as it was the third time I had bought a ticket for "Assassins" and the first time I have made it: first time was for an amateur production, which was cancelled without explanation, then for the Chichester 2020 season. It appeared a slightly younger than usual Chichester audience and the cheerleaders beforehand whooped them up. A section of the audience was laughing at everything. I've got quite a dark sense of humour but I was shocked when the audience laughed when "Squeaky" Fromme said how she was devoted to Charlie (Manson) "until he went and stabbed Sharon Tate." I'm old enough to remember the slaughter of pregnant Sharon Tate and her companions and how vile it was. I supposed if you hype people up enough then the unacceptable become acceptable. That was the one time when I did start to sympathise with the Sussex Express reviewer. On the other hand, I did laugh when Charles Guiteau was dancing up to the gallows. I'm with jr on Nick Holder; I thought his lengthy monologues lacked impact and during the one near the end I became quite bored. I thought it was an interesting musical and I would like to see a production by a director who takes a different approach, but not in the too near future. Third time lucky! I guess this thread sums up the allure of theatre - we all take away something unique from the experience - which means agreement on what is good or bad is not always necessary 'everybody's got the right to be different'... ❤️🎭 |
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Post by adamkinsey on Jun 11, 2023 9:48:52 GMT
I will freely admit Assassins is my third favourite Sondheim show after Follies and Sweeney. I've seen a fair number of productions, including a fab one at the Landor (a much missed tiny pub venue in London) and the most recent pro one at the Watermill (only thing I disliked there was making the Balladeer female as vocally it doesn't quite fit).
I enjoyed this Chichester version although I don't like the split of the Balladeer and there are definitely pacing issues (I reckon it's a good ten minutes off where it should be). Some of the performances were excellent although I maintain that while Peter Forbes opens the show wonderfully as Proprietor he's also wasted by having so little to do after. I think the director has also emphasized comedy at times when it could be darker.
I think the Sussex reviewer has totally missed the mark in the point of the show. Perhaps he should have done a bit more reading ahead or opted out of going.
A 3.5 stars from me.
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Post by theatrefan62 on Jun 11, 2023 9:54:55 GMT
As a side point it's interesting in this instance the reviewers experience is clouding his judgement etc
Yet other times people's personal experience is expected to be respected and understood with trigger warnings, validating emotional based opinions etc.
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19,659 posts
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Jun 11, 2023 10:00:54 GMT
Poll added. Please tag me or TallPaul if you want a poll, otherwise we might miss your request. To tag me it’s @ admin (without the space), for his nibs it’s @ pdc1 without the space. Cheers! |
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Post by adamkinsey on Jun 11, 2023 10:02:36 GMT
As a side point it's interesting in this instance the reviewers experience is clouding his judgement etc Yet other times people's personal experience is expected to be respected and understood with trigger warnings, validating emotional based and opinions etc. I think generally in such cases the personal experience that informs the opinion forms part of/is given in the review. You can then assess where the reviewer is coming from as to whether the reviewer is possibly being overly impacted. I think the best professional reviewers are often able to park their own experience. In this particular instance unless you know the reviewer and what happened to him, you're left with the idea that the work is beyond tasteless and should never, ever have been staged. Which is ridiculous. |
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Post by adamkinsey on Jun 11, 2023 10:10:51 GMT
Will be interesting to see what other critics make of it and if their views influence the box office. It is only on for another 2 weeks and has not sold brilliantly. Wonder if they will even break even. Could we get a poll up? Yeah I think it's the first Chichester show, certainly musical, that had a discount offer on. I've not seen any discount offers for Assassins. Where? |
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529 posts
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Post by jampot on Jun 11, 2023 10:34:00 GMT
Never seen the show before ..we enjoyed it very much..from the staging to the performances. Nick Holder and Danny Mac standing out..Band sounded great.
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Post by adamkinsey on Jun 11, 2023 16:00:45 GMT
So far, the Sussex reviewer is a lone voice. All the other reviews so far published are mostly 4 stars with the odd 5-star.
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