610 posts
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Post by chernjam on Dec 11, 2023 21:14:03 GMT
No chance of this extending even without Nicole? Well definitely not at the Savoy as I think something with Matthew Broderick and Sarah Jessica Parker is going in there in January. Its sounding more and more like a Broadway transfer is happening. I'd love to see Sunset extend or continue on the West End. It's awesome seeing a favorite of mine being such a hot-ticket, selling out like it has |
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Post by distantcousin on Dec 11, 2023 21:15:21 GMT
SO, second visit on Saturday night. Row T of the stalls, and the overhang was very irritating - these were essentially restricted view seats at £77. Anyway
The show still gave me many goosebump moments and there were some great bits I'd forgotten from 6 weeks ago.
I really studied Nicole's performance this time, and she really does bring a unique and raw quality to the performance. She doesn't lean into any kind of traditional theatrics and keeps her anguish quite controlled - I felt desperately sorry for Norma at times - like all the best Norma's have.
Tom Francis is doing simply phenomenal work on that stage - and I told him so at Stage Door! Very unusual for me to "stage door" but I thought a glimpse of him and/or La Scherzinger could be fun. But she apparently exited via the hotel.
I must admit I was a little more picky this time and I feel the stylised direction has been at the cost of clear storytelling - particularly in the final scene, much is lost e.g. it is not clear that Max is pretending to direct her in Salome because there is no crowd of reporters, police etc. And lack of "as day breaks over the murder house...."
Style over content!
The Savoy is the most awful cramped theatre isn't it?! (in the lobbies and routes outside of the auditorium - terrible design!)
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Post by colelarson on Dec 12, 2023 9:39:17 GMT
Saw this last night knowing Rachel was on and she was phenomenal, she had the right mix of playing Norma as that scary, vulnerable, has-been star who becomes obsessed with Joe. Her singing was standing ovation worthy and she got a big round of applause for many moments including: "As If We Never Said Goodbye". My only gripe would be the young Norma looked more like Nicole so wondered if they could have hired a young Norma for Rachel's shows? I liked the little fourth wall breaking with the line about "sharing a role" and a wink to the camera!
Having seen Tom Francis in the fluffy pop musical "& Juliet" I was blown away by his voice and take on Joe, the number in the second part backstage was just as fabulous as people have said, there was a tourist as he came up by The Coal Hole who was taking photos! I am tempted to hang around one evening to see it happen live!
The supporting cast were all fantastic and the dancing sublime, loved the choreography for "Let's Have Lunch" as I was up in the Dress Circle, it was a great place to see the mix of camera and live action and the lighting. This is a totally different take on the musical and having been lucky to see Glenn Close at the ENO when the show was last on in London you cannot compare as this is Sunset Boulevard - The Jamie remix! I did like the strip backed, black and white movie, no prop style but did think if you hadn't seen it before would you know Norma was performing to the police not cameras at the end?
I overheard a woman complaining in the interval that Rachel Tucker was on and she hadn't been informed when booking and looked like her party and her left, what a mistake to leave! The show is worth seeing and I am glad I got a chance. Would be great if they do a cast recording they do include Rachel's versions too!
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Post by iamluisfelipe on Dec 12, 2023 11:51:31 GMT
I did like the strip backed, black and white movie, no prop style but did think if you hadn't seen it before would you know Norma was performing to the police not cameras at the end? I went to see the show not knowing the story and, in fact, I think the end kinda leaves open to imagination, when you don’t know the original. I saw it a few times and each time I had a different interpretation - police (due to Joe’s first scene) or that she was delusional and that was happening in her head or something like that. I don’t see a problem cause I don’t need all things paper plain and explained. But I get that some people will end up a little lost there |
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Post by vabbian on Dec 12, 2023 12:08:22 GMT
I overheard a woman complaining in the interval that Rachel Tucker was on and she hadn't been informed when booking and looked like her party and her left, what a mistake to leave! The show is worth seeing and I am glad I got a chance. Would be great if they do a cast recording they do include Rachel's versions too! Yeah I know quite a number of gays who booked on a Monday expecting to see Nicole, and then left at the interval Imagine having no taste embarrassing |
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1,997 posts
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Post by distantcousin on Dec 12, 2023 13:29:35 GMT
I overheard a woman complaining in the interval that Rachel Tucker was on and she hadn't been informed when booking and looked like her party and her left, what a mistake to leave! The show is worth seeing and I am glad I got a chance. Would be great if they do a cast recording they do include Rachel's versions too! Yeah I know quite a number of gays who booked on a Monday expecting to see Nicole, and then left at the interval Imagine having no taste embarrassing MESS! |
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Post by sleepflower on Dec 12, 2023 14:03:26 GMT
Any chance of a cinema broadcast at some point?
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Post by showtoones on Dec 12, 2023 17:12:12 GMT
From the very first second tickets were on sale for Sunset, it has been announced that Nicole would not be doing Mondays. Literally in the press release that was picked up but outlets.
If someone books on a Monday and they think Nicole is on, that is just poor reading skills as its clearly stated on the ATG website too as well as the TKTS website and the Today Tix site. If someone bought tickets through one of the shady half price booths where this isn't stated, that is on the person.
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Post by apubleed on Dec 12, 2023 17:24:05 GMT
I don't blame people for getting confused to be honest - I agree they DO make an effort to inform people as best they can but I can easily see why people might not realise. This is why I think, if I was ever a producer, I would re-consider whether it's even a good idea to have this kind of alternate situation or make it even clearer in the marketing. For example, every billboard that says Nicole Sunset says Rachel Tucker Monday nights somewhere on it too.
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7,064 posts
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Post by Jon on Dec 12, 2023 17:30:21 GMT
Any chance of a cinema broadcast at some point? Probably not due to Paramount owning the screen rights. |
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Post by A.Ham on Dec 12, 2023 18:55:26 GMT
New interview with NS So, if Sunset Boulevard ends up transferring to Broadway – as it’s rumoured to do – will she be going this time? “Yes. I’ve always dreamed of going to Broadway and I still can’t believe I’ve never done it. And what a beautiful way this would be to make my debut.” theglossarymagazine.com/arts-culture/nicole-scherzinger-interview/Thank you for posting the link, great to read a few more details about the production and her life in London. |
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1,396 posts
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Post by BVM on Dec 13, 2023 10:57:56 GMT
7th time last night.
Tom’s trip round the block is becoming increasingly perilous. Lots of fangirls trying to film it and some idiot men trying to “photobomb” it! And general crowds as we get closer to Christmas. Probably is just as well it’s finishing soon from the perspective of that scene as can only see the crowd control getting harder and harder.
As for the show, loved it as usual. Nothing new to say!
Reflected - has David Thaxton ever been on an OLC? I’ve seen him in so many things and to me he’s a theatre community “name.” But I don’t own any recordings he features in.
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Post by VodkaStinger on Dec 13, 2023 11:40:11 GMT
Tom’s trip round the block is becoming increasingly perilous. Lots of fangirls trying to film it and some idiot men trying to “photobomb” it! And general crowds as we get closer to Christmas. Probably is just as well it’s finishing soon from the perspective of that scene as can only see the crowd control getting harder and harder. I was surprised this wasn't a problem when I went to see the show in early November. There were some passersbuy that ignored the security staff but no fans at all. How are they dealing with it? You can't tell people to leave public spaces... |
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Post by toomasj on Dec 13, 2023 12:13:04 GMT
Tom’s trip round the block is becoming increasingly perilous. Lots of fangirls trying to film it and some idiot men trying to “photobomb” it! And general crowds as we get closer to Christmas. Probably is just as well it’s finishing soon from the perspective of that scene as can only see the crowd control getting harder and harder. I was surprised this wasn't a problem when I went to see the show in early November. There were some passersbuy that ignored the security staff but no fans at all. How are they dealing with it? You can't tell people to leave public spaces... Indeed not. I think a lot of it is really just hoping for good will. There are videos on YouTube of him performing this outside, and the crowds aren’t that huge. I suppose the blessing is that the actor isn’t famous; but it would only take a couple of drunks or belligerent people to cause a scene out there. I’d love to see the risk assessment paperwork! |
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Post by distantcousin on Dec 13, 2023 12:38:54 GMT
7th time last night. Tom’s trip round the block is becoming increasingly perilous. Lots of fangirls trying to film it and some idiot men trying to “photobomb” it! And general crowds as we get closer to Christmas. Probably is just as well it’s finishing soon from the perspective of that scene as can only see the crowd control getting harder and harder. As for the show, loved it as usual. Nothing new to say! Reflected - has David Thaxton ever been on an OLC? I’ve seen him in so many things and to me he’s a theatre community “name.” But I don’t own any recordings he features in. Lucky you! I wish I could go that often! I think this is the worst time of year for the crowds! January goes quiet and he woulda been OK. I don't think Mr Thaxton has been on any recordings, no. He's been replacement cast in all the big shows that would be likely to get a recording. |
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Post by distantcousin on Dec 13, 2023 12:40:25 GMT
Tom’s trip round the block is becoming increasingly perilous. Lots of fangirls trying to film it and some idiot men trying to “photobomb” it! And general crowds as we get closer to Christmas. Probably is just as well it’s finishing soon from the perspective of that scene as can only see the crowd control getting harder and harder. I was surprised this wasn't a problem when I went to see the show in early November. There were some passersbuy that ignored the security staff but no fans at all. How are they dealing with it? You can't tell people to leave public spaces... I wonder if Security warn anyone a couple of minutes Our Tom emerges onto The Strand? Also, on Saturday night The Coal Hole had quite a few revellers dressed up as Father Christmas (some were outside smoking) - I'm sure more of that kinda thing is going to feature in Joe's journey around Strand Boulevard! |
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Post by BVM on Dec 13, 2023 13:56:51 GMT
7th time last night. Tom’s trip round the block is becoming increasingly perilous. Lots of fangirls trying to film it and some idiot men trying to “photobomb” it! And general crowds as we get closer to Christmas. Probably is just as well it’s finishing soon from the perspective of that scene as can only see the crowd control getting harder and harder. As for the show, loved it as usual. Nothing new to say! Reflected - has David Thaxton ever been on an OLC? I’ve seen him in so many things and to me he’s a theatre community “name.” But I don’t own any recordings he features in. Lucky you! I wish I could go that often! I think this is the worst time of year for the crowds! January goes quiet and he woulda been OK. I don't think Mr Thaxton has been on any recordings, no. He's been replacement cast in all the big shows that would be likely to get a recording. Yes I've certainly been very lucky to see it that number of times, both financially and logistically! Agree very much the worst time of year and plenty of "revellers" on The Strand. Thought so re Thaxton - all the more reason I hope he gets to record this! Vocally one of the strongest Max's I have ever seen. |
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Post by jm25 on Dec 13, 2023 13:58:49 GMT
I was surprised this wasn't a problem when I went to see the show in early November. There were some passersbuy that ignored the security staff but no fans at all. How are they dealing with it? You can't tell people to leave public spaces... I wonder if Security warn anyone a couple of minutes Our Tom emerges onto The Strand? Also, on Saturday night The Coal Hole had quite a few revellers dressed up as Father Christmas (some were outside smoking) - I'm sure more of that kinda thing is going to feature in Joe's journey around Strand Boulevard! I was out with friends in Covent Garden a while ago and was heading home right around the time that the interval was finishing. So I took a quick detour to the Strand as I was keen to see how it all worked. (Thankfully I knew Tom’s route well enough to avoid being on camera myself!) ATG staff came out and mentioned to some tourists outside the pub that some “live filming” was happening in around 30 seconds and politely asked if they could step aside, which they were happy to do. I was surprised they left it so late! I’d assumed they’d have been out clearing people a few minutes before. There were quite a large number of staff following Tom and one member of security almost got into a fight with a passerby who, I assume, didn’t want to move. Definitely saw him try to take a swipe at him. Just another night in Central London I suppose! |
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Post by BVM on Dec 13, 2023 14:01:59 GMT
Tom’s trip round the block is becoming increasingly perilous. Lots of fangirls trying to film it and some idiot men trying to “photobomb” it! And general crowds as we get closer to Christmas. Probably is just as well it’s finishing soon from the perspective of that scene as can only see the crowd control getting harder and harder. I was surprised this wasn't a problem when I went to see the show in early November. There were some passersbuy that ignored the security staff but no fans at all. How are they dealing with it? You can't tell people to leave public spaces... To my eye they had more security. As they came up the stairs from The Cole Hole onto The Strand itself, the fangirl contingent were respectfully waiting there, cameras at the ready in a sort of L-shape. The photo bombers came just after them and I guess there is nothing they can do about them; public space as you say. Tom total pro and doesn't flinch at all but he must feel relieved when he turns off The Strand and into the run up to the theatre! I do wonder if this will be a nightmare on Broadway where the fans and photo hungry tourists will make London look like small fry. Either way, the atmosphere of this scene we had when this first opened and nobody was expecting it will remain a special moment in time that alas we won't see again. |
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Dec 13, 2023 14:04:00 GMT
I suppose if a passer by doesn’t want to move they’re quite within their rights not to. It’s a public street.
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Post by darvsplanet on Dec 13, 2023 15:00:24 GMT
I was surprised this wasn't a problem when I went to see the show in early November. There were some passersbuy that ignored the security staff but no fans at all. How are they dealing with it? You can't tell people to leave public spaces... To my eye they had more security. As they came up the stairs from The Cole Hole onto The Strand itself, the fangirl contingent were respectfully waiting there, cameras at the ready in a sort of L-shape. The photo bombers came just after them and I guess there is nothing they can do about them; public space as you say. Tom total pro and doesn't flinch at all but he must feel relieved when he turns off The Strand and into the run up to the theatre! I do wonder if this will be a nightmare on Broadway where the fans and photo hungry tourists will make London look like small fry. Either way, the atmosphere of this scene we had when this first opened and nobody was expecting it will remain a special moment in time that alas we won't see again. I got chatting to one of the security while waiting by the stage door to see the walk-around a couple of weeks ago, they were very nice and didn't seem to have any issue with people waiting around to watch (was more concerned that I didn’t have a coat) but I’m sure that will change very quickly if people stop being respectful. As long as you listen to the staff if they ask you to move and don’t try to disturb the proceedings, they don’t seem to be too bothered. |
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Post by ceebee on Dec 13, 2023 15:28:06 GMT
Lucky you! I wish I could go that often! I think this is the worst time of year for the crowds! January goes quiet and he woulda been OK. I don't think Mr Thaxton has been on any recordings, no. He's been replacement cast in all the big shows that would be likely to get a recording. Yes I've certainly been very lucky to see it that number of times, both financially and logistically! Agree very much the worst time of year and plenty of "revellers" on The Strand. Thought so re Thaxton - all the more reason I hope he gets to record this! Vocally one of the strongest Max's I have ever seen. I'm going for my ninth and final show in January. Every single one has been totally worth the range of prices I've paid (£30 - £109) sitting in excellent seats. There were deals on this up until recently. It has been an interesting exercise in concentrated repeat custom. |
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Post by BVM on Dec 13, 2023 15:52:57 GMT
Yes I've certainly been very lucky to see it that number of times, both financially and logistically! Agree very much the worst time of year and plenty of "revellers" on The Strand. Thought so re Thaxton - all the more reason I hope he gets to record this! Vocally one of the strongest Max's I have ever seen. I'm going for my ninth and final show in January. Every single one has been totally worth the range of prices I've paid (£30 - £109) sitting in excellent seats. There were deals on this up until recently. It has been an interesting exercise in concentrated repeat custom. I agree! Also we have so many shows that open in an (almost) sold out hyped fanfare and then gradually tail off that it's been so nice to see something opening with middling/good sales, catching on, growing exponentially and now being more or less sold out. A real word of mouth, people buying it cos it's GOOD, success story. It's like the old days when singles could be new entires in the 20's and 30's before climbing to number one! |
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Post by danb on Dec 13, 2023 17:43:34 GMT
I struggle to see how anyone could rate this 1 or 2 stars. Even if you hated the concept, if you were being totally honest with yourself, you couldn’t deny the magnificent orchestra, the flawless vocals of all of the leads and just the care that this has been constructed with. You’d be looking from 3 stars upwards surely?
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Post by happysooz2 on Dec 13, 2023 18:25:27 GMT
People on restaurant review sites will give the lowest star review to a restaurant that could not accommodate them.
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