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Post by ceebee on Sept 23, 2023 12:12:20 GMT
I am SO going to look out for all this stuff this evening. Can't thank you all enough for sharing your snippets - it's helping me build a vision in anticipation of the show itself.
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Post by BVM on Sept 23, 2023 12:20:37 GMT
I am SO going to look out for all this stuff this evening. Can't thank you all enough for sharing your snippets - it's helping me build a vision in anticipation of the show itself. One other thing to look out for. The more I've thought about it, the more I think Norma Desmond is a present day character. But I think there was a date projected at start of show setting it in it's original time - it might have been something else though. I couldn't see it properly due to circle overhang! Anyway - I'd love to hear if a date was indeed protected and what it was! |
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Post by mattnyc on Sept 23, 2023 12:23:53 GMT
A date doesn’t really matter, though. She’s talking with and interacting with real historical people like Cecil B. DeMille, so unless they change the script so she wants Gretta Gerwig to direct her next picture and omit any reference to silent films, the show’s time is set in stone.
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Post by BVM on Sept 23, 2023 12:33:18 GMT
A date doesn’t really matter, though. She’s talking with and interacting with real historical people like Cecil B. DeMille, so unless they change the script so she wants Gretta Gerwig to direct her next picture and omit any reference to silent films, the show’s time is set in stone. They don't but they do remove a lot of references to that era and a lot of names. Though yes Cecil is still there. In "This Time Next Year" for example, the "behold my children, it is I Cecil B DeMille" section is cut. That's one small example of many edits of things that hold it firmly to that time. So yes while I agree what is left does still set it there - it does feel (to me) as if Lloyd is also trying to make it vaguer in time. If indeed one can have those two eras at the same time? Head/logic says no. Heart says yes! |
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Post by mattnyc on Sept 23, 2023 12:36:13 GMT
lol. I get that Lloyd DESPERATELY wants to set this in a “time doesn’t exist” space but even one mention of DeMille and ”There wouldn’t be a Paramount without me!” ruins that.
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Post by BVM on Sept 23, 2023 12:39:47 GMT
lol. I get that Lloyd DESPERATELY wants to set this in a “time doesn’t exist” space but even one mention of DeMille and ”There wouldn’t be a Paramount without me!” ruins that. It's odd though. When you're there it's kinda like time doesn't. So much so that I was almost frustrated when the name checks came in as that almost felt like a conflict in eras! As with much of this production, I'll be fascinated to know what everyone else feels when they're there :-) |
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Post by BVM on Sept 23, 2023 12:42:32 GMT
I am SO going to look out for all this stuff this evening. Can't thank you all enough for sharing your snippets - it's helping me build a vision in anticipation of the show itself. Am really hoping you (and others) don't hate it after the bigging up that me (and others) have done on here! (As an aside, as with most shows on this forum, I fully expect that after a deluge of first preview raves, more moderated and dissenting voices will come in.... then we'll have to wait to see where the forum star rating averages out! Always aware that the initial previews will naturally attract the uber fans!) |
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Post by c4ndyc4ne on Sept 23, 2023 13:10:35 GMT
lol. I get that Lloyd DESPERATELY wants to set this in a “time doesn’t exist” space but even one mention of DeMille and ”There wouldn’t be a Paramount without me!” ruins that. i disagree... DeMille and Paramount can be more abstract than historical signifiers – they don't have any substantial narrative arcs of their own, they simply exist as fickle presences within Norma's fractured perspective of reality. |
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Post by mattnyc on Sept 23, 2023 13:15:46 GMT
Norma wrote a script. She wants DeMille to direct it. She goes to Paramount and is recognized as a star. She’s referred to as a silent screen star. “We didn’t need words we had faces”. Strip the set and costumes away you still have the script and to quote Norma “it’s there in black and white”.
Me saying this isn’t talking badly about the production it’s just pointing out facts about it.
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Post by BVM on Sept 23, 2023 13:21:58 GMT
lol. I get that Lloyd DESPERATELY wants to set this in a “time doesn’t exist” space but even one mention of DeMille and ”There wouldn’t be a Paramount without me!” ruins that. i disagree... DeMille and Paramount can be more abstract than historical signifiers – they don't have any substantial narrative arcs of their own, they simply exist as fickle presences within Norma's fractured perspective of reality. That was certainly my take. My brain was kinda freed up to go with any version of “reality” by the end of this! |
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Sept 23, 2023 13:43:58 GMT
If Joe is watching the original movie on tv is his dressing room before going on the rampage on the Strand singing about Sunset Boulevard then maybe the pair of them are off their rockers living out their dysfunctional relationship through the lens of their favourite movie.
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Post by erik24601 on Sept 23, 2023 14:09:37 GMT
It will be interesting to see how effective the title number is at a matinee in the daylight rather than at night in the dark.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 23, 2023 14:44:14 GMT
A date doesn’t really matter, though. She’s talking with and interacting with real historical people like Cecil B. DeMille, so unless they change the script so she wants Gretta Gerwig to direct her next picture and omit any reference to silent films, the show’s time is set in stone.
"Why wasn't I cast in Barbie?" Norma Barbie Desmond
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Post by mattnyc on Sept 23, 2023 14:47:51 GMT
A date doesn’t really matter, though. She’s talking with and interacting with real historical people like Cecil B. DeMille, so unless they change the script so she wants Gretta Gerwig to direct her next picture and omit any reference to silent films, the show’s time is set in stone.
"Why wasn't I cast in Barbie?" Norma Barbie Desmond
Barbie IS big! It’s Ken who got small! |
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Post by ceebee on Sept 23, 2023 15:12:51 GMT
No shortage of buyers for 8 seats at £245 a pop tonight.
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Post by alece10 on Sept 23, 2023 15:20:53 GMT
I am SO going to look out for all this stuff this evening. Can't thank you all enough for sharing your snippets - it's helping me build a vision in anticipation of the show itself. One other thing to look out for. The more I've thought about it, the more I think Norma Desmond is a present day character. But I think there was a date projected at start of show setting it in it's original time - it might have been something else though. I couldn't see it properly due to circle overhang! Anyway - I'd love to hear if a date was indeed protected and what it was! I might be wrong but I thought it said 1946 or was it 1936! Definately ended in a 6. Sorry not much help really was I. |
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Post by alece10 on Sept 23, 2023 15:22:36 GMT
Just remembered as I was walking into the theatre on Thursday a ticket tout came up and asked if I had any seats to sell.
I can't remember the last time I saw touts outside a theatre.
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Post by mrbarnaby on Sept 23, 2023 15:49:12 GMT
Just remembered as I was walking into the theatre on Thursday a ticket tout came up and asked if I had any seats to sell. I can't remember the last time I saw touts outside a theatre. Ahhh the good old days. |
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Post by ilovewemusicals on Sept 23, 2023 16:00:53 GMT
Has anyone stood outside the theatre to see the opening number of act two happening?
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Post by longinthetooth on Sept 23, 2023 16:30:05 GMT
I'm assuming Joe walks up the steps beside the Coal Hole to the Strand? Just wondering how he will manage this whilst still singing when the steps are choc a bloc with drinkers spilling out of the pub? I've walked up there a few times and it can be manic.
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Post by frankubelik on Sept 23, 2023 16:35:34 GMT
I'm there on Thursday and am increasingly anxious. "Attention must be paid" to the source material. Comments about the re-invention of Norma as an ex-reality star surely doesn't work with the references to the silent movie era. Write a new show about those individuals and don't mess with the source material. I am worried; it feels gimmicky and might attract a new audience who will be forever ruined.
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Post by alece10 on Sept 23, 2023 16:47:47 GMT
I'm assuming Joe walks up the steps beside the Coal Hole to the Strand? Just wondering how he will manage this whilst still singing when the steps are choc a bloc with drinkers spilling out of the pub? I've walked up there a few times and it can be manic. My guess would be that staff go out a few minutes before to clear a path and warn people what is about to happen. Very much like filming in any busy London street. |
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Post by Deleted on Sept 23, 2023 17:20:52 GMT
might attract a new audience who will be forever ruined Seems a tad melodramatic. |
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Post by c4ndyc4ne on Sept 23, 2023 21:03:20 GMT
I'm there on Thursday and am increasingly anxious. "Attention must be paid" to the source material. Comments about the re-invention of Norma as an ex-reality star surely doesn't work with the references to the silent movie era. Write a new show about those individuals and don't mess with the source material. I am worried; it feels gimmicky and might attract a new audience who will be forever ruined. surely attention being paid to the source material also extends to 'how can we reframe this material to allow it to shine in a new light'? **shrugs** |
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Post by toomasj on Sept 23, 2023 21:25:24 GMT
I'm there on Thursday and am increasingly anxious. "Attention must be paid" to the source material. Comments about the re-invention of Norma as an ex-reality star surely doesn't work with the references to the silent movie era. Write a new show about those individuals and don't mess with the source material. I am worried; it feels gimmicky and might attract a new audience who will be forever ruined. surely attention being paid to the source material also extends to 'how can we reframe this material to allow it to shine in a new light'? **shrugs** I generally agree, but criticism can’t be given to those who pay to see “Sunset Boulevard” and expect to see just that, based on how the material is known to them historically. There’s only so much expectation that can be put on the customer to know the ins and outs of a production, the style and oeuvre of the creatives involved, etc. Unlike cinema, the term “A Jamie Lloyd production” has connotations to discerning theatregoers both good and bad depending on one’s preferences, but it’d be like going to see a cinematic remake of “It’s a Wonderful Life” directed by Dario Argento. A bit of a surprise/disappointment if you were expecting a classic rendering of the original. Most punters buy off the back of a poster on the tube, a cheap ticket, star casting or, most commonly, the name of the show itself. I wouldn’t resent anyone for booking to see Sunset Boulevard and expecting a traditional production. One example would be my own mother wanting to see “Oklahoma!”, having seen it myself I had to direct her to watch YouTube clips of the reimagined production. She changed her mind - in the same way the people around me did at the interval when I attended. But without the expense of tickets, travel and time spent. Of course, this could be easily avoided by a simple rebrand; “The New Sunset Boulevard”, “Sunset Boulevard: The New Millennium” - for instance (but better!). They’ve half-heartedly attempted this by rebranding as “Sunset Blvd”, but it’s hardly an indicator of what this production will offer. People here talk about having expectations of sets, costumes and faithfulness to the source material are dirty concepts, and anyone who doesn’t “get” the need to reinvent are somehow stuck in the past or fuddy-duddies. I don’t prescribe to this view because the majority of reimagined productions of classic musicals I’ve seen have been inferior. Inferior in orchestra size, sets, costumes, casting and storytelling. If you want to tell a different story, write your own. Don’t license a show then completely change everything about it to suit your own vision. IMHO. |
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