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Post by alece10 on Sept 13, 2023 16:39:24 GMT
Well, with A STRANGE LOOP now gone, we have our new 'marmite'..... Based on the current poll results here I don’t know if this qualifies for for a ‘marmite’ show yet 😂. Will be interesting to see the masses opinions though once it gets out of previews and officially opens. I agree. Maybe "bovril" but certainly not Marmite. 16 x 5 stars 10 x 4 stars 11 x 3 stars 0 x 2 stars 2 x 1 star I'd say that's quite a majority who like it. |
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5,139 posts
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Post by Being Alive on Sept 13, 2023 16:50:03 GMT
What does the flying represent in this show? I've just deleted a longer post about 'magical disability' in case I'm being unfair to this show, having not seen it yet. the Henry pre accident flying is him finally addressing the accident |
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Post by intoanewlife on Sept 13, 2023 16:51:43 GMT
Based on the current poll results here I don’t know if this qualifies for for a ‘marmite’ show yet 😂. Will be interesting to see the masses opinions though once it gets out of previews and officially opens. I agree. Maybe "bovril" but certainly not Marmite. 16 x 5 stars 10 x 4 stars 11 x 3 stars 0 x 2 stars 2 x 1 star I'd say that's quite a majority who like it. This is a VERY traditional musical and I doubt most old school musical lovers will have the same problem as those who prefer more modern stuff. The general public do not over analyse these things as much as theatre 'fans' do, they just absorb it and decide if they love it hate it later. I spent most of the time thinking how amazing Great Comet and Bands Visit would work in that space! |
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Post by intoanewlife on Sept 13, 2023 16:52:45 GMT
What does the flying represent in this show? I've just deleted a longer post about 'magical disability' in case I'm being unfair to this show, having not seen it yet. the Henry pre accident flying is him finally addressing the accident That one was fine, it was the 'other' one that almost made me burst out laughing... |
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1,561 posts
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Post by showtoones on Sept 13, 2023 19:57:49 GMT
When is the official opening? And is there an extension built in? There aren't any other shows announced to play Soho Place afterwards...
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Post by theatre22 on Sept 13, 2023 20:26:22 GMT
Press night is tomorrow.
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5,795 posts
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Post by mrbarnaby on Sept 13, 2023 21:39:34 GMT
When is the official opening? And is there an extension built in? There aren't any other shows announced to play Soho Place afterwards... Good point. Either this is extending- or they have another show coming in with a name that doesn’t need to go on sale until later |
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Post by intoanewlife on Sept 14, 2023 10:30:46 GMT
This is currently using up a hell of a lot of 'paper', so unless the reviews are especially kind, I don't see how this is doing anything beyond finishing its run...
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Post by punxsutawney on Sept 14, 2023 10:33:56 GMT
I believe that this was announced quite far into the run of Brokeback Mountain also, so seems possible that the venue aren't booking significantly far in advance in general. That may be so they can extend if the production warrants it, but may just be venue policy.
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3,528 posts
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Post by Rory on Sept 14, 2023 12:39:23 GMT
My guess is that Nica Burns sees real potential in this show and has high hopes for an extended life.
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8,095 posts
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Post by alece10 on Sept 14, 2023 13:01:09 GMT
My guess is that Nica Burns sees real potential in this show and has high hopes for an extended life. Well she certainly got it right with Jamie didn't she. I have a lot of respect for that lady. |
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Post by punxsutawney on Sept 14, 2023 13:08:39 GMT
I believe that this was announced quite far into the run of Brokeback Mountain also, so seems possible that the venue aren't booking significantly far in advance in general. That may be so they can extend if the production warrants it, but may just be venue policy. Having checked this, this was announced in early June while Brokeback opened in mid-May. So I wouldn't read much of anything into the fact they haven't booked their next show. |
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Post by theswearycritic on Sept 14, 2023 22:10:43 GMT
I am baffled by the response that I've seen to this show. It's such a waste of an uplifting story.
Any feeling of hope that I was supposed to take from this show was sucked away by the state of the lyrics and book. The music was bland too, but by from the biggest offender here.
Watching the lyricist and composer mouth along accompanied by furious head bobbing pulled focus constantly. Not only did I not hear a single original lyric, but the structure was all over the place. Aside from the title number - which is chock full of overused nature imagery - I can't remember a single song, which on its own isn't damning, but is just another on the list of faults.
The book is straight out of a GCSE drama piece - if you like dialogue that is groaning under the weight of all the exposition crammed into it, and plot that doesn't really want to dig any deeper than the surface to dissect some of the show's tougher themes, this is the new musical for you.
Some clumsily-assembled stage flight and uninspired set design feel like the least of this show's problems.
Highlights include Amy Trigg stealing every scene she's in, and Gracie McGonigal's incredible voice. Love the use of BSL in the choreography, but I'm a bit confused about the artistic justification. A nice touch regardless.
My biggest takeaway is this. Whilst I had a big problem at the time with the fact that Henry, after he returns home from the hospital, is suddenly able to produce works of great art seemingly without any training or practice at all, it all makes sense now. It's very clear that that's the way these creatives feel about how making art works; don't worry about putting the time in.
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Post by max on Sept 14, 2023 22:19:36 GMT
Oh no. theswearycritic you've led me to cut and paste what I deleted the other day in case I was being unfair. I didn't know til your post tonight about the 'Artist' angle. I had written... 'I've seen production shots of a character in a wheelchair flying, and seen mentions here. What does this represent? I'm a bit suspicious of depictions of disability that have a magical aspect - the cliche that if you lose one sense then another is enhanced, or that someone autistic who rarely speaks has their expression pop out elsewhere by being a brilliant artist. Though it can be true, don't those (rare?) instances get publicised to make the rest of us feel better about disability. Where does that leave the 'non magical' disabled person ? I haven't seen it yet, but won't go if it is like this. Perhaps that's not what the flying represents here, so do correct me if my suspicions are unfair to the show' |
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5,795 posts
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Post by mrbarnaby on Sept 14, 2023 22:24:02 GMT
Oh no. theswearycritic you've led me to cut and paste what I deleted the other day in case I was being unfair. I didn't know til your post tonight about the 'Artist' angle. I had written... 'I've seen production shots of a character in a wheelchair flying, and seen mentions here. What does this represent? I'm a bit suspicious of depictions of disability that have a magical aspect - the cliche that if you lose one sense then another is enhanced, or that someone autistic who rarely speaks has their expression pop out elsewhere by being a brilliant artist. Though it can be true, don't those (rare?) instances get publicised to make the rest of us feel better about disability. Where does that leave the 'non magical' disabled person ? I haven't seen it yet, but won't go if it is like this. Perhaps that's not what the flying represents here, so do correct me if my suspicions are unfair to the show' You’re reading way too much into it. They use a few different tricks to try and elevate moments, this being one. For me it’s when the show faltered. This flying moment, the lift that was over used. They should have just trusted the material without these bells and whistles. |
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Post by max on Sept 15, 2023 7:39:52 GMT
The Times review opens quoting this Lloyd Webber tweet, but gives 3 stars itself.
"I’ve just had the most exciting night in a theatre for years.
@tlbtmusical is an all British musical and it’s a total triumph. This tale of conquering disability is funny, moving, uplifting, wonderfully performed and brilliantly crafted. It will be an international smash. - ALW"
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1,379 posts
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Post by BVM on Sept 15, 2023 8:02:36 GMT
It's a musical. The flying moments are simply used to enhance dramatic moments in a theatrical context. I don't think anyone looks at it and thinks they're claiming disabled people have special magical powers. Non-disabled people have been "flown' in many musicals - nobody thinks they can actually fly either. It doesn't have to represent anything. It's just a visually nice effect which in conjunction with singing, dancing, theatre lighting, dry ice/theatre smoke (all of which also wouldn't have been present in Henry's real life) enhances the moment.
I do get the point that I also wanted it at times to be a bit more depressing and gut wrenching - but as I said upthread that genuinely seems to be Henry's story and he's a uniquely positive guy. From what I've read, the plot of the musical seems very true to his story. He did do art before the accident but only developed the passion for it afterwards. Obviously he didn't learn to mouth paint overnight, but again time in a musical is not the same as actual time!
The music (to me) sounds very much the same style as the light "pop" that younger writers of musical theatre seem to go for these days. To my ear it sounds much better than Dear Evan Hansen, Waitress, Come From Away, Kimberly Akimbo, Fun Home and indeed most of the stuff in that genre.
Do I wish there was a deluge of new musicals written in the style of ALW or CMS? Yes. Is that ever gonna happen? No. This is very typical of the way successful new non film non jukebox musicals are written.
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4,955 posts
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Post by Someone in a tree on Sept 15, 2023 9:01:51 GMT
I am baffled by the response that I've seen to this show. It's such a waste of an uplifting story. Any feeling of hope that I was supposed to take from this show was sucked away by the state of the lyrics and book. The music was bland too, but by from the biggest offender here. Watching the lyricist and composer mouth along accompanied by furious head bobbing pulled focus constantly. Not only did I not hear a single original lyric, but the structure was all over the place. Aside from the title number - which is chock full of overused nature imagery - I can't remember a single song, which on its own isn't damning, but is just another on the list of faults. The book is straight out of a GCSE drama piece - if you like dialogue that is groaning under the weight of all the exposition crammed into it, and plot that doesn't really want to dig any deeper than the surface to dissect some of the show's tougher themes, this is the new musical for you. Some clumsily-assembled stage flight and uninspired set design feel like the least of this show's problems. Highlights include Amy Trigg stealing every scene she's in, and Gracie McGonigal's incredible voice. Love the use of BSL in the choreography, but I'm a bit confused about the artistic justification. A nice touch regardless. My biggest takeaway is this. Whilst I had a big problem at the time with the fact that Henry, after he returns home from the hospital, is suddenly able to produce works of great art seemingly without any training or practice at all, it all makes sense now. It's very clear that that's the way these creatives feel about how making art works; don't worry about putting the time in. I got the art thing. His school art projects were mentioned along with Dad's graphic design business aka 'gets it from his father'. A montage would help to illustrate the point but to me it was a believable step |
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Post by sallims on Sept 15, 2023 9:14:32 GMT
I’m surprised by the critics reviews thus far, 3* The Times, 3* Broadway World and 3* The Stage. Especially after all the rave reviews I have seen on here and from friends. Still looking forward to seeing this tomorrow.
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Post by usbuzzer on Sept 15, 2023 9:20:51 GMT
I saw it a week ago and absolutely loved it, so I'm rooting for the musical and good reviews!
I remember being slightly disappointed by DEH-like score, it lacked originality at the moment and there were no clear standouts, they all sounded too similar to each other. I also felt slightly awkward by the cheesiness and the first flying, In parts the issues got fixed by the end (the score had some explosive moments and you could argue that it's still a good score, DEH just did it first; the flying made more sense with the final flying scene and I agree it's there to elevate the emotions).
BUT it all doesn't really matter. I haven't felt so emotional about a theatrical piece in a long time and this is when a show stands out to me if it makes me feel something (crying is more powerful than laughing, but I appreciate both!). It was so moving and beautiful, I don't care if it was an easy emotional grab. It worked. And it all felt like a great theatrical experience in general: cool new experience of having a 4-sided audience, great explosive score with lots of group singing, plenty of good laughs, interesting story, great staging with beautiful lights, quite minimalistic yet effective set, talented people on stage. All that + a waterfall coming down my eyes = such a great piece of theatre. I felt devastated and happy at the same time, it was simply a beautiful emotional ride.
Highly recommended, keeping my fingers crossed for a long run and I can't wait for the full cast recording.
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Post by BVM on Sept 15, 2023 9:26:18 GMT
I saw it a week ago and absolutely loved it, so I'm rooting for the musical and good reviews! I remember being slightly disappointed by DEH-like score, it lacked originality at the moment and there were no clear standouts, they all sounded too similar to each other. I also felt slightly awkward by the cheesiness and the first flying, In parts the issues got fixed by the end (the score had some explosive moments and you could argue that it's still a good score, DEH just did it first; the flying made more sense with the final flying scene and I agree it's there to elevate the emotions). BUT it all doesn't really matter. I haven't felt so emotional about a theatrical piece in a long time and this is when a show stands out to me if it makes me feel something (crying is more powerful than laughing, but I appreciate both!). It was so moving and beautiful, I don't care if it was an easy emotional grab. It worked. And it all felt like a great theatrical experience in general: cool new experience of having a 4-sided audience, great explosive score with lots of group singing, plenty of good laughs, interesting story, great staging with beautiful lights, quite minimalistic yet effective set, talented people on stage. All that + a waterfall coming down my eyes = such a great piece of theatre. I felt devastated and happy at the same time, it was simply a beautiful emotional ride. Highly recommended, keeping my fingers crossed for a long run and I can't wait for the full cast recording. Gosh - this expresses really well how I felt about it. If I wanted to there are lots of things I could pick holes in.... But as a theatrical piece it made me feel something too! I was moved. I had tears. And I came out feeling wonderful. So whatever holes there may be - as musical overall, they totally succeeded and I had a wonderful evening! The whole is bigger than the sum of the parts I guess. |
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5,139 posts
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Post by Being Alive on Sept 15, 2023 9:41:46 GMT
I did expect a fair amount of 3 stars reviews, because in reality it probably is a 3 star musical, but it made me feel things that 5 star shows do, so I balanced it out at 4
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1,379 posts
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Post by BVM on Sept 15, 2023 9:51:52 GMT
I did expect a fair amount of 3 stars reviews, because in reality it probably is a 3 star musical, but it made me feel things that 5 star shows do, so I balanced it out at 4 Agree with this too and another good description. I’d also say it’s 3 or 4 stars but made me feel things a 5 star show does :-) Plus don’t forget people on internet forums are generally more prone to loving/hating (in whatever ratio; here tending to former) whereas critics (sometimes) more objective analysis leads them to middling. |
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Post by intoanewlife on Sept 15, 2023 9:55:25 GMT
Feelings aren't facts...3 stars is VERY generous x
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Post by lonlad on Sept 15, 2023 10:00:39 GMT
4 stars from The Standard and 5 stars from WOS
I have to say, it sounds ghastly so will go tomorrow night with minimal expectations and hope to be surprised: spurious sentimental uplift is so wearing.
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