Dear Evan Hansen (New Production) - U.K. Tour

[sph]

Jul 15, 2024 10:46:03 GMT SilverFox said:

Interesting (and refreshing) that a 'new' production of a recent show will tour - and Adam Penfold (director) is really finding his feet now at the Playhouse and scheduling some ground-breaking new work (eg The Punch) rather than sticking to tried-and-tested pot-boilers. I hope he does a good job with DEH - but some recent musicals, not directed by Penfold, were less-than good (Assassins and Sweet Charity for example). The Punch was a near sell-out success too! The Playhouse do some good prices, but overall have an irritating booking policy of only opening bookings on less than a third of the available seats when they have every expectation that it will be a box-office hit. I have nabbed good stalls seats at just £17.25 (incl membership discount) - the equivalent seats at Curve, later in the tour, are £58.50.

Back in the day, a new West End version of a Broadway show (and vice-versa) would not be a carbon copy of the original - maybe this will start a trend for tours having new creativity instead of a cut-down replica.

I think nowadays though, shows tend to be developed as a "complete-package product", i.e. The sets, costumes, direction etc, are all part of what gives the show its identity - Wicked is a good example of this.


Shows used to be, many years ago, written as a book and a score and everything else was open to change and interpretation.

[firefingers]

Jul 15, 2024 13:59:52 GMT sph said:

Jul 15, 2024 10:46:03 GMT SilverFox said:

Interesting (and refreshing) that a 'new' production of a recent show will tour - and Adam Penfold (director) is really finding his feet now at the Playhouse and scheduling some ground-breaking new work (eg The Punch) rather than sticking to tried-and-tested pot-boilers. I hope he does a good job with DEH - but some recent musicals, not directed by Penfold, were less-than good (Assassins and Sweet Charity for example). The Punch was a near sell-out success too! The Playhouse do some good prices, but overall have an irritating booking policy of only opening bookings on less than a third of the available seats when they have every expectation that it will be a box-office hit. I have nabbed good stalls seats at just £17.25 (incl membership discount) - the equivalent seats at Curve, later in the tour, are £58.50.

Back in the day, a new West End version of a Broadway show (and vice-versa) would not be a carbon copy of the original - maybe this will start a trend for tours having new creativity instead of a cut-down replica.

I think nowadays though, shows tend to be developed as a "complete-package product", i.e. The sets, costumes, direction etc, are all part of what gives the show its identity - Wicked is a good example of this.


Shows used to be, many years ago, written as a book and a score and everything else was open to change and interpretation.

Respectfully that isn't true. There was a period where elements of the production where actually impossible to alter. West Side Story for example had to be performed with the original choreography right up until the last few years as a condition of performing the show.

In a mass communication world it is natural for audiences to expect replica productions of new work, having seen the media about the original large scale production on the Internet, news, social media etc. But eventually after the maim markets are hit née productions emerge, even Wicked has been done without its iconic design.

[sph]

Jul 15, 2024 18:44:23 GMT firefingers said:

Jul 15, 2024 13:59:52 GMT sph said:

I think nowadays though, shows tend to be developed as a "complete-package product", i.e. The sets, costumes, direction etc, are all part of what gives the show its identity - Wicked is a good example of this.


Shows used to be, many years ago, written as a book and a score and everything else was open to change and interpretation.

Respectfully that isn't true. There was a period where elements of the production where actually impossible to alter. West Side Story for example had to be performed with the original choreography right up until the last few years as a condition of performing the show.

In a mass communication world it is natural for audiences to expect replica productions of new work, having seen the media about the original large scale production on the Internet, news, social media etc. But eventually after the maim markets are hit née productions emerge, even Wicked has been done without its iconic design.

I may have paraphrased a little, but, respectfully, I gave a pretty accurate gist of how the musical theatre market has changed. Sure, older musicals may have had a few stipulations here and there as to things they couldn't change, like bits of choreography, but they weren't "replicas" when they were revived fairly soon after their much shorter initial runs.

The market is very different now, and productions like Wicked have perhaps been staged on RARE occasion without their first designs, but let's be honest, that's not the iconic production that people have been seeing the world over since it debuted just over 20 years ago.

[Jon]

There's nowt wrong with shows being replicas of each other, it in theory ensures quality control but also means you know what you're getting.

[danb]

In the case of DEH, I suspect it might be to do with Greifs’ initial production really not sitting that well in the uk. I was so disappointed on my first visit as it just wasn’t what I was expecting at all. It was so small, and underwhelming vs the cast recording. The problem was entirely of my own making as it was my expectation that was wrong. But something had created those expectations! At least in Notts I’ll be going with my eyes wide open.

[robertb213]

Very slick for a first preview, a minor set wobble and some wonky lighting, and a brief show stop before Requiem, but otherwise smooth so far. Less flashy than London and mo worse off for it. Leads all excellent.

And Ryan Kopel...a star is born.

[danb]

Donated my ticket to my sons gf; I couldn’t face 6 hours driving for this. I look forward to his review.

[properjob]

Very good and well deserved reception from the audience. I suspect most were already fans that knew the show already but they clearly weren't disappointed by this production.
As has been mentioned a few tech issues but nothing that won't be easily fixed by the next preview.
I wasn't sure about the set design when it started but it very quickly won me over.
Based on my dodgy memory I think Zoe was played more sad than angry in requiem compared to the London production but it really worked.

[robertb213]

Yes I wasn't sure about the set design at first either but it came alive later on during You Will Be Found, Good For You and the posting of the note. Some lovely projections of the orchard too.

Act 2 always starts bland (ditch that glove song!) and ends up hitting hard with the Words Fail/So Big So Small double-whammy, and the impact remains. Ryan really went all-out with his emotions and Alice performed her following number beautifully. Their chemistry is great already. Lauren is also fantastic as Zoe.

The material may be flawed and I still think you either connect with Evan or you don't, but I loved this production and I hope it does well. I was certainly a damp wreck by the end.

[SilverFox]

Thanks for the reviews. Looking forward to seeing this next week.

[dan]

This was my first experience of Dear Evan Hansen last night. I just never fancied it and am not the biggest fan of the songwriters (for musicals; they have some great pop songs). Aside from the fairly grotesque behaviour of Evan… this was phenomenal. The production exceeded anything I was imagining. I don’t expect this kind of looking show at the Playhouse and the design was great. The cast are incredible, especially Evan! The subtlety and nuance in his voice from fragility to blasting out with emotion is something to behold. I just wish there was something a bit more about him reckoning with the consequences of his actions. As much as I loved some of the songs, they couldn’t quite have the emotional sting or whack because of what he’s doing and how despicable that is even though they do a decent job of showing how he stumbles into the process! I really did love it, highly recommend!

[robertb213]

I do wish the ending was better written to show more consequence to Evan's actions, completely agree with that. He does get off quite easily, aside from his own struggles. He's not malicious or evil, he's incredibly naive and a desperate people-pleaser and gets caught up in a silly fib that goes too far. This is where the much-maligned film's ending is better, where he really tries to get know Connor better and is able to finally provide the Murphys with something real.

[littlebird]

Just seen this is coming to Woking and I'm quite interested in going as I missed it in the West End, but the ticket prices - oof.

Does anyone know the best way to get cheaper tickets for local theatre? I usually try to snag rush in London.

[BurlyBeaR]

Sept 10, 2024 16:56:04 GMT littlebird said:

Just seen this is coming to Woking and I'm quite interested in going as I missed it in the West End, but the ticket prices - oof.

Does anyone know the best way to get cheaper tickets for local theatre? I usually try to snag rush in London.

Good luck with that! 

[dan]

I’m very grateful to have seen the first preview for £9.50 a ticket!

[blamerobots]

How does the set look normally? Can only see how it looks at the end with the bow videos. Got an interesting mirror thing going on.

I guess we'll get photos soon maybe?

[dan]

It was a mixture of mirrors, screens coming up and down, almost like a few screen strips along the top, sliding glass type walls, lots of lighting, huge screen at the back that often duplicated sliding set that made it feel very big, and then set pieces sliding on and off. I was really impressed.

[blamerobots]

Sounds pretty well-designed and planned. May try and catch it sometime.

[Dannyboi]

Saw the second preview last night after previously seeing it twice in London and once on Broadway, here’s my thoughts.

Firstly a shoutout has to go to Ryan Kopel as Evan, an absolute star in the making, his vocals were like honey and he did a fantastic job of making you understand how Evan could let all this snowball, you never dislike his Evan, which not everyone I’ve seen in the role has managed to pull off. The whole cast were fantastic actually.

The new production is entirely that, the book and songs remain completely unchanged as far as I could tell but visually it’s all brand new. The whole social media element that filled every scene is by and large absent apart from in You will be found, which opens the staging up no end, I always thought it boxed the action and musical numbers ina little. The use of sliding transparent screens and mirrors with projections at the rear of the stage that replaces it are simple but effective. Not sure which staging I prefer but it sure gives the show a different feel.

The songs have always been the big draw of this show for me and they are all performed as impeccably as you’d hope for, with the more open staging helping in some occasions.

One thing I didn’t personally like, it always completely wrecked me when Connors dad breaks down towards the end of you will be found, like he’s finally being able to release his grief. That’s completely gone, he just joins in with the rest of the company at the front of the stage all hopeful and belting out the song. That’s… a choice.

And now I’m being really picky lol, I just really miss the striped polo, nowhere to be seen. Silly to even mention it but it’s such an iconic part of the character for me. He does have a stripy t shirt at one point tho lol.

So all in all a fresh but ultimately faithful take on the material. It won’t change anyone’s mind on it if you find the show problematic, but I never had so thoroughly enjoyed it.




The preview went well, with no stops or major issues. Connor’s mum had a mic issue during the opening number and some wobbly lighting aside, but at £32 for a front row seat I couldnt argue with that!

[SilverFox]

Sept 10, 2024 19:59:23 GMT dan said:

I’m very grateful to have seen the first preview for £9.50 a ticket!

I am happy with our good stalls seats next week for £17.25 each!

[robertb213]

Sept 11, 2024 17:44:34 GMT Dannyboi said:

One thing I didn’t personally like, it always completely wrecked me when Connors dad breaks down towards the end of you will be found, like he’s finally being able to release his grief. That’s completely gone, he just joins in with the rest of the company at the front of the stage all hopeful and belting out the song. That’s… a choice.

Thank you so much for mentioning this, I realised at the interval I'd not spotted Larry breaking down and thought I'd just missed it. Can't believe they've cut that, his falling to his knees sobbing at that moment was always so powerful. Maybe if we mention it on here enough they'll add it back in before Press Night 🤣

Glad you enjoyed it. I still haven't gotten over how good Ryan was. Very tempted to go back for a matinee and give the understudy a go to compare!

[SilverFox]

Sept 11, 2024 22:10:16 GMT robertb213 said:

Sept 11, 2024 17:44:34 GMT Dannyboi said:

One thing I didn’t personally like, it always completely wrecked me when Connors dad breaks down towards the end of you will be found, like he’s finally being able to release his grief. That’s completely gone, he just joins in with the rest of the company at the front of the stage all hopeful and belting out the song. That’s… a choice.

Thank you so much for mentioning this, I realised at the interval I'd not spotted Larry breaking down and thought I'd just missed it. Can't believe they've cut that, his falling to his knees sobbing at that moment was always so powerful. Maybe if we mention it on here enough they'll add it back in before Press Night 🤣

Glad you enjoyed it. I still haven't gotten over how good Ryan was. Very tempted to go back for a matinee and give the understudy a go to compare!

Just back home from today's matinée. Sonny Monaghan was on as Evan (alternate), and understudy Will Forgrave was on as Connor. Both excellent, amongst one of the strongest all round casts I have seen for a long time. Not sure where to start with the praise to be honest. Set / Direction / Singing / Acting / Interaction / Band etc all top-notch. Well-deserved standing ovation at the end - the first I have joined-in for years. Stalls near full, circle open and occupied, but could not judge how many.

No Larry breakdown. Sorry.

Given a chance, I would see this again in a shot.

[BurlyBeaR]

Poll added.

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tag me with @ admin
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Eliminate the space after the @

[robertb213]

Sept 19, 2024 19:29:58 GMT SilverFox said:

Sept 11, 2024 22:10:16 GMT robertb213 said:

Thank you so much for mentioning this, I realised at the interval I'd not spotted Larry breaking down and thought I'd just missed it. Can't believe they've cut that, his falling to his knees sobbing at that moment was always so powerful. Maybe if we mention it on here enough they'll add it back in before Press Night 🤣

Glad you enjoyed it. I still haven't gotten over how good Ryan was. Very tempted to go back for a matinee and give the understudy a go to compare!

Just back home from today's matinée. Sonny Monaghan was on as Evan (alternate), and understudy Will Forgrave was on as Connor. Both excellent, amongst one of the strongest all round casts I have seen for a long time. Not sure where to start with the praise to be honest. Set / Direction / Singing / Acting / Interaction / Band etc all top-notch. Well-deserved standing ovation at the end - the first I have joined-in for years. Stalls near full, circle open and occupied, but could not judge how many.

No Larry breakdown. Sorry.

Given a chance, I would see this again in a shot.

I was there too 😁 I really wanted to catch Sonny to compare, and then saw Will was covering Connor too. Both did a really great job, especially as it was both of their debuts in the roles. It really is a fantastic production and I hope it does well through its run. Some school groups in today but they were very well-behaved.

And Larry not breaking down is my only real negative. They've kept in the references to him not crying at the funeral and how he won't spend any time in Connor's bedroom, so to not show his giving into the grief makes his act 2 stuff a bit pointless and like he doesn't really care. But otherwise it's all excellent.

[sph]

Sept 19, 2024 22:51:58 GMT robertb213 said:

Sept 19, 2024 19:29:58 GMT SilverFox said:

Just back home from today's matinée. Sonny Monaghan was on as Evan (alternate), and understudy Will Forgrave was on as Connor. Both excellent, amongst one of the strongest all round casts I have seen for a long time. Not sure where to start with the praise to be honest. Set / Direction / Singing / Acting / Interaction / Band etc all top-notch. Well-deserved standing ovation at the end - the first I have joined-in for years. Stalls near full, circle open and occupied, but could not judge how many.

No Larry breakdown. Sorry.

Given a chance, I would see this again in a shot.

I was there too 😁 I really wanted to catch Sonny to compare, and then saw Will was covering Connor too. Both did a really great job, especially as it was both of their debuts in the roles. It really is a fantastic production and I hope it does well through its run. Some school groups in today but they were very well-behaved.

And Larry not breaking down is my only real negative. They've kept in the references to him not crying at the funeral and how he won't spend any time in Connor's bedroom, so to not show his giving into the grief makes his act 2 stuff a bit pointless and like he doesn't really care. But otherwise it's all excellent.

Maybe they were worried it would look a bit too copy-and-paste in terms of direction if they repeated details like that from the London production.