Show Boat

[bramble]

Any idea of the running time please.

[Dawnstar]

The programme says 2h35 and that was about what it ran in Sheffield. The first preview started pretty late & so finished quite a bit later than scheduled but I'm sure that'll be sorted once they get going.

[bramble]

Thank you.

[catqc]

Does anyone think stalls sides would have very restricted views for this?

[Dawnstar]

I'd say it depends on how far round you are. I sat in A30 and had few problems. What blocking there was was mostly cast members blocking each other so never lasted long.

By the way, anyone booking row A sides be aware that AA starts in front of A30, which is several seats further towards the centre than the seating plan showed when I booked. I wasn't too happy that my apparently front row turned out to be second row but at least there's a very good rake.

[basdfg]

Judging by a post on the Show's official instrgram I think an album release could be coming.

[Dawnstar]

I'd love it if Gina Beck's Magnolia could be recorded, her voice is gorgeous, but I'd rather have Michael Xavier opposite her than Chris Peluso. I didn't think Peluso was as strong either vocally or in stage presence, though the latter should improve with the run.

[cathyfromlex]

Apr 11, 2016 21:29:17 GMT basdfg said:

Judging by a post on the Show's official instrgram I think an album release could be coming.

When the show was in Sheffield, Gina and Michael did a recording of "You Are Love" that was played on Elaine Paige on Sunday.  The IG that said Rebecca was recording "Bill" could be something similar.

[Deleted]

Has anybody seen it yet? What's it like?

I hope the run isn't cut short by bad ticket sales - have thh been full houses?

[Deleted]

Apr 12, 2016 12:02:43 GMT @george22 said:

Has anybody seen it yet? What's it like?

I hope the run isn't cut short by bad ticket sales - have thh been full houses?

It's only had one preview! It was stunning on Saturday. 

[crabtree]

And scenically, how is this? Does the Cotton Blossom arrive onto an empty stage. I remember the Harold Fielding production all those decades ago and the boat cleverly but clunkily unfolding from the wings like a spring being pulled straight. Opera North's foray down the river I don't remember being very literal but it was cast amazingly. And then the was the production at the Prince Edward with acres of set, causing a few problems along the way, but again, cleverly rising and falling and revealing parts of the boat. Isn't Showboat one of those shows where there are just so many different versions, that there isn't really a definitive one any more? But oh that glorious score.......

[littlesally]

This really is one of those rare productions that is hard to over praise. It looks and sounds fresh and wonderful. Performances are superb with special mention for Rebecca Treherne (a stand out in City of Angels too). Expect the reviews will be excellent and this will ensure great ticket sales.

[trapdoor]

Saw it last night and it was V quiet, sound all over the place, but some decent performances. Left feeling pretty underwhelmed which is a shame.

[theatremadness]

I was also there last night!

There's something very special about watching Show Boat knowing that this show, almost 90 years ago, changed musical theatre forever. You can see why; it's such a well crafted piece of theatre, every scene and song intrinsically linked to the core of the touching story. The themes are also still (sadly) relevant today, but this production is simple, classy, funny, emotional & dignified.

The stalls seemed pretty full but unfortunately in the circle, where I was, was probably more empty than full. An enthusiastic response from the audience with a large standing ovation at the end. I also agree that the sound was truly awful. It sounded so muffled, like they were using cheap mics and a cheap sound system. Nothing sounded clear, words got lost in ensemble numbers and it just sounded tinny and contained. Maybe it'll improve as it was only the 2nd preview (and was in extremely good shape!).

All performances were fantastic, I'd say. Gina Beck and Rebecca Trehearn were a wonderful pair and oh my goodness what glorious voices and ranges they both have. My Bill received a very large ovation. Don't think there's much to the part of Gaylord and Chris Peluso did just fine. There's the drink and gambling problems but they're not explored as much as they probably are in the original novel - but I didn't see Michael Xavier so can't 'compare' as it were. The comedy felt fresh and un-dated and was delivered well and hats off to the MD, the sound that the ensemble make (particularly the male ensemble) is extraordinary. It's so authentically old-school musical theatre, it's like you were there in 1927 listening to them, or listening to the film recording, practically verging on opera/operetta that this kind of show calls for - and not a fake operetta sound that many MT performers implement whilst attempting to sing legit MT scores, these singers were the real deal - perhaps only Chris Peluso stuck out for his singing style sounding far too modern for what the piece requires.

As a show, I actually thought it started quite slow and I was worried I wasn't going to enjoy it, but from Ol' Man River onwards it really hit its stride. I wasn't completely and utterly blown away like many have been, but it's a 4* production without a doubt and a must-see for any lover of the golden age of musical theatre!

[littlesally]

Apr 13, 2016 11:08:48 GMT theatremadness said:

I was also there last night!

There's something very special about watching Show Boat knowing that this show, almost 90 years ago, changed musical theatre forever. You can see why; it's such a well crafted piece of theatre, every scene and song intrinsically linked to the core of the touching story. The themes are also still (sadly) relevant today, but this production is simple, classy, funny, emotional & dignified.

The stalls seemed pretty full but unfortunately in the circle, where I was, was probably more empty than full. An enthusiastic response from the audience with a large standing ovation at the end. I also agree that the sound was truly awful. It sounded so muffled, like they were using cheap mics and a cheap sound system. Nothing sounded clear, words got lost in ensemble numbers and it just sounded tinny and contained. Maybe it'll improve as it was only the 2nd preview (and was in extremely good shape!).

All performances were fantastic, I'd say. Gina Beck and Rebecca Trehearn were a wonderful pair and oh my goodness what glorious voices and ranges they both have. My Bill received a very large ovation. Don't think there's much to the part of Gaylord and Chris Peluso did just fine. There's the drink and gambling problems but they're not explored as much as they probably are in the original novel - but I didn't see Michael Xavier so can't 'compare' as it were. The comedy felt fresh and un-dated and was delivered well and hats off to the MD, the sound that the ensemble make (particularly the male ensemble) is extraordinary. It's so authentically old-school musical theatre, it's like you were there in 1927 listening to them, or listening to the film recording, practically verging on opera/operetta that this kind of show calls for - and not a fake operetta sound that many MT performers implement whilst attempting to sing legit MT scores, these singers were the real deal - perhaps only Chris Peluso stuck out for his singing style sounding far too modern for what the piece requires.

As a show, I actually thought it started quite slow and I was worried I wasn't going to enjoy it, but from Ol' Man River onwards it really hit its stride. I wasn't completely and utterly blown away like many have been, but it's a 4* production without a doubt and a must-see for any lover of the golden age of musical theatre!

[

There is clearly a problem with the sound. We were in side circle and it was fine but a friend in the stalls just told me she had to complain about the sound, especially Parthy's miking? Hope they sort it for press night?

[barbra99]

Also saw this last night and agree with everything theatre madness said.
Sound all over the place. Started slow and we didn't get into it at first but by half way through Act 1, we were swept away.
Some great singing from all involved but a few dodgy accent moments. Both my friend and myself in tears at the end. We both want to back for another visit.

[BurlyBeaR]

I remember when I saw it at the Crucible the moment when the N word is first used. It was completely unexpected (to me) and it rang out around the auditorium like a gunshot. There was a moment of genuine shock at hearing it not in some stupid rap song but in its original context. When I think about the show now, that moment along with that stunning performance of Old Man River are the bits that come to mind.

(As well as Rebecca T directing some of the lyrics of Bill directly at me   )

[theatremadness]

When it was first uttered last night there were definite gasps around the auditorium. I guess it is a bit of a shock hearing it knowing it's a complete taboo in 2016. I don't think you even become immune to it by the end of the show, it's always said in such an aggressive way.

There was also a very loud shriek from a woman in the circle when Magnolia slaps her mother.

Also, a large group on the 2nd row of the stalls disappeared a short while into the 2nd act. Turns out one of that group was leaving and proceeded to throw up over one side of the stairs out into the foyer. The rest of the group were with her, I presume, so decided to all leave and the usher had to direct them to one side of the stairs as to not step in the sick. As it's also used as an entrance/exit for the actors, the poor usher had to quickly clean it up with some paper towels. Probably not what they signed up for.

[Dawnstar]

Apr 12, 2016 0:41:25 GMT cathyfromlex said:

When the show was in Sheffield, Gina and Michael did a recording of "You Are Love" that was played on Elaine Paige on Sunday.  The IG that said Rebecca was recording "Bill" could be something similar.

May I ask if you an remember whereabouts in Elaine Paige's programme "You Are Love" came? I've just had a quick skip through on the iPlayer & can't find it & nor is Radio 2 bothering to provide a song list.

[cathyfromlex]

Apr 13, 2016 18:37:38 GMT Dawnstar said:

Apr 12, 2016 0:41:25 GMT cathyfromlex said:

When the show was in Sheffield, Gina and Michael did a recording of "You Are Love" that was played on Elaine Paige on Sunday.  The IG that said Rebecca was recording "Bill" could be something similar.

May I ask if you an remember whereabouts in Elaine Paige's programme "You Are Love" came? I've just had a quick skip through on the iPlayer & can't find it & nor is Radio 2 bothering to provide a song list.

I'm so sorry - the way I phrased that was confusing.  It wasn't this past Sunday, but a Sunday in January when SB was still running in Sheffield.

[Dawnstar]

Apr 13, 2016 22:51:51 GMT cathyfromlex said:

Apr 13, 2016 18:37:38 GMT Dawnstar said:

May I ask if you an remember whereabouts in Elaine Paige's programme "You Are Love" came? I've just had a quick skip through on the iPlayer & can't find it & nor is Radio 2 bothering to provide a song list.

I'm so sorry - the way I phrased that was confusing.  It wasn't this past Sunday, but a Sunday in January when SB was still running in Sheffield.

Oh right, thanks for the clarification. I'm sorry to have missed it as that's my favourite song in the show.

[ali973]

Any day seats for this? I've seen this eons ago when I was but an early teen back in the Price Edward Theatre. Don't remember much of it, I'd be curious to see how I react to it now.

[darren]

A well attended first matinee this afternoon. Bought a seat in J5 stalls face value for £19.50 and the view was fantastic. No audio problems either which I was worried about reading this thread. Review to follow... ;-)

[CG on the loose]

Apr 14, 2016 17:16:44 GMT @theatremonkey said:

Yes, front row.

Front row is on sale online, throughout the run as far as I can see (and at £39.50 which seems pretty good value to me if not quite day seat pricing).

[greeny11]

Saw this on Tuesday and absolutely loved it. Wasn't sure what to expect from the show, but I was very pleasantly surprised - particularly by the score which had plenty of memorable songs. The whole cast were terrific - standouts for me were Gina Beck, Rebecca Trehearn and Sandra Marvin