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Post by talkstageytome on Jul 15, 2016 22:23:34 GMT
Oooh, this sounds extremely exciting! I'm there next Thursday. Cannot wait! Enthused by the talk of a full standing ovation tonight. Excellent, by the sound of things!
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Post by Deleted on Jul 15, 2016 22:38:05 GMT
Didn't dig this at all.
It's almost impossible to create conflict and drama when only one character can change/knows what's going on. The film worked because of the force of BM. And it was short and incredibly well edited.
This gives random songs to random characters coz they have to give the lead character a break from singing
One character is named in the programme as 'chubby man'.
i liked the suicide song
I liked the staging initially (I counted 5 revolves? They where the best thing in this) but seemed to get more and more average as went on.
3/4 of my party hated it, 1/4 thought it was the best thing he had seen for ages.
I just can't see this on Broadway, not with all the inovating stuff on there at the moment.
I think a lot of the audience got carried away with the excitement as is usual with first nights.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 15, 2016 22:44:21 GMT
Sssssssoooooooooooooooooooooo Just spoke to box office. If u want a later date then they will only give u seats amounting to what u paid for the preview. As non preview tickets start from £12 and half the preview audience paid £10 if u decide to change your date then u end up owing them money! Classy! Said its '2hrs 30' running time. Said almost everyone has decided to come tonight coz (and I quote) 'it's free' and not because u basically have to pay more to come another night. I asked if I could have my seats moved tonight if there where any spare somewhere better but was told no. Gonna ask again with my biggest smile to the box office this evening! That's a very different experience to mine - both times I've had early previews booked and then cancelled at the Old Vic this year (including tonight) they've phoned up offering to transfer tickets to a later performance at no extra charge. No fuss, no arguments, just a very organised and attentive box office. I've changed my £10 tickets to £67.50 tickets later in the run at no extra charge. Matthew Warchus shall be getting a stern letter in the post! Il be demanding free leers at Jacksons Lear for this! |
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4,171 posts
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Post by anthony40 on Jul 15, 2016 22:47:49 GMT
Okay guys, just back from tonight's first run through and I have to say, this is excellent! Nay, outstanding and all very promising and exciting. I am simply buzzing!
I didn't buy a programme so apologise in advance that I don't know the name of the actors, or the creative team, other than Tim Minchin.
The creative team basically took up a row and a half with tables placed over the chairs to monitor the progress of the show.
Before the performance began the new Artistic Director, Tim Minchin and the guy who wrote the screenplay and has adapted it for the stage came on and made a sort speech eluding to the difficulties they'd had and so this was going to be the first run through and if they'd have to stop, the so be it.
Now for me, this was one of those late 80's/early 90's fils that is always talked about and referred to but I'd never seen as it had just 'slipped through the net' but I finally got to see it last year, so it was still pretty fresh in my mind and what I saw on stage tonight was fairly true to the original.
Sharp and cleverly written, witty and humerus lyrics that were well delivered. For me, some better than others, others showing real depth in character.
I don't want give too much away in terms of spoilers but there is an extremely amusing and well staged scene where the male lead seeks professional medical help for the fact that Groundhog Day keeps reoccurring. And another in a car being chased by police.
The sets are fairly basic, however effective. There are revolves within revolves- if that makes sense. So two smaller ones within a much larger one, meaning the actors can travel without moving, and yet still pass each other
Not a great deal choreography, however extremely clever movement, staged very well. That said, were is a massive tap number in the second act.
And these actors are working hard! Every single one of them, from the leads to the ensemble. And each ensemble member is a character.
For me, my favourite scene was literally, the final one. Simply beautiful.
The poster design may be a little dull and boring, but the show is not.
Faults; extremely minimal. This all flowed very smoothly tonight. No obvious technical glitches.
(Maybe) the sound levels were slightly off. The cast dragging parts of the set on and off could have been a little tighter, but this will all get fixed and run smoother in time.
The only glaring thing for me was that I felt Act 1 was too long. I'm sure they have their reasons for doing so but I felt it could have come about 10-20 mins earlier. But that's just me.
The show ends. And the audience clapped. Not only did they clapped, they cheered. Not only did the audience clap and cheer the gave a standing ovation that lasted for 5 minutes. And the cast appreciated it. The male lead did a fist pump. One of the male ensemble member actually laid down on his back and made a snow angel out of the fake snow on the ground.
Running time. Show was supposed to stated at 7:30pm but started approx 10 mins late and was finished by boy 10:10pm, with a 15 min interval.
A lot of hard work has gone into this and as I say, they're working hard.
If tonight's reaction to a first run through is anything to go by, there is another hit in London's theatre scene..
BTW Sorry for any typos. It's late and I'm tired.
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4,153 posts
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Post by kathryn on Jul 15, 2016 22:50:25 GMT
I loved the thing that you hated, then, Mrs Lovett, but I thought it was integral to the theme of the story, and certainly not to just give the lead a break from singing!
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Post by Deleted on Jul 15, 2016 22:54:50 GMT
Oh, also, the female lead sings about a prince coming to save her. Yes it is 2016 and women still desire being saved. This, laughing at fat people and one character whose sole characterisation is that he is gay.
Just reeked of a bygone age
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26 posts
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Post by phantom1986 on Jul 15, 2016 22:56:48 GMT
Unfortunately I have to agree with Mrs Lovett on this one. You can easily see why Scott Rudin jumped ship. They've clearly spent a lot of money but it isn't Matilda. It's not even close. The score has no real melodies, way too many soppy ballads and there isn't one showstopper in the entire show. It was a first preview so hopefully lots will change and cuts will be made with the opening of Act 2 being one of the most bizarre things I've seen - a boring overlong ballad given to a minor ensemble character who has nothing to do whatsoever with the plot and who most of the audience will have forgotten about by that point. Really weird.
Another major problem is the leading lady - she keeps saying she is 34 but she looks about 18 and her vocals are very disappointing. She isn't helped by some subpar material and again multiple soppy ballads that never take off. Her one rock duet with Andy Karl is cringe inducing.
The ensemble work their arses off and are excellent, as is the choreography and Andy Karl lends his Broadway sheen but has nothing to work with. Tim Minchin better be at home writing him a proper opening number because at the minute it doesn't exist and not only does he deserve one, the show desperately needs it.
A shame as I had high hopes. Will be interested to revisit it later in the run to see what changes have been made.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 15, 2016 22:57:55 GMT
I loved the thing that you hated, then, Mrs Lovett, but I thought it was integral to the theme of the story, and certainly not to just give the lead a break from singing! I thought that lass singing the first song in act two was complete meta at first and thought she was referring to women being stereotyped in musical theatre! Then I realised that they needed some filler!! I'm sure it will be a success here though. Obviously that producer guy jumped ship coz he knew it wouldn't cut the mustard on Broadway. Do Americans have mustard? |
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4,153 posts
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Post by kathryn on Jul 15, 2016 23:07:34 GMT
I loved that - it was working on more than one level, definitely. There is a story about storytelling on a thematic level - who gets to do the telling, and the stories that we are told - definitely picking up and continuing some of the overarching themes from Matilda.
But hey, if you didn't see that when you watched it, you didn't see it.
Totally disagree with people saying the staging is simple or unimpressive though. Not going to go into details because it'll ruin the element of surprise.
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4,153 posts
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Post by kathryn on Jul 15, 2016 23:14:56 GMT
the opening of Act 2 being one of the most bizarre things I've seen - a boring overlong ballad given to a minor ensemble character who has nothing to do whatsoever with the plot and who most of the audience will have forgotten about by that point. Really weird. . That's the point!! That's why it's brilliant! It completely subverts expectations and flips the perspective on the show, It's a beautiful ballad too - I bet it ends up a popular audition song. |
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Post by Deleted on Jul 15, 2016 23:26:15 GMT
the opening of Act 2 being one of the most bizarre things I've seen - a boring overlong ballad given to a minor ensemble character who has nothing to do whatsoever with the plot and who most of the audience will have forgotten about by that point. Really weird. . That's the point!! That's why it's brilliant! It completely subverts expectations and flips the perspective on the show, It's a beautiful ballad too - I bet it ends up a popular audition song. But being subversive for the sake of subversion isn't interesting. This could be a total marmite musical - those who get it and those who think it's good  |
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4,970 posts
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Post by Phantom of London on Jul 15, 2016 23:46:41 GMT
Who's says theatre is subjective?
They reckon if this does go to Broadway, it will be a small theatre and will cost $16m, which is bizarre as most of the costs have been met in London.
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4,153 posts
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Post by kathryn on Jul 15, 2016 23:57:03 GMT
That's the point!! That's why it's brilliant! It completely subverts expectations and flips the perspective on the show, It's a beautiful ballad too - I bet it ends up a popular audition song. But being subversive for the sake of subversion isn't interesting. This could be a total marmite musical - those who get it and those who think it's good But it's not subversive for the sake of it, it directly relates to the main thematic arc of the show and the development of the lead character. |
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Post by Deleted on Jul 16, 2016 0:04:11 GMT
But being subversive for the sake of subversion isn't interesting. This could be a total marmite musical - those who get it and those who think it's good But it's not subversive for the sake of it, it directly relates to the main thematic arc of the show and the development of the lead character. How? Genuinely, can u explain what u mean? (I'm pretty thick so keep it simple  ) |
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5,795 posts
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Post by mrbarnaby on Jul 16, 2016 5:35:07 GMT
It sounds like there's some classic First-preview-smugness going on here with all the twittering about how "amaaaaazing" it is. (I know it was labelled a dress rehearsal but you know what I mean).
I'm slightly surprised to know it's still a bit rough around the edges considering it's been workshopped to death.. For years.. Had pre-rehearsal rehearsals... A longer than usual rehearsal period AND been in technical rehearsals for ever.
Very intrigued though..
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1,102 posts
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Post by zak97 on Jul 16, 2016 8:42:34 GMT
Out of interest, do you know who the ensemble girl was?
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1,349 posts
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Post by CG on the loose on Jul 16, 2016 8:54:29 GMT
Out of interest, do you know who the ensemble girl was? Well, there were several... ;-) But assuming you mean the one who sang the Act 2 opener, that would be Georgina Hagen. Beautiful song, beautifully sung but I fall into the camp who found it somewhat out of place - it was the only moment that jarred with me throughout. Overall, I enjoyed it immensely, though I heard more than I saw of Act 1 due to my 'shelf in the gods with leaner in front' perch, but moved to a more central empty seat for Act 2. I found it very appealing visually (what I saw of it, that is - very excited to see Act 1 from a better seat in a month or so), with some clever staging devices that worked well but didn't distract from the story, and apart from a couple of sound balance issues (notably in the rock number mentioned upthread), it sounded pretty darn gorgeous too. The music and lyrics were detectably Minchin, perhaps a little too much in places for some but I like Minchin so that was fine with me! |
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Post by Deleted on Jul 16, 2016 9:21:56 GMT
But being subversive for the sake of subversion isn't interesting. You don't believe that. I've read your posts. But I'm not a (reportedly) $16Million musical, I'm assuming. |
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4,153 posts
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Post by kathryn on Jul 16, 2016 9:51:11 GMT
Maybe you are, and you just don't know it....
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Post by Seriously on Jul 16, 2016 12:22:19 GMT
The only glaring thing for me was that I felt Act 1 was too long. I'm sure they have their reasons for doing so but I felt it could have come about 10-20 mins earlier. But that's just me. Running time. Show was supposed to stated at 7:30pm but started approx 10 mins late and was finished by boy 10:10pm, with a 15 min interval. So at present, there's about 2 hours 15 music, but they could cut 20 minutes.... which would bring it down to 1h 55? Not the lengthiest show in town then! |
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4,171 posts
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Post by anthony40 on Jul 16, 2016 13:27:02 GMT
No, that's not what I'm saying. I merely suggested the interval be bough forward by 15-20 minutes, not cut 15-20 mins from the show.
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4,369 posts
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Post by Michael on Jul 16, 2016 13:31:01 GMT
Are there any rumours about a cast recording? Maybe in the programme or from some of the officials yesterday evening?
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Post by Deleted on Jul 16, 2016 16:38:02 GMT
There were no rumours of a cast recording at the performance nor in programme and I'm 87% certain there was no merchandise.
Double whiskey and coke costs £2 more from the circle bar than it does from the basement bar!
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4,171 posts
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Post by anthony40 on Jul 16, 2016 16:43:34 GMT
Yeah, apart from the programme, I saw no merchandise of any sort. To be fair though, it is extremely early days.
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Post by firefingers on Jul 16, 2016 16:46:19 GMT
Double whiskey and coke costs £2 more from the circle bar than it does from the basement bar! Now that is the kind of info I need. |
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