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Post by Mr Snow on May 4, 2017 7:33:27 GMT
I adore Carousel but I've always thought June is the wrong song. This production with its naff direction, technicolor set and jazz hands is terrible I wish I had seen the NT production and the recent Arcola - both of which got amazing reviews. However I did love the Opera North production which did the work full justice. The ENO production will be remembered for all the wrong reasons I saw both those productions and one (or two?) others The same problems remain and I liked this production more than many here Perhaps because I wasn't expecting it to be any good Love June and I'd see if I could have it opening act 11. Clam bake is the one I hate |
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Post by AddisonMizner on May 7, 2017 17:13:21 GMT
I saw yesterday's matinee of CAROUSEL (6th May), and here are my thoughts...
Firstly, the negatives! Yes, I completely agree with others that the acting is very hit and miss here, particularly from the two leads. There were more than a few moments in the dialogue scenes that did not land emotionally because of this. Also, the characters didn't feel as fully drawn as they could have been. Katherine Jenkins was certainly the best in the acting department (and I say this as a fan of Alfie), but this still left a lot to be desired.
However, I loved this production for one particular reason, and one that will make me remember it for many times to come, and that is...the music! The orchestra sounded simply glorious, and I had to literally fight back tears during the "Carousel Waltz". I was visibly shaking. This was helped by the absolutely stunning staging of this opening sequence (I will not give it away for those who have not seen it yet). As others have said, this is certainly not a semi-staged affair.
Every time the orchestra started up, I found myself welling with tears. This was this music as it was meant to be heard, and why this CAROUSEL was such an emotional sucker-punch to the gut. I was an absolute mess during the whole of Act Two, particularly during the Ballet Sequence (this absolutely broke my heart) and the final YOU'LL NEVER WALK ALONE. I have never cried so much in a theatre.
It was also (mostly) so well sung. Despite being a tenor in a baritone role, I thought that Alfie did really well. I would have liked a quieter IF I LOVED YOU (Reprise) at the end to Julie, as I think it is so much more touching (it is beautifully done in the film. Alfie belted this out, and for me it slightly ruined the moment, but other than this, he did rally well. He was running up and down ladders during the SOLILOQUY and didn't miss a note. Katherine Jenkins was also not too distracting. Brenda Edwards as Nettie was not to my taste, but I prefer a "classical" sounding voice in this role. This score is made for "legit" singers.
So, top marks for the English National Opera Orchestra, who absolutely made this CAROUSEL for me, packing its emotional punch in its beautiful music.
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Post by Deleted on May 7, 2017 17:55:23 GMT
Hmm. Im potentially in London Thursday evening, seems a shame to miss this production and it closes on Saturday. What do people think are the chances of seats being left on the night?
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Post by martin1965 on May 7, 2017 18:06:44 GMT
I saw yesterday's matinee of CAROUSEL (6th May), and here are my thoughts... Firstly, the negatives! Yes, I completely agree with others that the acting is very hit and miss here, particularly from the two leads. There were more than a few moments in the dialogue scenes that did not land emotionally because of this. Also, the characters didn't feel as fully drawn as they could have been. Katherine Jenkins was certainly the best in the acting department (and I say this as a fan of Alfie), but this still left a lot to be desired. However, I loved this production for one particular reason, and one that will make me remember it for many times to come, and that is...the music! The orchestra sounded simply glorious, and I had to literally fight back tears during the "Carousel Waltz". I was visibly shaking. This was helped by the absolutely stunning staging of this opening sequence (I will not give it away for those who have not seen it yet). As others have said, this is certainly not a semi-staged affair. Every time the orchestra started up, I found myself welling with tears. This was this music as it was meant to be heard, and why this CAROUSEL was such an emotional sucker-punch to the gut. I was an absolute mess during the whole of Act Two, particularly during the Ballet Sequence (this absolutely broke my heart) and the final YOU'LL NEVER WALK ALONE. I have never cried so much in a theatre. It was also (mostly) so well sung. Despite being a tenor in a baritone role, I thought that Alfie did really well. I would have liked a quieter IF I LOVED YOU (Reprise) at the end to Julie, as I think it is so much more touching (it is beautifully done in the film. Alfie belted this out, and for me it slightly ruined the moment, but other than this, he did rally well. He was running up and down ladders during the SOLILOQUY and didn't miss a note. Katherine Jenkins was also not too distracting. Brenda Edwards as Nettie was not to my taste, but I prefer a "classical" sounding voice in this role. This score is made for "legit" singers. So, top marks for the English National Opera Orchestra, who absolutely made this CAROUSEL for me, packing its emotional punch in its beautiful music. I agree about that opening sequence, amazingly done! |
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Post by wickedgrin on May 8, 2017 8:03:54 GMT
BIG discount! TKTS are offering £110 stalls seats for £50 for tonight.
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Post by infofreako on May 8, 2017 8:13:40 GMT
BIG discount! TKTS are offering £110 stalls seats for £50 for tonight. ENO often drop below half price at tkts. It may drop even lower as the day goes on. I've paid £30 in the past at tkts for that sort of price band |
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Post by tracyk on May 8, 2017 18:31:27 GMT
Hmm. Im potentially in London Thursday evening, seems a shame to miss this production and it closes on Saturday. What do people think are the chances of seats being left on the night? I used Todaytix and got ticket for Thursday at £35.00 in the upper circle so you may be able to get something on the day using TodayTix or TKTS or even the theatre itself. |
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Post by shabbytigs on May 9, 2017 0:20:56 GMT
I adore Carousel but I've always thought June is the wrong song. This production with its naff direction, technicolor set and jazz hands is terrible I wish I had seen the NT production and the recent Arcola - both of which got amazing reviews. However I did love the Opera North production which did the work full justice. The ENO production will be remembered for all the wrong reasons I saw both those productions and one (or two?) others The same problems remain and I liked this production more than many here Perhaps because I wasn't expecting it to be any good Love June and I'd see if I could have it opening act 11. Clam bake is the one I hate |
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Post by shabbytigs on May 9, 2017 0:29:29 GMT
I saw the Opera North production at the Barbican about 5 years ago which was a great production, but the Morphic Graffiti Production at the Arcola was wonderful. Amazing what was achieved in such a small space.
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Post by carmella1 on May 9, 2017 22:56:12 GMT
Since you are mentioning this aspect of the show which I never liked. In the movie when Louise is talking to Julie she says he slapped her but it did not feel like anything at all and Julie agrees. Do they say this line because it does make it seem that beating your wife is ok because she does not feel it. Terrible.
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Post by SageStageMgr on May 9, 2017 23:05:39 GMT
Wow, someone who hated the show more than me.
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Post by wickedgrin on May 10, 2017 11:20:57 GMT
Yes, R&H were way ahead of their time including themes in their shows which were simply not spoken about at the time and are still controversial. Racism in South Pacific, for example, the line about children being carefully taught to love and hate, is still so true today and always makes me cry.
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Post by Deleted on May 10, 2017 11:29:42 GMT
Randomly, we had a preshow annoucement stating someone in the cast (Brenda Edwards I believe) had been for a routine dentist checkup earlier in the day, and had unexpectedly had a tooth out. Naturally I expected the on stage announcer to state she was therefore indisposed, but no - he tells us all she has a numb face but will perform, making me wonder why he bothered telling us in the first place. Opera companies always inform the audience if a singer is affected by a temporary health issue. Otherwise, people would make unfair critical judgments of the singer's abilities. |
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Post by shady23 on May 10, 2017 12:55:49 GMT
Yes I remember them making a similar announcement when Glenn was ill last year.
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Post by wickedgrin on May 10, 2017 13:45:36 GMT
I have not seen this production (despite the discounts), but in the actual script of the show Billy does get redemption - in a "God forgives those that repent" kind of way.
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Post by Deleted on May 10, 2017 15:23:26 GMT
I saw this - total disaster. So disappointing in comparison to Sunset last year. Big flop and bad on so many levels.
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Post by theatremadness on May 10, 2017 15:29:44 GMT
I saw this - total disaster. So disappointing in comparison to Sunset last year. Big flop and bad on so many levels. So I guess it doesn't matter whether you're sat down in the Stalls or up in the Balcony! I'll get me coat! |
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