236 posts
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Post by undeuxtrois on Aug 7, 2018 18:09:03 GMT
Hope this will eventually be in cinemas or on DVD
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Post by Deleted on Aug 7, 2018 18:27:03 GMT
I've booked now for a date where Kelli is scheduled. I was very surprised though, I called the other day to check it was the accessible booking line as I am 'registered disabled' and asked what prices they were offering. The man said it was a free ticket for a carer and a discounted ticket for the disabled person. I called to book today and he said they offer that on every other show, but not The King and I. It's £20 off of the tickets instead, which is quite a difference really. Not really complaining, but I don't understand why they do that for every other show except this one. That really stinks doesn’t it? That and the star’s sudden decision to have time off after tweeting that she wasn’t, which is also questionable. I agree. I'm so disappointed in Kelli. What happened to doing all of your shows? Especially for a limited engagement that she traveled especially for to repeat her Tony winning performance. Take an extended break after the run is over if you want to, but people are spending money to see you. Do your shows. |
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Post by Deleted on Aug 7, 2018 19:01:54 GMT
That really stinks doesn’t it? That and the star’s sudden decision to have time off after tweeting that she wasn’t, which is also questionable. I agree. I'm so disappointed in Kelli. What happened to doing all of your shows? Especially for a limited engagement that she traveled especially for to repeat her Tony winning performance. Take an extended break after the run is over if you want to, but people are spending money to see you. Do your shows. Think about it - what if I said to you that you have to work nearly 4 months straight without a single day off. Would you like it? I doubt it. She's basically entitled to almost a third of the annual leave of someone on a year long contract, so she has to take it at some point, especially given employment laws are more generous here than in the US. When the exact dates get finalised is up to her and the producers, and probably also in this instance takes account of Ruthie's situation, so it may not have been possible to sort out until now. It's not the Kelli O'Hara show, it's not advertised as the Kelli O'Hara show, she's entitled to time off same as the next person - that doesn't change just because she has a Tony Award. And presumably everyone who's moaning because she's dared to have a very few days off and let her standby go on would be the same people complaining if she burned herself out or wrecked her voice and couldn't do the entire last month of the run because she didn't have time off... I really don't get the issue here - everyone's entitled to be disappointed if they don't see her, we've all missed stars before due to holidays or illness, but blaming her for daring to have a day off goes too far in my book. People take last-minute holidays all the time for all sorts of reasons, and the ones she has announced aren't even really last minute at all! |
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Post by Deleted on Aug 7, 2018 19:34:04 GMT
'Think about it - what if I said to you that you have to work nearly 4 months straight without a single day off. Would you like it? I doubt it. '
lol I get told that every year. I have 5 to 6 months in a year I can't take leave, or if it's aloud it's single days. and I've not had a summer off in 12 years. there's plenty of jobs out there that come with restrictions and unsocial hours
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Post by danb on Aug 7, 2018 19:34:55 GMT
I agree. I'm so disappointed in Kelli. What happened to doing all of your shows? Especially for a limited engagement that she traveled especially for to repeat her Tony winning performance. Take an extended break after the run is over if you want to, but people are spending money to see you. Do your shows. Think about it - what if I said to you that you have to work nearly 4 months straight without a single day off. Would you like it? I doubt it. She's basically entitled to almost a third of the annual leave of someone on a year long contract, so she has to take it at some point, especially given employment laws are more generous here than in the US. When the exact dates get finalised is up to her and the producers, and probably also in this instance takes account of Ruthie's situation, so it may not have been possible to sort out until now. It's not the Kelli O'Hara show, it's not advertised as the Kelli O'Hara show, she's entitled to time off same as the next person - that doesn't change just because she has a Tony Award. And presumably everyone who's moaning because she's dared to have a very few days off and let her standby go on would be the same people complaining if she burned herself out or wrecked her voice and couldn't do the entire last month of the run because she didn't have time off... I really don't get the issue here - everyone's entitled to be disappointed if they don't see her, we've all missed stars before due to holidays or illness, but blaming her for daring to have a day off goes too far in my book. People take last-minute holidays all the time for all sorts of reasons, and the ones she has announced aren't even really last minute at all! Completely agree from the POV of needing holiday rest time etc. Just don’t release a definitively worded statement that doesn’t mention that it’s tbc. |
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Post by Deleted on Aug 7, 2018 19:47:36 GMT
I agree. I'm so disappointed in Kelli. What happened to doing all of your shows? Especially for a limited engagement that she traveled especially for to repeat her Tony winning performance. Take an extended break after the run is over if you want to, but people are spending money to see you. Do your shows. Think about it - what if I said to you that you have to work nearly 4 months straight without a single day off. Would you like it? I doubt it. She's basically entitled to almost a third of the annual leave of someone on a year long contract, so she has to take it at some point, especially given employment laws are more generous here than in the US. When the exact dates get finalised is up to her and the producers, and probably also in this instance takes account of Ruthie's situation, so it may not have been possible to sort out until now. It's not the Kelli O'Hara show, it's not advertised as the Kelli O'Hara show, she's entitled to time off same as the next person - that doesn't change just because she has a Tony Award. And presumably everyone who's moaning because she's dared to have a very few days off and let her standby go on would be the same people complaining if she burned herself out or wrecked her voice and couldn't do the entire last month of the run because she didn't have time off... I really don't get the issue here - everyone's entitled to be disappointed if they don't see her, we've all missed stars before due to holidays or illness, but blaming her for daring to have a day off goes too far in my book. People take last-minute holidays all the time for all sorts of reasons, and the ones she has announced aren't even really last minute at all! Sorry but it was absolutely billed as the Kelli O'Hara show. Every single article, press release and announcement since the show was in talks to transfer included Kelli's name and the fact that she won the Tony for this role and this very production. It is the reason a lot of people booked tickets. Also, she has scheduled days off every week during the run, and had pre-announced absence dates as well. I am saying I am frustrated that she has just announced these dates two weeks before I am going to see the show she was scheduled to do. She's in an exceptional position as an actress in the West End - stop comparing it to other 'normal' 9-5 jobs. You sign up for the commitment, it's a high pressured situation. She should have said that she would do 5 or 6 shows a week in London as opposed to 8 from the very beginning if she felt she needed extra days off. |
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Post by Mr Snow on Aug 7, 2018 19:53:07 GMT
I agree. I'm so disappointed in Kelli. What happened to doing all of your shows? Especially for a limited engagement that she traveled especially for to repeat her Tony winning performance. Take an extended break after the run is over if you want to, but people are spending money to see you. Do your shows. Think about it - what if I said to you that you have to work nearly 4 months straight without a single day off. Would you like it? I doubt it. She's basically entitled to almost a third of the annual leave of someone on a year long contract, so she has to take it at some point, especially given employment laws are more generous here than in the US. When the exact dates get finalised is up to her and the producers, and probably also in this instance takes account of Ruthie's situation, so it may not have been possible to sort out until now. It's not the Kelli O'Hara show, it's not advertised as the Kelli O'Hara show, she's entitled to time off same as the next person - that doesn't change just because she has a Tony Award. And presumably everyone who's moaning because she's dared to have a very few days off and let her standby go on would be the same people complaining if she burned herself out or wrecked her voice and couldn't do the entire last month of the run because she didn't have time off... I really don't get the issue here - everyone's entitled to be disappointed if they don't see her, we've all missed stars before due to holidays or illness, but blaming her for daring to have a day off goes too far in my book. People take last-minute holidays all the time for all sorts of reasons, and the ones she has announced aren't even really last minute at all! I agree with all you say.......if ............the Theatre email all those who've bought tickets and offer them an exchange. And yes I know an exchange may be of no use at all to someone who's paid for tranport and lodgings but nothings perfect. So much better than calling in a "sickie" (Which is very difficult for a famous person to do), my personal peeve in ANY situation. |
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Post by Deleted on Aug 7, 2018 22:50:40 GMT
Kelli is a consummate professional who has rarely called out on performances in the States. Disappointing as it is, perhaps there is a very good reason why this change in appearances developed when it was not originally planned.
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311 posts
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Post by showoff on Aug 8, 2018 15:09:45 GMT
I've booked now for a date where Kelli is scheduled. I was very surprised though, I called the other day to check it was the accessible booking line as I am 'registered disabled' and asked what prices they were offering. The man said it was a free ticket for a carer and a discounted ticket for the disabled person. I called to book today and he said they offer that on every other show, but not The King and I. It's £20 off of the tickets instead, which is quite a difference really. Not really complaining, but I don't understand why they do that for every other show except this one. That really stinks doesn’t it? That and the star’s sudden decision to have time off after tweeting that she wasn’t, which is also questionable. Thanks, it does a little, I don't understand why the difference for this show. I haven't read all posts, I hope your tickets weren't for one of the shows Kelli is no longer performing in. It's awful when the other day she did say she only had the one day off too. |
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Post by Deleted on Aug 8, 2018 15:21:57 GMT
It's not the Kelli O'Hara show, it's not advertised as the Kelli O'Hara show, she's entitled to time off same as the next person - that doesn't change just because she has a Tony Award. . Every single article, press release and announcement since the show was in talks to transfer included Kelli's name and the fact that she won the Tony for this role and this very production. It is the reason a lot of people booked tickets. I kind of have to agree. I'm sure if this was Broadway, the whole "name above the title" clause would apply in this instance. Kelli is a consummate professional who has rarely called out on performances in the States. Disappointing as it is, perhaps there is a very good reason why this change in appearances developed when it was not originally planned. There most probably is. If they were a bit more upfront about it though, people would be far more understanding about it. That goes for all of the other indispositions, technical difficulties, cancellations in other shows etc. |
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Post by Deleted on Aug 8, 2018 15:47:39 GMT
Agree 100%. Transparency is almost always the best approach.
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19,676 posts
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Aug 8, 2018 16:17:19 GMT
I remember a certain well known London based soprano who was supposed to be appearing on a tour of a well known musical in Manc. We got the “Due to her indisposition” announcement before curtain up.
It was a Monday evening performance...
#justsaying
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Post by Deleted on Aug 8, 2018 18:53:23 GMT
If they were a bit more upfront about it though, people would be far more understanding about it. That goes for all of the other indispositions, technical difficulties, cancellations in other shows etc. As I pointed out previously, maybe they couldn't be any more organised than they have been - this production, through no-one's fault but a driver who should be jailed for a long time, has been in a very unique situation that has left a degree of uncertainty over casting. It could well be the case that they wanted to see what Ruthie wanted to do before they firmed up anyone else's holiday dates, as it would obviously assist if her previous cast mates were around when she came back. Of course there would always have come a point when Kelli would have had to take time off, but this production runs for a while yet, so they may well have been keeping it flexible for as long as possible. |
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Post by Deleted on Aug 8, 2018 20:01:53 GMT
If they were a bit more upfront about it though, people would be far more understanding about it. That goes for all of the other indispositions, technical difficulties, cancellations in other shows etc. As I pointed out previously, maybe they couldn't be any more organised than they have been - this production, through no-one's fault but a driver who should be jailed for a long time, has been in a very unique situation that has left a degree of uncertainty over casting. It could well be the case that they wanted to see what Ruthie wanted to do before they firmed up anyone else's holiday dates, as it would obviously assist if her previous cast mates were around when she came back. Of course there would always have come a point when Kelli would have had to take time off, but this production runs for a while yet, so they may well have been keeping it flexible for as long as possible. Then all they need to do is say just that. Most people are completely reasonable when they understand something. Instead they have the leading lady posting a tweet to say she has only got a few pre arranged days off and then shortly afterwards that's changed. It's understandable why people are puzzled/annoyed/whatever about it. |
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Post by Deleted on Aug 8, 2018 20:49:10 GMT
As I pointed out previously, maybe they couldn't be any more organised than they have been - this production, through no-one's fault but a driver who should be jailed for a long time, has been in a very unique situation that has left a degree of uncertainty over casting. It could well be the case that they wanted to see what Ruthie wanted to do before they firmed up anyone else's holiday dates, as it would obviously assist if her previous cast mates were around when she came back. Of course there would always have come a point when Kelli would have had to take time off, but this production runs for a while yet, so they may well have been keeping it flexible for as long as possible. Then all they need to do is say just that. Most people are completely reasonable when they understand something. Instead they have the leading lady posting a tweet to say she has only got a few pre arranged days off and then shortly afterwards that's changed. It's understandable why people are puzzled/annoyed/whatever about it. This |
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1,997 posts
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Post by distantcousin on Aug 9, 2018 7:09:31 GMT
No, it's not unfair. You book to see a show, that's how it's almost always been here - we're not New York. The show is starring a Tony winner (now two, actually) - she is doing the overwhelming majority of the performances. Her dates off clearly weren't planned until recently as she had previously responded that she intended to do all performances - but that's never a guarantee. It's annoying when you miss a star performer, it's happened to all of us, but it's not Kelli's fault, she's perfectly entitled to have a few shows off just like all of us are entitled to days off work, and that's why they have such a strong standby in the first place. You'll still see the show you paid for. What you are saying is simply producing marketing spin that isn't true. If they are 'selling the show not the star' then why did they tell people that Kelli is in the show? Why is her face and name plastered over advertising materials? If what you are saying is true they should not advertise who is in the show before you rock up to the theatre. There is almost no other industry where this shameless display of marketing bait and switch would stand. This is not about Kelli, it's about the producers. Nobody's heard of Kelli O'Hara though. She is not a name in the UK.
If anything, Watanabe has the bigger profile.
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1,997 posts
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Post by distantcousin on Aug 9, 2018 7:11:11 GMT
and having now seen ria as Norma I'd have been fuming if Glenn hasn't been on after paying £150 a ticket
Yeah, at those extortionate prices, you did expect to be paying for a Hollywood star - even if in reality that couldn't be guaranteed all of the time.
And her face was on the posters and billed as "Glenn Close in Sunset Boulevard"
This is NOT the case for The King and I.
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149 posts
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Post by tonylony on Aug 9, 2018 8:02:34 GMT
So was this actually filmed for commercial release or just for the archives? I find it very interesting there has been no talk about this at all..
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Post by missreno on Aug 9, 2018 9:55:23 GMT
Kelli has been nominated for an Emmy award for her work in The Accidental Wolf, and the ceremony is on the 17th September - doing press for big award shows is likely be the reason for some of the dates she's missing
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581 posts
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Post by princeton on Aug 9, 2018 11:58:20 GMT
And now from The King and I website - and not before time - official notification of planned absences from performances. Kelli's as per her twitter feed and:
On Thursday 30 August and Thursday 6, 13, 20 & 27 September (evening performances) Mr Ken Watanabe will not be appearing and Mr Takao Osawa will be playing The King of Siam.
Mr Kok-Hwa Lie will be playing the Kralahome.
Seems to me that it anyone is at fault it is the producers - and now, rather late in the day, they've decided to be more open. It really shouldn't be the responsibility of individual actors to publicise their holiday dates (and some producers, as we know, do not allow this).
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Post by Deleted on Aug 12, 2018 10:16:02 GMT
This was one of the most dissapointing nights at the theatre I've ever had. Usually that would be the start of the joke to saying it was fabulous, but no, really, one of the crappest nights at the theatre.
Act I started off promising. Kelli is of course incredible. She was absolutely stellar throughout. She will get the Olivier and deservedly so. The other standout for me was Na-Young Jeon, who I thought was stunning! Her voice was beautiful. The rest of the cast were fine (no Ruthie, understandably so after a long week). I thought Ken was middle of the road. He is funny, but could not understand a word when he was singing. Cowtumes were beautiful. Set peaked at the boat and then all you get is a wall, some props rolled on and a gold sheet pulled back and forth. With all the reviews saying how lavish the set was, that was dissapointing.
Act 2 began, and as it did,the woman next to me stopped breathing and coming in and out in her seat. The family started running up and down the aisle getting help, the Ushers kept flashing torches in our direction and sorting it out. Eventually after about half an hour she was cartted off in a wheelchair. I know these things can't be helped, but we were asked to move up and down the aisle twice, and by the point of coming back into the show I was over it. I think it should of been handled better personally, as the rear to middle stalls were all distracted by thr drama unfolding. They should of paused the show for two minutes or something, Yes, this was WHILST the show was going on. I missed from the interval to some long ballet that took about a decade to get through. After the decade long ballet, this family that had moved from somewhere to in front of us ar the interval wouldn't shut up with their young hild complaining. Thoroughly a night ruined, I was tempted to leave midshow because I had no clue what was going on and didn't care anymore. Shall We Dance was stunning but I don't know if that was because of the rest of Act 2 being a let down or it is actually stunning.
I stood at the end for the two ladies mentioned prior. But in truth, Iliked the show enough but I found some of it boring in Act 1, only three songs I can remember, it is very middle ground R and H for me. Its worth it for Kelli's performance alone. Would I go back, sure, to give it a second cjance, but only if Kelli and Ruthie are on. But last night particularly, it was the biggest waste of time and money.
2.5/3 stars.
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5,148 posts
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Post by Being Alive on Aug 12, 2018 11:08:50 GMT
I am sad you didn’t enjoy it Dan.
On the flip side for me, I know the show well and was looking forward to just seeing it as a spectacle. It really is a lavish production I thought. Yes, it could have been more, but it looks absolutely gorgeous up there.
Kelli O’Hara is an absolute phenomenon. I was literally in awe of every move she made and every note she sang. It’s such a beautiful portrayal of Anna and I was moved to tears more than once. Ken Wantanabe is problematic as the King - he’s incredibly difficult to understand at times, but I did also think he was funny so that’s a plus. Naoko Mori was a fabulous Lady Thiang - never knowing whether you should be on her side, and then she sings Something Wonderful and t all falls in to place. Also enjoyed Na-Young Jeon who I normally don’t, thought she had a beautiful voice. Dean John Wilson is there for his abs and nothing else.
And the kids were absolutely adorable (I normally hate kids in theatre but they were so cute)
Thought Catherine Zubers costumes were beautiful (especially Anna’s dresses but that sort of goes without saying) only slightly disappointing thing I thought was the orchestra. I wish it has sounded fuller than it did. Shall We Dance was a fabulous moment but I wanted a bigger orchestra sound as they went flying round the stage.
Overall for me I’d give it 4.5 stars - and I’d give Kelli the Olivier now.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 12, 2018 11:38:45 GMT
Oh if I had it my way, Kelli, Na-Young and Catherine Zuber will all be holding Olivier Awards come next year. Even with the distraction from the audience, I wouldn't throw many more their way in my opinion, but I completely understand this is not an opinion shared by many, and that's fine.  |
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19,676 posts
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Aug 12, 2018 12:24:50 GMT
I thought the Uncle Tom’s Cabin sequence was a highlight.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 12, 2018 12:29:19 GMT
I thought the Uncle Tom’s Cabin sequence was a highlight. I just don't think I cared by that point. I love an extended dance sequence. Loved the final number in American in Paris, have performed the Dream Ballet in Oklahoma and love it. This one just went on too long, and there was no lift for me, it just stayed on the same level and didn't feel like it built up to anything spectacular which I felt it was gonna lead too. For me the highlights of the show were Getting to Know You and Shall We Dance. I thought they were fantastic! |
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