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Post by BurlyBeaR on Jul 21, 2018 7:52:43 GMT
Hate the piano 😑
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Post by Deleted on Jul 21, 2018 8:14:10 GMT
I really don't understand the 'Amazing' etc comments and gushing online reviews.
I can only assume Hope Mill have managed to target and reach a fleet of non-theatre going people who are genuinely impressed by it because their exposure to theatre is so low, or its vocal friends and family, etc.
That said, 5 stars from the usual big outlets seems to infer I had a completely different experience to every other patron.
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Post by richey on Jul 21, 2018 8:59:55 GMT
I really don't understand the 'Amazing' etc comments and gushing online reviews. I can only assume Hope Mill have managed to target and reach a fleet of non-theatre going people who are genuinely impressed by it because their exposure to theatre is so low, or its vocal friends and family, etc. That said, 5 stars from the usual big outlets seems to infer I had a completely different experience to every other patron. Yes I think they are only picking out/ retweeting the best comments. When I posted what I think was a fair point of Felix letting the production down they deleted it. |
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Post by david on Jul 21, 2018 9:06:29 GMT
I’ve just had a watch now of the clip and to be honest it really isn’t selling the show to me. The staging looks nice but that piano just sounds awful. I’m off to watch this next Sunday so I’ll go with an open mind but I wonder what the paper reviews have seen to give it the good reviews that others on here haven’t.
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Jul 21, 2018 9:30:39 GMT
I really don't understand the 'Amazing' etc comments and gushing online reviews. I can only assume Hope Mill have managed to target and reach a fleet of non-theatre going people who are genuinely impressed by it because their exposure to theatre is so low, or its vocal friends and family, etc. That said, 5 stars from the usual big outlets seems to infer I had a completely different experience to every other patron. Yes I think they are only picking out/ retweeting the best comments. When I posted what I think was a fair point of Felix letting the production down they deleted it. Well, i suppose if it was on their own FB Page that’s understandable. I’d probably do the same if it was the first few days of my new production and there were seats to sell. Thank god for the bastion of free speech that is TheatreBoard eh? You can be sure that your opinions will be getting more views here. |
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Post by Deleted on Jul 21, 2018 10:36:33 GMT
Finally saw this last night. Had been a bit nervous from some of the comments on here but have to say I LOVED it. Fantastic cast, great set for the small space, beautifully lit, sound was superb and impeccably directed. I really understood the characters motivations and I felt for them all. A joy really. From what I find to be one of ALW’s most beautiful scores - holds me in a trance from start to finish.
The band was indeed 2 pianos and percussion (the second piano sometimes sounded a bit like a keyboard synthesised strings sound, backing the 1st. Is it possible to create that illusion from a normal piano??). The arrangements were beautiful! BUT I do think it could gave been better to add a couple of strings and brass.
Felix Mosse has the vocal chops and is a very cute easy on the eye Alex. More likeable than when played as slightly arrogant in previous productions. His acting was fine.
But as has been said the show belongs entirely to Kelly Price. Wow. Sang and acted the hell out of Rose. Anything But Loneley was gut wrenching. In a great way.
I can’t compare to West End and the big tours as it’s not like for like. But I MUCH preferred it to the Menier version.
Oh and Hope Mill was lovely. Go see!
I’m back tonight!
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Post by Phantom of London on Jul 21, 2018 22:22:56 GMT
Tempted to see next Saturday’s matinee, however want to be on the 5:15 train back to London, so does anyone know the running time please?
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Post by richey on Jul 21, 2018 22:36:54 GMT
Tempted to see next Saturday’s matinee, however want to be on the 5:15 train back to London, so does anyone know the running time please? 2 hours 40 I'm going to next Saturday's matinee on a return visit |
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Post by Dr Tom on Jul 22, 2018 10:28:14 GMT
I also saw this on Friday, having never seen the show before and found it enchanting. On one hand, I can see why people wouldn't find it as edgy as most Hope Mill productions, but on the other it was good to see them try something different.
The theatre was about three quarters full. I splashed out the extra for a table seat, which I recommend if you like being close to the action. You get somewhere to put your drink (just remembering to remove it when the cast dance on the tables) and you also don't have to worry about getting there an hour before to be in the first group to enter.
The usual front row is a terrible choice for this production as you're right behind (and on the same level as) the table seats.
This is performed well within the very simple set design and I thought the piano version of the score worked perfectly (marred only slightly by occasional speaker crackle).
The highlight was easily Kelly Price as Rose, but I was also falling in love with Felix Mosse in Alex by the end.
I think this could do well in London if it transfers.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 22, 2018 11:46:50 GMT
I also saw this on Friday, having never seen the show before and found it enchanting. On one hand, I can see why people wouldn't find it as edgy as most Hope Mill productions, but on the other it was good to see them try something different. The theatre was about three quarters full. I splashed out the extra for a table seat, which I recommend if you like being close to the action. You get somewhere to put your drink (just remembering to remove it when the cast dance on the tables) and you also don't have to worry about getting there an hour before to be in the first group to enter. The usual front row is a terrible choice for this production as you're right behind (and on the same level as) the table seats. This is performed well within the very simple set design and I thought the piano version of the score worked perfectly (marred only slightly by occasional speaker crackle). The highlight was easily Kelly Price as Rose, but I was also falling in love with Felix Mosse in Alex by the end. I think this could do well in London if it transfers. I echo your thoughts. Kelly Price is simply sensational and owns this show - worth the ticket price alone. And I really like Felix Mosse. Alex so often comes across as arrogant and not that likeable but Felix portrays him in a warmer more sensitive way. And he has a beautiful voice. I’d been very sceptical but similarly enjoyed the orchestration much more than I was expecting it too. Pretty please come to London :-) |
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Post by bramble on Jul 26, 2018 14:41:23 GMT
A charming intelligent well sung production. A lovely venue too.More then worth a look.
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Post by dan on Jul 27, 2018 8:28:22 GMT
I wish I’d enjoyed this more than I did. I love the venue, and most of the cast were absolutely terrific. The staging was good. The songs were sung really well. I liked the orchestrations. It just didn’t hang together for me. I was so very aware that I was watching a show, which may seem an obvious statement, but I can typically get wrapped up or lost in what’s happening. But throughout I was very aware of where I was and what I was watching. I liked “Alex”’s voice, but he reminded me of somebody else and I couldn’t quite buy the performance in the role. I did like his voice a lot. I couldn’t invest in the story, which is my major issue here, I knew nothing of the story beforehand and just couldn’t quite engage with a story of lots of rich family members fall in lust (love?) with each other over time. I hope others got more from that story and the show, but for me there was a definite barrier between me and the show. I do love this venue though! There were a few fantastic numbers and separate parts, but for me they couldn’t hang together cohesively.
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Post by chernjam on Jul 28, 2018 3:27:17 GMT
Aspects of Love was one of the first musicals I ever saw - and the first ALW musical I ever saw on Broadway. For the longest time it was tied with Sunset for me as being my favorite (Sunset now has an edge since I've been able to see it 15 times and Aspects once on Broadway and once in the Robin Philips N American Tour)
Anyway - I've been frustrated at how little it's been revived here in the States or elsewhere for that matter. The reviews for the last Trevor Nunn revival weren't enough to inspire me to hop a flight to UK to see it.
I'm curious though - a few years ago I had read that ALW had worked on a "definitive" version that was to clear up changes to score and such that had crept in from production to production - is this new production following that script? I'm always curious to hear what types of revisions ALW subsequently makes to his scores - and Aspects is truly one of his most underrated (There is More to Love is still one of my all time favorites -and Ann Crumb blew the roof off the Broadhurst Theatre when she sang Anything But Lonely) Thanks for any info
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Post by richey on Jul 28, 2018 17:04:52 GMT
So just back from a second visit and boy am I glad I went. This has grown so much from when I saw the first preview. I really enjoyed it this time. Felix seems to have grown into the role of Alex and was more confident but top marks still go to Kelly Price. Her portrayal of Rose is amazing and "Anything But Lonely" is heartbreaking.
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Jul 29, 2018 18:33:51 GMT
Mixed feelings after seeing the matinee today (love a Sunday matinee). My concerns about it looking or sounding cheap after early feedback here on the forum were unfounded. And all of the performances were great, Felix Mosse was very very good. I don’t think ‘George’ has been mentioned yet and I thought he was excellent. The band were also excellent, and I soon forgot that there were just three of them. It didn’t sound mean, or inadequate and I can totally see how the choice to do it this way was totally in keeping with the way this show was presented. A big shout out to the sound design too, every single word was crystal clear.
But the actual show.... good grief, which of this motley bunch of sexual narcissist are we supposed to be sympathising with? I found the first half to be tedious and thin on plot (self absorbed actressy type flips between two men from the same family). Act two was more interesting dramatically but still totally predictable, the minute I saw the kid take her hair out of bunches I thought “uh-oh... we know where this is going”.
The set was atmospheric and beautifully lit but I’ve seen variations of this design several times at the HM now. I totally understand the limitations of the space but I think it’s time to surprise us. I was also disappointed that the train scene had nothing, not a smidge, not a moving light or a sound effect to suggest a train. I might not have cared if there hadn’t been a train in the artwork. Seeing is believing, right?
Im going to check out the original cast recording because much of the music was beautiful and so typically ALW that I want to hear it played, as it was originally designed to be played, by an orchestra.
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Post by david on Jul 29, 2018 21:16:44 GMT
Well, this was the last show for my Manchester weekend this afternoon and despite earlier reports on this thread about the show I was initially worried about what to expect, however more positive posts from more recent viewings gave me a lot more optimism. So after watching it I have to say that it was an enjoyable Sunday afternoons theatre viewing. Thank you Hope Mill for Sunday theatre!
Overall, I thought as some have already stated and which I totally agree with, Kelly Price as Rose really does give the standout performance of the entire cast and was worth the ticket price alone. I would hope we get to see her again soon as that voice of hers is something special. That said I though that the other ladies of the cast where also great singers. With Felix Mosse, I was a bit unsure of. While giving a very assured performance of Alex, I felt that times he could of been a bit more powerful with the singing. It was for me only really at the end where he achieved this and this is what in my own head I wanted from this role. As @burlybear mentioned, Jerome Pradon as George really was great I certainly enjoyed listening to him.
I have to admit, early reports of a 3 piece band for an ALW didn’t exactly fill me with much joy. Having recently seen ALNM at the Storyhouse in Chester, I was amazed at what a small orchestra of 8 could achieve, so what would an even smaller group do? Actually I was pleasantly surprised with the final outcome and the sound design really helped, though I would loved to have had a few wind instruments in there just to give it a bit more depth rather than just relying on piano and percussion.
The glow sticks used in Act 2 really should of been binned in early rehearsals. I thought the lighting was superb throughout the show, but the sticks really felt out of place, but this is just my own opinion. The “on stage” cafe seating was more of an issue. While I’m all for an immersive theatrical experience, because I was in the last group to enter the auditorium, seating choices where a bit limited at this point, so ended up in row B at the end of the centre block near the entrance to the auditorium. As I was sat directly behind one of the tables, at times my view was blocked but thankfully this didn’t really have much of a negative impact viewing the performance as it was only for brief periods.
Having now seen a number of productions at Hope Mill, this is the one that whilst enjoyable, I didn’t get that emotionally attachment to the characters as to the other productions where I have shed a tear or two during those performances. Definitely worth a watch though.
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Post by chernjam on Jul 30, 2018 3:28:25 GMT
Mixed feelings after seeing the matinee today (love a Sunday matinee). My concerns about it looking or sounding cheap after early feedback here on the forum were unfounded. And all of the performances were great, Felix Mosse was very very good. I don’t think ‘George’ has been mentioned yet and I thought he was excellent. The band were also excellent, and I soon forgot that there were just three of them. It didn’t sound mean, or inadequate and I can totally see how the choice to do it this way was totally in keeping with the way this show was presented. A big shout out to the sound design too, every single word was crystal clear. But the actual show.... good grief, which of this motley bunch of sexual narcissist are we supposed to be sympathising with? I found the first half to be tedious and thin on plot (self absorbed actressy type flips between two men from the same family). Act two was more interesting dramatically but still totally predictable, the minute I saw the kid take her hair out of bunches I thought “uh-oh... we know where this is going”. The set was atmospheric and beautifully lit but I’ve seen variations of this design several times at the HM now. I totally understand the limitations of the space but I think it’s time to surprise us. I was also disappointed that the train scene had nothing, not a smidge, not a moving light or a sound effect to suggest a train. I might not have cared if there hadn’t been a train in the artwork. Seeing is believing, right? Im going to check out the original cast recording because much of the music was beautiful and so typically ALW that I want to hear it played, as it was originally designed to be played, by an orchestra. Burly - you're hitting on many of the issues that has existed from when Aspects first premiered. It's hard to feel sympathetic with any of these characters. And for those of us who are a bit more traditional in our views of sexual relationships - seeing Rose go from Alex to George, to Giulietta, back to George - and then Alex getting even by going after Jenny and ultimately ending up with Giulietta and Rose being alone (even though she triumphantly sings shes Anything but Lonely) does make it difficult for an audience to connect to  Seriously though, as I've gotten older, even the title "Aspects of Love" doesn't ring true. Aspects of obsession; Aspects of manipulation; Aspects of selfishness... So story wise, it's hard to find the core message or philosophical point. I say all of that still standing by my earlier post about how it's one of my all time favorites. The music in this enthralled me from a young age. It's one of ALW's scores that I can throw the disc in the player and listen from beginning to end not looking to fast forward anything. Even the little motifs "A Memory of a Happy Moment" - "Stop Wait Please" even the incidental music of Rose catching Alex up on George at the start of Act II "What a life...you're telling me? What does Jenny make of all of this? Ask her yourself" - those musical quotes have been flowing through my head since I found this post the other day. |
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Jul 30, 2018 5:32:33 GMT
0600
Woke up humming “seeing is believing” 😩
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Post by Deleted on Jul 30, 2018 15:27:58 GMT
Mixed feelings after seeing the matinee today (love a Sunday matinee). My concerns about it looking or sounding cheap after early feedback here on the forum were unfounded. And all of the performances were great, Felix Mosse was very very good. I don’t think ‘George’ has been mentioned yet and I thought he was excellent. The band were also excellent, and I soon forgot that there were just three of them. It didn’t sound mean, or inadequate and I can totally see how the choice to do it this way was totally in keeping with the way this show was presented. A big shout out to the sound design too, every single word was crystal clear. But the actual show.... good grief, which of this motley bunch of sexual narcissist are we supposed to be sympathising with? I found the first half to be tedious and thin on plot (self absorbed actressy type flips between two men from the same family). Act two was more interesting dramatically but still totally predictable, the minute I saw the kid take her hair out of bunches I thought “uh-oh... we know where this is going”. The set was atmospheric and beautifully lit but I’ve seen variations of this design several times at the HM now. I totally understand the limitations of the space but I think it’s time to surprise us. I was also disappointed that the train scene had nothing, not a smidge, not a moving light or a sound effect to suggest a train. I might not have cared if there hadn’t been a train in the artwork. Seeing is believing, right? Im going to check out the original cast recording because much of the music was beautiful and so typically ALW that I want to hear it played, as it was originally designed to be played, by an orchestra. Burly - you're hitting on many of the issues that has existed from when Aspects first premiered. It's hard to feel sympathetic with any of these characters. And for those of us who are a bit more traditional in our views of sexual relationships - seeing Rose go from Alex to George, to Giulietta, back to George - and then Alex getting even by going after Jenny and ultimately ending up with Giulietta and Rose being alone (even though she triumphantly sings shes Anything but Lonely) does make it difficult for an audience to connect to Seriously though, as I've gotten older, even the title "Aspects of Love" doesn't ring true. Aspects of obsession; Aspects of manipulation; Aspects of selfishness... So story wise, it's hard to find the core message or philosophical point. I say all of that still standing by my earlier post about how it's one of my all time favorites. The music in this enthralled me from a young age. It's one of ALW's scores that I can throw the disc in the player and listen from beginning to end not looking to fast forward anything. Even the little motifs "A Memory of a Happy Moment" - "Stop Wait Please" even the incidental music of Rose catching Alex up on George at the start of Act II "What a life...you're telling me? What does Jenny make of all of this? Ask her yourself" - those musical quotes have been flowing through my head since I found this post the other day. I agree. For me also, I LOVE the music of Aspects, I think it's gorgeous. It almost holds me in a trance from start to end, I think the recitative and 'named' songs blend into each other better than any ALW musical. Not a weak note. Anyway, I think for this reason the story doesn't bother me. When people point out as Burly has that really they are quite an unlikeable bunch, I realise it's true! But as I said the music carries it. I mentioned in another thread that although great musicals have great music and a great story, ones with great music can still be amazing. The converse (for me) is not true. Anyway, I also got used to the 3 piece band and thought Gaz Bretherton (an ex Bochum Starlighter incidentally) did an amazing job arranging and MDing this. Though of course a bigger orchestra would still have been nice. What do people think the chances of a transfer are? Sadly my gut instinct says small..... Hope I am wrong :-) |
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Jul 30, 2018 16:38:18 GMT
I thought Spring Awakening was a shoe-in for a transfer. If that can’t make it I can’t see this doing it. Also, although the theatre was full yesterday afternoon I’m aware of someone going midweek who reported fewer than 50 people in. Maybe this is another Sunset Boulevard I.e it doesn’t “chime” with the public in the same was as other ALW stuff does.
Was it a sell out at the MCF?
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Post by Dr Tom on Jul 30, 2018 20:23:50 GMT
These things don’t necessary transfer quickly. Hair took nearly a year between Manchester and London.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 31, 2018 8:55:42 GMT
I thought Spring Awakening was a shoe-in for a transfer. If that can’t make it I can’t see this doing it. Also, although the theatre was full yesterday afternoon I’m aware of someone going midweek who reported fewer than 50 people in. Maybe this is another Sunset Boulevard I.e it doesn’t “chime” with the public in the same was as other ALW stuff does. Was it a sell out at the MCF? I think it sold well. Certainly the night I was there was sold out. It was heavily marketed on the return of the original director (Trevor Nunn) and also had a great 8 or 9 piece orchestra. In fact the sound was the best thing about it. Visually was unremarkable I recall. Dave Willets was George. Can't for the life of me remember who else was in it. Anyway, I personally feel the Hope Mill production is much better. Add in a bigger band and sure it could do 4-6 weeks in London in a fringe venue. As you say though, like Sunset, I think it would struggle in a full sized venue or UK tour without a 'name.' Which is a shame. In fact if it doesn't transfer, I think it will be a very long time before we see it in the UK again. Ditto Sunset post end of the recent tour. |
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Jul 31, 2018 9:39:16 GMT
I read the review only theother day, it was Michael Arden, Katherine Kingsley and Rosalie Craig as Giulietta.
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Post by Phantom of London on Aug 5, 2018 17:35:21 GMT
I have seen many Roses which include Ann Crumb, Katherine Evans, Shona Lindsay and Katherine Kingsley, but still seeing Kelly Price was yet again another pleasure, she displayed a fragility that made her irresistible.
Aspects of Love was the first musical I saw those many years ago, I even had the double cassette, which I purchased from Our Price and listened to on my Sony Walkman on my paper round, I knew every word by heart. So seeng this again like after a few years, since the Menier production and found this to be very enjoyable, in a production that was basic, however Aspects is really a chamber piece of theatre, so This still delivered on the glorious score and maybe uneven book, however David Garretts demonstrated every kind of Love, whether that is controversial or not, but still had to be done to complete the cycle, thankfully this one was resisted, but it represented a Bloomsbuury unconventional lifestyle but set in the Pyrenees.
Enjoyed Felix Mosse who was an enjoyable Alex, Jerome Pardon I found too young for the role and his accent was to forced.
Wowed again by the Hope Mill Theatre, that for a small start up Theatre is still punching above its weight.
5 Stars
I would hope this makes it down to London, which would be great to see again.
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Aug 5, 2018 17:50:27 GMT
Nice to hear you made the trip oop north PoL.. glad you enjoyed it.
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Seriously though, as I've gotten older, even the title "Aspects of Love" doesn't ring true. Aspects of obsession; Aspects of manipulation; Aspects of selfishness... So story wise, it's hard to find the core message or philosophical point.