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Post by AddisonMizner on Apr 8, 2018 19:37:05 GMT
I went to see the matinee today, and can only reiterate what has been said above. I really enjoyed it (if that is the right word for such a dark and harrowng story).
I have wanted to see SPRING AWAKENING since its initial UK/London Production. I had tickets booked for the West End run, but it closed before I could see it. When I saw they were doing a production of this at the Hope Mill, I jumped at the chance, not only because I would finally get a chance to see the show, but I would also have the opportunity to visit this theatre for the first time. I have to say that it is a lovely little theatre, with a lovely performance space. Small yes, but very well used.
I actually knew very little about the show, apart from a few of the songs. It is quite a piece - as I have said, it is very dark, but challenging and thought-provoking, touching on such things as masturbation, under-age sex, pregnancy, abortion, teenage suicide and homosexuality, The cast gave it their all - the show crackled with energy, and they attacked each of the musical numbers with huge commitment. Seriously impressive to say that many of the cast were making their professional debuts. I loved the musical staging and chreography in particular, with really effective and ingenious use of the available space. The singing was also very strong. Whilst I wasn’t overly fond of the score from listening to the cast recording, in context, the songs really worked, and it was played beautifully by the small band. My newsest earworm is “Totally F*****”, which is totally inappropriate for work in the morning! I also have to mention the use of lighting in this, which was really creative, and added to the atmosphere and colour of the piece.
My first visit to the Hope Mill, but certainly not my last. I will be looking out for future productions of interest in the hope of making a return visit.
GO!
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Apr 8, 2018 20:24:26 GMT
I guess the two musicals as yet unannounced for 2018 will be revealed on 16th April at the Aria Of Hope and Dreams gala night.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 8, 2018 20:58:35 GMT
I guess the two musicals as yet unannounced for 2018 will be revealed on 16th April at the Aria Of Hope and Dreams gala night. Its only a matter of time before the decide to do The Last Five Years I recon. |
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Post by Deleted on Apr 9, 2018 7:27:18 GMT
Sorry if this has been mentioned already but whats the running time on this?
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Post by stevej678 on Apr 9, 2018 8:39:53 GMT
Sorry if this has been mentioned already but whats the running time on this? Around 2 hours 15 minutes including an interval. |
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134 posts
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Post by spendleb on Apr 9, 2018 15:27:27 GMT
Can't wait to see this at the end of the month, is anyone watching the new musical US series 'Rise' as this show/score is featured weekly
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Post by Deleted on Apr 11, 2018 17:47:24 GMT
Third visit to Hope Mill this afternoon. With previous visits being to see Pippin and The Toyboy Diaries and this was my favourite piece yet.
Average age of the audience I'd say was early twenties, which is really inspiring - I'm guessing the cast had graduate peers in.
The cast were very strong and they were all vocally impressive. We'll definitely be seeing more of these in years to come, I feel.
Absolutely loved the colour palette of the show perfectly uniting the set, costume and lighting. The sound of the show was absolutely on point too. So glad they've binned off the Yamaha keyboard from previous productions and gone for something a bit more full bodied. The orchestration of the piece was great. I don't know if that and the vocal arrangements came with the piece or were production specific but they really were both great a - some lovely vocal cluster chords throughout - which I'm a massive fan of.
Only a couple of technical hitches, both in 'Totally F£&$ed'; 1) the mic flying off the cable (this could have been prevented with a couple of wraps of black LX between the mic and XLR - a slight oversight there) causing Melchior to break character momentarily and corpse, everyone else held it together well. 2) The on-stage guitar being muted whilst played a few times and cues missed. But these are little niggles. Glad to see they've addressed the previous issue of moving lights randomly resetting mid-show this time round I'd mentioned.
Only a slight reservation with the piece being the German names but Yorkshire accents. That threw me off slightly. Which as a result meant that it took a while to digest the show and it's message. Whilst not immediately obvious to me, it really is quite poignant at this period in time, that we really should do more to guide the younger generations, and others in our society. Don't just leave them to figure it out for themselves. Let's be a bit more inclusive and auspicious. What use it knowledge if we keep it to ourselves.
This is a solid production though, another strike from HMT, well worth a visit! Hyped for Aspect of Love next.
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Post by danb on Apr 11, 2018 18:01:03 GMT
Can't wait to see this at the end of the month, is anyone watching the new musical US series 'Rise' as this show/score is featured weekly No, where can it be found? |
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Post by spendleb on Apr 12, 2018 7:39:26 GMT
Can't wait to see this at the end of the month, is anyone watching the new musical US series 'Rise' as this show/score is featured weekly No, where can it be found? At the moment online, not sure if the UK has picked it up yet, it's like a darker, more serious Glee but the songs are all on stage and not MT style, enjoying it so far (it's based on a book and true story) |
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Post by pajonk on Apr 18, 2018 18:10:49 GMT
I'm so excited to see this on Saturday! Sadly, Ryanair cancelled my flight, and now I have to catch a flight to MAN from another airport which is 200 miles away.  I hope it will be worth the effort! One (silly) question. I stupidly forgot to check football schedule before booking a trip. Not suprisingly, there is a match I would normally love to see (Barcelona vs. Sevilla - Copa del Rey Final). Does anyone know if there is a pub near the theatre, where It will be possible to see it? I know that Spanish football interest virtually nobody in the UK, so the chances are pretty slim, but hey - it's always worth to ask.  |
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Post by firefingers on Apr 18, 2018 23:25:56 GMT
Made a trip up to Manchester to see this and it didn't disappoint. I'd never seen a production of Spring Awakening before but had several friends rave about it, and really glad I have finally caught it. Great cast with some excellent choreo and lighting, and a great set which all felt far more upmarket than the... er... run down surroundings of the area around theatre. Totally f***ed was a stand out moment for me. Would slip perfectly into Southwark Playhouse if the rights are available for London.
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Apr 19, 2018 5:57:19 GMT
I'm so excited to see this on Saturday! Sadly, Ryanair cancelled my flight, and now I have to catch a flight to MAN from another airport which is 200 miles away. I hope it will be worth the effort! One (silly) question. I stupidly forgot to check football schedule before booking a trip. Not suprisingly, there is a match I would normally love to see (Barcelona vs. Sevilla - Copa del Rey Final). Does anyone know if there is a pub near the theatre, where It will be possible to see it? I know that Spanish football interest virtually nobody in the UK, so the chances are pretty slim, but hey - it's always worth to ask. Have a look here www.manchesterbars.com/mobile/sports.htmGeographically the one called Second City is closest to the theatre but I’ve never been and can’t vouch for it. |
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Post by pajonk on Apr 19, 2018 15:26:00 GMT
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Apr 24, 2018 6:10:34 GMT
Did you make it to Manchester pajonk and if so what did you think of the show? and did you manage to see the footy!? |
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Post by spendleb on Apr 29, 2018 17:37:31 GMT
Wow just wow, slightly lost for words, what a performance, pitch perfect, high energy and so emotional, everything I wanted it to be and more! The acting, lighting, staging were top notch and the angry jarring choreography a sight to behold, can't recommend this enough. Also agree with BurlyBear the Song of Purple Summer was the best version I've heard.
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Post by talkstageytome on Apr 29, 2018 17:46:40 GMT
YES! I saw this yesterday afternoon after being SO sure that I wasn't going to be able to make it up there in time. Firstly, I am in LOVE with the Hope Mill Theatre. Such an atmospheric venue and so perfect for Spring Awakening! Spring Awakening was one of the first musicals I ever really got into (it was around the time I saw the first season of Glee. The Jonathan Groff effect, I'm sure you understand! ) and although I've seen it live in a couple of iterations since, this is definitely my favourite. The gorgeous lighting design really stood out to me, as well as the amazing band who made every number sound so fresh and wild. The cast was also fantastic. SO many profesional debuts - Spring Awakening really is an amazing musical to showcase young MT talent in. I was so impressed with the central trio, but thought the entire ensemble were brilliant. They bought such electric energy to the stage. As per usual, I've written a full review on my blog but basically, yeah, I loved it! What a shame it's closing this week! |
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Post by Jonnyboy on May 1, 2018 18:13:51 GMT
Wow just wow, slightly lost for words, what a performance, pitch perfect, high energy and so emotional, everything I wanted it to be and more! The acting, lighting, staging were top notch and the angry jarring choreography a sight to behold, can't recommend this enough. Also agree with BurlyBear the Song of Purple Summer was the best version I've heard. I was there too! Were you front row face on? I have a feeling I saw you! I wish I’d booked for an earlier performance so I would have time to go back again. Sadly, once will have to suffice. The staging, lighting and cast are phenomenal. I found the first half more compelling, dealing with the build-up. For some reason, the second half left me a little cold, maybe because so much happened so fast that I couldn’t emotionally connect. But that’s the fault of the musical and not the Hope Mill. Another huge hit, nevertheless. I love the soundtrack too, having never heard it beforehand. Currently listening to the German version on Spotify. Is there no English version available on Spotify? I might have to buy the CD instead... Oh and I took advantage of the programme and mug deal  |
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Post by BurlyBeaR on May 1, 2018 19:29:21 GMT
This must have a good chance of a transfer surely?
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Post by Jonnyboy on May 1, 2018 20:27:32 GMT
This must have a good chance of a transfer surely? I would have thought so! Hope Mill is one of the best things that’s happened to Manchester in years! |
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Post by spendleb on May 2, 2018 11:42:58 GMT
Wow just wow, slightly lost for words, what a performance, pitch perfect, high energy and so emotional, everything I wanted it to be and more! The acting, lighting, staging were top notch and the angry jarring choreography a sight to behold, can't recommend this enough. Also agree with BurlyBear the Song of Purple Summer was the best version I've heard. I was there too! Were you front row face on? I have a feeling I saw you! I wish I’d booked for an earlier performance so I would have time to go back again. Sadly, once will have to suffice. The staging, lighting and cast are phenomenal. I found the first half more compelling, dealing with the build-up. For some reason, the second half left me a little cold, maybe because so much happened so fast that I couldn’t emotionally connect. But that’s the fault of the musical and not the Hope Mill. Another huge hit, nevertheless. I love the soundtrack too, having never heard it beforehand. Currently listening to the German version on Spotify. Is there no English version available on Spotify? I might have to buy the CD instead... Oh and I took advantage of the programme and mug deal Yes that was us! I bought the soundtrack (the original Broadway Cast) years ago tbh, noticed it doesn't seem to be on any of the streaming places now, I did actually think a few of the songs were far superior in this version, more gritty but then hearing them in context probably helped? |
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Post by talkstageytome on May 3, 2018 18:44:41 GMT
Closing tonight. I'd definitely like to see this come down.
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Post by Deleted on May 3, 2018 20:04:04 GMT
Closing tonight. I'd definitely like to see this come down. Always thought it odd to close it on a Thursday, bit of a strange choice but must have some reasoning behind it though. |
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Post by BurlyBeaR on May 3, 2018 21:25:45 GMT
That really got into my brain after the first preview and I said I’d go back so thought I’d do closing night. Sat way up at the back this time. Some really gorgeous songs in this and the harmonies in Song Of Purple Summer were fantastic. Loved it. Totally deserves a transfer.
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Post by showtoones on May 3, 2018 21:42:00 GMT
Is there a theatre where this could transfer straight away?
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Post by BurlyBeaR on May 3, 2018 22:04:28 GMT
By coincidence Sheffield Uni are doing Spring Awakening until Saturday this week if you’re in the area www.sutco.org |
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I hope it will be worth the effort!
