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Post by Deleted on Oct 22, 2016 18:08:05 GMT
I adored this today - so much so that we've booked to see it again next month. The score is one of my faves, and the casting here is pure magic. Loved the bittersweet ending too, I'm praying this transfers. With this and Murder Ballad at 8:00 I'm truly spoiling myself with ex-Elphabas.
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Post by notmymuse on Oct 22, 2016 19:22:36 GMT
Overall, I loved this. The downsides first, I think Southwark spent the set budget on grey gardens as this one is a bit flimsy, and there's still some work to do on getting the cast used to their costumes, and some sound and lighting cues missed, but that's the point of previews I guess!
Apart from that (and bearing in mind they were a cast member down with only a short time to allow for it - and I doubt most people noticed), this is great. A really strong book, some lovely songs, mainly great performances especially from the leads. Really involving and well performed. Laura and Louise didn't seem to put a foot wrong and their performances are already very strong indeed.
I hope this does really well and is as popular as it deserves to be. Thanks all involved for a wonderful afternoon!
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Post by westendcub on Oct 22, 2016 23:41:01 GMT
Was at today's matinee, came into this totally fresh - not knowing the story or any of its score and boy I was impressed with this.
Shame that David Mascat was out due to injury on Friday night (he was great as 'Mr Braithwaite' in 'Billy Elliot'). They did a good job covering for him, I did notice in the ensemble pieces where he would be.
There was one or two mic issues but that aside this was solid for the 2nd preview.
Was great to see 'Made in Dagenham' alumni Chris Howell as 'Sir' and high praise to Dominic Hodson, Hayon Oakley and Jay Marsh all strong in the male leads.
I was floored by Louise Dearman and Laura Pitt-Pulford - both have such chemistry and work so well together and those voices are what makes theatre so exciting!! The extended clapping and atmosphere for 'I will never leave you' (the big 11 o'clock number) gave me goosebumps, it was electric and I think the cast were quite taken back how long the applause went on.
It needs some polish (hopefully speedy recovery for David) but Southwark are housing another string musical...I smell a hit!!!
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Post by Deleted on Oct 23, 2016 0:06:27 GMT
David Mascat pays the human pin cushion. Did they just leave that character name out as Sir is introducing the freaks?
How were the costumes? On Friday, one of the girls' costumes were held together by very noticable safety pins and their other costumes were out of place so you could their underwear and where they're sewn together, Jakes jacket was fitted with pins.
Please tell me they have improved the 'third leg'. Not great.... still thats what previews are about.
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Post by Mr Wallacio on Oct 23, 2016 7:46:21 GMT
David Mascat pays the human pin cushion. Did they just leave that character name out as Sir is introducing the freaks? How were the costumes? On Friday, one of the girls' costumes were held together by very noticable safety pins and their other costumes were out of place so you could their underwear and where they're sewn together, Jakes jacket was fitted with pins. Please tell me they have improved the 'third leg'. Not great.... still thats what previews are about. During the human pin cushion introduction, the lizard man took a pin and poked it through his costume, but that was the only reference to him as a character. Guess all other lines for him were covered by others so other than me thinking briefly that the lizard was also able to impale himself with pins I didn't notice anything wrong. So for someone like me going into the show 'blind' it was covered well. |
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Post by shady23 on Oct 23, 2016 8:35:20 GMT
I was also at the matinee yesterday and wouldn't have had a clue they were a cast member down if I hadn't read it on here.
Didn't know anything about the show beforehand but really enjoyed it. Very polished for a second preview.
Louise and Laura were wonderful as the two leads. The show stopper numbers, their chemistry together and the emotions shown in the story were a joy.
Christopher Howell was great as Sir, his costume very similar to his Guys and Dolls one (with an added moustache).
Supporting cast were great.
It was sung beautifully from start to finish.
Will definately book to see it again.
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Post by notmymuse on Oct 23, 2016 8:39:10 GMT
David Mascat pays the human pin cushion. Did they just leave that character name out as Sir is introducing the freaks? How were the costumes? On Friday, one of the girls' costumes were held together by very noticable safety pins and their other costumes were out of place so you could their underwear and where they're sewn together, Jakes jacket was fitted with pins. Please tell me they have improved the 'third leg'. Not great.... still thats what previews are about. Costumes were generally fine. No safety pins in sight. There was a short delay before act two started as something was sorted. No underwear to be seen. The third leg is fine as it's an "appendage", not a third leg - in real life it would be a growth with no ability to function so it's OK. It could still look less like a stuffed trouser leg but I've seen worse... There was a bit of confusion about a missing bow tie and if the lizard should have taken his lizard skin off at one point, but it's hard to know how much of this was to do with the missing cast member. Considering how early on they are, they coped so so well with that. Much respect for covering and going ahead with the preview. |
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Post by shady23 on Oct 23, 2016 8:48:26 GMT
I did spot a few safety pins and bits of bras but barely noticeable
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Post by Deleted on Oct 23, 2016 9:14:43 GMT
Well, this was dull. It wasn't the production's fault, it's just the show.
It was totally worth it for Louise and Laura, the pair of them are stunning and "I would Never Leave You" is beautifully sung and the orchestra (squished under the set) sound in fine form.
I just felt underwhelmed. Whenever the girls aren't onstage the show lags, and I can't recall any of the score!
However, I will say that the auditorium at the Southwark looks huge at the moment.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 23, 2016 9:19:26 GMT
I have to confess there were visible pins in their costume's "connection" from row B. But as it has been pointed out - this was only the second preview. I thought it curious that the tattooed girl was in a body stocking, yet the bearded lady was clearly covered in tats that had been dulled with makeup. I guess it's because of vocal ranges that they were cast this way round?
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Post by foxa on Oct 23, 2016 9:30:51 GMT
Looking forward to seeing this on Tuesday. Will keep my eyes peeled for safety pins and tats ;-)
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Post by bernadette on Oct 23, 2016 10:22:44 GMT
Genuinely glad people are enjoying this, but boy I thought this was dull. A so-so pedestrian production of what has to be the most plodding and simplistic script I've ever come across for a musical! And the subject has the potential to be so good.
There was barely any moment where a character was nuanced or singled out in an interesting way. All the characters spoke the most obvious thoughts in the most banal greetings card language. "What do you dream of?" "I dream of being like everybody else." Well, yeah, obviously! But nobody's thoughts are that simple. It felt like that, because there were two women, they could give each an opposing point of view on what they want from life and largely ignore the fact that everybody is more complicated than that.
These were cardboard cut outs. Where were the telling details that got you under the skin of these potentially fascinating characters? How come two conjoined twins who had been beaten and abused were so glossy and wholesome, as if they'd just stepped out of a Frank Capra movie? Where was the spit and the sawdust and the starlight? Even one glance at the titles in the song list told me we were in for a night of cliche - Feelings You've Got To Hide. Who Will Love Me As I Am? You can't tell me that you don't know exactly what those songs are going to say from the titles alone, and you can't tell me that it's not the most obvious thought the writer could have had. I'm amazed that any director or producer would see anything in this worth staging! But obviously people do - and people like it, and that's fair enough.
I just wanted to issue a word of warning - if you don't know the show and are expecting anything even vaguely as exploratory of outsiders as, say, Assassins (or, even, Phantom) then you may be sorely disappointed.
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Post by mallardo on Oct 23, 2016 11:53:08 GMT
I have not yet seen this production but I can understand people's reluctance to buy into a show which features conjoined twins singing I Will Never Leave You. I once felt that way myself. Then, one day, I was listening to the OBCR and a light went on and I found myself just going with it. And it turned out that what I had dismissed as pure kitsch was, in fact, anything but.
No one is claiming it's great art but it contains a core of emotional truth that, I think, the music totally captures and which really works. I am fully expecting that when I'm there in a couple of weeks and when Daisy and Violet go into I Will Never Leave You I will be frantically gulping down tears as I dissolve into a puddle of mush. And I'm so looking forward to it.
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Post by bernadette on Oct 23, 2016 12:16:42 GMT
I have not yet seen this production but I can understand people's reluctance to buy into a show which features conjoined twins singing I Will Never Leave You. I once felt that way myself. Then, one day, I was listening to the OBCR and a light went on and I found myself just going with it. And it turned out that what I had dismissed as pure kitsch was, in fact, anything but. No one is claiming it's great art but it contains a core of emotional truth that, I think, the music totally captures and which really works. I am fully expecting that when I'm there in a couple of weeks and when Daisy and Violet go into I Will Never Leave You I will be frantically gulping down tears as I dissolve into a puddle of mush. And I'm so looking forward to it. That's totally fair enough. I think the show definitely has an honesty - and a good heart - and for some people the direct emotional line is what gets to them. I know I have a tendency to love anything that approaches its subject obliquely or from an unexpected angle, so a script that is so straight on is never going to do it for me. I think the subject matter somehow led me to expect something more unusual. Hope you enjoy having a good cry!! |
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Post by phantom1986 on Oct 23, 2016 12:20:06 GMT
Have to agree with Bernadette on this one. What a horribly written show. Apart from a couple of standout belter songs the rest is a mess with little to no character development and one of the most ridiculous endings I've ever seen. How are we meant to feel sympathy with them when they make such horrible choices? It also takes so long to get going and the pedestrian staging doesn't help matters.
The two girls are of course brilliant - but it's almost comic when they shuffle on and off together. A shame as I had been looking forward to this but the book and score are in no way complex enough for what could and should have been a fascinating show.
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Post by littlesally on Oct 23, 2016 12:22:10 GMT
Saw the 2nd preview and was completely blown away. Apart from a few rough edges, the show truly impressive. I loved the story and the performances were universally impressive. The chemistry between LD and LPP is wonderful and their voices sublime! And Jay Marsh deserves special mention.
Have booked for closing night and will be trying to fit in another visit.
Word of warning - is is emotionally draining!! Much sobbing at the interval and after the show.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 23, 2016 12:36:56 GMT
Saw the 2nd preview and was completely blown away. Apart from a few rough edges, the show truly impressive. I loved the story and the performances were universally impressive. The chemistry between LD and LPP is wonderful and their voices sublime! And Jay Marsh deserves special mention. Have booked for closing night and will be trying to fit in another visit. Word of warning - is is emotionally draining!! Much sobbing at the interval and after the show. Really interesting you felt that. One of the joys of theatre is the way it touches people in different ways! |
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Post by littlesally on Oct 23, 2016 12:49:05 GMT
Saw the 2nd preview and was completely blown away. Apart from a few rough edges, the show truly impressive. I loved the story and the performances were universally impressive. The chemistry between LD and LPP is wonderful and their voices sublime! And Jay Marsh deserves special mention. Have booked for closing night and will be trying to fit in another visit. Word of warning - is is emotionally draining!! Much sobbing at the interval and after the show. Really interesting you felt that. One of the joys of theatre is the way it touches people in different ways! It's quite bizarre, isn't it? There are a few shows that are so loved by so many yet I just don't get them. And others that really switch on the fanatic in me but which generate real hatred from others. Horses for courses though.. and long may it be so. The world would be a boring place if we all loved and hated the same things. |
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Post by dazzerlump on Oct 23, 2016 16:06:30 GMT
I'm seeing the show next week and having not heard the newest cast recording, will I notice a massive difference? looking at the song list for the new recording it seems quote a few songs, such as We share Everything and leave me alone are missing.. The question is, Do the songs which replace them work?
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Post by mrbarnaby on Oct 23, 2016 16:06:59 GMT
I LOVEEE the original Broadway cast recording and I couldn't imagine how on earth a show with a score that good, and performances so vocally sensational as Alice Ripley and Emily Skinner could have flopped. Until I saw the recent Broadway revival. What a stinker this show is (score aside). The book was truly dreadful- and that was supposed to be the improved version.
I'm intrigued to see how it plays in a small theatre- I suspect the intimacy may make you care more about the sisters- I certainly didn't In NYC.
I am assuming Dearman sounds particularly wonderful- her voice is perfect for these songs,
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Post by mrbarnaby on Oct 23, 2016 16:07:50 GMT
They didn't work at all in New York. I'm seeing the show next week and having not heard the newest cast recording, will I notice a massive difference? looking at the song list for the new recording it seems quote a few songs, such as We share Everything and leave me alone are missing.. The question is, Do the songs which replace them work? |
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Post by 49thand8th on Oct 23, 2016 17:24:35 GMT
They worked for me, and while I was a huge fan of the original production, I didn't miss the old songs. I saw the Side Show revival twice and only once did I even remember during the show that Tunnel of Love had gotten replaced.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 23, 2016 18:44:23 GMT
I'm seeing the show next week and having not heard the newest cast recording, will I notice a massive difference? looking at the song list for the new recording it seems quote a few songs, such as We share Everything and leave me alone are missing.. The question is, Do the songs which replace them work? Leave Me Alone is still in, and the only other songs replaced are the Vaudeville numbers and Tunnel of Love though the tune is still used to different lyrics. |
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Post by Deleted on Oct 24, 2016 5:40:10 GMT
Looking at the photos of the set from audience members on Instagram, the set looks great! And makes the stage look a lot bigger than it usually is.
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Post by kelly52 on Oct 24, 2016 6:11:11 GMT
Sad to report that I felt this was a missed opportunity. Despite 3 very good lead performances it just didn't connect and I feel was badly let down by some pretty uninspired direction. I saw it on Broadway and thought it was a noble failure but could be much more interesting in an intimate setting. Unfortunately this production just comes across a bit cheap (fair enough) and not executed (from a production standpoint) with the amount of creativity and ingenuity that Southwark has built a reputation for. I also felt some of the secondary performances were hindered by comically bad costuming (it looked like they'd raided a joke shop) and again a lack of strong direction for those actors who perhaps aren't as experienced. Characterisation was non-existent or non-commital in many cases.
It was never chilling or (just my feelings) emotional. A big part of this is also the fault of a pretty dreadful book, and quite a few cringe worthy lyrics which were made more apparent, again, by poor direction and production values.
On a positive note, the twins are brilliant and have the voices of angels. Strangely I didn't get the gut punch from their two big numbers that I did on Broadway, it all seemed a bit tentative and again the little quirk of having them pull apart in the final song in the Broadway version had a visceral impact that this version lacked - a simple little piece of staging that was inspired in that production. No inspiration here unfortunately.
All in all, a frustrating experience let down by a lack of a production teams creative vision in my opinion.
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