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Post by stagey on Aug 27, 2019 9:07:30 GMT
I saw the Saturday matinee and have to say it was utterly mediocre. A totally formulaic bio-musical with nothing particularly notable about it other than the music. Most of the plot points and staging were rather predictable. Now I have no problem with this, in fact I suspect that 90% of people booking to see this are doing it for the music and couldn't care less about the plot. However, with Tina playing just across the West End it really does highlight that Gloria had it pretty easy - the attempts at injecting dramatic tension into this musical are laughable compared to the genuine hardships that Tina faced. Anyway, enough criticism. The cast are good but for the most part nothing particularly special - Christie Prades has a lovely voice and acted the part well, but she clearly doesn't have as powerful a voice as Gloria and backed away from the really big notes, with ensemble backing singers to cover her. I'd be intruiged to hear Philippa Stefani sing the role as I'm sure she has those notes in her. George Ioannides was so gorgeous that I almost didn't care about any other aspect of his performance. His acting was good and his voice was too aside from a few wobbles and a tendency to drift flat. The stars of the show for me were Madalena Alberto and Karen Mann as the mother and grandmother respectively - both fully convinced in their roles and Madalena's voice and moves are still up there with the best of the West End. I have to agree completely. I also saw this the other week and felt it was so mediocre. Plot is very think and the book is poorly written in my opinion. The cast, especially the ensemble, do an outstanding job in the dance numbers. I too compared it to Tina, and it’s no where near on par. Tina is how a jukebox musical on an artist’s life is done and this just didn’t feel as good. I’m glad I saw it however. |
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Post by musicalmarge on Aug 27, 2019 9:22:26 GMT
The problem with The Cher Show, Beautiful and On Your Feet - is that they all have stories that don’t really go far. They are young talent, find fame, a tiny twist then the end. They are all good shows but none of them are super complex or thrilling even with the odd car crash, death or divorce etc. Perhaps they should have all gone the Mamma Mia route and had an original storyline - THAT is the success of Mamma Mia. imagine the story of Abba’s rise to fame?
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Post by HereForTheatre on Aug 27, 2019 9:22:50 GMT
I've not seen Tina so i can't compare and maybe it is just the genre, being a biographical jukebox, but it felt every so slightly too self indulgent to me. I expected it to be somewhat that way, but it felt like it was constantly about how amazing and adored and loved and god like she is. I'm sure that's amazing for mega fans of here and is in line with what they feel and want to see, and it's directed at that, but as someone less familiar, it felt a bit too much. It could have been a bit mote subtle. But i still enjoyed the show.
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Post by stevej678 on Aug 30, 2019 18:41:22 GMT
Returning to London next summer apparently. Venue to be announced.
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Post by LaLuPone on Aug 30, 2019 18:46:04 GMT
It seems to have sold pretty poorly, I don’t get why they think another London run is a good idea after a UK Tour and even a run in Wimbledon. I guess they’ll probably be picking a smaller venue than the Coliseum this time though!
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Post by robertb213 on Aug 30, 2019 20:49:35 GMT
I am equally confused by it planning to have another go next year. There were deals literally everywhere this year.
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Post by Jon on Aug 30, 2019 20:58:09 GMT
I suspect they’re fishing for offers from theatre owners and also saving face
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Post by Deleted on Aug 30, 2019 21:14:12 GMT
Tickets 40% off in Birmingham this week travel zoo offer Thanks might look into this. |
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Post by mammabat on Aug 31, 2019 22:48:31 GMT
Just got back from the closing night of the show. Third time of seeing and first time seeing lead Gloria. I have to say I enjoy this show more every time. I think the first time you see it you get a bit overwhelmed by the big songs and fast pace of some of the scenes. However in this show is some of the most beautiful ballads I have heard. These I presume have been written for the show and they are sung beautifully by different cast members.
This show is definitely one that needs to be given a second chance. Some people are comparing it to Cher and Tina and saying it doesn’t have such an interesting storyline. I personally don’t think it should be criticised for this. Let’s just accept it for what it essentially is, a beautiful love story.
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Post by xanady on Sept 3, 2019 21:53:11 GMT
At opening night of tour in Brum - felt like a different show than in London.The Coliseum was the wrong choice of venue.Great atmosphere tonight.Band sounded amazing.Philipa Stefani in the lead smashed it.Dancing felt tighter.Cast seemed to be loving it.Just a brilliant night and in the debate with Tina-The Musical,this edges it for entertainment value imo.
Cheapo tickets on Travel Zoo too!
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Post by Deleted on Sept 22, 2019 19:38:50 GMT
I've been sent a discount code for Edinburgh which is £20 tickets at Tuesday to Thursday performances, which can be unlocked by using the code CONGA on the Capital Theatres website.
Unsure if this will work at other venues.
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Nov 1, 2019 23:24:08 GMT
Well THAT was cheesy!
Me likey!
🧸🧸🧸🧸
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Post by david on Feb 18, 2020 0:43:23 GMT
The rhythm certainly got me at tonight’s performance in Liverpool. Having seen and loved the original production on Broadway about 5 years ago, I was hoping to recapture that feeling with the UK production. This production certainly achieved that aim. The cast were just fantastic. Philippa Stefani was supberb as Gloria and with George Ioannides as Emilio made a winning combination as the leads. Madalena Alberto and Karen Mann as the mother and grandmother respectively were just a joy to watch. In Act 1 when GI is on stage in his white shorts, It was certainly appreciated by the female patrons.
The back catalogue of songs were sung brilliantly by the cast and the on stage band spot on. The choreography was slick with some great dancing on display.
I was certainly on my feet (along with everyone else I must add) at the end dancing away in the finale megamix. A great night out (despite the book not being particularly dramatic). Comparing the NY and UK viewings, certainly I was more engaged with tonight’s performance. I think that bring closer to the stage helps as you can get caught up in the atmosphere of the proceedings that I felt I didn’t have being sat at the back of the mezzanine section in NY.
Another show with no bad behaviour noted, though one particular highlight from tonight’s performance was when the band and cast had left the stage and we were all leaving the auditorium, one guy (it wasn’t me by the way) decided to start singing the opening lines from Rhythm Is Gonna Get You. All of us remaining started to join in this impromptu sing along. It certainly was a first. The FOH staff certainly seemed to enjoy the free entertainment.
Very positive comments about the production from people sat around me at the end. A 4⭐️ production.
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Post by TallPaul on Feb 18, 2020 9:57:53 GMT
Very pleased to read you did 'get on your feet', david. 😉 With a bit more notice, Tall & Burly Theatrical Costumiers could have provided you with an outfit appropriate to the era, many personally owned by one of the proprietors. 🙂 |
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Post by david on Feb 18, 2020 13:16:15 GMT
Very pleased to read you did 'get on your feet', david . 😉 With a bit more notice, Tall & Burly Theatrical Costumiers could have provided you with an outfit appropriate to the era, many personally owned by one of the proprietors. 🙂 I’ll arrange a fitting for Zorro at Hope Mill. Nothing too flashy though. |
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Post by TallPaul on Feb 18, 2020 13:23:22 GMT
Very pleased to read you did 'get on your feet', david . 😉 With a bit more notice, Tall & Burly Theatrical Costumiers could have provided you with an outfit appropriate to the era, many personally owned by one of the proprietors. 🙂 I’ll arrange a fitting for Zorro at Hope Mill. Nothing too flashy though. In that case, I'm not sure we can help. Tall & Burly specialize in 'flashy'! |
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Post by FrontroverPaul on Feb 26, 2020 1:13:49 GMT
Just as last week with Cabaret , New Wimbledon Theatre only put the front three rows of the stalls (AA-CC) on sale on opening night.
Currently just £13 for all remaining performances. Last week the offer was pulled on Thursday or Friday but a good deal while it lasts.
At the moment I'll be the only person in the front row for the Thursday matinee with nobody in rows BB or CC .
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Post by bengal73 on Feb 26, 2020 1:55:06 GMT
Just as last week with Cabaret , New Wimbledon Theatre only put the front three rows of the stalls (AA-CC) on sale on opening night. Currently just £13 for all remaining performances. Last week the offer was pulled on Thursday or Friday but a good deal while it lasts. At the moment I'll be the only person in the front row for the Thursday matinee with nobody in rows BB or CC . Seriously. Just 3 rows on sale in the whole theatre |
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Post by FrontroverPaul on Feb 26, 2020 2:28:13 GMT
Just as last week with Cabaret , New Wimbledon Theatre only put the front three rows of the stalls (AA-CC) on sale on opening night. Currently just £13 for all remaining performances. Last week the offer was pulled on Thursday or Friday but a good deal while it lasts. At the moment I'll be the only person in the front row for the Thursday matinee with nobody in rows BB or CC . Seriously. Just 3 rows on sale in the whole theatre Several times in the last few years I've booked a front row stalls seat at Wimbledon only to be informed a few days before the performance that I've been moved due to staging requirements. Usually I get a free drink to make up and of course pick the most expensive cocktail ! They now often seem to hold back the front three rows in the stalls until day one of the show, presumably to avoid having to move people. So instead of row A being the front, it becomes the fourth, behind AA, BB and CC, and the "new" front three rows are sold at least initially as price promise £13 seats. |
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Post by bengal73 on Feb 26, 2020 8:59:34 GMT
Ah I see. Was tired and didn't read it properly it's frustrating that theatres do that
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Post by FrontroverPaul on Feb 27, 2020 11:10:30 GMT
Just as last week with Cabaret , New Wimbledon Theatre only put the front three rows of the stalls (AA-CC) on sale on opening night. Currently just £13 for all remaining performances. Last week the offer was pulled on Thursday or Friday but a good deal while it lasts. At the moment I'll be the only person in the front row for the Thursday matinee with nobody in rows BB or CC . Just leaving for Wimbledon and they've now sold the seat next to mine in the front row and one in third row CC but still none in the second row leaving 39 out of 42 unoccupied ! |
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Post by FrontroverPaul on Feb 28, 2020 0:21:27 GMT
Just as last week with Cabaret , New Wimbledon Theatre only put the front three rows of the stalls (AA-CC) on sale on opening night. Currently just £13 for all remaining performances. Last week the offer was pulled on Thursday or Friday but a good deal while it lasts. At the moment I'll be the only person in the front row for the Thursday matinee with nobody in rows BB or CC . Just leaving for Wimbledon and they've now sold the seat next to mine in the front row and one in third row CC but still none in the second row leaving 39 out of 42 unoccupied ! People moved forward to the front three rows from further back. One group of three or four people, who moved to the second row, knew the person who had booked the front row seat next to mine for £13 and I know he told them what he had paid but they didn't seem too bothered from what I overheard. Great show to see from really close up. |
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Post by impossibleprincess73 on Mar 5, 2020 0:23:07 GMT
I saw this in a half empty theatre in Glasgow tonight. Having seen the OBC on Broadway (and loving it) I was excited to see it again. However I was so disappointed in whoever was playing Gloria (cast change announced by a mumbler so no clue who it was), but she was about 6 ft tall, had no trace of a Cuban accent, and her ability to dance left a lot to be desired. The rest of the cast were fantastic and I still loved the songs, but I just couldn't see past the lead. Also, I'm almost positive that they've changed parts of the book from Broadway. There was the a whole section in the hospital where she was depressed and blamed Emilio and banned him from seeing her.....where did that story arc go?
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Post by jojo on Mar 14, 2020 15:22:45 GMT
I also saw this in Glasgow last week, but on the 3rd. The theatre wasn't full, but it felt full enough for a large venue, and it seemed to go down well with everyone.
I enjoyed it, and had the original Gloria who was excellent. We had a substitute gran, who was excellent, but it was a young woman dressed up as an old women who is played for laughs, so had a vibe of panto about it. I loved the music, but the young women sitting by me who are far too young to remember it from the first time around were really into the dancing.
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