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Post by Deleted on Feb 23, 2019 19:33:52 GMT
You all had me worried but I LOVED this. I thought David Hunter was adorable, and although Jack Mcbrayer isn't a great singer, I love him in 30 Rock and he was the same in this. My pie did not disappoint either, although probably didn't justify £6. This is what I love about this board. Theatre is so subjective and we all take different things from shows. Some of us love certain shows, others don't love it as much but we all get to voice our opinion. |
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Post by itsemily on Feb 23, 2019 22:47:56 GMT
I was also at the matinee today! Enjoyed this so much more than I was expecting! Karen Cartwright😉 was great,She Used To Be Mine a particular stand out for me! Loved Marisha Wallace fantastic voice and so so funny!Jack McBrayer was exactly the same as he is in 30 Rock,which I love him in,so I was happy! Waitress is a very funny show! Well behaved and enthusiastic audience. Got myself an Apple pie which I found fairly disgusting (topping too stodgy,apple too slimy),forced myself to eat it as I don't like to waste food,did love the little jar though!
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Post by eliza on Feb 23, 2019 23:57:19 GMT
I was also at the matinee today! Enjoyed this so much more than I was expecting! Karen Cartwright😉 was great,She Used To Be Mine a particular stand out for me! Loved Marisha Wallace fantastic voice and so so funny!Jack McBrayer was exactly the same as he is in 30 Rock,which I love him in,so I was happy! Waitress is a very funny show! Well behaved and enthusiastic audience. Got myself an Apple pie which I found fairly disgusting (topping too stodgy,apple too slimy),forced myself to eat it as I don't like to waste food,did love the little jar though! Ah you should have had Salted Caramel, I agree with KatyKate, it was great. You all had me worried but I LOVED this. I thought David Hunter was adorable, and although Jack Mcbrayer isn't a great singer, I love him in 30 Rock and he was the same in this. My pie did not disappoint either, although probably didn't justify £6. This is what I love about this board. Theatre is so subjective and we all take different things from shows. Some of us love certain shows, others don't love it as much but we all get to voice our opinion. Oh definitely! Glad we can have discussions about shows. Wouldn't want anyone to feel they can't express a negative opinion. |
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Post by shady23 on Feb 24, 2019 4:27:02 GMT
I saw the show last night and while I am glad I saw it, I wouldn't see it again unless someone I loved was cast in it.
Katharine has a great voice.
Marisha was fantastic and David Hunter was great.
While I found the second act better than the first I have to admit I was a little bored and if I hear talk of pie again anytime soon it will be too soon!
There's nothing particularly wrong with it, it's just not for me.
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Post by katykate on Feb 24, 2019 7:15:22 GMT
Husband had the bannoffi which was also quite nice. They are tiny for 6 quid but the jar is a nice momento.
At the end of the day the show is a bit of fun not to be taken too seriously. Everyone has different tastes which makes the world an interesting place. I just love a couple of hours out of reality. Oh I also thought KMPs acting was fine and felt she had chemistry with all the characters. Dr P was adorable too.
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Post by waybeyondblue on Feb 24, 2019 7:25:22 GMT
‘KMP’s” please. Let’s not forget how many here get possessive.
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Post by katykate on Feb 24, 2019 7:47:14 GMT
‘KMP’s” please. Let’s not forget how many here get possessive. Oh god how embarrasing.... |
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Post by shady23 on Feb 24, 2019 7:49:47 GMT
I wish I had seen this at the matinee and then Come From Away in the evening.
I think I'd have enjoyed it more.
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Post by shady23 on Feb 24, 2019 8:28:18 GMT
KMP is on Sunday Brunch today 9.30am on Channel Four.
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Feb 24, 2019 9:03:32 GMT
Let me guess.... making pie?
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Post by taboolie on Feb 24, 2019 10:39:30 GMT
Sorry if this has all ready been asked but does anyone know if KMP is schrduled to perform Mon to Wed evenings and Wed matinee. I really don't want to get up 6am and then queue for 3 hours for dayseats to then miss her (I was a fan of Smash). Huge theatrical hugs to anyone who can help ; D
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Post by LaLuPone on Feb 24, 2019 10:45:45 GMT
Sorry if this has all ready been asked but does anyone know if KMP is schrduled to perform Mon to Wed evenings and Wed matinee. I really don't want to get up 6am and then queue for 3 hours for dayseats to then miss her (I was a fan of Smash). Huge theatrical hugs to anyone who can help ; D Yes Kat is scheduled to do all 8 shows (but she’s only here for 3 months). |
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Post by taboolie on Feb 24, 2019 10:50:08 GMT
Sorry if this has all ready been asked but does anyone know if KMP is schrduled to perform Mon to Wed evenings and Wed matinee. I really don't want to get up 6am and then queue for 3 hours for dayseats to then miss her (I was a fan of Smash). Huge theatrical hugs to anyone who can help ; D Yes Kat is scheduled to do all 8 shows (but she’s only here for 3 months).Many thanks. Hug, hug. |
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Post by AddisonMizner on Feb 24, 2019 10:53:53 GMT
Has her official leaving date been published? I am going at the beginning of May, and would quite like to see her in the role.
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Post by LaLuPone on Feb 24, 2019 11:05:37 GMT
Has her official leaving date been published? I am going at the beginning of May, and would quite like to see her in the role. They haven't given an official date but I thought that it would probably be the 25th of May, end of the first booking period. I'd have thought you'd be safe at the beginning of May though because that's still just shy of 3 months. |
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Post by showoff on Feb 24, 2019 11:23:03 GMT
A heads up, Katherine is on Sunday Brunch now,and then again later on channel 4.
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Post by anthem on Feb 24, 2019 14:35:04 GMT
I saw the matinée performance of this yesterday and really enjoyed it. It’s really charming, fun and life affirming. Katherine McPhee made a perfect Jenna; her voice is superb and I didn’t see any problem with her acting. Her chemistry with David Hunter’s character was believable and sweet.
I enjoyed Marisha Wallace and Laura Baldwin’s performances; Marisha’s solo in the 2nd half was superb. A few of the jokes fell flat and I just didn’t like one or two others, but there were quite a few funny moments overall. I agree that Ogie’s voice was weak but Jack played the character really well overall.
Personally I think the earlier criticisms re plot points are a bit of a reach- I didn’t think the issue of domestic abuse was dealt with inappropriately at all and the scene was set for these things- in no way was it meant to be funny and the audience reaction was appropriate and fitting. Lots of shows have darker moments within a show which is otherwise upbeat. The treatment of the issue wasn’t flippant in my view.
As for the ‘stalker’, I honestly thought the criticism was a bit silly/unnecessary after seeing the show and the interactions between the characters. There are bigger plot issues in other shows which got a free pass on the forum so I’m not sure why this was singled out. I can appreciate that stalking is not funny or fun but I don’t think anyone could honestly say that the character was menacing in any real way, particularly considering how the relationship develops. He was an object of fun rather than a threat.
The audience reaction was effusive (immediate standing ovation once the bows started) and I can see it benefiting from positive word of mouth, albeit maybe not on this board. It’s a fun, sweet, mostly light hearted, uplifting show which is well acted and staged and the score is catchy and upbeat. I think the comparisons with Come From Away are a bit pointless but seeing as that’s whats been done in this thread, I would book to see this again before I’d book for CFA (saw it in Dublin before it transferred) mostly because I found the score more memorable and I will revisit it on Spotify. The material isn’t as ‘worthy’ but I enjoyed this more.
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Post by juicy_but_terribly_drab on Feb 24, 2019 17:04:22 GMT
As for the ‘stalker’, I honestly thought the criticism was a bit silly/unnecessary after seeing the show and the interactions between the characters. There are bigger plot issues in other shows which got a free pass on the forum so I’m not sure why this was singled out. I can appreciate that stalking is not funny or fun but I don’t think anyone could honestly say that the character was menacing in any real way, particularly considering how the relationship develops. He was an object of fun rather than a threat. Obviously people take issue with the stalker aspect of that plot but my issue is moreso with the cliche that when women say no they don't actually mean it and you should keep trying. As I've said before in the context of the show and its characters it isn't too offensive but that doesn't mean that it doesn't perpetuate that stereotype outside of the show. |
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Post by MrsCondomine on Feb 25, 2019 9:11:09 GMT
I had some qualms with this one...
Katharine McPhee - I spent most of the first half wondering why she wasn't moving her face. CAN she move her face? Because she sure as hell did not move a muscle in that face. A beautiful voice was coming out of her mouth but she was like an automaton.
There is a really disgusting line given to the old man Joe that made me lose ALL sympathy for him - no spoilers but it's when he talks about his summer fling. Just an awful bit of misogyny.
The girl playing Dawn hit at least one bum note in When He Sees Me. She was weirdly nasal too. Kimiko Glen did it much much better.
The pies are groooooss and I think I have diabetes.
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Post by squidward on Feb 25, 2019 11:09:09 GMT
I had some qualms with this one... Katharine McPhee - I spent most of the first half wondering why she wasn't moving her face. CAN she move her face? Because she sure as hell did not move a muscle in that face. A beautiful voice was coming out of her mouth but she was like an automaton. There is a really disgusting line given to the old man Joe that made me lose ALL sympathy for him - no spoilers but it's when he talks about his summer fling. Just an awful bit of misogyny. The girl playing Dawn hit at least one bum note in When He Sees Me. She was weirdly nasal too. Kimiko Glen did it much much better. The pies are groooooss and I think I have diabetes. I was also alarmed by KMcP’s facial immobility. It certainly didn’t help on the acting front. I suspect overdoing it with Botox or fillers is the cause, but find it difficult to work out why she’d feel the need to do that to herself. Bizarre. |
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Post by MrsCondomine on Feb 25, 2019 11:14:02 GMT
I had some qualms with this one... Katharine McPhee - I spent most of the first half wondering why she wasn't moving her face. CAN she move her face? Because she sure as hell did not move a muscle in that face. A beautiful voice was coming out of her mouth but she was like an automaton. There is a really disgusting line given to the old man Joe that made me lose ALL sympathy for him - no spoilers but it's when he talks about his summer fling. Just an awful bit of misogyny. The girl playing Dawn hit at least one bum note in When He Sees Me. She was weirdly nasal too. Kimiko Glen did it much much better. The pies are groooooss and I think I have diabetes. I was also alarmed by KMcP’s facial immobility. It certainly didn’t help on the acting front. I suspect overdoing it with Botox or fillers is the cause, but find it difficult to work out why she’d feel the need to do that to herself. Bizarre. I did wonder if it was Botox-related! We were sat at the front and it was weird to see. I was like "... okay when are you going to stop treating this like a concert and start acting?" She's clearly never had children either, that birth scene showed she was in about as much pain as you would be from a fart. |
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Post by Deleted on Feb 25, 2019 11:28:27 GMT
Can I politely suggest that maybe saying someone 'clearly hasn't had children' isn't the best way to comment on her performance? I'm not saying KMP did the most realistic labour scene (but then again it's practically set to song so not that easy). But as women we all get enough judgment about whether we do or don't have sproglets so maybe that's not the nicest way to phrase it?
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Post by MrsCondomine on Feb 25, 2019 11:34:12 GMT
Can I politely suggest that maybe saying someone 'clearly hasn't had children' isn't the best way to comment on her performance? I'm not saying KMP did the most realistic labour scene (but then again it's practically set to song so not that easy). But as women we all get enough judgment about whether we do or don't have sproglets so maybe that's not the nicest way to phrase it? You're right, I should have phrased it differently - I was too flippant and I apologise. I should have said that the parts where she could have acted it (when the second Dr Pomatter enters, for instance), it was like she was going through the motions, almost like she was bored and had done the play way too many times. I don't mean she has to be screaming melodramatically but I think I saw one light wince and that was it. She's not great at getting the high stakes across for much of the musical, come to think of it. |
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Post by Deleted on Feb 25, 2019 11:48:22 GMT
Can I politely suggest that maybe saying someone 'clearly hasn't had children' isn't the best way to comment on her performance? I'm not saying KMP did the most realistic labour scene (but then again it's practically set to song so not that easy). But as women we all get enough judgment about whether we do or don't have sproglets so maybe that's not the nicest way to phrase it? You're right, I should have phrased it differently - I was too flippant and I apologise. I should have said that the parts where she could have acted it (when the second Dr Pomatter enters, for instance), it was like she was going through the motions, almost like she was bored and had done the play way too many times. I don't mean she has to be screaming melodramatically but I think I saw one light wince and that was it. She's not great at getting the high stakes across for much of the musical, come to think of it. Thank you- and I didn't think you were deliberately being dismissive, or horrible about it- clearly a phrasing thing. I mean it's not the most dramatically acted moment- can't comment if others have given it a bit more, erm effort?! (also to address the above, it does seem she's had a bit of something in the face department, and each to their own but I do always feel a bit sad when actors lose their ability to well express as clearly...) |
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Post by geeky101 on Feb 25, 2019 12:06:17 GMT
I, along with quite a few people on here it seems, saw the Saturday matinee and am in agreement with most of you there.
Katharine's voice is amazing. Like, knock your socks off amazing. But I too had serious issues with her acting and lack of facial expression or, at some points, emotional connection. In some ways, it's unfair to compare, but I saw Nicolette Robinson on Broadway (who I think is the only real-life mother to play Jenna so far); she carried herself with the bump so effectively in Act 2 - and was able to deliver certain, punchy lines almost hyper-realistically - which proved much more effective... it made for an even more gut-wrenching SUTBM and hospital scene thereafter. I also thought Katharine was perhaps going through the motions at the end with both Lulu doll and real-life Lulu, which was a shame. But sure, I could listen to her sing all day, every day.
David Hunter is a great Pomatter - both him and KMP had decent chemistry, while their voices blend really well. He nailed the physical comedy stuff while appearing appropriately sincere when needed, and was wonderfully (endearingly) goofy when necessary. Maybe a couple of accent slips on occasion, but that's being picky.
Marisha Wallace absolutely nailed I Didn't Plan It, but I didn't particularly warm to her Becky overall. She went all in on some lines with volume and theatrics, but they didn't quite fall how intended, while she threw some others away without any nuance or potential for comedy. There's still time for that to come, I guess. Laura Baldwin was a terrific Dawn with a very cute side and a surprisingly piercing, powerful voice at times. And I must say, the three waitresses have nailed their sound already; Soft Place To Land and all their sung/harmonised lines were beautiful.
Peter Hannah was okay as Earl. He did angry/scary very well but it wasn't his best day vocally. The less said about Jack McBrayer's voice the better too - however, he's a fantastic physical actor and brilliantly energetic, so props to him for that. At times, I belly-laughed. Couldn't find fault with Stephen Leask's Cal or Shaun Prendergast's Joe (apart from that dodgy line mentioned by MrsCondomine above, which isn't his fault) either, both of whom were excellent.
Overall, it's a very enjoyable show which is simply but extremely cleverly executed with the use of a hard-working (but largely silent!) ensemble and good lighting. The band are just fantastic, so well done to Katharine Woolley et al. There's something about the score which never fails to get me. And, even on a second viewing and after having read this thread, at no point did I feel uncomfortable with any element of the storyline.
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