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Post by TallPaul on Aug 1, 2021 8:37:05 GMT
Bit cheeky of Sheridan to use Joseph to work on her accent for Cilla. She should do it in her own time!
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Post by fluxcapacitor on Aug 1, 2021 11:11:28 GMT
Perhaps the over-familiarity of the piece has brought out a "knowing" tendency in the director - i.e. we're all in on the joke.
I did find it strange the way dramatic plot developments are treated with such a light touch (even musically)
I think its more that the director doesnt have confidence in the piece itself and felt the need to add jokes and comedy where it wasnt needed. What it adds in comedy it loses in vocals and heart. Usually if a piece had lots of comedy and unnecessary moments added like this, I might agree with you - but I don't think that's the case here. This production was specifically worked around Sheridan Smith. As soon as she was announced as Narrator there were discussions on this forum about how much comedy they would be adding to the role to suit her style. So in this case I don't think it's a lack of confidence in the piece from a director. I think it simply comes from tailoring the piece to a specific performer, and they just decided to keep the same approach when they brought it back this year rather than re-work it again. I.e. They didn't sit down and go "I don't think this piece works as it's written. How can we add some more comedy to make it better?". They sat down and went "Sheridan Smith has been cast as the narrator. Before we even begin to talk about all the transposing we're going to need to do to make this work, is there anything we should tweak in the script and the role to make it work to her strengths?"  |
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Post by max on Aug 1, 2021 11:53:56 GMT
In the earliest days (the original album) the two pastiche songs were quite cleverly stitched in, with some motivation for being there musically. Potiphar's 1920s sound referencing a time when King Tut mania influenced Art Deco design (expressed in the stage/video version design); and Elvis the Memphis Tennessee King portrays the original Memphis Egypt King. In his podcast, Tim Rice said he didn't notice the two-Memphis connection, until he tried to stop a Broadway pharaoh improvising a 'non historical' line about it; and being embarrassed when the actor pointed it out to him.
But once Country and Western, French Chanson, and bad knock-off Calypso were added, there was no strong motivation - other than the first two pastiches had opened an avenue for a blatant variety show of styles, and a green flag to kitschy comedy which can be turned Hi to Low according to the director. Huge numbers of people love it! I'd also like to see a production where the magic of the core story is celebrated and rein back the other elements a bit, or motivate them better.
With one lyric change 'Those Canaan Days' could orchestrate well with a Kletzmer feel (though even that is not going to be 'accurate' to music of the region of the Jewish tribe of Jacob and his sons). I've no doubt, by making it serious, I'd totally ruin it for most who are keen for the Apache dance that is admittedly OTT and very entertaining in the video version.
I wonder these days how many young audience members have a clue who Elvis is? I'd like to see an update to a sort of James Brown/Prince figure (for young audiences to also completely fail to recognise, lol).
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Post by max on Aug 1, 2021 13:07:57 GMT
I'd also like to see a production where the magic of the core story is celebrated and rein back the other elements a bit, or motivate them better. NEW: Does sound like current Narrators nod more to Story and hold back a bit on the comedy shtick. Can imagine this touring forever, and being a new tradition Summer visit yearly to London. I won't hex it for any individual, but the fame of this is enough surely not to need star names, but instead MAKE some? Would love to see 'next year's visit' having the kind of cast diversity and at least some links to heritage that many have asked for. Looking at the website for MENA ARTS UK there are some performers already doing good stuff in the West End right now who would be great for it, and so every reason to think there's lots more talent bubbling under and ready for their West End debut. |
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Post by distantcousin on Aug 1, 2021 16:40:19 GMT
How do Linzi and Alexandra compare? Not as in who’s better, cos that’s subjective, but the differences in their performances? I’m intrigued to see Alexandra, I do think she’s got an amazing voice. I’ve booked to see 2 more Linzi shows on Aug 28th and Sept 4th. I could perhaps squeeze another one in but it’d have to be Aug 30th cos of keeping train costs down, is that too much Joseph in too short a space of time? Is there such a thing? Lol Performances directed the same I’d say, and indeed same as SS last time. So it’s subjective taste which you prefer :-) Very minimal differences. Like they all do their “native” accents for the jailer. The Scouse side of the North West spectrum for SS. West Midlands for Linzi. London for Alexandra! But it’s all working off the same Narrator “blueprint” for this production. Thanks for clarifying. Confirms my suspicions. |
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336 posts
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Post by Roxie on Aug 1, 2021 20:21:00 GMT
Performances directed the same I’d say, and indeed same as SS last time. So it’s subjective taste which you prefer :-) Very minimal differences. Like they all do their “native” accents for the jailer. The Scouse side of the North West spectrum for SS. West Midlands for Linzi. London for Alexandra! But it’s all working off the same Narrator “blueprint” for this production. Thanks for clarifying. Confirms my suspicions. So has anyone seen Alexandra and Linzi in quick succession? Like days apart and did it feel like the same show or did it have a different vibe? I’m just wondering whether it’s worth booking an extra ticket to see Alexandra the same weekend I’m down seeing Linzi. It would mean staying in London an extra day but I’m staying with my mate so I’m sure he’ll be fine with it, it’s just whether I’d be bored of it! Also seeing as I’m going again to Linzi’s last show A week later!! That’s a lot of Joseph in a short space of time!! 🌈🤣 I do love it though! |
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Post by david on Aug 1, 2021 20:45:17 GMT
Roxie, having seen AB and LH in the same week, I’d definitely recommend doing something similar and a really interesting experience. From my own experience, I didn’t get a sense of much difference in the show, I think the vibe was different with it being Linzi’s first weekend and the anticipation of seeing her on stage. If you are thinking of doing it, I’d definitely try arriving at the box office an hour before and seeing if you can get a good deal. That’s what I did for the first show with AB and got a great row M stalls seat for £35.
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336 posts
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Post by Roxie on Aug 1, 2021 21:24:32 GMT
Roxie, having seen AB and LH in the same week, I’d definitely recommend doing something similar and a really interesting experience. From my own experience, I didn’t get a sense of much difference in the show, I think the vibe was different with it being Linzi’s first weekend and the anticipation of seeing her on stage. If you are thinking of doing it, I’d definitely try arriving at the box office an hour before and seeing if you can get a good deal. That’s what I did for the first show with AB and got a great row M stalls seat for £35. Thanks that’s really useful! I may go for it then!! Only I think I am going to book a ticket online rather than check with box office, only cos I live in Stoke so I’d have to base my return journey around it and if I get there an hour before and it’s sold out I can’t just pop back! I like to get things in London booked and all my ducks in a row just cos it’s an effort getting there! I’d be absolutely destitute if I lived in London, I’d be at the theatre every weekend!! |
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336 posts
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Post by Roxie on Aug 1, 2021 21:24:44 GMT
Roxie, having seen AB and LH in the same week, I’d definitely recommend doing something similar and a really interesting experience. From my own experience, I didn’t get a sense of much difference in the show, I think the vibe was different with it being Linzi’s first weekend and the anticipation of seeing her on stage. If you are thinking of doing it, I’d definitely try arriving at the box office an hour before and seeing if you can get a good deal. That’s what I did for the first show with AB and got a great row M stalls seat for £35. Thanks that’s really useful! I may go for it then!! Only I think I am going to book a ticket online rather than check with box office, only cos I live in Stoke so I’d have to base my return journey around it and if I get there an hour before and it’s sold out I can’t just pop back! I like to get things in London booked and all my ducks in a row just cos it’s an effort getting there! I’d be absolutely destitute if I lived in London, I’d be at the theatre every weekend!! |
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3,303 posts
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Post by david on Aug 1, 2021 21:33:31 GMT
Roxie , having seen AB and LH in the same week, I’d definitely recommend doing something similar and a really interesting experience. From my own experience, I didn’t get a sense of much difference in the show, I think the vibe was different with it being Linzi’s first weekend and the anticipation of seeing her on stage. If you are thinking of doing it, I’d definitely try arriving at the box office an hour before and seeing if you can get a good deal. That’s what I did for the first show with AB and got a great row M stalls seat for £35. Thanks that’s really useful! I may go for it then!! Only I think I am going to book a ticket online rather than check with box office, only cos I live in Stoke so I’d have to base my return journey around it and if I get there an hour before and it’s sold out I can’t just pop back! I like to get things in London booked and all my ducks in a row just cos it’s an effort getting there! I’d be absolutely destitute if I lived in London, I’d be at the theatre every weekend!! , seeing AB and LH the same week was a bit of luck as I hadn’t actually planned for it to happen! I’d booked only for LH originally and due to a show cancelling due to COVID, it was a last minute thing to see AB which happened to be the first show. Like yourself my London trips are planned long in advance with trains etc, but definitely if I lived in London I’d be in a theatre every few days! |
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8,097 posts
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Post by alece10 on Aug 3, 2021 12:31:06 GMT
Linzi has just put on Insta that she is on tonight.
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2,242 posts
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Post by richey on Aug 3, 2021 12:36:31 GMT
Linzi has just put on Insta that she is on tonight. She seems to be doing a lot of unscheduled cover for Alexandra! |
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Post by Roxie on Aug 3, 2021 12:39:00 GMT
Yeah what’s with this? I think it’s great, don’t get me wrong but I’m just a lil confused when the understudies get to go on! Only if both Alexandra and Linzi are indisposed? It’s amazing more audiences are getting to see her sublime performance, I’m just confused!!
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Post by dontdreamit on Aug 3, 2021 12:48:23 GMT
Linzi has just put on Insta that she is on tonight. Thanks for the heads up- am off to book! |
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5,139 posts
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Post by Being Alive on Aug 3, 2021 15:38:58 GMT
Yeah I guess she's also the first cover/alternate for when Alex is unavailable...is what it is I guess. Great for Linzi though!
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Post by Deleted on Aug 3, 2021 17:38:35 GMT
Yeah I guess she's also the first cover/alternate for when Alex is unavailable...is what it is I guess. Great for Linzi though! Great for Linzi but probably sad for the first cover - I hope whoever she is gets a go too! |
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Post by dontdreamit on Aug 3, 2021 20:43:56 GMT
I am never going to get bored of Linzi singing that score so brilliantly. So glad I was able to catch another of her shows in this run.
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336 posts
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Post by Roxie on Aug 3, 2021 20:54:19 GMT
I am never going to get bored of Linzi singing that score so brilliantly. So glad I was able to catch another of her shows in this run. Just booked another show this time to see Alexandra! So that’s 3 more Joseph shows booked now! Aug 28th eve (Linzi) Aug 30th matinee (Alexandra) and 4th Sept matinee (Linzi). Some would say that’s crazy, to those people I would say after the past 18 months I’ve found sheer unadulterated delight in a 2 hour show and I think I want some of that! |
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Post by dontdreamit on Aug 3, 2021 21:09:37 GMT
I am never going to get bored of Linzi singing that score so brilliantly. So glad I was able to catch another of her shows in this run. Just booked another show this time to see Alexandra! So that’s 3 more Joseph shows booked now! Aug 28th eve (Linzi) Aug 30th matinee (Alexandra) and 4th Sept matinee (Linzi). Some would say that’s crazy, to those people I would say after the past 18 months I’ve found sheer unadulterated delight in a 2 hour show and I think I want some of that! If the last 18 months has shown us anything, it’s that you really should do what makes you happy when you get the chance. |
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312 posts
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Post by macksennett on Aug 3, 2021 21:16:42 GMT
I am never going to get bored of Linzi singing that score so brilliantly. So glad I was able to catch another of her shows in this run. Just booked another show this time to see Alexandra! So that’s 3 more Joseph shows booked now! Aug 28th eve (Linzi) Aug 30th matinee (Alexandra) and 4th Sept matinee (Linzi). Some would say that’s crazy, to those people I would say after the past 18 months I’ve found sheer unadulterated delight in a 2 hour show and I think I want some of that! If it gives you pleasure, go for it - that’s what I say! I’m tempted to see another Linzi show myself! |
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Post by dontdreamit on Aug 4, 2021 9:01:56 GMT
Linzi is on for both shows again today- she’s just posted on Twitter
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Post by Deleted on Aug 4, 2021 11:55:32 GMT
Seems Birmingham has been added to Southampton as advertising the tour of this version.
Unless I’ve missed it, there’s been no official announcement of a tour from the actual producers though?
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Post by ronnette on Aug 4, 2021 17:55:14 GMT
I can finally post a review after having been to todays matinee show.
I was over the moon to find out that it was an unscheduled LH performance as I was desperate to see her. And boy she didn't disappoint. There's a lot to like in this production and there's some that I don't like, but let's not dwell on that first.
LH is a bloody marvel. Kt was a masterclass in musical theatre. She acts her socks off in this and has a lovely natural way with very single cast member. I especially love how great she is with the kids. Some keys are dropped and a few bits altered here and there and if you know the score inside out, it grates a little, but only a little. Her voice is gorgeous.
Jac Yarrow was a sensation. I went with no expectations of him if I'm honest but he really impressed me. Great stage presence and his voice is sublime. Doesn't dance a huge amount and you forget how little stage time the role actually gets, but I thought he was marvellous.
Jason - well, Jason is Jason. I'd read about the issues with diction and yes, if you don't know what he's supposed to be singing you wouldn't be able to understand what he was meant to be singing. He is there as the star turn though and he camps it up well.
Kids - I did like how the kids were used more than just sitting at the side of the stage ahhing....BUT it was over used. I felt uncomfortable with Potiphar being a child bearing in mind what he was meant to be seeing and getting angry about. I did like them as Ishmalites and general townsfolk.....but I didn't like them being used as brothers....they also seemed to multiply as there were 13 of them during TCD.
The female ensemble work their socks off and are good, I think the sound might have been slightly off where I was sitting (slight left stalls) as you couldn't hear a great deal of the harmonies, but never mind.
Special mention needs to go to the conductor who is obviously living his best life bringing this score to life with his 15 piece band, who sound exceptional.
So there. A great 2 hours out. Most were wearing masks, they were doing random covid passport / neg test checks, it felt safe and good to be in a theatre again.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 5, 2021 8:04:47 GMT
Finally rebooked our tickets to see Linzi after our original tickets were cancelled for 1st July.
I am so excited I could burst (the cancellation was a blessing in disguise in a way). The vhs with Linzi and Donny Osmond was on everyday when I was younger!
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4,779 posts
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Post by Mark on Aug 5, 2021 8:13:06 GMT
Finally rebooked our tickets to see Linzi after our original tickets were cancelled for 1st July. I am so excited I could burst (the cancellation was a blessing in disguise in a way). The vhs with Linzi and Donny Osmond was on everyday when I was younger! That was Maria Friedman  |
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