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Post by Deleted on Jun 29, 2019 16:43:25 GMT
Well, well, well. I was very pleasantly surprised. I've never seen Sheridan Smith perform before, and - yes - some of the gurning and winking grated at first, until it dawned on me. Sheridan Smith made me feel like I was the only person in the audience. Her presence makes a big stage feel a lot smaller. Okay, a couple of tunes have been keyed, but what she lacks in vocal agility is made up for by her sheer energy and charisma. Jason Donovan was very funny as a rather languid and doleful Pharaoh, milking his one song as a one-trick pony for all its worth. And his unique approach to 'stone the crows" will make you smile. Biggest cheer of the night went to Jac Yarrow for a truly excellent "Close Every Door". Vocslly strong and perfect, he got a well-earned extended ovation. Some folk on this thread might not like to hear this, but it's a sure-fire hit. Pacy, punchy, energetic, colourful. And the orchestra... what a joy. Fantastic orchestrations - totally modernised yet with some deft and clever musical styles layered in. So wonderful to see and hear proper brass in the pit - tuba, trombone etc. This show will be well received and deservedly so. It kicks the Lee Mead effort out of the park (and I really liked that production). Smith playing narrator, Jacob and Potiphar's wife shouldn't work but it does. She is versatile and brilliant. The kids work brilliantly with the adults and overcome the one odd thing about Joseph for me: watching grown men behaving like kids used to jar a little for me. Bringing kids into the mix works really well. I'm trying to work out if Lawrence Connor is a genius or the king of tabloid truck theatre: possibly it's both. This show is bombastic, skin deep, not serious, and the audience absolutely LOVED it. And so will you, if you are fortunate enough to get to see it. I hope there's a recording in the offing, because the musicians in the pit are something else. Yes I agree with you it sounded SENSATIONAL. Updated 1991 orchestrations, played by a 14 piece orchestra, with a brilliant sound design - Joseph has never sounded better! |
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Post by Deleted on Jun 29, 2019 16:53:49 GMT
Since someone asked, I wonder if there will be, yet another, Cast recording of Joseph. Of all ALW's efforts, Joseph and JCS seem to have the most. In recent years, he's seemed reluctant to do such (Cats is most notable, even the much loved JCS Open-Air production) I'm guessing it will be No No No Joseph since it's limited run and seems to be kind of a niche market (sorry, as a Yank, I've never heard of your national treasure Sheridan before  and Jason Donovan it sounds like was a nostalgia casting to capitalize on the 91 revival crowds) If anything, fingers crossed for a new Evita recording though. Elena Rogers had to attempts to preserve that beauty of a score and really fell flat both times I can't see a cast recording sadly - ALW has a TERRIBLE record of re-recording shows. Since his Really Useful Records was formed (at the same time as RUTC in 1981 I think?) there has been almost nothing for most shows after Really Useful have recorded them once. The reason there are so many of Joseph, JCS and Evita are that majority are pre ALW having his own company and retaining control. Thinking of English language only. A few exceptions - Cats had London, Broadway and Aus. Song and Dance had Marti Webb and Sarah Brightman. Starlight was re-recorded in 1992. And Sunset had London and LA. Oh and most recently Evita had Adelphi and Broadway with Ricky Martin. Evita aside, all of these were 80s/90s when more happened generally.... But they are notable exceptions really. Things that I really felt should have been recorded - Lee Mead Joseph, Cats Palladium, Recent Woman in White, Boys in the Photograph (at all), version 3 of Starlight (the tours), version 4 of Starlight (The Other Palace - OK, I know that was just a workshop). Any subsequent production of Aspects of Love (it's changed a lot since 1989!), Open Air JCS (I mean some epic vocals and what a band to preserve there!). And I'd put money in Open Air Evita being worth recording and not happening. So, I would LOVE to eat my hat on a Joseph recording, but can't see it (I think another problem is Sheridan's performance would't really be captured by her vocal in isolation). I really do wish ALW would record more. Cam Mac records most of his revivals these days with his new methods of doing it live. Les Mis, Saigon, Half A Sixpence, Mary Poppins Aus, Oliver Drury Lane etc etc. Such a wonderful way of preserving the memory of productions my cast recording collection makes me very happy! |
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Post by xanady on Jun 29, 2019 18:30:35 GMT
Sounds like if people are fans of SS’s gurning,eye-popping,face-pulling tomfoolery as if she’s the entertainment at a kid’s bday party,then they will love this version...
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Post by westended on Jun 29, 2019 20:31:10 GMT
What’s the lift in centre stage for?
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Post by chernjam on Jun 29, 2019 20:54:03 GMT
Since someone asked, I wonder if there will be, yet another, Cast recording of Joseph. Of all ALW's efforts, Joseph and JCS seem to have the most. In recent years, he's seemed reluctant to do such (Cats is most notable, even the much loved JCS Open-Air production) I'm guessing it will be No No No Joseph since it's limited run and seems to be kind of a niche market (sorry, as a Yank, I've never heard of your national treasure Sheridan before and Jason Donovan it sounds like was a nostalgia casting to capitalize on the 91 revival crowds) If anything, fingers crossed for a new Evita recording though. Elena Rogers had to attempts to preserve that beauty of a score and really fell flat both times I can't see a cast recording sadly - ALW has a TERRIBLE record of re-recording shows. Since his Really Useful Records was formed (at the same time as RUTC in 1981 I think?) there has been almost nothing for most shows after Really Useful have recorded them once. The reason there are so many of Joseph, JCS and Evita are that majority are pre ALW having his own company and retaining control. Thinking of English language only. A few exceptions - Cats had London, Broadway and Aus. Song and Dance had Marti Webb and Sarah Brightman. Starlight was re-recorded in 1992. And Sunset had London and LA. Oh and most recently Evita had Adelphi and Broadway with Ricky Martin. Evita aside, all of these were 80s/90s when more happened generally.... But they are notable exceptions really. Things that I really felt should have been recorded - Lee Mead Joseph, Cats Palladium, Recent Woman in White, Boys in the Photograph (at all), version 3 of Starlight (the tours), version 4 of Starlight (The Other Palace - OK, I know that was just a workshop). Any subsequent production of Aspects of Love (it's changed a lot since 1989!), Open Air JCS (I mean some epic vocals and what a band to preserve there!). And I'd put money in Open Air Evita being worth recording and not happening. So, I would LOVE to eat my hat on a Joseph recording, but can't see it (I think another problem is Sheridan's performance would't really be captured by her vocal in isolation). I really do wish ALW would record more. Cam Mac records most of his revivals these days with his new methods of doing it live. Les Mis, Saigon, Half A Sixpence, Mary Poppins Aus, Oliver Drury Lane etc etc. Such a wonderful way of preserving the memory of productions my cast recording collection makes me very happy! Dom - you're going through the list has re-ticked me off I was desperate for a new Sunset with the new orchestrations that accompanied a symphonic orchestra (even if Close would be re-recorded) and the cast was phenomenal as well. I had hoped for a new Woman in White after much was made of ALW and Zippel re-writing a lot of it - and then the raves that cast received (and let's not forget the original WIW was recorded live on Opening night so it wasn't like they spent a lot on that recording) And Aspects of Love - ALW just pissed me off that he's yet to do a new, full, recording of that from the Original London Cast - as that remains one of my favorites. Back to Joseph - with the 91 revivals - I had the Jason Donovan one which I was really excited about because it was a vast improvement from the original recordings. Then Michael Damian (who sadly seems completely forgotten in the Joseph history - who did the US tour and Broadway engagement) - the Canadian Cast with Donny and then the video cast recording. And in the years since, there's been second hand cast recordings of professional recordings that were allowed as well. So the market is a bit saturated I would think. the fact that this production seems to be focusing on this Sheridan lady - more than the actor in the titular role - I would be surprised with a new recording for a production that will only be there for 11 weeks. If anything they probably would record a single of her singing a song or two and maybe reissue it on one of the older recordings (that will be repackaged and said to be "remastered") |
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Post by xanady on Jun 29, 2019 21:13:37 GMT
Is that four performances in a row for SS?...is that a record for her? Lol
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Post by LaLuPone on Jun 29, 2019 21:15:05 GMT
Is that four performances in a row for SS?...is that a record for her? Lol I know you’re only joking but as far as I know Sheridan had brilliant attendance in everything before Funny Girl. She went through the illness/death of a parent whilst also struggling with mental health issues during that run and I don’t think enough people appreciate how hard getting up on that stage each night must have been for her. |
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Post by Sean on Jun 29, 2019 21:57:16 GMT
Is that four performances in a row for SS?...is that a record for her? Lol I know you’re only joking but as far as I know Sheridan had brilliant attendance in everything before Funny Girl. She went through the illness/death of a parent whilst also struggling with mental health issues during that run and I don’t think enough people appreciate how hard getting up on that stage each night must have been for her. Well said LaLuPone. |
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Post by richey on Jun 29, 2019 22:09:28 GMT
Well Baz likes it anyway...
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Post by waybeyondblue on Jun 29, 2019 22:58:02 GMT
Well Baz likes it anyway... That was tonight’s performance. It does depend a lot on whether you want the SS doing her best Norman Wisdom. She barely belts one out and quite often defers to the backing singers. She was mostly competent in FG at the Menier but with the chains off then she plays to a different fan base and given the choice I’d pass on anything she does on stage in future. I was also alerted by a lady audience member to the distracting nature of her lady mountains and no doubt they’ve assessed the risk to other cast members. Joseph was quite good but lacks that Tony Bennett touch so it lacks a bit in emotion. I agree about the kids losing diction but then Jason was unintelligible and certainly not shaking it up. The set is unremarkable apart from the guitar playing Horus and Seth - want a pair of them. And I’d be there in a flash to see how a Narrator understudy works - that’s advanced gurning. |
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Post by carmella1 on Jun 29, 2019 23:17:48 GMT
Well Baz likes it anyway... That was tonight’s performance. It does depend a lot on whether you want the SS doing her best Norman Wisdom. She barely belts one out and quite often defers to the backing singers. She was mostly competent in FG at the Menier but with the chains off then she plays to a different fan base and given the choice I’d pass on anything she does on stage in future. I was also alerted by a lady audience member to the distracting nature of her lady mountains and no doubt they’ve assessed the risk to other cast members. Joseph was quite good but lacks that Tony Bennett touch so it lacks a bit in emotion. I agree about the kids losing diction but then Jason was unintelligible and certainly not shaking it up. The set is unremarkable apart from the guitar playing Horus and Seth - want a pair of them. And I’d be there in a flash to see how a Narrator understudy works - that’s advanced gurning. Tony Bennett?? You made sense until that statement. |
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Post by latefortheoverture on Jun 29, 2019 23:40:52 GMT
Does anyone know what the £25 & £15 box seats are- and what the view is like from them?
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Post by mammabat on Jun 30, 2019 6:52:07 GMT
I saw this last night as I bought my ticket before Sheridan Smith was announced. Overall I enjoyed it but don't think I'll be rushing back except to hear Jac Yarrow sing Close Every Door again and to see how an understudy would play Sheridan's role. Jac Yarrow was excellent. Not a sign of nerves infact looked totally at ease and coinfident. He really has wonderful vocals. The ensemble worked hard and I thought they looked and acted great. Jason Donovan could have spoken his words and he would've got a rapturous response. He really didn't sing very well but nobody cared. I personally didn't enjoy the children taking on the adult roles some of their diction was not clear and as I've worked with children for 25 years at times I felt I was watching another school concert. When they all sung together it was lovely At times Sheridan Smith sounded quite good but I found a lot of her antics very irritating and way over the top I also found some of her movements quite clunky and not natural. I was speaking to a FOH member at the interval and she asked me if I was enjoying it I did mention feeling slightly irritated by some of the OTT antics and she was saying a lot of people felt the same. I certainly hope they have a good run Sheridan Smith may not be to my taste but many love her so it's all a matter of personal taste. We were out the theatre by 9.35 which included approx 10 minutes of the mix at the end. I saw the show yesterday and was a little apprehensive after seeing the performance on tv which I thought was awful i absolutely loved it. To say it is a one woman show would not be an understatement! In my opinion Sheridan stole the whole show. I think she is like marmite and frankly I love it! She is certainly multitalented as she sings, tap dances, amongst the other styles of dancing. Plays the harmonica, wooden spoons and switches from one character to another with seamless ease. 3 out of 4 of us friends loved her but one said said she grated on her so I understand what others have said but for me her comedic presence steals the show. Jac Yarrow’s voice is perfect. His diction, presence and strength of his voice are mesmerizing. He has a great career ahead of him. Now for Jason! He is hilarious. He is over the top, camp and cheeky. His voice is so bad it’s genius! The children. I dislike children playing adult parts but for me they were great. Fantastic voices, confident and not too stagey. Do not not go to this show if you don’t want to have fun. It is one long send up! |
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Post by isabel on Jun 30, 2019 7:59:51 GMT
Does anyone know where the Dayseats are located ?
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Jun 30, 2019 9:54:04 GMT
I suspect that might be the problem, for some. |
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Post by dontdreamit on Jun 30, 2019 10:02:25 GMT
For anyone interested (which will probably only be me!), it looks like JD will be dueting with Kylie at Glasto later today.
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Post by ruthieh on Jun 30, 2019 15:48:40 GMT
For anyone interested (which will probably only be me!), it looks like JD will be dueting with Kylie at Glasto later today. Not so far.... |
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Post by xanady on Jun 30, 2019 16:20:28 GMT
^Sheridan plays the wooden spoons?That has GOT to go on the poster,surely.
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Post by Seriously on Jun 30, 2019 17:11:09 GMT
His voice is so bad it’s genius! One for the poster! |
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Post by Deleted on Jun 30, 2019 17:17:22 GMT
I suspect that might be the problem, for some. So certainly this has a slight feel of the Palladium pantos (you can tell it's the same producer) - and SS absolutely playing for laughs. Normally wouldn't be my thing but it's such a joyous piece it does sort of work. (Although my preference would remain of course be to have it played straight and have the songs belted - the melodies are SO good that they really don't need hamming up to shine - that said they seem to know their audience and what was presented went down incredibly well with the assembled) |
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Post by Deleted on Jun 30, 2019 17:24:23 GMT
And Aspects of Love - ALW just pissed me off that he's yet to do a new, full, recording of that from the Original London Cast - as that remains one of my favorites. Back to Joseph - with the 91 revivals - I had the Jason Donovan one which I was really excited about because it was a vast improvement from the original recordings. Then Michael Damian (who sadly seems completely forgotten in the Joseph history - who did the US tour and Broadway engagement) - the Canadian Cast with Donny and then the video cast recording Ahh of course, I forget to mention those other CDs of the Stephen Pimlott production. I bought them in the 90s. So the Donny Osmond Canadian and Michael Damian USA one were great but I was very annoyed that they just added the vocals of the leads to the London recording orchestra and backing vocals. Which I always think is cheating a bit - in new recordings even of the same production I love listening out for the subtle changes in orchestration and nuances of musical direction - not so here! Couldn't agree more re Aspects - absolute travesty that such a beautiful score has never been captured in one of it's more recent incarnations. |
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Post by xanady on Jun 30, 2019 17:51:50 GMT
Aspects is an absolute dream score...especially as it doesn’t feature spoons!
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Post by xanady on Jun 30, 2019 17:58:47 GMT
^So what do we have for the new poster?....Joseph and the naff former soap star who can no longer sing or Carry on Sheridan Goes Camping It Up!
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Post by Deleted on Jun 30, 2019 18:04:00 GMT
Aspects is an absolute dream score...especially as it doesn’t feature spoons! Haha - yes I always say a musical can he enhanced by not featuring spoons! |
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Post by xanady on Jun 30, 2019 19:40:53 GMT
Wonder if the abberation known as OFAH features spoons.They must surely feature in My Fair Lady,Me And My Girl and Harrrf A Sixpence as a contractual obligation.
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and Jason Donovan it sounds like was a nostalgia casting to capitalize on the 91 revival crowds) 
