Dear Evan Hansen - Noel Coward

[westendcub]

I was at the matinee on Saturday & what a star turn from Marcus as the alternate- his performance was just brilliant & he shined!!

I loved this show (hadn’t realised it was such a small cast) but it was just spellbinding & very emotional.

There was a moment in ‘You Will Be Found’ that broke me!

[vickyg]

I saw this on Friday and although there were a lot of thing I loved, there was a lot I didn't. I love the score and Sam Tutty's acting is brilliant, but I wonder how long his voice is going to last. By the end of the show he was struggling and there were more pitch issues throughout than I'm used to seeing on the West End. I thought all the parents were at least 10 years too young and to me that made it pretty unrealistic.I think I was very much in the minority though as the audience seemed to love it and jumped to their feet for the standing ovation in a way I haven't seen that often.

Although I had listened to the OBC recording I had managed to keep myself from many of the spoilers so I found it extremely emotional.

Overall it seemed as new it is so I will be interested to see how it beds in. I have another ticket for January and am looking forward to it!

I sat in U7, one of the recently released £50 back of stalls seats. I'm not fussy at all about seats and usually buy the cheapest option but the overhang at the Duke of York's is significant and made it feel pretty closed in to me. I wouldn't have expected to pay £50 for that seat and prefer my usual C3 balcony seat for £25 which is what I have in January. The leg room was also poor. I'm 5'7" and my knees were jammed into the seat in front.

[vickyg]

^^ obviously I meant Noel Coward theatre!

[danb]

Nov 11, 2019 11:43:53 GMT vickyg said:

^^ obviously I meant Noel Coward theatre!

You know you can edit your posts Vicky? If you click on the little cog icon on the right of it, there is a list of options. x

We’re going this evening and I’m really looking forward to it.

On our way home now, a bit underwhelmed. The acting is just gorgeous from all, really great. I was half expecting someone else to come on as Evan in act two so frail was his voice. He struggled with his first two numbers and just about managed the rest. Thankfully act two’s songs are a bit more robust and use different corners of his voice.
Sam nailed ‘Words Fail’ so I didn’t leave disappointed.
Alex Lacamoire was in making notes (but not signing programmes) a stark reminder that this is still in preview. It felt like a preview. It felt like everyone had just had a day off and were remembering what to do again. You don’t get a tenner off in previews anymore though so its a bit cheeky. It fits the theatre really well. We were side-ish row B circle and only my wife's £80 seat was slightly restricted, again no cheaper.

My biggest criticism is how much like the cast recording everyone sounded. Sure it is early to have any sort of vocal interpretation, but its a little safe. Not sure what all the sobbing around me was brought on by. Only really ‘WF’ and THAT moment in ‘You Will Be Found’ inspired any sort of emotion really. 😕

[Deleted]

Nov 11, 2019 11:46:45 GMT danb said:

I was half expecting someone else to come on as Evan in act two so frail was his voice. He struggled with his first two numbers and just about managed the rest. Thankfully act two’s songs are a bit more robust and use different corners of his voice.
Sam nailed ‘Words Fail’ so I didn’t leave disappointed.

I was there tonight and had the same reaction. In Waving Through A Window his pitch was all over the place and was struggling with the higher range and then his voice cracked on the final 2 big notes. Still, the show's fans still cheered wildly at the end of it.

Because his voice was a lot better in Act 2, I wondered if it was a character choice. Maybe his voice was better because he had more confidence in himself. But no singer would choose to crack on a big note.

Despite knowing some of the score, i didnt really know the ins and outs of the story, so it was nice to see how it all unfolded. I had little sympathy for Even in Act 1, as he had numerous chances to stop things getting worse, but i can understand how suddenly being seen by people can be a wonderful thing. I also felt his turnaround in Act 2 a little sudden.

For me, Evan's mum is the real heart of the story, and it was So Big/So Small that moved me the most. Also, is Alana meant to be that annoying??

Overall i really enjoyed it. Its a very slick show and fits the stage perfectly.

I wouldn't rush back, but would be tempted to see it with a different lead in the future.

[danb]

Same. I might go to a matinee to see one of the others take on it, as like you say it might be in the direction.

[HereForTheatre]

I'm still selling 1 ticket to DEH for the 4th December. This was a premium £100 ticket and i'm selling it for £50 to try and get rid of it. Full details are still in the noticeboard.

[Deleted]

Nov 12, 2019 9:43:47 GMT HereForTheatre said:

I'm still selling 1 ticket to DEH for the 4th December. This was a premium £100 ticket and i'm selling it for £50 to try and get rid of it. Full details are still in the noticeboard.

In case it's useful - if you booked direct with Delfont Mackintosh, they will exchange it for another date for a £2 exchange fee if you phone them up.

[Someone in a tree]

Nov 12, 2019 9:43:47 GMT HereForTheatre said:

I'm still selling 1 ticket to DEH for the 4th December. This was a premium £100 ticket and i'm selling it for £50 to try and get rid of it. Full details are still in the noticeboard.

I've PM'd you :-)

[Mark]

The back row of the upper circle and the entire balcony is now on sale for press night next Tuesday.

[sparky5000]

I remember Ben Platt talking about the role saying how he basically had zero life outside of the show because it was so physically and emotionally draining to play Evan. This must be a massive change for Sam - I’m sure the longer he plays the role the more vocal stamina he’ll build up 👍 And he must be so full on now, performing, rehearsing and all the promo stuff too. That’s gonna take its toll on anyone!

[anthony]

Nov 12, 2019 0:37:22 GMT @tbfl said:

Nov 11, 2019 11:46:45 GMT danb said:

I was half expecting someone else to come on as Evan in act two so frail was his voice. He struggled with his first two numbers and just about managed the rest. Thankfully act two’s songs are a bit more robust and use different corners of his voice.
Sam nailed ‘Words Fail’ so I didn’t leave disappointed.

I was there tonight and had the same reaction. In Waving Through A Window his pitch was all over the place and was struggling with the higher range and then his voice cracked on the final 2 big notes. Still, the show's fans still cheered wildly at the end of it.

Because his voice was a lot better in Act 2, I wondered if it was a character choice. Maybe his voice was better because he had more confidence in himself. But no singer would choose to crack on a big note.

Despite knowing some of the score, i didnt really know the ins and outs of the story, so it was nice to see how it all unfolded. I had little sympathy for Even in Act 1, as he had numerous chances to stop things getting worse, but i can understand how suddenly being seen by people can be a wonderful thing. I also felt his turnaround in Act 2 a little sudden.

For me, Evan's mum is the real heart of the story, and it was So Big/So Small that moved me the most. Also, is Alana meant to be that annoying??

Overall i really enjoyed it. Its a very slick show and fits the stage perfectly.

I wouldn't rush back, but would be tempted to see it with a different lead in the future.

His Waving Through A Window was honestly one of the worst vocal performances I've seen in a show ever. I was there last night too, and he just gave up after his voice cracked and decided to just scream it? It was genuinely painful (Although, perhaps not as painful as Jade Ewan's Jasmine...). He did get much, much better as it went on, though.

So, I loved the songs and knew before I went that I was going to love the music. But I can't lie that I went away feeling pretty cold about it? I think we're meant to feel sorry for Evan, but I'm not sure why we would. For all intents and purposes, he's a pretty vile character who only chooses to out himself as a fraud when the walls started to cave in anyway. I agree with you - the star of the show is Rebecca McKinnis.

I really thought I was going to love it and I was even looking for more tickets just before the show started... but I probably won't be rushing back to see it any time soon  I have a feeling that if I didn't know the broadway cast album so well, I'd have probably disliked it even more than I did. 

[danb]

Well that’s annoying isn’t it? Could’ve said hello.

I think another issue I had was how smooth and clinical it all was as well. The way that the set glides around somehow sucked some drama out of whatever scene had gone before. I’m sure it’s all meant to be a dissection about human connection, but I found the set to be at odds with that.

[Mark]

What a difference a few days makes! His vocals were amazing on Thursday. I’m there again tonight so will see if there’s a noticeable difference.

[danb]

Nov 12, 2019 16:37:39 GMT Mark said:

What a difference a few days makes! His vocals were amazing on Thursday. I’m there again tonight so will see if there’s a noticeable difference.

A friend that has already been twice couldn’t believe what I was saying when I said that he took ages to warm up. Maybe he was late in and missed his Vocal warm up?

[sophie92]

It appears Sam has called out of tonight’s show so maybe last night’s vocal performance was down to feeling under the weather?

[dazzerlump]

Have they lowered the stage, I've seen a photo taken from the dress circle and it looks a lot lower than what it was for Half a Sixpence?

[danb]

Nov 12, 2019 19:50:37 GMT sophie92 said:

It appears Sam has called out of tonight’s show so maybe last night’s vocal performance was down to feeling under the weather?

Bless him! I’d give him Wednesdays off too, and keep him in a bubble. Weeks of rehearsal in safe controlled areas is no equal of actual performance in a big room of dirty coughs and winter bugs. They have enough covers to keep everyone well, so they should get them rehearsed and use them asap. They have a brand to build.

[westlondon]

I really hope the company manager or someone is supporting this kid and telling him NEVER to read the comments on forums or fan-sites. Dealing with vocal tiredness is a normal part of playing a big role and he will become used to this over time, but it is as much a mental issue as it is a physical one.

[danb]

Nov 12, 2019 20:16:46 GMT westlondon said:

I really hope the company manager or someone is supporting this kid and telling him NEVER to read the comments on forums or fan-sites. Dealing with vocal tiredness is a normal part of playing a big role and he will become used to this over time, but it is as much a mental issue as it is a physical one.

I think hiding him away from any discussion or criticism is equally misguided. Surely he has been schooled in all of this, and his mental well being taken care of from the outset. He’s unwell, they’ve covered it, he’ll get better. That’s the only story here. ‘New Members’ appearing out of the ether to stir up trouble are equally damaging.

[westlondon]

Nov 12, 2019 20:40:22 GMT danb said:

Nov 12, 2019 20:16:46 GMT westlondon said:

I really hope the company manager or someone is supporting this kid and telling him NEVER to read the comments on forums or fan-sites. Dealing with vocal tiredness is a normal part of playing a big role and he will become used to this over time, but it is as much a mental issue as it is a physical one.

I think hiding him away from any discussion or criticism is equally misguided. Surely he has been schooled in all of this, and his mental well being taken care of from the outset. He’s unwell, they’ve covered it, he’ll get better. That’s the only story here. ‘New Members’ appearing out of the ether to stir up trouble are equally damaging.

I’m sure he has been warned to expect this but I would argue that no amount of warning can ever fully prepare you for the kind of direct and sometimes very personal criticism he will receive. You’re right though, he will get better and he will find a way to deal with it.

Sorry for being “new” I’ll try to remember in the future not to go ruffling the feathers of long-term members.

[Deleted]

Nov 12, 2019 20:16:46 GMT westlondon said:

I really hope the company manager or someone is supporting this kid and telling him NEVER to read the comments on forums or fan-sites. Dealing with vocal tiredness is a normal part of playing a big role and he will become used to this over time, but it is as much a mental issue as it is a physical one.

Vocal tiredness is one thing, but so is knowing that you're not well enough to do the role you're paid to do. He's still young and learning and needs to find a way to perform when he is tired.

[danb]

Nov 12, 2019 20:55:15 GMT westlondon said:

Nov 12, 2019 20:40:22 GMT danb said:

I think hiding him away from any discussion or criticism is equally misguided. Surely he has been schooled in all of this, and his mental well being taken care of from the outset. He’s unwell, they’ve covered it, he’ll get better. That’s the only story here. ‘New Members’ appearing out of the ether to stir up trouble are equally damaging.

I’m sure he has been warned to expect this but I would argue that no amount of warning can ever fully prepare you for the kind of direct and sometimes very personal criticism he will receive. You’re right though, he will get better and he will find a way to deal with it.

Sorry for being “new” I’ll try to remember in the future not to go ruffling the feathers of long-term members.

Yes. Think on 😂 (welcome 😬)

[anthony]

Nov 12, 2019 20:16:46 GMT westlondon said:

I really hope the company manager or someone is supporting this kid and telling him NEVER to read the comments on forums or fan-sites. Dealing with vocal tiredness is a normal part of playing a big role and he will become used to this over time, but it is as much a mental issue as it is a physical one.

I don't see any issue with criticising the performance, tbh. 


I think with opening night approaching, it's good he's taking some time off if vocal tiredness is the issue here, but that doesn't change the issue with the quality of the performance last night. As a whole, his feedback has been pretty positive - his acting is amazing and he plays the part really, really well. He just struggled.

[danb]

Ultimately he needs to learn to recognise the signs before a performance rather than thinking he has to soldier on because he’s the title character. All part of the learning curve.