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Post by Deleted on Nov 20, 2017 14:34:21 GMT
I've never seen more than two of the main cast off when I have been too the show. The only lead I have seen off though is Tom Lister (but Norman understudied and I had wanted to see him anyway). I feel like i've been lucky and someone important will be off tonight... lowkey hoping its Christopher Howell.
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Post by tonyloco on Nov 20, 2017 15:10:38 GMT
You know what I wanna know, and maybe someone who saw the Original or a different production of this show. Is it just that this production is so damn good, or is it just one of those shows that, you can't f*** it up, it is just that good!  My only previous experience was the Chichester production a few years ago, which I found absolutely brilliant. I thought every aspect of it worked perfectly (setting, costumes, singing, dancing, orchestra, etc) and at the time I made the following observation: "It was curious to be both admiring how skillfully the film had been adapted to a live performance on stage, and how entirely legitimate and believable the show was in its own right as a stage musical, albeit within the conventions of those 1930s musical films." So, bearing in mind what theatregeek said about his amateur production, it looks like this show is a good'un to start with but it obviously needs a lot of love and devotion and hard work to get it on, just like "Pretty Lady"! |
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Post by tmesis on Nov 20, 2017 15:42:24 GMT
I saw it in 1997 at the Buxton Opera House as part of a UK tour. It was directed by Andrew O'Connor and had Gemma Craven as Dorothy. Compared to the current West End production it was obviously considerably scaled down but it still really worked for me and was the most pleasurable musical I had seen to that point. Having seen no other version it seemed to have high production values but then I was completely awe struck when I saw the current run. So I would say it's possible, but difficult, to f*** up.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 20, 2017 17:59:05 GMT
Just got my ticket. Christopher is on. Yay. But get to see CJ Johnson covering Jasna, so that'll be fun! Other than that, full cast!  |
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Post by Dawnstar on Nov 20, 2017 18:09:26 GMT
But get to see CJ Johnson covering Jasna, so that'll be fun! Other than that, full cast! I'd be interested to hear what she's like in that role. There have been various comments over the months from people who have seen her as Dorothy but I can't recall any about her as Maggie. |
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Post by Deleted on Nov 20, 2017 23:09:15 GMT
Show as fabulous and amazing as ever. Sheena brilliant, Clare and Neal WOW and Tom fab. CJ was great, she looked a bit too similar to the girl who plays Annie, but otherwise great. Christopher is still crap but CJ was the saving grace. All four levels open and the Stalls were pretty much full. Had the loveliest time at stage door. Wasn't gonna go, but saw it was quiet so thought why not. Obviously on a Monday, with all the golden girls out and about, stage door wasn't gonna be busy. There were maybe 5 of us, all who had seen the show multiple times but then there was an older man, one who appeared a stage door lurker who greeted the whole cast. Tom had to run off and Sheena didn't come out. But Neal and Clare were SO lovely! Neal was out quite fast, and Clare was the last to leave bar Sheena. Each had pretty much a five minute conversation with everyone, wanting to know names and giving hugs and handshakes yo everyone. It was so lovely! I mentioned I voted for both at WOS Awards and they were both genuinely thankful and said "well at least I have one vote!". I also asked about staying on the next year. It seemed clear that the production has pretty much said if you wanna stay, its yours. Both had the same response, where they are currently working it out and weighing up. Stuart was saying he is exhausted. He has lost two stone since the show began, and has to constantly drink protein shakes to stay in shape. He also has a baby to run about after at home so he barely gets any rest. And Clare said too she was exhausted. But that's mot to take away from.the experience, but seemed to genuinely love it and spoke only.of great things. They both complemented one another on how supportive each is, it was really lovely. It was one of the loveliest stage door experiences actually, they were both so lovely and happy to chat! |
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Post by ali973 on Nov 20, 2017 23:13:34 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Nov 20, 2017 23:59:19 GMT
Oh and there were a few mistakes tonight. Nothing too exciting, but fun to report: - in the opening of Act 2, at the start of the number, some of the dressing room lights had a life of their own which was quickly solved. - Clare went into a British accent briefly when thanking the girls for their well wishes in the dressing room before the big performance. - during the tap routine with the piano and Clare in the red outfit, fav ensemble member Sam Murphy's rose fell off his tux. Cue it being kicked about for a while with none of the men or Clare noticing. I believe Sam also slipped on it briefly when all the men were going around the piano but he didn't fall, I only noticed because he is the ensemble member I always watch in the big numbers. By the wedding scene, one of the bridesmaids grabbed it as they ran off and all was well again. |
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Post by Seriously on Nov 21, 2017 7:10:39 GMT
I think it's actually a bit depressing. This show has had numerous revivals including Chichester a few years ago. It's a dated musical and it just about sums up the ambition of British musical theatre today. Sigh. |
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Post by shady23 on Nov 21, 2017 8:02:44 GMT
Yes. You read this thread and there's nothing but pages and pages of depression from everyone who has seen.
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Post by ruby on Nov 21, 2017 12:55:25 GMT
My name is Ruby and I'm addicted to 42nd Street. Booked my 4th visit for April, although I may squeeze in another one before then!
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Post by Mr Snow on Nov 21, 2017 13:01:59 GMT
Hello Ruby
Surely it can't be a coincidence?
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Post by ada92 on Nov 21, 2017 19:59:14 GMT
The show even gets a plug on Eastenders tonight - was channel hopping and caught the comment - haha
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Post by zak97 on Nov 21, 2017 22:32:36 GMT
The show even gets a plug on Eastenders tonight - was channel hopping and caught the comment - haha Saw that. Really hope the scrap at the end of the episode doesn't stop Whitney going - she'll be missing out!! |
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Post by ruby on Nov 22, 2017 0:05:18 GMT
When I went on Friday, the opening dialogue seemed quite rushed. It may just have been that they speeded things up a bit since I saw it in previews but it was almost like the actress playing Maggie only remembered to pause briefly after "they're paying $4.40 a seat out there" so it was almost lost. Has anyone else noticed this? Certainly didn't distract from my enjoyment of the show, love it more every time I go.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 23, 2017 0:07:00 GMT
Saw this for the second time tonight. Loved it as much as the first time.
Clare Halse made a mistake and called Tom (Julian) by his real name instead of his character's name lol. Idk if people noticed it.
By the way, she's lovely. Met her at stage door. We had a pic together. I then said hi to my future husband Stuart, but he was in a hurry (understandable) so no pic or chat. Sheena didn't 'stagedoor' tonight, and apparently it wasn't an exception as a fan told me.
P.S. I hate the whole wedding/honeymoon express scene.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 23, 2017 0:36:20 GMT
Saw this for the second time tonight. Loved it as much as the first time. Clare Halse made a mistake and called Tom (Julian) by his real name instead of his character's name lol. Idk if people noticed it. By the way, she's lovely. Met her at stage door. We had a pic together. I then said hi to my future husband Stuart, but he was in a hurry (understandable) so no pic or chat. Sheena didn't 'stagedoor' tonight, and apparently it wasn't an exception as a fan told me. P.S. I hate the whole wedding/honeymoon express scene. Clare really is lovely. And Stuart is too, he seems to have quite a natural charm, tis a shame you didn't have a full chat, because he is so lovely but understandable he couldn't. Next time! Yeah I've kinda assumed either Sheena takes a different exit or doesn't leave until around 11ish when she knows no one will be there. On Monday, Clare was the last to leave at 10:30, and I left then as I was the last one to chat to her, but the older fan who apparently the wholw cast knows as he seems to be there every night was waiting behind, so maybe he knows Sheena leaves later than the rest? I'm not the biggest fan of the wedding/honeymoon scene, but that is mainly because, again I repeat, Chrisopher Howell is crap. I like the stagin of it though, and that Jasna/CJ get a moment, as does Annie. I look at it more as a chance to give Clare and the boys a breather before the finale, very much deserved! |
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Post by Deleted on Nov 23, 2017 0:44:18 GMT
Is the older fan you are referring to a 60yo man with glasses and a folder with pics of Sheena? Cause he was the one who told me she never comes out and he's desperate to meet her. He saw her in Las Vegas or something. I wasn't really paying attention lol.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 23, 2017 0:49:21 GMT
Is the older fan you are referring to a 60yo man with glasses and a folder with pics of Sheena? Cause he was the one who told me she never comes out and he's desperate to meet her. He saw her in Las Vegas or something. I wasn't really paying attention lol. Thats him! And when the cast came out, they all recognised him and said hi, I get the impression he is there pretty much every night. Someone should really either tell Sheena to go out just to get rid or tell him its never gonna happen really. |
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Post by Deleted on Nov 23, 2017 1:03:23 GMT
I mean, telling Sheena to do something, I can hear @ryan in my head being like "Sheena would never interact with the great unwashed against her will!".
Yeah, maybe the golden girl should just not bother waiting at stage door anymore.
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Post by shady23 on Nov 23, 2017 1:36:57 GMT
Old man with folder makes me just think he's one of these annoying autograph collectors/sellers that plague any west end show featuring a "name".
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Post by Stephen on Nov 23, 2017 3:14:22 GMT
I passed the stage door after I saw it and Sheena Easton walked out and down the street past where I was standing. I said "Excuse me I really enjoyed..." and she popped her umbrella and ignoring me, kept walking. I understand that people have places to go to but a smile and thanks is simple manners. Rude.
Anybody had a good experience with her?
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Post by Deleted on Nov 23, 2017 7:00:37 GMT
So she really is a diva.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 23, 2017 14:41:36 GMT
Danielohnson14 Why are you so against Chris Howell? Clearly the way you attack him on here you have an axe to grind or some form of a personal vendetta against him? Chris plays the role of Bert Barry excellent. He is so funny and a good actor and he plays the character extremely well and not at all "crap" as you describe. The wedding scene you do not like is in fact hilarious. He, Jasna and Emma have such a connection and it works so well. In regards to the "Stage door lurker" you mention, if it is the person I think it is, (although he is no where near 60 or wears glasses) he is neither a lurker or an autograph hunter but someone who has seen the show over 30 times now and has built up a good rapport with all the cast and likes to show his appreciation and in return the cast appreciate his support and devotion to the show and enjoy chatting to him. When you have seen the show that often you may then be more of an authority to comment!
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Post by Deleted on Nov 23, 2017 14:44:20 GMT
Show as fabulous and amazing as ever. Sheena brilliant, Clare and Neal WOW and Tom fab. CJ was great, she looked a bit too similar to the girl who plays Annie, but otherwise great. Christopher is still crap but CJ was the saving grace. All four levels open and the Stalls were pretty much full. Had the loveliest time at stage door. Wasn't gonna go, but saw it was quiet so thought why not. Obviously on a Monday, with all the golden girls out and about, stage door wasn't gonna be busy. There were maybe 5 of us, all who had seen the show multiple times but then there was an older man, one who appeared a stage door lurker who greeted the whole cast. Tom had to run off and Sheena didn't come out. But Neal and Clare were SO lovely! Neal was out quite fast, and Clare was the last to leave bar Sheena. Each had pretty much a five minute conversation with everyone, wanting to know names and giving hugs and handshakes yo everyone. It was so lovely! I mentioned I voted for both at WOS Awards and they were both genuinely thankful and said "well at least I have one vote!". I also asked about staying on the next year. It seemed clear that the production has pretty much said if you wanna stay, its yours. Both had the same response, where they are currently working it out and weighing up. Stuart was saying he is exhausted. He has lost two stone since the show began, and has to constantly drink protein shakes to stay in shape. He also has a baby to run about after at home so he barely gets any rest. And Clare said too she was exhausted. But that's mot to take away from.the experience, but seemed to genuinely love it and spoke only.of great things. They both complemented one another on how supportive each is, it was really lovely. It was one of the loveliest stage door experiences actually, they were both so lovely and happy to chat! Danielohnson14 Why are you so against Chris Howell? Clearly the way you attack him on here you have an axe to grind or some form of a personal vendetta against him? Chris plays the role of Bert Barry excellent. He is so funny and a good actor and he plays the character extremely well and not at all "crap" as you describe. The wedding scene you do not like is in fact hilarious. He, Jasna and Emma have such a connection and it works so well. In regards to the "Stage door lurker" you mention, if it is the person I think it is, (although he is no where near 60 or wears glasses) he is neither a lurker or an autograph hunter but someone who has seen the show over 30 times now and has built up a good rapport with all the cast and likes to show his appreciation and in return the cast appreciate his support and devotion to the show and enjoy chatting to him. When you have seen the show that often you may then be more of an authority to comment! Read more: theatreboard.co.uk/thread/1322/42nd-street-theatre-royal-drury?page=123#ixzz4zGYi7AoI |
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