751 posts
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Post by horton on Jul 14, 2019 19:36:17 GMT
Personally, I prefer Positive Role Model.
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Post by bialystock on Jul 16, 2019 8:19:08 GMT
Is Positive Role Model not included in the license for the show? Does it have to be Vocal? Positive Role Model is not included in the licence. Yes it has to be Vocal. Vocal works really well IMO. |
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Post by craig on Jul 16, 2019 9:10:57 GMT
I hadn't realised Positive Role Model had been replaced in the previous revival. Any idea why? I love it!
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76 posts
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Post by finalperformance on Jul 17, 2019 15:23:50 GMT
Just ordered 2 tix for 22 August at 7:30. Never saw this musical so now have this and J C Superstar for the matinee.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 17, 2019 23:05:48 GMT
I saw this tonight and for the most part i really enjoyed it... or did i just really like hearing the score again??
The book is still it's biggest problem. Its very clunky, and tries to do do too many things, but i love the score so much. Having seen it in performance, i understand why Vocal is used instead of Positive Role Model, as the lyrics make more sense of whats happened and where the story ends, but Positive Role Model is still in there as an instrumental in Act 1 (and it was also the song i was singing on my way home...)
The performances were a bit hit and miss for me, Adele Anderson doesn't seem a natural actress, and that accent isn't doing her any favours (is the role of Billie Trix based on anyone in particular?)Bob Saunders was played in... an interesting way, that really didn't work for me at all, but the rest of the cast i really enjoyed. Although there isn't much set, i loved the use of screens and lighting.
Its a shame its played to click tracks, but i love the songs. Yes i am a PSB fan, but i still think a lot of it really works. Something Special, Closer To Heaven, Friendly Fire, For All of Us, Vampires are all great songs. Overall i really liked seeing it again and will try to get back to see it before it closes.
I believe with a good writer, there is a great show in there, somewhere.
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2,743 posts
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Post by n1david on Jul 18, 2019 13:25:27 GMT
I hadn't realised Positive Role Model had been replaced in the previous revival. Any idea why? I love it! I read at the time of the last revival that it was to do with the Barry White sample and getting that cleared for performance. |
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Post by Deleted on Jul 18, 2019 14:35:24 GMT
I read at the time of the last revival that it was to do with the Barry White sample and getting that cleared for performance. I heard that too, but it seems odd that it was then used in the first half as an instrumental of PRM. |
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Post by bialystock on Jul 18, 2019 17:35:00 GMT
I read at the time of the last revival that it was to do with the Barry White sample and getting that cleared for performance. I heard that too, but it seems odd that it was then used in the first half as an instrumental of PRM. The "notion" is that Dave has written "Vocal" He is a singer / song writer... (the line about him wanting to be a dancer has been changed) it's his song. We tried different versions of him at the keyboard in rehearsals and previews to make this clear but as they say " shows are never finished, they open" we ran out of time and things got cut....but we are all aware this needs to be addressed. There is a difference between a " notion" and an "idea" We need to turn this notion into an idea...Thanks for the comments....helps us realise what work could be done. For the Podium Dance (Instrumental Positive Role Model) we thought this would be fine as it doesn't relate to "Vocal" An instrumental version of Vocal would have been wrong. Hope this gives some insight .... thanks all ...onwards |
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Post by Deleted on Jul 18, 2019 18:11:29 GMT
Vocal is definitely suited to the final song of the show, and makes more sense lyrically, more so than PRM. Did I get that he wrote it? no, but now I know that I can appreciate that on my next visit in August.
PRM is probably my favourite song from the show only because of the Almighty remix!! It takes me back to nights at the RVT.
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Post by bialystock on Jul 18, 2019 18:37:42 GMT
Vocal is definitely suited to the final song of the show, and makes more sense lyrically, more so than PRM. Did I get that he wrote it? no, but now I know that I can appreciate that on my next visit in August. PRM is probably my favourite song from the show only because of the Almighty remix!! It takes me back to nights at the RVT. wanted to upload photos of Dave / Blake playing the keyboard and "composing" Vocal (dress 1) but can't work out how to do that....help welcome. |
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Post by Deleted on Jul 18, 2019 21:51:49 GMT
i believe you need to save the image to one of the various file saving sites online and then upload from there. Sorry. I'm not that technical!
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Post by bialystock on Jul 19, 2019 8:54:39 GMT
Vocal is definitely suited to the final song of the show, and makes more sense lyrically, more so than PRM. Did I get that he wrote it? no, but now I know that I can appreciate that on my next visit in August. PRM is probably my favourite song from the show only because of the Almighty remix!! It takes me back to nights at the RVT. wanted to upload photos of Dave / Blake playing the keyboard and "composing" Vocal (dress 1) but can't work out how to do that....help welcome.
Think I managed to upload it. This got cut after second dress rehearsal. |
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Post by Deleted on Jul 19, 2019 11:38:07 GMT
Thanks for sharing! It's really interesting to see/hear about the creating process of a musical.
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Post by bialystock on Jul 21, 2019 0:20:41 GMT
am surprised no one has picked up on the new Something Special reprise we have added for Mile End Lee.... I guess we have all been busy with the new Cats trailer :-)
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751 posts
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Post by horton on Jul 21, 2019 16:03:42 GMT
I saw this tonight and for the most part i really enjoyed it... or did i just really like hearing the score again?? The book is still it's biggest problem. Its very clunky, and tries to do do too many things, but i love the score so much. Having seen it in performance, i understand why Vocal is used instead of Positive Role Model, as the lyrics make more sense of whats happened and where the story ends, but Positive Role Model is still in there as an instrumental in Act 1 (and it was also the song i was singing on my way home...) The performances were a bit hit and miss for me, Adele Anderson doesn't seem a natural actress, and that accent isn't doing her any favours (is the role of Billie Trix based on anyone in particular?)Bob Saunders was played in... an interesting way, that really didn't work for me at all, but the rest of the cast i really enjoyed. Although there isn't much set, i loved the use of screens and lighting. Its a shame its played to click tracks, but i love the songs. Yes i am a PSB fan, but i still think a lot of it really works. Something Special, Closer To Heaven, Friendly Fire, For All of Us, Vampires are all great songs. Overall i really liked seeing it again and will try to get back to see it before it closes. I believe with a good writer, there is a great show in there, somewhere. This is exactly how I feel about Taboo too |
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Post by Deleted on Jul 22, 2019 21:34:59 GMT
it am surprised no one has picked up on the new Something Special reprise we have added for Mile End Lee.... I guess we have all been busy with the new Cats trailer :-) When i heard it in the show, i knew something was different from the recording, i just assumed it was something not recorded for the cast recording. When watching it i thought it was really nice and wished they had recorded it. I liked it. It fleshed out his character more.
It always makes me laugh that in the show and on the recording, Mile End Lee has this cockney accent and then when he sings he has this lovely sweet voice with perfect pronunciation. It's quite endearing!
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Post by Deleted on Jul 24, 2019 17:27:57 GMT
Going to see this soon which will be my first visit to Above the Stag - any recommendations for places to eat and/or drink nearby early evening on Sunday? Don't know the area at all. Ta!
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2,743 posts
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Post by n1david on Jul 24, 2019 17:30:17 GMT
The bar in ATS isn't bad for drinks beforehand; there's a Nando's and Dirty Burger at the station but I've found the Portuguese place next door (Pico's) reliable and cheap (and often packed)
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4,959 posts
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Post by Someone in a tree on Jul 24, 2019 18:12:23 GMT
The bar in ATS isn't bad for drinks beforehand; there's a Nando's and Dirty Burger at the station but I've found the Portuguese place next door (Pico's) reliable and cheap (and often packed) A flounce away in the Pleasure Gardens at the rear, I like the Black Dog Pub and the Tea House Theatre, the latter has 50 odd teas on its menu and No coffee |
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Post by Deleted on Jul 24, 2019 18:31:06 GMT
Thanks both!
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Post by Deleted on Jul 31, 2019 7:22:26 GMT
I saw the show last night and unfortunately this really wasn’t for me. The production was basic, the casting was questionable and the show was plagued with sound problems.
With the exception of Straight Dave, Shell and Mile End Lee, the other characters couldn’t hold a tune in a bucket, the supporting cast members in the ensemble being particularly out of tune. That said I do feel that there’s a good musical in there somewhere, but just not from this production. I’d never been to the Above the Stag before, but I suspect that the theatre itself didn’t help with my feelings towards the show. The seats are uncomfortable and only fit for those with a twenty inch waist and narrow shoulders. I was on the fence about seeing MUSIK but I think now the decision has been made... I love me some Frances Barber but I’m not sure if can take the chance.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 31, 2019 8:32:06 GMT
I was also there last night.
Really enjoyed it! Though I do agree with most of your criticisms. Theatre was quite nice but the seating was ridiculous. I am normal ish size and was very uncomfortable and very much squeezed between the people next to me.
The poor sound was also a great shame. Was very pleased they were all miked and they used the full dancey backing tracks (unlike The Union) but the sound balance between the actors and the tracks was very off. OK for me as I know all the words but people new to the show probably couldn't make out half of the lyrics.
Also agree Billie Trix and Bob Saunders could not sing in tune. Was aware of the actress playing Billie from Fascinating Aida and she's had a long career in the business so was surprised her vocals were so off. However, I loved her, her acting was brilliant, the comedy was nailed and I thought she was a great Billie. So much so I could forgive the poor vocals just about (I know it's not quite comparing like for like but brought me a bit closer to seeing why people like Glennis in Sunset Boulevard).
Anyway, that aside I really enjoyed it. How much of that is nostalgia? Don't know. I am a Pet Shop Boys fan, loved the original at The Arts and it very much tells a story that reminds me of the gay world I came out in in the 90s. I suspect it may be totally irrelevant for younger people today....
Set and lighting were great though and served the show well and cast gave it their all.
I do wish they still ended on Positive Role Model though.
I would go again if the seats were more comfy.
And I have booked for (and am looking forward to) Musik.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 31, 2019 8:56:18 GMT
I wish I’d have seen the show at the Arts, as there were so many stand out moments musically that I’m sure worked so much better in its original run, such as My Night and Friendly Fire (coincidentally one of my favourite songs long before I even knew it was from a musical). I suspect this piece is now destined to be performed like this going forward though. It’s very niche and would need a few tweaks. All in all, I did have a good night, but I was left feeling hungry. I’m sure Musik will be great, as the character of Billie is as camp as tits, and as I say, Jonathan Harvey writes the best roles for Frances. I look forward to hearing your thoughts once you’ve seen it  |
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2,242 posts
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Post by richey on Jul 31, 2019 9:31:47 GMT
Booked a couple of tickets for a few weeks time and worried now after what has been said about the seating as me and the hubby aren't exactly petite...
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2,743 posts
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Post by n1david on Aug 4, 2019 21:13:07 GMT
Well I thought this was pretty good tonight given the constraints of the budget and the theatre. A disclaimer up front: I'm a huge PSB fan and saw the original production three times, including first preview and closing night. I think the score is fantastic, so I did go in with that background. I thought this production gave a good sense of the compacted nocturnal world of the nightclub, with great use of LED screens, and smart choreography. I thought the characterisations were better than the Union Theatre production, which quite dispirited me. Adele Anderson makes a good Billie Trix and in most of the club performances she can get away with poor vocals, although I missed her capability to nail Friendly Fire. This portayal of Bob Saunders was stronger than that in the Union, although I really feel it needs a larger-than-life Tom Watkins performance rather than the made-up sleazeball in this production. Liked the use of dancers/chorus as subsidiary characters. I'd love to see another West End production of this, but given that's not going to happen, I thought this was a decent stab at the show, and put me in the mood for Musik in Edinburgh next week. As for richey 's concern, well I'm sorry to say that I do find the seating at the new ATS uncomfortably tight, and I spent most of tonight's show hunched forward with my shoulders tucked in because there just wasn't space for everyone in the row. For a new theatre - particularly one which attracts a predominantly male audience - I think they have messed up on this. First half is about 70 minutes and then about 55 for the second, so I didn't find it too bad, but it's not great, I'm afraid. |
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