West Side Story - Curve Leicester

[frontrowcentre]

I was there last night. Doubting between seeing something in the West End or this I decided to go and booked yesterday morning, driving three hours didn’t seem a lot compare to fighting the overcrowded streets of London this time of the year. Hadn’t read this board for a couple of days and didn’t have a clue about the concert version. I read the comments just after I booked but then rang the theatre to be told that they were back to normal.
M23-M25-M40-M1 and I arrived to The Curve. Watching pictures of past productions I hate myself for missing so many. I’ve only been here twice before for Gypsy and Hairspray.
The show was delayed for a few minutes and Nikolai Foster addressed the audience explaining what had happened the previous days and that they managed to find two replacements who only had one day to rehearse and that they will be holding a scrip while performing.
The show stars and it feels weird not see the familiar Jeremy Robins choreography. But I warm up to it as it’s cleverly done and adds some very interesting choices.
Love this Maria, different approach to the usual version. Less innocent/naive, more cocky/funny. Not a soprano I think but I like her voice, it got even better in act two. A native Puerton Rican I think, perfect Spanish. Same as Bernardo (Colombian I think) and the two shark girls. Brilliant that The Curve managed to cast real Latinos when they seem to lack in the West End so often.
Anita kills it. No purple dress but this girl owns the stage. America is done with only three girls. This is no a problem as this girls fill the space brilliantly. However I would have appreciated a couple more girls on each band. The small cast it’s quite obvious in a few scenes. Supernumerary actors are to obvious and most of the time they just stand looking on the sides of the stage without really interacting with the rest of the cast (a part from Somewhere where they all dance and sing together)
Cool was cut short with no dancing sequence I guess the two last minute understudies didn’t have time to learn it. However Gee, Officer Krupke was fully staged. Kudos to this two wonderful boys and also to the rest of the cast who had to work around them, I guess it hasn’t have to be easy to perform in these circumstances specially the rest of the Jets who shared a lot of scenes with them.
I picked my seats honouring my nickname but I would recomend to sit a few rows back as a lot of action happens stage front and for some scenes you really have to look up.
Amazing production I had forgotten what a wonderful score this is and why this is up there on my list of my favourites. Posible the best musical ever writing. Don’t miss it!

[HereForTheatre]

Extended by a week and on until 18th now, if that makes it easier for anyone to see it now. So pleased it's doing well

[ABr]

Managed to catch this while in Leicester at the weekend. We got to single seats on the back row of the Circle, technically next to each other, but one seat is on a raised section with 6 other seats. Even though it was the back row upstairs, the view was perfect, there really isn't a bad seat at Curve (bar the side seats, which are cheap as chips, but you do lose a lot of stage due to the angle)

Having never seen the stage show, and only watching the film for the first time a couple of months ago, I pretty much went in cold, other then knowing the classic songs. We thoroughly enjoyed it, and thought overall it was a great production. Performances were about 75% for us, there was nothing wrong with them, at times we felt Maria's (Adriana Ivelisse) voice wasn't the strongest, though lovely at times, it did miss something for us. Tony (Jamie Muscato) was a bit dead behind the eyes sometimes, which worked really well when he was playing JD in Heathers. They did have some really lovely moments together, and I did actually find there relationship very believable. I felt that the ensemble really carried the show, pulling it through the story, framing the entire piece. Anita (Carly Mercedes Dyre) was a real highlight, and I thought it was really interesting to see America with only the 3 girls.

Now after seeing the show, we are both really intrigued by the changes being made for the Ivo Van Hove production, currently in previews on Broadway. When you hear 'I feel Pretty' and the 'Somewhere' Ballet are cut, and also removing the interval, you go 'what?!' Now seeing the show, I really can see how it might work, IFP feels so superfluous, I get the intent behind it, but really, it adds very little other then adding some lightheartedness to the beginning of Act 2. I think I'd now prefer to see an altered/updated version of WSS now I've seen the 'original'.

Overall a wonderful production, with very little to pick at honestly. If you've never seen WSS, I think this is a great production to pop that cherry! 4 1/2*

[HereForTheatre]

Ryan Anderson is on as Tony for the show this afternoon. I think Jamie injured himself from what I heard when the director talked to someone but I could have heard wrong. I think some other members are out too and it's a reduced cast. He's doing a good job but I certainly preferred Jamie.

[HereForTheatre]

Jamie Muscato injured his foot on stage last night and the understudy, Ryan Anderson, had to go on mid show having never played the role properly before. He was on again today and I assume until the end of the run now. He did a good job but I preferred Jamie's slightly more laid back acting style and his voice, Ryan seemed a bit more exaggerated in his acting and didnt quite go for all the notes as full out as Jamie but for saying it was only his first full show then big congrats to him, great job. There were some other covers on as well so it seems its a good job that they hired them swings over Xmas cus I think they were all on today. I think we were still missing a couple though.


Great news as well folks, the gun timing was spot on this time!👌

Everything was great. The set design and lighting and the orchestra are as great as ever. I really felt like this time I preferred act 2 though and before I don't think I had a preference. Adriana seems to have got a lot stronger since I saw her in November and Carly was as feirce as ever. Isaac Gryn deserves a shout out as Action too because the Gee Officer is really all his and its brilliant.

Apparently Cameron Mackintosh was in last night so it was unfortunate that happened with Jamie.



Not full bit I expected that as this week is the extension and only went on sale a few weeks ago.

[thenightowl]

Ooh, interesting that Cameron was in last night. I have a hunch that this production will crop up again somewhere in the near future. At the new season launch on Monday, Chris and Nikolai mentioned they’d had recent discussions with the Bernstein estate and were going to have a meeting with one of his sons. They didn’t elaborate any further on this but as the production is about to close I don’t see why there would be any need for further discussions. I guess we’ll see, but I look forward to any future developments, it’d be nice to see this get life further afield!

[HereForTheatre]

Jan 15, 2020 18:15:30 GMT thenightowl said:

Ooh, interesting that Cameron was in last night. I have a hunch that this production will crop up again somewhere in the near future. At the new season launch on Monday, Chris and Nikolai mentioned they’d had recent discussions with the Bernstein estate and were going to have a meeting with one of his sons. They didn’t elaborate any further on this but as the production is about to close I don’t see why there would be any need for further discussions. I guess we’ll see, but I look forward to any future developments, it’d be nice to see this get life further afield!

I am nearly sure they said Cameron, i overheard Nikolai talking to someone and he said something about everyone being terrified last night because  <insert name> was in watching and i'm pretty sure i heard Cameron but it could be someone else and i'm talking crap haha!

I think the issue with a further life is the Broadway production and i guess whether they want to bring that over here, i assume their might would win out against one of our regional WWS's.
  

[thenightowl]

Jan 15, 2020 18:41:17 GMT HereForTheatre said:

I think the issue with a further life is the Broadway production and i guess whether they want to bring that over here, i assume their might would win out against one of our regional WWS's.
  

After the 'To Kill a Mockingbird' cancelled tour, I'm sure that's a big possibility and for Curve definitely a big concern if there's to be some continued life for this production and maybe why they need further discussions with the Bernstein estate? Before the production started there were no plans for it to transfer or have a further life after this run so its probably just wishful thinking on my part.

[HereForTheatre]

Jan 15, 2020 18:59:17 GMT thenightowl said:

Jan 15, 2020 18:41:17 GMT HereForTheatre said:

I think the issue with a further life is the Broadway production and i guess whether they want to bring that over here, i assume their might would win out against one of our regional WWS's.
  

After the 'To Kill a Mockingbird' cancelled tour, I'm sure that's a big possibility and for Curve definitely a big concern if there's to be some continued life for this production and maybe why they need further discussions with the Bernstein estate? Before the production started there were no plans for it to transfer or have a further life after this run so its probably just wishful thinking on my part.

What prompted them to talk about it? Were they asked or did they randomly just say it?

Also did they mention anything about the next xmas show?

[Someone in a tree]

I'm so glad this extended and I got the chance to see it as it was astounding. I started to cry during Tonight and didn't really stop. I was a wreck at the end.


Krupke for the first time seemed to fit. Hurrah! But this production has so many other assets and unfortunately it is more pertinent than ever.

I wonder if I will see a better show this year?

It was my first time to the Curve and its non an architectual gem but as a theatre it works really well. At the end the loading doors were opened so we could peak onto the stage. Loved it. Does this normally happen?

I also clocked Bill Buchurst in the foyer I thought about thanking him for Ghost Quartet and Assassins but chicken out!

[HereForTheatre]

Jan 15, 2020 19:17:42 GMT Someone in a tree said:

I'm so glad this extended and I got the chance to see it as it was astounding. I started to cry during Tonight and didn't really stop. I was a wreck at the end.


Krupke for the first time seemed to fit. Hurrah! But this production has so many other assets and unfortunately it is more pertinent than ever.

I wonder if I will see a better show this year?

It was my first time to the Curve and its non an architectual gem but as a theatre it works really well. At the end the loading doors were opened so we could peak onto the stage. Loved it. Does this normally happen?

I also clocked Bill Buchurst in the foyer I thought about thanking him for Ghost Quartet and Assassins but chicken out!

That always happens yes with their own shows. Not usually for tours and stuff that comes in though.  I think it's architecturally very interesting myself, that building.

I guess Bill was there for meetings about Sister Act, which they are co-producing and opens there.

When did you go, today?

[thenightowl]

Jan 15, 2020 19:04:35 GMT HereForTheatre said:

What prompted them to talk about it? Were they asked or did they randomly just say it?

Also did they mention anything about the next xmas show?

They were talking quite generally about the show whilst sat at Doc's bar, telling us how thankful they were at the response for the show from audiences and critics, saying something along the lines of for this show they managed to get every aspect of the show complimenting each other perfectly (from set, cast, show, choreography, sound, lighting etc) they agreed it's not very often that happens (as much as that it what they're aiming for). It was very casually talked about.

Slightly off-topic here, but whilst I'm taking about the season preview night:

They also mentioned White Christmas being the Christmas show for the Edinburgh Playhouse this year, further continuing the life of their Christmas 2018 production. Sadly no announcements were made for this years Christmas production, although in the next few weeks they should be able to announce what it will be.

Within the next month The Phantom of the Opera will be opening which has finally involved ALW with Curve and this relationship has only just started. We were told that two further ALW productions will be coming to the theatre at some point in the near future, nothing about what shows was said, but this is great for Curve. I imagine that Leicester will probably get the School of Rock tour and this will be one of the two.

They have two more big productions to announce in the next 3-4 months but nothing more was said. Interestingly enough they'd only got confirmation that morning that they'd secured the rights to stage Roman Holiday and managed to get two West Side Story cast members to learn a song each to perform for us

The final song of the night was a performance of Over the Rainbow sung beautifully by Adriana Ivelisse which we were led to believe is a clue to a future production. We'll see.

[HereForTheatre]

Jan 15, 2020 19:42:38 GMT thenightowl said:

Jan 15, 2020 19:04:35 GMT HereForTheatre said:

What prompted them to talk about it? Were they asked or did they randomly just say it?

Also did they mention anything about the next xmas show?

They were talking quite generally about the show whilst sat at Doc's bar, telling us how thankful they were at the response for the show from audiences and critics, saying something along the lines of for this show they managed to get every aspect of the show complimenting each other perfectly (from set, cast, show, choreography, sound, lighting etc) they agreed it's not very often that happens (as much as that it what they're aiming for). It was very casually talked about.

Slightly off-topic here, but whilst I'm taking about the season preview night:

They also mentioned White Christmas being the Christmas show for the Edinburgh Playhouse this year, further continuing the life of their Christmas 2018 production. Sadly no announcements were made for this years Christmas production, although in the next few weeks they should be able to announce what it will be.

Within the next month The Phantom of the Opera will be opening which has finally involved ALW with Curve and this relationship has only just started. We were told that two further ALW productions will be coming to the theatre at some point in the near future, nothing about what shows was said, but this is great for Curve. I imagine that Leicester will probably get the School of Rock tour and this will be one of the two.

They have two more big productions to announce in the next 3-4 months but nothing more was said. Interestingly enough they'd only got confirmation that morning that they'd secured the rights to stage Roman Holiday and managed to get two West Side Story cast members to learn a song each to perform for us

The final song of the night was a performance of Over the Rainbow sung beautifully by Adriana Ivelisse which we were led to believe is a clue to a future production. We'll see.

Thanks for all that.

Well if you combine the song choice of Over the Rainbow and the mention on ALW relationship starting.....i'd probably bet The Wizard Of Oz is the Xmas show? We'll see.   I have to say, despite me not seeing it yet and wanting to, i'd find that slightly uninspiring only because quite a few other regional theatres have done it over the last two years.

[thenightowl]

Jan 15, 2020 19:55:08 GMT HereForTheatre said:

Thanks for all that.

Well if you combine the song choice of Over the Rainbow and the mention of ALW shows coming to the theatre.....i'd probably bet The Wizard Of Oz is the Xmas show? We'll see.   I have to say, despite me not seeing it yet, i'd find that slightly uninspiring only because quite a few other regional theatres have done it over the last two years.

No problem, that was my initial thought and I also find it rather uninspiring so hope its not. I also hope there's an interesting link to that song being performed, as if it is The Wizard of Oz, that would be too obvious a song to have, surely? Who knows, I won't be holding my breath!

[thenightowl]

Jan 15, 2020 19:36:05 GMT HereForTheatre said:

Jan 15, 2020 19:17:42 GMT Someone in a tree said:

It was my first time to the Curve and its non an architectual gem but as a theatre it works really well. At the end the loading doors were opened so we could peak onto the stage. Loved it. Does this normally happen?

That always happens yes with their own shows. Not usually for tours and stuff that comes in though.  I think it's architecturally very interesting myself, that building.

I love that they bring the theatre apron up after their productions, it really fits with the open ethos of the theatre.

It helps show the backstage part of theatre to anyone with an interest on their way out and that can only be a good thing too.

Curve often gets a lot of criticism for its architecture, but there's nowhere else like it, and that's part of what makes it special for me. The theatre itself offers on the of the best theatrical experiences you can get (seat comfort and viewing experience from around the auditorium is great) and the studio is a really interesting space that I've seen in countless layouts and setups over the years.

[HereForTheatre]

Jan 15, 2020 20:02:13 GMT thenightowl said:

Jan 15, 2020 19:55:08 GMT HereForTheatre said:

Thanks for all that.

Well if you combine the song choice of Over the Rainbow and the mention of ALW shows coming to the theatre.....i'd probably bet The Wizard Of Oz is the Xmas show? We'll see.   I have to say, despite me not seeing it yet, i'd find that slightly uninspiring only because quite a few other regional theatres have done it over the last two years.

No problem, that was my initial thought and I also find it rather uninspiring so hope its not. I also hope there's an interesting link to that song being performed, as if it is The Wizard of Oz, that would be too obvious a song to have, surely? Who knows, I won't be holding my breath!

I mean i guessed they would be doing WWS from the amount of WWS songs they included in their Birthday concert so they aren't often great at being subtle 

I've never seen it so it will be new for me anyway and i would of course go but it's not an ideal choice when it's been done already over the last two christmases by other regional theatres too.  I guess it's hard though because there are only so many shows with mass appeal and that's the type of show that's going to be chosen for their Xmas musicals. People were talking about Merrily and A Chorus Line and i thought there's no way.

[sophie92]

Jan 15, 2020 20:36:31 GMT HereForTheatre said:

Jan 15, 2020 20:02:13 GMT thenightowl said:

No problem, that was my initial thought and I also find it rather uninspiring so hope its not. I also hope there's an interesting link to that song being performed, as if it is The Wizard of Oz, that would be too obvious a song to have, surely? Who knows, I won't be holding my breath!

I mean i guessed they would be doing WWS from the amount of WWS songs they included in their Birthday concert so they aren't often great at being subtle 

I've never seen it so it will be new for me anyway and i would of course go but it's not an ideal choice when it's been done already over the last two christmases by other regional theatres too.  I guess it's hard though because there are only so many shows with mass appeal and that's the type of show that's going to be chosen for their Xmas musicals. People were talking about Merrily and A Chorus Line and i thought there's no way.

I remember at one of their launches Lucie Jones sang The Power of Love as the hint for a future production so immediate thoughts were that Back to the Future would be happening at Leicester, but it was actually An Officer and a Gentlemen. But Over The Rainbow definitely suggests The Wizard of Oz or another Judy-related show.

With regards to West Side Story, I really hope this production has further life. It is a stunning production and I’ll be sad to say goodbye to it on Saturday.

[thenightowl]

Jan 15, 2020 20:36:31 GMT HereForTheatre said:

I've never seen it so it will be new for me anyway and i would of course go but it's not an ideal choice when it's been done already over the last two christmases by other regional theatres too.  I guess it's hard though because there are only so many shows with mass appeal and that's the type of show that's going to be chosen for their Xmas musicals. People were talking about Merrily and A Chorus Line and i thought there's no way.

That’s the nail on the head there. They have to pick shows (certainly for their Christmas 2 month runs) that are more than financially viable and an almost guaranteed success so that they can continue to have such a well balanced and varied program of plays/comedy/dance etc throughout the rest of the year.

They were keen to impress this at the season launch and asked people to take a risk and see a production outside of their comfort zone or something you normally wouldn’t. It’s obvious from comments over the years that a lot of the members only want them to do the big well known plays and musicals. They used the analogy that West Side Story was new once and people had to give that a try. Sadly a lot of people fall in the rut of only wanting to see productions where they know they’ll have a good time or are familiar with some of the material (one reason why juke box shows historically tend to do well).

I don’t begrudge them for having to make the slightly more commercial decisions (just make sure we leave it a long while before Hot Stuff comes back) as long as the programming continues to be as diverse as it has over the past few years I don’t think I could ever find a reason to be disappointed.

I do feel very lucky and proud to have Curve as my local theatre. I don’t think there was ever a time when I thought we’d be getting the big mega musicals like we’ve seen recently. I’m just very keen to see them develop the new musical programming side which I know is both very costly and time consuming!

[HereForTheatre]

Jan 15, 2020 20:54:25 GMT sophie92 said:

Jan 15, 2020 20:36:31 GMT HereForTheatre said:

I mean i guessed they would be doing WWS from the amount of WWS songs they included in their Birthday concert so they aren't often great at being subtle 

I've never seen it so it will be new for me anyway and i would of course go but it's not an ideal choice when it's been done already over the last two christmases by other regional theatres too.  I guess it's hard though because there are only so many shows with mass appeal and that's the type of show that's going to be chosen for their Xmas musicals. People were talking about Merrily and A Chorus Line and i thought there's no way.

I remember at one of their launches Lucie Jones sang The Power of Love as the hint for a future production so immediate thoughts were that Back to the Future would be happening at Leicester, but it was actually An Officer and a Gentlemen. But Over The Rainbow definitely suggests The Wizard of Oz or another Judy-related show.

With regards to West Side Story, I really hope this production has further life. It is a stunning production and I’ll be sad to say goodbye to it on Saturday.

I remember that. I still don't know why they had her sing it. It wasn't even in the show. Maybe it was going to be but they cut it or something. The only other link to Officer was that it was an 80's song...which is a bit loose!

Jan 15, 2020 20:55:00 GMT thenightowl said:

Jan 15, 2020 20:36:31 GMT HereForTheatre said:

I've never seen it so it will be new for me anyway and i would of course go but it's not an ideal choice when it's been done already over the last two christmases by other regional theatres too.  I guess it's hard though because there are only so many shows with mass appeal and that's the type of show that's going to be chosen for their Xmas musicals. People were talking about Merrily and A Chorus Line and i thought there's no way.

That’s the nail on the head there. They have to pick shows (certainly for their Christmas 2 month runs) that are more than financially viable and an almost guaranteed success so that they can continue to have such a well balanced and varied program of plays/comedy/dance etc throughout the rest of the year.

They were keen to impress this at the season launch and asked people to take a risk and see a production outside of their comfort zone or something you normally wouldn’t. It’s obvious from comments over the years that a lot of the members only want them to do the big well known plays and musicals. They used the analogy that West Side Story was new once and people had to give that a try. Sadly a lot of people fall in the rut of only wanting to see productions where they know they’ll have a good time or are familiar with some of the material (one reason why juke box shows historically tend to do well).

I don’t begrudge them for having to make the slightly more commercial decisions (just make sure we leave it a long while before Hot Stuff comes back) as long as the programming continues to be as diverse as it has over the past few years I don’t think I could ever find a reason to be disappointed.

I do feel very lucky and proud to have Curve as my local theatre. I don’t think there was ever a time when I thought we’d be getting the big mega musicals like we’ve seen recently. I’m just very keen to see them develop the new musical programming side which I know is both very costly and time consuming!

Yeh i get it too. For me The Color Purple was the biggest surprise in terms of musical they have put on recently. Not one that i'd have expected and a risk but they did it. I was hoping for another slightly more left field (for them) choice again this year so was slightly disappointed when they announce Roman Holiday, even though that is a new musical.  

I've always thought that Curve would do a good Bombay Dreams.  Maybe that is one of the ALW shows they are talking about!

[thenightowl]

Jan 15, 2020 21:06:31 GMT HereForTheatre said:

For me The Color Purple was the biggest surprise in terms of musical they have put on recently.

I was hoping for another slightly more left field (for them) choice again this year so was slightly disappointed when they announce Roman Holiday, even though that is a new musical.

I've always thought that Curve would do a good Bombay Dreams.  Maybe that is one of the ALW shows they are talking about!

The Colour Purple really was a welcome surprise and inspired programming really, I’m very glad I saw that, having a co-production certainly helps with costs, so this should be something they’re likely to continue doing.

Roman Holiday does seem a bit left field, but it ticks boxes for the older customers because of the Cole Porter music whilst also being a film they might of heard of. They’re keen to get young people seeing this show as a way of introducing the classic Cole Porter music to them, we’ll see if it inspires the youth to book.

Bombay Dreams would be an amazing show for Curve to revive! I always thought the music was really special for this show and culture wise for Leicester it’s a perfect fit!

[HereForTheatre]

Jan 15, 2020 21:17:24 GMT thenightowl said:

Jan 15, 2020 21:06:31 GMT HereForTheatre said:

For me The Color Purple was the biggest surprise in terms of musical they have put on recently.

I was hoping for another slightly more left field (for them) choice again this year so was slightly disappointed when they announce Roman Holiday, even though that is a new musical.

I've always thought that Curve would do a good Bombay Dreams.  Maybe that is one of the ALW shows they are talking about!

The Colour Purple really was a welcome surprise and inspired programming really, I’m very glad I saw that, having a co-production certainly helps with costs, so this should be something they’re likely to continue doing.

Roman Holiday does seem a bit left field, but it ticks boxes for the older customers because of the Cole Porter music whilst also being a film they might of heard of. They’re keen to get young people seeing this show as a way of introducing the classic Cole Porter music to them, we’ll see if it inspires the youth to book.

Bombay Dreams would be an amazing show for Curve to revive! I always thought the music was really special for this show and culture wise for Leicester it’s a perfect fit!

I really don't know why they haven't done it so far. It seems so obvious for them to do. Maybe we will see it at some point over the next few years.

Interestingly they sent me a survey late last year where you had to pick shows you'd like to see them do off a list. The Wizard of Oz and Bombay Dreams were on it.

[thenightowl]

Jan 15, 2020 21:30:25 GMT HereForTheatre said:

Interestingly they sent me a survey late last year where you had to pick shows you'd like to see them do off a list. The Wizard of Oz and Bombay Dreams were on it.

I remember that survey, couldn’t tell you what they’d put on the list now though so we’ll remembered. I think I spent most of my time on the survey putting in alternate suggestions for shows they hadn’t thought of or deemed worthy of being popular enough!

[HereForTheatre]

Jan 15, 2020 21:38:51 GMT thenightowl said:

Jan 15, 2020 21:30:25 GMT HereForTheatre said:

Interestingly they sent me a survey late last year where you had to pick shows you'd like to see them do off a list. The Wizard of Oz and Bombay Dreams were on it.

I remember that survey, couldn’t tell you what they’d put on the list now though so we’ll remembered. I think I spent most of my time on the survey putting in alternate suggestions for shows they hadn’t thought of or deemed worthy of being popular enough!

LOL me too!

[Someone in a tree]

Merrily would be interesting considering the shows history and the role the Leicester Haymarket played. My instinct would be to put it in the studio and share it with a few other theatres like last year's Hired Man (Hornchurch, Hull and Bolton).

That would then free up the main stage for something much more commercial... We haven't seen My fair lady in a while.

[ABr]

Jan 16, 2020 11:11:41 GMT Someone in a tree said:

We haven't seen My fair lady in a while.

I'm still keeping fingers crossed for the recent Broadway revival to make its way across! Regardless I agree its been too long for a MFL!