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Post by ceebee on Jul 15, 2022 12:44:24 GMT
I'm going to see this on Saturday and am not a huge fan of cheap gags and puns. However, I do look forward to seeing Cruella's puppies. Let's hope the show isn't a dog's dinner.... Am wondering about the quickest route from OAT to Barking. |
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Post by anthony40 on Jul 15, 2022 13:42:36 GMT
For anyone who's been, is there any merchandise?
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Post by Steve on Jul 15, 2022 14:03:13 GMT
I also saw it last night, and enjoyed it. It is an average show in my opinion, with some great bits. The best thing for me was Kate Fleetwood's Cruella, and Pongo and Perdita. Some spoilers follow. . . A show like this, where you don't have the rights to the Disney versions of the story, is difficult to do. It's all very well saying to do Dodie Smith's story, but in that one, Pongo is with Missis, and Perdita is with Prince (Prince is the one hundred and first Dalmatian in the Dodie Smith, I seem to recall, lol), so I'd question how much audiences actually would embrace that story, given the reach of Disney into people's hearts and minds. Instead, this story sticks with Disney's idea of Pongo and Perdita being together (ideas are not copyrightable, only the expression of ideas), and then goes with a bunch of original ideas (Cruella the influencer, the thieves being her nephews) to keep their expression of the ideas as legally fortified against Disney as is possible lol. Mostly, I'd say what they're going for here is that toe tapping, "Half a Sixpence," Cockney Eastenders musical feel, which is why one of the best numbers, which I'll call "The Litter Song," (I didn't have a song list, so I'll just make up titles lol) involves a lot of alliteration, repetition, and simple stompy musical phrases (da da da dum dum, da da da dum dum, etc). The end song, which I'll call "One hundred and one" adopts the same strategy to rousing effect as well. The problem is many of the other songs are indeed a bit of a dog's dinner, a mishmash of inconsistent tones, often falling flat. Cruella's characterisation, though, thoroughly fits the Eastenders mould, and indeed feels like a cross between Samantha Womack's one time whiny glam EastEnder, crossed with the fee-fi-fo-fum giant from Jack and the Beanstalk, crossed with a dominatrix wielding a stick, wearing an Afghan hound on her head. Somehow Kate Fleetwood makes all this work, and indeed, is the most vital character in the show. Nearly all the flat moments, the moments where the audience were clapping unenthusiastically and half-heartedly, were ones where her character was absent from the stage. The right-wing anti-woke influencer schtick that Fleetwood has to sell is not rigorously coherent. The idea that Donald Trump could shoot someone on Fifth Avenue and lose no supporters, because he channels their antisocial resentment and aggression against "Liberals," is sharply satirised in the Amazon superhero series, "The Boys," through the character of Homelander, for example. Like Homelander, Fleetwood's Cruella gains social media followers who appreciate her being willing to openly express their antisocial tendencies and revenge fantasies, but against dogs? While the writing suggests jokily that dogs mess up pristinely conservative streets, the logical target of such resentment would be dog walkers rather than the dogs, and in fact it is Cruella herself walking the dogs she is beating with her stick lol. Still, it's just supposed to be silly fun, and not penetrating social satire, and ignoring the pesky details, if you are looking for a disreputable occupation for an East End Glam Cruella on the make, "influencer" seems spot on! Fleetwood's songs were among the few that were effective and memorable, in my opinion. In the first half, her origin story song, "Best Served Cold," explains her history of mistreatment which has caused her to become a monster, and Fleetwood smashes it. Then, in the second half, she reminded me of Liza Minnelli in Cabaret, as "I Smell Puppies" is redolent of "Mein Herr," I felt, and again, her absolute commitment to the fee-fi-fo-fum hunting of the dogs as well as relishing the filthiest (dog sh*t strewn) lyrics was equally rousing and amusing! Apart from Cruella's two songs, "The Litter Song" (much reprised) and "One Hundred and One", two other songs of note were "The Barking Chain Song" and "Not Even One (Left Behind)." These two songs were both in the second half, giving it the oomph the first half lacked. "The Barking Chain Song" was notable for its dancing, as well as being a funky number, with disparate animals all over the place call-and-answering the pack of funky dancing dogs on stage (the two glam poodles on the right were a particularly good laugh). "Not Even One (Left Behind)" showcased the marvellous voice of Emma Lucia as Perdita, plaintively folk singing her desire to rescue every single dog, and building with the whole ensemble in chorus into something quite beautiful. Emma Lucia's Perdita had undoubtedly the most exquisite singing voice of the whole evening, and her to and froing with the excellent Danny Collins, as Pongo, was a delight of the evening. Kate Fleetwood, Emma Lucia and Danny Collins were the undoubted highlights of the show for me, but in between these performers' highlights, lacklustre songs resulted in lulls that left the audience flat. Overall, this would be 3 stars, for me, were it not for Kate Fleetwood's singular commitment and achievement elevating it up to a 3 and a half stars of worthwhile fun.  |
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Post by ceebee on Jul 16, 2022 23:21:26 GMT
I'm giving this four stars based on Saturday night's performance in preview. For me, the musicality of this show and lyrical quality is marvellous. This show feels unique. Different. I'll do a fuller review in the morning, but there are some cracking songs, some memorable performances and a show which (once tightened up) could transfer and tour, and do very well. The end is an envelope of happiness merging cast and audience as one. Utterly joyful.
Edit: coming out, the audience were buzzing, chatter was positive, and more than one person was whistling the melodies walking down the road.
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Post by ceebee on Jul 17, 2022 8:54:04 GMT
Song list
ACT ONE:
1. Go Wild
2. Wrong Tree
3. It's My Treat
4. Bury That Bone
5. Bite It Back
6. Turn Round Three Times
7. Litterbugs
8. Heads Or Tails
9. The English Pub
10. Two Bad Criminals
11. Litterbugs (Reprise)
12. Für fur
ACT TWO
13. Achoo
14. W.D.D.D.
15. Dogtra
16. What The Bleep
17. Delay Her
18. I Can Smell Puppy
19. All Of Our Kisses
20. Turn Around Three Times (Reprise)
21. Cruella's Demise
22. Bury That Bone/Litterbugs (Reprise)
23. One Hundred And One
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Post by ceebee on Jul 17, 2022 9:09:35 GMT
Douglas Hodge has written a really great show. The music and lyrics zip along and the onstage band and cast interact seamlessly as the show literally unfolds around you. Lots of entrances and exits through the audience and sides - I'm not sure the green strips of grass will be on sale for this show as the space is used for elements of the show - this may change of course. Standouts for me among a very strong cast include: Kate Fleetwood as Cruella - wow, what a voice. I'm not sure about the whole influencer thing, as others have said - the show feels quite for the moment, but would date very quickly indeed. For that reason, I think the influencer choice almost stunts the longevity of this show, which would be a shame because it is fab. And Kate is superb and I could see award nominations for her once the show beds in. Tom Peters as Captain Head - an authoritative and moving narrative role with a great folky voice that in the reprise of Bury That Bone soars into the night sky from his elevated position. That reprise was a highlight for me. Pongo and Perdi actors and puppeteers: Danny Collins/Emma Lucia/Ben Thompson/Yana Penrose... Wow. Just go and see it. As good as Pi, War Horse, Lion King - you fall in love with these dogs. Grace Wylde as Tabby was also excellent in what looked like a very hot costume to wear! She has electric stage presence. George Bukhari as Jasper and Jonny Weldon as Casper were very funny - the timing of some of the gags could be tighter but there are some laugh out loud moments from them. Great fun, great characters. Eric Stroud as Dominic was likeable and well cast, and I loved Karen Fishwick's portrayal of Danielle. There are some rousing ensemble numbers in this, some brilliant musicality and instrumental dexterity, I particularly enjoyed the choreography, which made a change from all the McOnie flayling arms of recent years at the OAT. Having slept on it, I still give this show 4 stars and urge people to go and see it. It is funny, enjoyable, moving, and the end is an absolute joy which really brings everybody together. I don't think I stopped grinning for about three hours after this show. It's not perfect, but as a preview, it was pretty close. Act One needs tightening up, but Act Two flies. Enjoy if you are going, book if you haven't booked, even if you are just curious. This show has legs (four, boom tschh) - it could run.
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Post by alece10 on Jul 17, 2022 9:54:21 GMT
They probably use the grass side bits for the dogs to have a wee.
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Post by david on Jul 21, 2022 0:24:12 GMT
Continuing my animal themed theatre day, I popped over to the OAT to have a watch of this tonight as I was intrigued by the posts from board members who have already seen this about the changes made to CDV. After tonight’s viewing, I certainly came away loving this production.
Despite a brief rain stop 30 minutes into the show, this could not dampen neither myself nor fellow audience members enjoyment of this 2hr 20 minute production from Douglas Hodge and Johnny Mcknights retelling of Dodie Smith’s classic story. This really was a great night out tonight to watch both a wonderful cast and set of stunning puppets courtesy of Toby Olie. From where I was sat I could see the puppets up close as they came near me on one of the gangways. I have to say the detail in the designs in amazing and the puppeteers do a great job during the show.
The book is packed with some great humour that will appeal to both adults and kids left everyone in good spirits as we left Regents Park. I found that all jokes seem to land with tonight’s audience. I personally loved the more darker adult humour that maybe went over the kids heads but there are enough jokes and one liners that I’m sure would appeal to the majority of patrons. The Boris line was still present in Act 1 and was well received. Pace wise, I didn’t have any issues with the flow of the show and certainly time flew by tonight.
I’ll admit that reading previous board member’s posts about the changes made to CVD dud leave me scratching my head as to why make such drastic changes to this well known Disney Villain. If it ain’t broke don’t fix it is my belief. Though from tonight’s viewing after seeing Kate Fleetwood and what see has done with the character, I was certainly won over with the changes. It’s a different take to what people might expect, but in this show I felt it worked well. Also, KF’s singing was sensational and an absolute joy to listen to.
With respect to the other cast members, my own personal stsndouts were Karen Fishwick as Danielle along with Danny Collins and Emma Lucia as the voices of Pongo snd Perdi respectively. Those two cast members really did a great job in bringing the puppets to life alongside the puppeteers. I’d also like to give a shout out to the kids in the cast tonight who more then held their own alongside their older colleagues.
Hodge really has written a likeable score here with my own personal favourites being. ‘Bury that Bone” that is in both Acts as well as the Act 1 closer of “Fur Fur” and “All Of Our Kisses” in Act 2. I certainly didn’t have any issues hearing the show tonight from my seat in M15 and felt the sound mixing was spot on. I was also impressed by the choreography performed by the ensemble.
Overall, this will be a show that I’m sure will delight the whole family this summer. Rating - 4 ⭐️
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Post by singingbird on Jul 21, 2022 9:49:52 GMT
These positive reviews are really encouraging. Thank you for sharing. Maybe I will make it along after all!
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Post by anthony40 on Jul 22, 2022 14:37:32 GMT
New production shots have just been released
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Post by mrbarnaby on Jul 22, 2022 19:43:45 GMT
New production shots have just been released Do not understand Cruellas costumes at all. |
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Post by ceebee on Jul 22, 2022 23:37:48 GMT
New production shots have just been released Do not understand Cruellas costumes at all. Really? Even the TV scene in her room? The stripped back instagrammer in her spanx tracking the media narrative versus her inner monologue? I thought this warts and all direction was an interesting way to peel back the layers of her character and expose her tarnished veneer. I am not keen on the influencer thing, but as a social commentary it is bang on the money and a little deeper than the Disneyfied version of the story that most of us are familiar with. |
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Post by fiyerorocher on Jul 24, 2022 13:00:19 GMT
Reviews aren't looking great for this
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Post by robertb213 on Jul 24, 2022 13:15:16 GMT
I went with 3 stars. Kate Fleetwood is fabulous and the show looks great with a few standout songs but for me it never stepped into "wow" territory. The modernisation and "influencer" stuff jarred with me (although it got a few laughs from others) and I thought it could've all been done better. Pleasant enough and there's some brilliant bits in it, but something felt lacking as a complete product.
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Post by Phantom of London on Jul 24, 2022 23:46:47 GMT
Reviews aren't looking great for this Ore like a dog’s dinner. |
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Post by austink on Jul 25, 2022 12:26:55 GMT
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Post by FJ on Jul 26, 2022 21:42:13 GMT
Although the critics seem to be split across 2, 3, or 4 stars for this, I’ve just seen it for the second time and it’s a solid 4 stars for me and 9/10 on the enjoyment scale.
I do not know how certain publications can give that OAT production of Legally Blonde 5 stars and then give this 2 stars. I know art is subjective but I’m absolutely baffled by that. It would be far closer to the opposite for me.
Kate Fleetwood was in far better voice this evening than the second preview, and the only real change I noticed was the removal of Cruella’s bed in one of the early scenes.
I will definitely be back again before it finishes, I think the show is pure joy.
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Post by inthenose on Jul 26, 2022 23:57:14 GMT
You must appreciate the Legally Blonde reviews had no relation to the quality of the output. It was about showing support for the intent. It was a 0* show, one of the worst staged in London in years, but that wasn’t the point.
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Post by showtoones on Jul 27, 2022 6:23:54 GMT
Will this get a West End transfer?
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Jul 27, 2022 6:30:09 GMT
I do not know how certain publications can give that OAT production of Legally Blonde 5 stars and then give this 2 stars. I know art is subjective but I’m absolutely baffled by that. It would be far closer to the opposite for me. You must appreciate the Legally Blonde reviews had no relation to the quality of the output. It was about showing support for the intent. It was a 0* show, one of the worst staged in London in years, but that wasn’t the point. “The Cinderella Factor”? |
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Post by robertb213 on Jul 27, 2022 8:03:03 GMT
Exactly. Legally Blonde was a bad production of a brilliant musical. 101 Dalmatians is a great production of an OK musical.
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Post by mrbarnaby on Jul 27, 2022 8:20:37 GMT
I don’t imagine so after the reviews. Unless it’s selling out
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Post by mattnyc on Jul 27, 2022 10:02:09 GMT
I found this to be “alright”. I HATED “Legally Blonde” and see how they’re essentially going after a lot of the same audience for this one. I hate to sound “old and cranky” but after these shows I admire things like “Crazy For You” and “Anything Goes”, even more than I did before.
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Jul 27, 2022 11:11:49 GMT
I found this to be “alright”. I HATED “Legally Blonde” and see how they’re essentially going after a lot of the same audience for this one. I hate to sound “old and cranky” but after these shows I admire things like “Crazy For You” and “Anything Goes”, even more than I did before. Totally agree, I started a thread to discuss this theatreboard.co.uk/thread/9721/classics-new-writing-contest |
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Post by Mark on Jul 28, 2022 22:37:35 GMT
I quite liked this tonight. Wasn't so sure after act one (especially on Cruella), but act two is much stronger. Lovely score from Douglas Hodge and a really enjoyable production.
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