Sunset Boulevard (ENO)

[BurlyBeaR]

Apr 23, 2016 8:05:44 GMT Sue said:

That decision is yet to be made - ENO will make an announcement at some point today on Twitter.

It will brilliant either way. Enjoy! And I'll keep my fingers x'd

[Sue]

Aw thanks honey bunch! x

[alison]

I was there last night. I'll admit, on Thursday when Ria went on, I looked up the concert AIWNSG clip on YouTube and thought it was technically great but emotionally sterile. That wasn't the performance we had last night. There was nothing sterile about Ria as Norma (and of course, she sang it wonderfully).

Was I disappointed not to see Glenn? Of course. But I got to see a show I've never seen live on stage before with an all-round excellent cast, a glorious orchestra, and a wonderful atmosphere in the house come curtain call. I think Ria had won a lot of people round by the end of With One Look, judging by the applause - even the grumbler beside me was clapping enthusiastically.

I'm debating over trying to get a "cheap" upper circle ticket for later in the run to see Glenn if possible, but that would be naughty. And tbh, although obviously she has the "Glenn Close factor" I can't imagine enjoying the show any more than I did last night.

[ali973]

Gosh this one of those times when I wished I was in London so I can have the spontaneity to see unplanned understudy performances! I hope that Ria gets to go on closer to the closing when I'm back.

[Dave25]

I think this is a case of "name tunnelvision", almost being blind for the real talent of people.

I have never been intimidated or impressed by "names". I purely look at the singing and the performance. I think that Ria has so much finesse in her performance, she just completely combines the singing with the acting, every note is craftmanship. To a level where she completely outshines Glenn. Ria is Norma.

This is a case of wonderful, true craftmanship versus an actress struggling with the material, the notes, the singing and this artform in general. That will never have the same impact as someone who completely masters the craft in every detail.

[theatre-turtle]

Are we still waiting on news on today?

[BurlyBeaR]

Apr 23, 2016 9:35:47 GMT ali973 said:

Gosh this one of those times when I wished I was in London so I can have the spontaneity to see unplanned understudy performances! I hope that Ria gets to go on closer to the closing when I'm back.

I remember you saying how you'd love to see Ria perform it way back on the other forum before it was even announced. 

[wickedgrin]

As of 11.55am no word about Glenn Close not doing the matinee - yet?

[richey]

Ria's doing both performances today. It's on ENO website

[ali973]

OMG...People will flip. And I wish I was there.
I would think that Close will be back by Monday, then. Four shows off and Sunday should be enough to get her back. I hope. 

[TheOneOnTheLeft]

Really mad, flew over from Germany today just for this. :-(

[Deleted]

I'm going tonight and I am sure Ria will do a grand job.

My only issue is I wouldn't have paid as much to see it. I paid the premium plus £50 ENO membership to see Glenn.

If it was Gypsy and Imelda wasn't on, I could take that as would have paid a standard price ticket.

[Deleted]

My thought exactly... it is not just a causal theatre price people are paying to see Glenn, a lot of people are paying over £100 to see Glenn Close in Sunset Boulevard... we can argue that they should of known she may not be on etc, but it is not fair for those that have paid that much money to see her in this role.

[BurlyBeaR]

It won't affect the making of the film but that rumour a bout it transferring to Broadway might be in question now? With Glenn anyway.

[liverpool54321]

Perhaps everyone needs my wife's approach to theatre. When I mentioned the Glenn Close saga she simply said ..which one was Glenn Close.

I'm not a lawyer but I spend most of my dealing with commercial law issues. My take on this is that the promotors are sailing very close to the wind, as they have with Funny Girl. Selling a show by promoting a name above that of the show itself, and allowing this to influence the ticket price, could constitute a contract that overrides any disclaimer about a no show, especially if a court determined insufficient messaging was made at the point of sale if the star fails to perform. Personally I would be happy with any good understudy. Loved Funny Girl with and without Sheridan. That said I'm fortunate that rarely have to pay the full price for these bigger shows.

[horton]

There is also the issue of the legacy fallout from this- how many people will feel burned and not buy tickets like this ever again? How many people will think "maybe she/ he won't show up"? Everyone loses when the customer service is as poor as this.

[Deleted]

Apr 23, 2016 13:43:13 GMT horton said:

There is also the issue of the legacy fallout from this- how many people will feel burned and not buy tickets like this ever again? How many people will think "maybe she/ he won't show up"? Everyone loses when the customer service is as poor as this.

ENO are really struggling and this could affect sales of whatever musical they have planned next year with a 'star'

[ali973]

I would love it if they make an announcement that Ria will do all matinees going forward. Totally being selfish and masterminding a way for me to guarantee seeing her.

[BurlyBeaR]

Apr 23, 2016 14:18:27 GMT ali973 said:

I would love it if they make an announcement that Ria will do all matinees going forward. Totally being selfish and masterminding a way for me to guarantee seeing her.

Don't worry you'll be able to see her when it tours 

[steve10086]

Maybe not the hottest topic at the moment, but just wondering... how come Ria wears the turban during "With One Look" but Glenn doesn't? Was very excited to see the full costume used last night.

[terrylondon79]

I've already logged a complaint with the advertising standards authority. As I was advised to by trading standards.
They have lost a lot of good will on this. Any producer that bases a whole marketing campaign on the star and expect to be able to get away with a understudy, is a con artist. If they were selling the production, advertise as such.

If anything can't come out of this it's more honest promotional material it they attempt another production in the future.

[dippy]

Apr 23, 2016 16:25:40 GMT steve10086 said:

Maybe not the hottest topic at the moment, but just wondering... how come Ria wears the turban during "With One Look" but Glenn doesn't? Was very excited to see the full costume used last night.

Oh, good to know that Glenn doesn't wear the turban then. I was sure it was different when I saw Ria but then told myself I was probably just making things up since I'd only seen it the once before. Wonder why she wears the full costume, interesting.

[Phantom of London]

I have seen Glenn perform and she was incredible, but then again I really feel for people, who have shelled good money out, much more than the standard West End prices to see a understudy.

ENO cannot catch a break anywhere and this will rumble on.

However ENO were mad putting a 70 year old woman in for 8 shows a week, they should have had a 6 week run of only 6 performances a week.

[Scots UK Theatre]

Conditions of sale are usually very clear that cast are subject to change. Wish people would read the terms & conditions before going on their high horse. Plus in this case the standby is better than the lead.

[liverpool54321]

The guy we were sat next to at Toxic Avenger this afternoon had flown in from Germany to see Glenn Close tonight and was visibly upset by the fact she would not be appearing. Fortunately he picked the best antidote in being at Southwark Playhouse for matinee.