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Post by Deleted on Aug 19, 2020 21:53:25 GMT
So it turns out my mask was really effective for catching my tears when the cast took off their masks at the end of the overture as *that* refrain rang out. And then for muffling my sobs as I completely lost it.
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Post by digne on Aug 19, 2020 22:27:41 GMT
Have they switched around the combinations of leads at any of the shows so far (or is it still the same groups of three as in the first two shows)? Tonight it was Ricardo Afonso/Pepe Nufrio/Maimuna Memon again, so it seems it's always the same trio unless someone's sick? And after our rain stop, the show ran through to the end without a further stop.
But what an incredibly emotional show - just being in a theatre again after half a year was so good. Ricardo Afonso is still outstanding, simply the best Judas I've ever seen. And just like so many others here, I found myself tearing up when Jesus first removed his face mask and grabbed his microphone.
It's really really good to be back. And even with a socially distanced audience, there was almost the same level of energy in the theatre you get from a full auditorium.
Unfortunately people are really bad about the masks, but they started to send ushers through the audience to tell people to keep them on, and that helped a lot.
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Post by theatremadhatter on Aug 20, 2020 0:21:07 GMT
Have they switched around the combinations of leads at any of the shows so far (or is it still the same groups of three as in the first two shows)? It seems random, on Sunday night it was Ricardo, Declan & Maimuna and in the afternoon I was told it was Pepe, Ricardo & Anoushka. Unfortunately the show I went to see in the evening was cancelled due to rain. But I’m not complaining it was an incredible moment watching Judas dip his hands in the Silver with thunder rolling behind and I like how they seemed to wait until what would have been the end of act 1 to stop. I’m going back this week so hopefully it stays dry! I had goosebumps from the start, I think partly just to be back watching theatre but the mask moment really effected me. Very clever how they’ve staged it and much more than the concert that was billed. I am hoping to see Tyrone as I’m interested to see Ricardo and Tyrone in succession as I think Ricardo is unparalleled. |
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Post by alison on Aug 20, 2020 6:11:03 GMT
Sunday night has been the only exception to the two "set" trios of leads that we've seen so far, which makes me wonder if Tyrone was supposed to be on but wasn't able to for some reason.
Not that I've been tracking who's been on in an attempt to figure out the schedule so I can see everyone, you understand ...
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Post by Deleted on Aug 20, 2020 11:12:06 GMT
Sunday night has been the only exception to the two "set" trios of leads that we've seen so far, which makes me wonder if Tyrone was supposed to be on but wasn't able to for some reason. Not that I've been tracking who's been on in an attempt to figure out the schedule so I can see everyone, you understand ... Me neither. Lol. |
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Post by Deleted on Aug 20, 2020 17:18:28 GMT
So to add a couple more thoughts now I have come down from last night...
Obviously I was already an enormous fan of this and they could have done it exactly the same as before and I would have been delighted. In fact, I was anxious that I wouldn’t get to see Ricardo on my first visit, because he was my favourite part of the whole thing. So, this is hardly a dispassionate eye.
I felt that there were several improvements, especially in the casting. Cedric Neal as Simon Zealotes smashed it, bringing a worshipful fervour to the song that filled my heart with joy. Shaq Taylor as Herod brings a lovers rock vibe to the song, and he completely makes it his own. I usually endure that song, but he finds something new in it.
I also thought that the revised choreography of the ending had so much more impact and, as a Christian, it went several steps towards resurrection. Some of my Christian friends won’t see the play because ALW doesn’t give us that. massive oversimplification of something much more complex, that is probably very boring for most people on here.
Anyway, wear your mask when you go. We were in row r so I could see backs not faces, but I realised this morning from the selfie we took, that of the six people in the pic (four people not in our party) we were the only two masked.
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Post by steve10086 on Aug 20, 2020 17:35:42 GMT
I also thought that the revised choreography of the ending had so much more impact and, as a Christian, it went several steps towards resurrection. Some of my Christian friends won’t see the play because ALW doesn’t give us that. There shouldn’t be a resurrection (which there never was anyway). |
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Post by HereForTheatre on Aug 20, 2020 17:40:47 GMT
I'm hoping they extend the lawn screenings through September, maybe then i'll consider going because I could do a pretty cheap theatre weekend with that and Sleepless.
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Post by richey on Aug 20, 2020 17:41:58 GMT
I also thought that the revised choreography of the ending had so much more impact and, as a Christian, it went several steps towards resurrection. Some of my Christian friends won’t see the play because ALW doesn’t give us that. There shouldn’t be a resurrection (which there never was anyway). The Bill Kenwright version a few years ago added the Resurrection. Totally ruined it. On a more positive note, the new photos look absolutely stunning. I really really want to book for it now but the single seat issue makes it a struggle. |
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Post by Deleted on Aug 20, 2020 18:16:22 GMT
There shouldn’t be a resurrection (which there never was anyway). The Bill Kenwright version a few years ago added the Resurrection. Totally ruined it. On a more positive note, the new photos look absolutely stunning. I really really want to book for it now but the single seat issue makes it a struggle. Why doesn’t it surprise me that Kenwright could ruin the resurrection? Open air theatre have added a bit to the website where they list which seats are singles, to make it easier to find them (if that’s any help?) |
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Post by mrnutz on Aug 21, 2020 13:43:19 GMT
I'm seeing this tonight and cannot WAIT.
Is the casting announced ahead of time anywhere or just on the boards at the theatre? After seeing it at the Barbican last year I'm really hoping Ricardo is on tonight.
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Post by Dr Tom on Aug 21, 2020 14:22:11 GMT
Is the casting announced ahead of time anywhere or just on the boards at the theatre? Just on the boards at the theatre. |
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Post by chadexx on Aug 21, 2020 15:05:00 GMT
The papers give a whole galaxy of 4 and 5 stars for the production - all commenting on the fact that is much more than a concert version
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Post by juicy_but_terribly_drab on Aug 21, 2020 17:37:34 GMT
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Post by richey on Aug 21, 2020 18:38:19 GMT
I've put my reservations aside and booked one of the last single seats. I have to see this!
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Post by ceebee on Aug 22, 2020 21:04:39 GMT
Where to start with this? It works! Definitely more than just a concert, particularly with the superb choreography. It was like seeing old friends again, and there are some memorable tweaks to the vocals - clever use of pauses, dynamic modern twists to the melodies to keep it fresh. Declan/Tyrone/Anoushka on tonight and they all nailed it, as did the whole cast and band. Declan Bennett punches his way through the score with soul, rock and panache. Tyrone Huntley has a rich texture and vocal gymnastics that almost - almost - made me forget Ricardo Afonso superb performances last year in the role. Anoushka Lucas reminded us how glorious she was first time around in the role of Mary. Hard not to praise everybody, but David Thaxton was electric as Pilate, Annas and Caiaphas were superb priests and Herod was the best I've seen.
It is great to see this version decluttered with minimal props, and the minimalism focuses the audience on the actors, lyric and music.
The lashes loses no impact for being socially distanced, and the "innocent puppet" line blends into a very clever crowning and "Superstar" finale.
Theatre in the covid era? It's back on, and emphatically so.
Jesus' crucifixion is very simple but very clever. (Elective resignation is all I will say.)
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Post by Deleted on Aug 22, 2020 22:01:01 GMT
Where to start with this? It works! Definitely more than just a concert, particularly with the superb choreography. It was like seeing old friends again, and there are some memorable tweaks to the vocals - clever use of pauses, dynamic modern twists to the melodies to keep it fresh. Declan/Tyrone/Anoushka on tonight and they all nailed it, as did the whole cast and band. Declan Bennett punches his way through the score with soul, rock and panache. Tyrone Huntley has a rich texture and vocal gymnastics that almost - almost - made me forget Ricardo Afonso superb performances last year in the role. Anoushka Lucas reminded us how glorious she was first time around in the role of Mary. Hard not to praise everybody, but David Thaxton was electric as Pilate, Annas and Caiaphas were superb priests and Herod was the best I've seen. It is great to see this version decluttered with minimal props, and the minimalism focuses the audience on the actors, lyric and music. The lashes loses no impact for being socially distanced, and the "innocent puppet" line blends into a very clever crowning and "Superstar" finale. Theatre in the covid era? It's back on, and emphatically so. Jesus' crucifixion is very simple but very clever. (Elective resignation is all I will say.) I was also there tonight and echo all of that, I thought it was absolutely superb. Being back in a theatre seeing something as good as that has put me on a real high after a really terrible week. Such a shame I have several entries for the Bad Behaviour thread, but I guess even that is a return to some semblance of normality! |
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Post by ceebee on Aug 23, 2020 6:46:45 GMT
[/quote]
I was also there tonight and echo all of that, I thought it was absolutely superb. Being back in a theatre seeing something as good as that has put me on a real high after a really terrible week.
Such a shame I have several entries for the Bad Behaviour thread, but I guess even that is a return to some semblance of normality! [/quote]
Yes - there was what I can only describe as deliberate and childish disobedience from two women on the far right of the audience regarding wearing masks, covert photography/filming and being a general nuisance. Plus - Row C centre left - i paid to see and hear the cast, not to see you head dancing, mouthing lines and waving to your mates in "I don't know how to love him".
Some people need to stay away from theatres, as their crass attitudes do spoil things and are a distraction. I think the front of house staff should just kick such folk out.
Oh, and another pet peeve - audience members with an inability to hang on for the loo for 90 minutes. It's not the effing cinema. Go before or after but don't disrespect the performers and your fellow audience by getting up (more than once) for a loo break. If you struggle in that area, have the decency to buy a lawn ticket where the loos are close and you'll not be in the eyeline of the cast. (I never understand why such borderline incontinents insist on buying tickets so close to the front and then spend half the showtime coming and going for oblutions.)
On the upside, the night ended beautifully with a marriage proposal in the upper tier which was lovely to witness along with the spontaneous audience cheers and claps. Even with masks on, the best of humankind wins out.
OAT should be very proud. The ticket checks, temperature checks and one-way system works perfectly, all staff were polite and friendly, the bar works better (!) with the new system, and the new toilets and grill blocks
are fantastic!
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Post by Deleted on Aug 23, 2020 8:07:56 GMT
Yes - there was what I can only describe as deliberate and childish disobedience from two women on the far right of the audience regarding wearing masks, covert photography/filming and being a general nuisance. Plus - Row C centre left - i paid to see and hear the cast, not to see you head dancing, mouthing lines and waving to your mates in "I don't know how to love him". Some people need to stay away from theatres, as their crass attitudes do spoil things and are a distraction. I think the front of house staff should just kick such folk out. Oh, and another pet peeve - audience members with an inability to hang on for the loo for 90 minutes. It's not the effing cinema. Go before or after but don't disrespect the performers and your fellow audience by getting up (more than once) for a loo break. If you struggle in that area, have the decency to buy a lawn ticket where the loos are close and you'll not be in the eyeline of the cast. (I never understand why such borderline incontinents insist on buying tickets so close to the front and then spend half the showtime coming and going for oblutions. Yes, I noticed all of those too, plus I had to tell the three stupid girls across the aisle from me to shut up as they talked through the whole thing, even the quietest of moments. At full volume. It did make me giggle when one of them went for a loo break and completely missed the end of the show (as did half a dozen others who thought the crucifixion was a good time to exit). I did not see the marriage proposal though, I must have been in the wrong side of the upper tier or left too quickly - how lovely! I agree that aside from the lack of ushers intervening the whole thing worked really well. I might go back later in the run, I enjoyed it that much. |
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Post by ceebee on Aug 23, 2020 8:41:54 GMT
I will definitely be returning with my daughters. The marriage proposal was as the last 1/3 or so of audience were leaving. It was very touching - I might be wrong but a bottle of bubbles was offered either by an audience member/friend or OAT. Still, i found it a moment of profound beauty in such weird times, and wish them both every happiness.
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Post by ceebee on Aug 24, 2020 11:01:01 GMT
Rare single seat available for JCSuperstar on Friday 28 August 19:30 - message me if you are interested in it, or will return to OAT.
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Post by ceebee on Aug 24, 2020 13:10:32 GMT
Single seat Row J is available on Regent's Park OAT booking page for Friday 28 August 7.30pm performance. One of the best seats in the theatre and a rare single (very few available now).
This production is remarkably expansive, using the full length and breadth of the "Evita" steps; the choreography is glorious, the Last Supper is still genius, the crucifixion rather clever, and the music is loud and fantastic in equal measure. Oh, and there is a lot of love between the cast and the audience. The waves of emotion and support flowing from the audience to the stage and back are something to behold, despite the distancing and masks.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 25, 2020 9:35:22 GMT
shentonstage.com/can-we-start-again-please/An interesting read here from Mark Shenton. Re the middle section talking about freebies for critics, I agree with Regent's Park and fully understand why they would not be giving critics free tickets in the current climate. (Though I am of course sorry that people's income has dried up. That said, the whole area of theatre reviews had already changed so vastly pre corona that paid critique is a separate discussion not for here). But it's the last section that is striking. And he is absolutely correct. It is in fact a completely bittersweet experience. An amazing production in extraordinary circumstances. But also a gut wrenching reminder of how unsustainable this all is. He says it isn't the re-start of theatre. It's a limited experience. And when the Summer socially distanced outdoor (non profitable) shows are gone - what next? Something? Nothing? Well, we don't know. But bittersweet or not, I have booked several further trips and will be enjoying every second while it's here. For I suspect a very long Winter waits when the metaphorical curtain falls on this glorious production.
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Post by juicy_but_terribly_drab on Aug 25, 2020 12:48:15 GMT
Has anyone been to the lawn screening of this? I'm going this evening with a couple others and I was going to bring a blanket for us all to sit on but the info hub seems unclear whether we'll be sitting together or still in the socially distanced individual 1.2sq metre spaces and I'll have to bring us a blanket each.
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Post by ceebee on Aug 25, 2020 13:28:59 GMT
Has anyone been to the lawn screening of this? I'm going this evening with a couple others and I was going to bring a blanket for us all to sit on but the info hub seems unclear whether we'll be sitting together or still in the socially distanced individual 1.2sq metre spaces and I'll have to bring us a blanket each. From what I can see, bring one blanket each as the squares are clearly marked out with grass paint. That said, I didn't see what happened during the performance and people might have grouped up - OAT is being pretty strict enforcing the rules on masks etc., but in a very friendly and sympathetic way. If you can, grab a spot near one of the tables with parasols just in case you need to duck for cover (left hand side of the grid). |
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