19,661 posts
|
Post by BurlyBeaR on Feb 21, 2018 18:29:42 GMT
Interesting this. I was there with a party of 6 last night. 4 gays, two straight women. At the interval the women weren’t that keen although I think there was a bit of a recovery in Act 2. I think some people struggle with it being largely sung through which maybe affects word of mouth. I don’t think enough people are into Danny Mac enough to book for him and Ria has no recognition factor at all. As a title, maybe it’s been a bit too long and people under a certain age don’t recognise or identify it any more. You're definitely right about the title. I don't think many of the general public, except real cinephiles will be that aware of the original film or the premise. Too much time has passed. I don't get why people are put off by sung-through musicals though? Is that seriously off-putting to people? I took two friends to see Evita and the verdict was: “Too much singing” I know. *bangs head on desk* |
|
2,371 posts
|
Post by theatreian on Feb 21, 2018 22:14:20 GMT
Glad to say my parents really enjoyed it last night. The only other time they had seen it was with me in the 90's at the Adelphi with Petula. They were impressed with Danny and Ria and thought the production was great.
|
|
1,995 posts
|
Post by distantcousin on Feb 21, 2018 22:44:33 GMT
You're definitely right about the title. I don't think many of the general public, except real cinephiles will be that aware of the original film or the premise. Too much time has passed. I don't get why people are put off by sung-through musicals though? Is that seriously off-putting to people? I took two friends to see Evita and the verdict was: “Too much singing” I know. *bangs head on desk* I've heard people say that about the Les Mis and Evita films, but never about theatre. What is WRONG with some people?!? Why is bursting into song in the (now very old) tradition of dialogue, musical number, dialogue, musical number (and repeat) preferable to so many numbnuts, I wonder?! |
|
351 posts
|
Post by Scswp on Feb 22, 2018 7:39:50 GMT
I took two friends to see Evita and the verdict was: “Too much singing” I know. *bangs head on desk* I've heard people say that about the Les Mis and Evita films, but never about theatre. What is WRONG with some people?!? Why is bursting into song in the (now very old) tradition of dialogue, musical number, dialogue, musical number (and repeat) preferable to so many numbnuts, I wonder?! I love a sung-through musical, but for people who don’t have the same level of interest and probably don’t listen to the cast recordings to the same degree (if at all!), then it is more comfortable to listen to dialogue-song-dialogue-song etc... as it is much easier to follow the narrative through dialogue rather than having to really concentrate on the narrative within the song lyrics. Many of the true fans know a fair proportion of the lyrics from the cast recording beforehand and, even in the case of newer musicals, are possibly more attuned to digesting the plot through song than audience members who are less enthusiastic about musical theatre in general. For people who want an ’easy listening’ experience (and one which, arguably, requires less focus and concentration), the concept of music mixed with dialogue much more readily fits this idea IMO. |
|
1,089 posts
|
Post by tonyloco on Feb 22, 2018 8:58:53 GMT
I love a sung-through musical, but for people who don’t have the same level of interest and probably don’t listen to the cast recordings to the same degree (if at all!), then it is more comfortable to listen to dialogue-song-dialogue-song etc... as it is much easier to follow the narrative through dialogue rather than having to really concentrate on the narrative within the song lyrics. Many of the true fans know a fair proportion of the lyrics from the cast recording beforehand and, even in the case of newer musicals, are possibly more attuned to digesting the plot through song than audience members who are less enthusiastic about musical theatre in general. For people who want an ’easy listening’ experience (and one which, arguably, requires less focus and concentration), the concept of music mixed with dialogue much more readily fits this idea IMO. Yes. Expanding on this discussion, the theory is that music and singing express a higher intensity of emotion and drama than speaking, which is the way people normally communicate in real life. Thus in a stage musical, the characters speak the dialogue and then burst into song at various points to heighten the experience emotionally or dramatically. This is an unnatural and artificial structure but audiences in general enjoy it by understanding the dialogue and then being uplifted by the music and singing as it arises. If everything is sung, including what would normally be the spoken dialogue then the whole thing becomes even more artificial, needing more concentration and suspension of disbelief. Opera has taken this form since the early 19th century but as a whole appeals only to a relatively small group of people. Stage musicals in their traditional form (songs interspersed with spoken dialogue) have a wider appeal but are not universally liked, and sung-through musicals are in fact operas and less people seem to like them. So despite being hugely successful, sung-through shows like Les Mis, are the exception, and we have rather come back to the dialogue-song-dialogue form for musicals in general. Well, that's my take on the discussion! |
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Feb 22, 2018 22:26:54 GMT
Grabbed a £12 ticket in the circle tonight and “upgraded” as soon as the overture started, as did everyone around me.
What a barn of a theatre, but downstairs looked more full.
Really enjoyed the show. Danny Mac has grown as Joe since I saw it in Manchester (and I thought he was good then).
Great reception despite the many empty seats.
|
|
19,661 posts
|
Post by BurlyBeaR on Feb 22, 2018 22:47:51 GMT
I went to see NT Live’s Cat On A Hot Tin Roof tonight.
Too much talking!
|
|
1,995 posts
|
Post by distantcousin on Feb 23, 2018 12:28:39 GMT
I've heard people say that about the Les Mis and Evita films, but never about theatre. What is WRONG with some people?!? Why is bursting into song in the (now very old) tradition of dialogue, musical number, dialogue, musical number (and repeat) preferable to so many numbnuts, I wonder?! I love a sung-through musical, but for people who don’t have the same level of interest and probably don’t listen to the cast recordings to the same degree (if at all!), then it is more comfortable to listen to dialogue-song-dialogue-song etc... as it is much easier to follow the narrative through dialogue rather than having to really concentrate on the narrative within the song lyrics. Many of the true fans know a fair proportion of the lyrics from the cast recording beforehand and, even in the case of newer musicals, are possibly more attuned to digesting the plot through song than audience members who are less enthusiastic about musical theatre in general. For people who want an ’easy listening’ experience (and one which, arguably, requires less focus and concentration), the concept of music mixed with dialogue much more readily fits this idea IMO.
It's weird, especially as the stats show time and again that musicals are far more popular than plays, in terms of ticket sales.
|
|
1,995 posts
|
Post by distantcousin on Feb 23, 2018 12:30:44 GMT
I haven't purchased tickets for Wimbledon yet, but a friend wants me to. Bit loathe to pay full price at this point, and they might go on offer/discount nearer the time.
Wonder what the chances of that happening are?...
|
|
4,172 posts
|
Post by anthony40 on Feb 23, 2018 12:45:06 GMT
When is it in Wimbledon again?
|
|
1,995 posts
|
Post by distantcousin on Feb 23, 2018 13:17:29 GMT
When is it in Wimbledon again?
10-14 April - the end of the UK Tour.
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Feb 23, 2018 14:03:36 GMT
So I have been in Leicester, Birmingham, Manchester and Bristol. Was full in Leicester, but has been probably only 50% full in the other venues, and this was on a Saturday night.
I love Sunset, is definitely in my top 10 all time musicals. But sadly can't deny that this tour has not sold as well as I would have hoped, which means as a name in it's own right, it is just not that popular.
Agree that Joe Public doesn't really go for sung through musicals (personally I love them - for me they are perfect!) but also maybe this just doesn't have mass appeal in this day and age. Was very much the last of the sung through mega musicals of the 80s and 90s. And maybe just didn't break into the all time classic status of Cats and Saigon which tour very successfully.
A shame as I do wonder if it will be a very long time (if ever) that we see a tour of Sunset again! Likewise doubt there will ever be a fully staged London revival. Though guess somewhere fringe might have a crack...
|
|
351 posts
|
Post by Scswp on Feb 23, 2018 15:22:48 GMT
^^^
I doubt there will ever be a full revival like the Adelphi original. That production was so completely lavish and was amazingly impressive at the time (and, in terms of staging, would be impressive even now).
The problem was, I think, it was very quick to use named performers in the original productions (LuPone, Buckley, Paige, Clarke, Rita Moreno, Close, Diahann Carroll, Debra Byrne), making audiences expect a ‘name’ of some description or note. It was, therefore, very difficult for the production itself and the title to ‘make their mark’. Plus, pictures of the star playing Norma (in costume) always seemed to accompany the logo (this was never the case with the original ‘Phantom’ - you didn’t see Crawford and Brightman - you simply saw the logo). As a result of the often-accompanying photograph of the star playing Norma, the title ‘Sunset Boulevard’ didn’t become the star at all - hence, the current tour without a well-known name is not a draw for the public.
I don’t necessarily agree that there is too much music in this either and I wouldn’t describe it as a sung-through musical at all. There is actually a fair amount of spoken dialogue in this - so I don’t think that has influenced the lack of ticket sales. I think that, for younger audiences, the title itself has never crept into the general consciousness (unlike Phantom, Saigon, Cats etc...) and , for older audiences who remember the original, there is the expectation of a ‘name’.
Just my thoughts! I think it’s a shame it hasn’t sold well - it’s one of my favourite shows!!!
|
|
4,172 posts
|
Post by anthony40 on Feb 23, 2018 17:31:34 GMT
When is it in Wimbledon again?
10-14 April - the end of the UK Tour.
Ah, cheers mate! I'll mark that one on the calendar. |
|
2,371 posts
|
Post by theatreian on Feb 23, 2018 18:40:00 GMT
I think for touring productions particularly that a name is needed to sell shows that are not readily familiar with audiences. Ria Jones as good as she is not a name 99% of the population would know. Sunset, although one of my favourite shows does not have the pulling power of for example Blood Brothers which can sell out just on the show alone.
|
|
19,661 posts
|
Post by BurlyBeaR on Feb 23, 2018 21:52:59 GMT
That’s all in the past...
|
|
1,995 posts
|
Post by distantcousin on Feb 25, 2018 11:39:49 GMT
I think for touring productions particularly that a name is needed to sell shows that are not readily familiar with audiences. Ria Jones as good as she is not a name 99% of the population would know. Sunset, although one of my favourite shows does not have the pulling power of for example Blood Brothers which can sell out just on the show alone. I was thinking Danny Mac would be the draw. He is a celebrity and all, and the show was promoted on his name and photo. Obviously not enough of one!.... |
|
608 posts
|
Post by chernjam on Feb 25, 2018 23:12:57 GMT
So I have been in Leicester, Birmingham, Manchester and Bristol. Was full in Leicester, but has been probably only 50% full in the other venues, and this was on a Saturday night. I love Sunset, is definitely in my top 10 all time musicals. But sadly can't deny that this tour has not sold as well as I would have hoped, which means as a name in it's own right, it is just not that popular. Agree that Joe Public doesn't really go for sung through musicals (personally I love them - for me they are perfect!) but also maybe this just doesn't have mass appeal in this day and age. Was very much the last of the sung through mega musicals of the 80s and 90s. And maybe just didn't break into the all time classic status of Cats and Saigon which tour very successfully. A shame as I do wonder if it will be a very long time (if ever) that we see a tour of Sunset again! Likewise doubt there will ever be a fully staged London revival. Though guess somewhere fringe might have a crack... If the musical ever gets its long rumored film adaptation with Close, I would think that would raise the "Sunset" property. Right now its definitely a bit dated to this generation of theatre goers who rarely watch old movies, would not even know there was a time where there were silent films - so the story remains a bit distant for them. A movie-musical (well, a successful movie musical) could change that and make a future revival viable that people want to see and experience that in the theatre again. Must admit though, as much as it stinks because it is such a phenomenal score that is one of my all time favorites - it does need a star in the lead as Norma to really work. A friend of mine who's not a huge theatregoer went with his wife a year ago to see Sunset with Glenn at my recommendation. He knew nothing of the story or the score, so it was interesting getting his impressions on everything. One thing that blew him away was the reaction that Glenn received the first time she is spotted descending the stair case and that he had never experienced something like that in the theatre before. There's something about that moment, that they need to get caught up in the Hollywood star of the actress for it to work. In fact, that's always been the case. That's why the film worked because Gloria Swanson was playing the lead... |
|
1,929 posts
|
Post by LaLuPone on Mar 1, 2018 12:09:52 GMT
Both performances in Cardiff cancelled today. Must admit I'm gutted. No tickets left for Saturday from what I can see so I'm going to use the refund money to go see the show in Wimbledon, at least I can add another theatre to my list I guess!
|
|
5,139 posts
|
Post by TallPaul on Mar 1, 2018 13:38:40 GMT
When is it in Wimbledon again?
10-14 April - the end of the UK Tour.
Unless you have some inside information, after Wimbledon there is then a week in Canterbury, followed by a week in Sheffield, for which tickets are still very much on sale and available in quite large numbers. |
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 1, 2018 14:45:53 GMT
10-14 April - the end of the UK Tour.
Unless you have some inside information, after Wimbledon there is then a week in Canterbury, followed by a week in Sheffield, for which tickets are still very much on sale and available in quite large numbers. Should do a TheatreBoard trip to the final performance in Sheffield. Send the show off properly... |
|
1,995 posts
|
Post by distantcousin on Mar 1, 2018 18:38:19 GMT
10-14 April - the end of the UK Tour.
Unless you have some inside information, after Wimbledon there is then a week in Canterbury, followed by a week in Sheffield, for which tickets are still very much on sale and available in quite large numbers. Whoops! |
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 1, 2018 19:25:12 GMT
Forgot to share thoughts on this!
I've never seen Sunset, and actually it turns out wasn't familiar with the story or score particularly. Which led to an interesting minute or so of 'WTF is that? a dead cat? dog? baby? it's a chimp? WTF?'
Those moments aside I really loved it. Ria Jones is just phenomenal, and gives a stellar performance for the whole thing and then, those last five minutes or so. Wow. And her vocals are incredible.
I loved Danny Mac too (isn't he little?!) thought he had charisma, a nice voice, decent acting and of course some good dance moves. The ensemble also were excellent and for me the stripped back set really worked in the sense it looked like a film set being put together and pulled apart.
All in all glad I ticked this one off my list. Was I in love with the musical itself? I'd say probably not. There's nothing I dislike but I don't think anything that would pull me back time and again.
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 1, 2018 21:11:13 GMT
Whoa? Seriously?! Which led to an interesting minute or so of 'WTF is that? a dead cat? dog? baby? it's a chimp? WTF?' Has kept two decades of theatre monkeys in bananas, thank you very much. Roles like that don't come often for a neglected theatrical species. It’s never (to my knowledge) come around in my theatre going career (since circa 2002) and I’ve never seen the film...so erm nope! (To borrows from another thread) |
|
1,481 posts
|
Post by steve10086 on Mar 3, 2018 21:00:16 GMT
Wales Millennium Centre about 95% full tonight, so good call to go ahead with the show!
|
|
