5,150 posts
|
Post by Being Alive on May 18, 2022 21:48:14 GMT
As much as I hated lots of it, I can't lie the dildo did make me laugh a lot... Not a sentence I ever thought I'd utter! What’s the context of the show? Where does it appear in the show? In Chip On My Shoulder when he's searching for her book... |
|
7,064 posts
|
Post by Jon on May 18, 2022 21:58:08 GMT
I'm sure I'll get lynched for this, but is this an example of a director's lack of experience or naivety? I get that Moss created and directed Six which is now a worldwide phenomenon, but that show - despite the clever context and witty writing - is a relatively simply-staged one without much more direction than 'stand there and sing that' (someone else choreographed it). Plus, it was essentially staged as a student revue originally before being 'bulked up' by the subsequent commercial producers with flashier costumes, set, lighting etc. With Six she certainly 'tapped in' to a young, fanatical audience but does she really have the chops to reinvent an existing, well-loved Broadway-scale musical? The thing about Six is that Lucy Moss had a co director alongside her and perhaps that was needed for Legally Blonde which is a much bigger kettle of fish in terms of scale. |
|
|
|
Post by mattnyc on May 18, 2022 22:24:36 GMT
OOF. This was such a misfire. Almost every single element was done the exact opposite of how it should have been. The worst offenders are the dogs (after the show, I heard someone ask if the dogs “were like a sex thing”) and really that’s how they come off. If they were just people in dog costumes then maybe but they’re people in dog costumes acting like humans. Then there’s Isaac’s voice. I had read about that being a problem here but until hearing it live - it’s unforgivable to have a voice like that singing on a stage like this. And yes that’s harsh but Isaac’s voice isn’t one that belongs in any sort of musical theatre. It was embarrassing.
I just don’t know how so much of this wasn’t made to be cleaned up prior to beginning performances.
|
|
629 posts
|
Post by christya on May 18, 2022 22:44:14 GMT
All the stories here are making me curious...but not curious enough to buy a ticket. Reminds me of some of the dodgy student/amateur productions of various musicals that do the rounds, where they're determined to make it 'fresh' and go too far, notably a local version of My Fair Lady in which they changed Eliza to a sterotypical 'chav' with a strong Northern accent and did the whole thing in modern dress (spoiler alert, it was dreadful).
I've always been convinced that 'Six' was a fluke, a student production that happened to catch on (and in my opinion desperately needed further work), and hearing all of this is making me more certain of it.
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on May 19, 2022 4:19:28 GMT
I used to love going to the open air theatre, along with Chichester, they could be relied on for producing excellent well cast revivals of classic musicals. But in recent years they seem to be moving more and more away from that and instead wanting to be different and edgy just for the sake of it. Think I'm probably done with them for now.
|
|
19,677 posts
|
Post by BurlyBeaR on May 19, 2022 6:50:17 GMT
I've always been convinced that 'Six' was a fluke, a student production that happened to catch on (and in my opinion desperately needed further work) Totally agree. |
|
290 posts
|
Post by southstreet on May 19, 2022 8:29:05 GMT
Then there’s Isaac’s voice. I had read about that being a problem here but until hearing it live - it’s unforgivable to have a voice like that singing on a stage like this. And yes that’s harsh but Isaac’s voice isn’t one that belongs in any sort of musical theatre. It was embarrassing. I have to disagree here to an extent! Whilst I totally agree that Isaac doesn't sound good in this show at all, they are a great MT performer and have been great in other shows. I was very excited when they got cast and feel like the MD and director are doing them a disservice by not changing the key to one that suits them, wouldn't change anything with regards to the 'integrity' of the show and would make sure that the diversity they so rightly are going for actually works and isn't seen as a misfire gimmick. But there has been a fair bit of that in this show. I still think that casting Courtney was a great move, I loved her in the role, but the costumes are just terrible, which firstly, is all stuff Elle Woods would never be seen dead in. But secondly, if you're being inclusive and are casting a fuller-bodied Elle, which you know you will get stick for from less open-minded people, at least make sure you put your leading lady in outfits that are flattering! Because I think Courtney is gorgeous but those outfits are doing her a disservice, just like not changing the key for Isaac does them. If you're going to be inclusive and want to break boundaries (which absolutely need breaking), do it with care, please. |
|
|
|
Post by ladidah on May 19, 2022 8:33:22 GMT
I agree, the costumes didn't fit anyone over a size 10. I am the same size as Courtney and I am not saying she needs to wear anything longer/bigger at all, but the skirts didn't meet in the middle, or a jacket didn't fit her arm length, etc.
|
|
|
|
Post by stagebyte on May 19, 2022 9:11:56 GMT
Then there’s Isaac’s voice. I had read about that being a problem here but until hearing it live - it’s unforgivable to have a voice like that singing on a stage like this. And yes that’s harsh but Isaac’s voice isn’t one that belongs in any sort of musical theatre. It was embarrassing. I have to disagree here to an extent! Whilst I totally agree that Isaac doesn't sound good in this show at all, they are a great MT performer and have been great in other shows. I was very excited when they got cast and feel like the MD and director are doing them a disservice by not changing the key to one that suits them, wouldn't change anything with regards to the 'integrity' of the show and would make sure that the diversity they so rightly are going for actually works and isn't seen as a misfire gimmick. But there has been a fair bit of that in this show. I still think that casting Courtney was a great move, I loved her in the role, but the costumes are just terrible, which firstly, is all stuff Elle Woods would never be seen dead in. But secondly, if you're being inclusive and are casting a fuller-bodied Elle, which you know you will get stick for from less open-minded people, at least make sure you put your leading lady in outfits that are flattering! Because I think Courtney is gorgeous but those outfits are doing her a disservice, just like not changing the key for Isaac does them. If you're going to be inclusive and want to break boundaries (which absolutely need breaking), do it with care, please. Changing the key for just one person means whole songs would need to be in that key for the whole ensemble? The songs would end up either too high for the female cast or too low. Can’t be done. So you’re right it is doing them a disservice. This is on casting not on the MD. They should’ve been cast in a role where changing the key was not needed for them to blend voices. So while Isaac might be a great MT performer maybe they’re just not right in this role? I agree let’s be inclusive but maybe casting needs to be looked at more closely (at the very least the fact they sing as part of a trio in a lot of the show) otherwise sadly it does look like a gimmick. I’m sure it can’t be a comfortable experience for them either. |
|
|
|
Post by oxfordsimon on May 19, 2022 10:22:05 GMT
Putting any performer into a role that does not correspond to their vocal register is opening them to unfair criticism.
There are roles in this particular piece which don't have exposed harmony sections where inclusive casting would have succeeded.
There will be lots of praise for the inclusivity of the casting once the official reviews come out. The press certainly won't be keen to comment on the outcome of some of those casting decisions for fear of a backlash (which would inevitably follow)
But we are freer here to comment and to ask casting directors to do better. Audiences certainly will notice and comment via social media.
MT casting will always be more tricky than casting non musical pieces. There are limits as to what can be done to a score to accommodate voices other than those intended by the composer without putting too much pressure on other parts of the piece. A number of star performers have needed the music to be transposed so that it better suits their voices. So there is plenty of precedent for doing it. But it is far easier to shift a solo down a tone or two than it is to rearrange all the ensemble numbers.
It is certainly easier to create new works that properly showcase the talents of NB and trans performers than it is to adapt existing pieces.
|
|
539 posts
|
Post by WireHangers on May 19, 2022 10:31:06 GMT
What’s the context of the show? Where does it appear in the show? In Chip On My Shoulder when he's searching for her book... Thought so. I won’t lie, I recently played Emmett and we did the exact same joke during the “I don’t know what this is…” line. |
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on May 19, 2022 11:07:52 GMT
And the stereotypical gay dog... That's not even borderline homophobia laugh at the gays... Thought that type of humour was left in the 70s. Highlight so far is the rain stopped them 'singing' Apart from Nadine Higgin playing Paulette... Who is fantastic. She learnt the score and is the.productions saving grace. Why would a dog need to be so camp or openly gay in stereotypical fashion? When talking about 1970's gay stereotypes were the likes of Mr Humphries any different from say Sean Tully in Coronation Street today and there was a lot of double entendre. Dick Emery playing a gay character then was no different to how David Walliams has done so in much more recent years but there were some broad characterisations of gay characters back then and in drama it would just be seen as that. Not in a comedy OTT way as the examples I've used. |
|
544 posts
|
Post by amp09 on May 19, 2022 11:56:50 GMT
Anyone got a front row £15 for tonight? Been checking religiously and hoping I’ve not missed them.
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on May 19, 2022 12:02:06 GMT
It does amaze me how supposedly inclusive and left leaning theatre continually uses gay clichés for cheap gags or 'clever' plot twists (cinderella). Legally blonde (original), cinderella, finding neverland and half a sixpence all spring to mind.
Yes stereotypes exist for a reason and it wouldn't bother me if there was a broader spectrum of gay people represented. But theatre (especially musical theatre) always goes to the extreme camp for a cheap gag. It really doesn't feel like much has changed since I grew up in the 90s and it's just a bit sad.
|
|
19,677 posts
|
Post by BurlyBeaR on May 19, 2022 12:10:07 GMT
Double standards abound. The two jocks prancing around in their underwear in the Heathers finale/curtain call. Totally salacious. You wouldn’t see females depicted that way in this day and age.
|
|
7,064 posts
|
Post by Jon on May 19, 2022 12:13:23 GMT
It does amaze me how supposedly inclusive and left leaning theatre continually uses gay clichés for cheap gags or 'clever' plot twists (cinderella). Legally blonde (original), cinderella, finding neverland and half a sixpence all spring to mind. Yes stereotypes exist for a reason and it wouldn't bother me if there was a broader spectrum of gay people represented. But theatre (especially musical theatre) always goes to the extreme camp for a cheap gag. It really doesn't feel like much has changed since I grew up in the 90s and it's just a bit sad. I wouldn't say theatre is left leaning given ALW is a Conservative and it's not true either that gay representation is just cheap gags in theatre especially considering we've had plays like The Normal Heart, Angels in America and The Inheritance. |
|
148 posts
|
Post by FJ on May 19, 2022 12:14:20 GMT
Anyone got a front row £15 for tonight? Been checking religiously and hoping I’ve not missed them. I'm exactly the same, been checking all morning! I've seen them every day this week so I'd be surprised if they didn't offer them today as well. |
|
544 posts
|
Post by amp09 on May 19, 2022 12:24:11 GMT
Anyone got a front row £15 for tonight? Been checking religiously and hoping I’ve not missed them. I'm exactly the same, been checking all morning! I've seen them every day this week so I'd be surprised if they didn't offer them today as well. Oh good, hopefully they’ll be on soon 🤞🏼 |
|
148 posts
|
Post by FJ on May 19, 2022 12:45:12 GMT
I'm exactly the same, been checking all morning! I've seen them every day this week so I'd be surprised if they didn't offer them today as well. Oh good, hopefully they’ll be on soon 🤞🏼 Available now!! |
|
544 posts
|
Post by amp09 on May 19, 2022 13:20:09 GMT
Oh good, hopefully they’ll be on soon 🤞🏼 Available now!! Phew managed to get one using the wifi on the tube at each stop along the way. |
|
|
|
Post by danb on May 19, 2022 15:01:03 GMT
It does amaze me how supposedly inclusive and left leaning theatre continually uses gay clichés for cheap gags or 'clever' plot twists (cinderella). Legally blonde (original), cinderella, finding neverland and half a sixpence all spring to mind. Yes stereotypes exist for a reason and it wouldn't bother me if there was a broader spectrum of gay people represented. But theatre (especially musical theatre) always goes to the extreme camp for a cheap gag. It really doesn't feel like much has changed since I grew up in the 90s and it's just a bit sad. I wouldn't say theatre is left leaning given ALW is a Conservative and it's not true either that gay representation is just cheap gags in theatre especially considering we've had plays like The Normal Heart, Angels in America and The Inheritance. I’d agree that the majority of people working in the arts are (initially at least) more left leaning. As their bank balances grow and they make money from more mainstream areas of the arts they are faced with the decision of how they want to spend their money. Philanthropy, personal excess or a bit of both? |
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on May 19, 2022 17:50:30 GMT
I agree, the costumes didn't fit anyone over a size 10. I am the same size as Courtney and I am not saying she needs to wear anything longer/bigger at all, but the skirts didn't meet in the middle, or a jacket didn't fit her arm length, etc. Courtney is a curvy girl and surely the star should have costumes that fit/she can move in/ if they are too tight they would be unsympathetic to her shape. It's not like Elle is Edina on Ab Fab trying to squeeze into something a couple of sizes too small. |
|
122 posts
|
Post by kirstylovesmusicals on May 19, 2022 18:52:12 GMT
I saw this last night. I have previously seen the original London production and the Leicester Curve production. This was like the worst of the three production values wise. I mean there are none really! The score and story is the same and strong as ever but there are some questionable choices in the delivery of that score and the presentation of the show just screams cheap to me.
However my friend who came with and has never seen a production of Legally Blonde before loved it so I guess my tastes are just different.
|
|
|
|
Post by inthenose on May 19, 2022 19:02:10 GMT
Wow. I mean... Wow. What an absolute disaster. Way, way worse than I thought.
I cringed my way through this. Dreadful in every single department.
The costumes and set are up there with the worst I've ever seen on a professional stage. No hyperbole, my honest opinion. They are that bad. Even the wigs - just absolutely dire work across the board.
Courtney Bowman isn't great. She just isn't believable for the part - she does her thing despite the acting requirements in portraying this particular character.
Isaac Hesketh... I'll just say they give one of the poorest, most inept musical theatre performances I have personally seen. This is not a criticism of them as a person or indeed as a performer in other things, but this performance is just brutal.
The dogs don't work. The show is campy and kitsch enough done "straight" (pun not intended), without deliberately trying to add more. We get it already.
What on earth were they thinking with this?
One of the worst revivals I have ever seen. Every decision is the wrong one, every inch of the source material is brutalised into a schlocky try-hard pile of dung.
I'd give it half a star out of 5. The professionL critics will be kinder though and focus on the progressive aspects of what the creatives intended.
Things can only get better from here.
|
|
544 posts
|
Post by amp09 on May 19, 2022 20:04:39 GMT
Sound awful. Wigs awful. Costumes awful. Staging awful.
Courtney is very whiny. Paulette and Warner are decent.
I adored the original at the Savoy and the tour - this is a complete mess and an absolute shambles. Shame as the book and music is fantastic.
I’m off to catch an earlier train home.
|
|
