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Post by apubleed on Nov 26, 2023 15:19:00 GMT
Because she is 75 and her image is a large part of her brand haha. I don’t think her face can move naturally anymore but it kind of works on stage when it’s about playing to the back row and not naturalistic acting.
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Post by theatreloverlondon on Nov 26, 2023 16:02:15 GMT
Because she is 75 and her image is a large part of her brand haha. I don’t think her face can move naturally anymore but it kind of works on stage when it’s about playing to the back row and not naturalistic acting. Yes definitely agree that it works with the larger numbers. But I found it so hard to adapt to Loosing My Mind because she every part of her looked like she was about to cry (voice, mouth, body, hands)… but her face would. Just. Not. Move. 🤣 |
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Nov 26, 2023 17:37:30 GMT
I thought she looked fabulous and I was only 6 rows away so ‘nuff said. I’m sure many of the performers up there have had some help so let’s not single her out.
I was surprised to see that the concert was as “staged” as it was. All the set pieces for different shows, very much appreciated. I don’t mind paying WE prices as much if I can see my ticket money up there on the stage.
When I was going down to my seat I realised I’d been to the Gielgud before and was racking my brains to remember what for (I’m not a WE regular). When I got there I realised I’d bought the exact same seat on Theatremonkey.com advice for Company. Twice. And the first show they did after the opening was Company. Yay! Actually I was really surprised that I knew all but a couple of the songs because I’d not describe myself as an SS devotee by any stretch.
I think many audience members would, like me, have been wondering who some of the performers were. Assume this is in the £12 programme? There are no headshots on the website that I can see.
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Post by musicbox on Nov 26, 2023 22:53:20 GMT
I saw this for a third time last night and it was as great as always. It's interesting seeing the discussion about Bernadette here, as every time I've saw it my first thought is how incredible she looks - She could pass for being 20 years younger than her age in my opinion.
I thought I had hit the jackpot by getting a £25 under 30 ticket, bang in the centre of row B in the dress circle (I was also ID'd, so make sure you bring it!), but alas it all went down the drain when just as the opening number was starting two men came and filled the empty seats to my left, both holding paper Primark bags and chatting about how great the view was throughout the entire intro. The man closest to me then sang along to every song, repeatedly elbowed me whilst trying to mimic the choreography and constantly checked his phone - I was really disappointed that the FOH sitting in the aisle didn't say anything to be completely honest as he was very much in her eye-line.
I noticed when the interval lights came up that the two seats closest to the aisle were empty, so moved there for the second act and loved every moment, even with the safety rail to the left of the stage.
I'd actually recommend the aisle seats in the first rows of the dress circle, as during the West Side Story section when most of the cast are singing inside the building set, most of them are directly in line with you and feel very close.
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Post by theatreloverlondon on Nov 27, 2023 0:57:30 GMT
I saw this for a third time last night and it was as great as always. It's interesting seeing the discussion about Bernadette here, as every time I've saw it my first thought is how incredible she looks - She could pass for being 20 years younger than her age in my opinion. I thought I had hit the jackpot by getting a £25 under 30 ticket, bang in the centre of row B in the dress circle (I was also ID'd, so make sure you bring it!), but alas it all went down the drain when just as the opening number was starting two men came and filled the empty seats to my left, both holding paper Primark bags and chatting about how great the view was throughout the entire intro. The man closest to me then sang along to every song, repeatedly elbowed me whilst trying to mimic the choreography and constantly checked his phone - I was really disappointed that the FOH sitting in the aisle didn't say anything to be completely honest as he was very much in her eye-line. I noticed when the interval lights came up that the two seats closest to the aisle were empty, so moved there for the second act and loved every moment, even with the safety rail to the left of the stage. I'd actually recommend the aisle seats in the first rows of the dress circle, as during the West Side Story section when most of the cast are singing inside the building set, most of them are directly in line with you and feel very close. I think she looks 20 years younger too!! It’s just once you notice the work she’s had done I feel like you can’t unsee it. Regardless, my favourite activity is making my friends guess how old she is. No one can ever believe it. How she is 15 years older than Bonnie is insane??? She looks younger than her. My ultimate girl crush. Also crazy that you got ID’d because I have legitimately not been asked once in my 8 times!!! When do they ask? When they scan your ticket before you enter? Maybe because I’m always arriving between 19:20-30 there’s never time for them to be bothered. |
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Post by thistimetomorrow on Nov 27, 2023 10:41:12 GMT
I was id'd as well when I went on the under 30 ticket! Can't think of another time I've been id'd on a concession ticket (definitely never at an ATG venue or at the National).
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Post by theatreloverlondon on Nov 27, 2023 14:33:56 GMT
I would gag if Patti was in this cast or in the broadway one. Though with Bernie and Lea transferring that would never happen for a myriad of reasons lol. But imagine her doing LWL??? 😭 she would basically be great at Clare’s track.
Who would be your fantasy broadway cast?? (Can include some Brits too).
Whoever they hire would have to be happy playing second fiddle (in terms of billing at least) to those two, even though they all shine pretty equally.
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Post by alece10 on Nov 27, 2023 14:52:26 GMT
To be honest I can't see them having Brits in the cast.
They will want to use their own talent as this is basically a tribute concert so not like a musical transferring with the original cast.
They have already done it here as many of the performers were not in the original gala concert.
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Post by apubleed on Nov 27, 2023 14:58:08 GMT
It would make more sense if they replaced Lea with Patti. Patti should do the Sweeney songs and coming up roses. Maybe I’m still here. If they still want Lea on board she could continue to sing loving you etc in a reduced role. But maybe it’s a moot point if Patti wouldn’t even do it.
Would also love them to get Donna Murphy to sing Could I Leave You.
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Post by theatreloverlondon on Nov 27, 2023 15:40:53 GMT
It would make more sense if they replaced Lea with Patti. Patti should do the Sweeney songs and coming up roses. Maybe I’m still here. If they still want Lea on board she could continue to sing loving you etc in a reduced role. But maybe it’s a moot point if Patti wouldn’t even do it. Would also love them to get Donna Murphy to sing Could I Leave You. Totally agree about Lea being replaced by Patti. But based on her interviews and her memoir I get the vibe that there is no way in hell she would share that top billing with Bernadette. She would be mighty expensive too. But that would be my dream pairing. I see Donna doing this especially as she is close friends with Bernadette. |
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Post by corblimey on Nov 27, 2023 16:00:40 GMT
I love the show and seeing it for the 2nd time this week in the same seats in the front row as last time but £60 less!!
Thanks to an SOLT offer
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Post by anthony40 on Nov 27, 2023 18:58:20 GMT
I love the show and seeing it for the 2nd time this week in the same seats in the front row as last time but £60 less!! Thanks to an SOLT offer What'a an SOLT offer? |
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Post by corblimey on Nov 27, 2023 19:02:40 GMT
I love the show and seeing it for the 2nd time this week in the same seats in the front row as last time but £60 less!! Thanks to an SOLT offer What'a an SOLT offer? Society Of London Theatre but I am maybe out of date of course it’s now called Official London Theatre .com |
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Post by damaskanddark on Nov 27, 2023 20:53:23 GMT
God it would be truly incredible to see Patti finally share the stage with Bernadette. It would bring to mind the Ethel Merman/Mary Martin stage partnership late in their careers. It would be such a theatrical moment.
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Post by Wilf on Nov 27, 2023 21:08:35 GMT
Which row in the stalls would give the best view and be the best value at £55 Row B or Row M? Thanks for any advice. Although I am unsure whether to book a week in advance or take a chance on TKTS for a day seat.
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Post by apubleed on Nov 27, 2023 21:25:29 GMT
God it would be truly incredible to see Patti finally share the stage with Bernadette. It would bring to mind the Ethel Merman/Mary Martin stage partnership late in their careers. It would be such a theatrical moment. Exactly. However, as I understand it there is a little bit of jealousy from Patti towards Bernadette. For those that don't know the history: 1. Patti tried to replace Bernadette in Sunday in the Park but didn't get the part 2. She then was up for the witch in "Into the Woods" but negotiations fell through, she complains in her book that Bernadette got everything she asked for 3. According to Patti, Sam Mendes asked her to do Gypsy first and she has the 'letters to prove it' but Arthur Laurents refused to let it happen and instead asked for Bernadette to play the part because he was bitter Patti wouldn't do one of his plays, which Patti said the financial offer was 'insulting'. Of course, in a great twist of events Arthur Laurents hated the Sam Mendes production and then directed Patti in Gypsy himself(he liked Bernadette and said she found her 'rightful place' among the best roses, but only towards the end after she ignored Sam Mendes' direction. It is true if you listen to her final 'Rose's Turn' on YouTube, it sounds incredible and nothing like the cast recording or the awful preview bootleg video) 4. In an article or interview (I can't remember), Patti has openly expressed she doesn't think she is one of Sondheim's 'favourites' (it's quite obvious Bernadette is one) 5. Patti said she called Trevor Nunn to do a Little Night Music but "never got a call back". Then Bernadette played the part. 6. According to 2nd hand gossip speaking with some industry insiders, Patti is a bit jealous of Bernadette and her looks. She even made fun of Bernadette's high voice back stage once. Patti and Bernadette are not friends at all. Patti once said she "hardly knows the woman" (lol). In my opinion, I'd bet that Cameron Mackintosh asked Patti to come to London before he did Lea and she refused. Hopefully he can convince Patti to change her mind for NYC. I am sure she has been asked. It's also possible Bernadette doesn't want to be upstaged by Patti either. Especially as Patti's voice is in a much healthier state right now than Bernadette's. |
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Post by damaskanddark on Nov 27, 2023 21:37:29 GMT
God it would be truly incredible to see Patti finally share the stage with Bernadette. It would bring to mind the Ethel Merman/Mary Martin stage partnership late in their careers. It would be such a theatrical moment. Exactly. However, as I understand it there is a little bit of jealousy from Patti towards Bernadette. For those that don't know the history: 1. Patti tried to replace Bernadette in Sunday in the Park but didn't get the part 2. She then was up for the witch in "Into the Woods" but negotiations fell through, she complains in her book that Bernadette got everything she asked for 3. According to Patti, Sam Mendes asked her to do Gypsy first and she has the 'letters to prove it' but Arthur Laurents refused to let it happen and instead asked for Bernadette to play the part because he was bitter Patti wouldn't do one of his plays, which Patti said the financial offer was 'insulting'. Of course, in a great twist of events Arthur Laurents hated the Sam Mendes production (he liked Bernadette and said she found her 'rightful place' among the best roses, but only towards the end after she ignored Sam Mendes' direction. It is true if you listen to her final 'Rose's Turn' on YouTube, it sounds incredible and nothing like the cast recording or the awful preview bootleg video) 4. In an article or interview (I can't remember), Patti has openly expressed she doesn't think she is one of Sondheim's 'favourites' (it's quite obvious Bernadette is one) 5. Patti said she called Trevor Nunn to do a Little Night Music but "never got a call back". Then Bernadette played the part. 6. According to 2nd hand gossip speaking with some industry insiders, Patti is a bit jealous of Bernadette and her looks. She even made fun of Bernadette's high voice back stage once. Patti and Bernadette are not friends at all. Patti once said she "hardly knows the woman" (lol). In my opinion, I'd bet that Cameron Mackintosh asked Patti to come to London before he did Lea and she refused. Hopefully he can convince Patti to change her mind for NYC. I am sure she has been asked. It's also possible Bernadette doesn't want to be upstaged by Patti either. Especially as Patti's voice is in a much healthier state right now than Bernadette's. All true. Also to add: Patti publicly campaigned for the 1999 Annie Get Your Gun revival, even doing it in concert beforehand but then they cast Bernadette and she won the Tony. Also when Joanna Gleason won the Tony for Into the Woods in 1988, Patti was the frontrunner for Anything Goes, and Gleason was petitioned for leading actress as opposed to supporting, and she beat Patti - and Bernadette (who starred opposite Gleason) was the presenter for that category on the night - ouch! (You can see it on YouTube). The only 'camaraderie' between LuPone and Peters on tape seemingly is at Sondheim's 90th birthday at Lincoln Centre with the six ladies in red. They seem supportive of one another there which is nice. They've always seemed courteous to one another and have never had any public rifts... I do wish they would do this Sondheim concert together. But yes, also as you said, Patti's voice is in astonishing shape for her age - it has got warmer, but still has a lot of agility. Also it must be said, LuPone is famously outspoken and is very honest and open in interviews; Bernadette is very shy, reserved, and a rather strange person - hard to crack her. No one truly knows her personality, and in interviews she has rarely given insights to her personal life or performance approach even. |
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Post by A.Ham on Nov 27, 2023 21:55:01 GMT
Thank you apubleed for providing the tea! Great to hear some of the history of Patti and Bernadette’s relationship. I must track down a copy of Patti’s book.
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Post by apubleed on Nov 27, 2023 21:57:03 GMT
Which row in the stalls would give the best view and be the best value at £55 Row B or Row M? Thanks for any advice. Although I am unsure whether to book a week in advance or take a chance on TKTS for a day seat. Row B you’ll have the best time being up close. Right in the energy. The stage is high so some of the dancing might be lost but it’s worth it if the alternative is M. |
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Post by damaskanddark on Nov 27, 2023 22:04:10 GMT
Thank you apubleed for providing the tea! Great to hear some of the history of Patti and Bernadette’s relationship. I must track down a copy of Patti’s book. You should have known all that gossip before now. |
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Post by damaskanddark on Nov 27, 2023 22:04:37 GMT
Which row in the stalls would give the best view and be the best value at £55 Row B or Row M? Thanks for any advice. Although I am unsure whether to book a week in advance or take a chance on TKTS for a day seat. Row A. |
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Post by A.Ham on Nov 27, 2023 22:10:29 GMT
Thank you apubleed for providing the tea! Great to hear some of the history of Patti and Bernadette’s relationship. I must track down a copy of Patti’s book. You should have known all that gossip before now. Well I didn’t, so I appreciated the post sharing the information. Great to understand a bit more about the dynamics between the two. |
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Post by A.Ham on Nov 27, 2023 22:12:25 GMT
Which row in the stalls would give the best view and be the best value at £55 Row B or Row M? Thanks for any advice. Although I am unsure whether to book a week in advance or take a chance on TKTS for a day seat. Row A. Their choice is between B or M so presumably A isn’t an option. As apubleed has said, whilst the stage is high, I’d think B would be better due to proximity. The rake in the stalls here is pretty poor so heads may be an issue further back. |
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Post by theatreloverlondon on Nov 27, 2023 22:13:29 GMT
Thank you apubleed for providing the tea! Great to hear some of the history of Patti and Bernadette’s relationship. I must track down a copy of Patti’s book. I’ve been listening to the audio book read by Patti herself. She provides a level honesty I could only ever dream of getting from Bernadette lol. She narrates it really passionately and is hilarious at parts. Would definitely recommend. I adore both divas but I definitely get the vibe Patti is a bit of a bitter/jealous/entitled person and has been her whole career (in her book there is a falling out with somebody in every chapter 🤣). That’s why I’m sooo certain she would never do this unless she was the only ⭐️ |
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Post by damaskanddark on Nov 27, 2023 22:13:55 GMT
Their choice is between B or M so presumably A isn’t an option. As apubleed has said, whilst the stage is high, I’d think B would be better due to proximity. The rake in the stalls here is pretty poor so heads may be an issue further back. A is phenomenal. |
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