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Post by BurlyBeaR on May 26, 2023 9:06:35 GMT
Michael looks very distinguished, dare I say handsome, with the grey hair and beard. |
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Post by mraddamjome on May 26, 2023 9:44:36 GMT
I was there last night after buying a cheap ticket for the top balcony last minute. I didn’t have any knowledge of the show or music going in.
There were a lot of people laughing throughout, a lot of it I missed because I couldn’t see half the stage. At the interval when in line for the bar, a women was talking to an usher about the show and asked him if it was a comedy. So it’s fair to say a lot of people were confused about the genre/tone of the show.
The only time I laughed, and the biggest laugh from the audience on the balcony, was when Michael balls character dies, and the nephew says ‘it’s my fault’. I was just laughing at how ridiculous the plot was, and I assume everyone else was too. I mean a nephew perusing a women, then that women running off to his uncle, then he tries to kill her? Then they get married, but she kisses some women? But he doesn’t care? Then they have a kid, who is the nephews cousin, who he then falls in love with? I mean, it felt very soap opera.
I don’t think anyone was being disrespectful, it’s just a strange story. And I didn’t expect the reviews to be that negative. By the sounds of it, us lot in the balcony had a more enjoyable time compared to the people below!
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Post by jm25 on May 26, 2023 10:04:01 GMT
I was there last night after buying a cheap ticket for the top balcony last minute. I didn’t have any knowledge of the show or music going in. There were a lot of people laughing throughout, a lot of it I missed because I couldn’t see half the stage. At the interval when in line for the bar, a women was talking to an usher about the show and asked him if it was a comedy. So it’s fair to say a lot of people were confused about the genre/tone of the show. The only time I laughed, and the biggest laugh from the audience on the balcony, was when Michael balls character dies, and the nephew says ‘it’s my fault’. I was just laughing at how ridiculous the plot was, and I assume everyone else was too. I mean a nephew perusing a women, then that women running off to his uncle, then he tries to kill her? Then they get married, but she kisses some women? But he doesn’t care? Then they have a kid, who is the nephews cousin, who he then falls in love with? I mean, it felt very soap opera. I don’t think anyone was being disrespectful, it’s just a strange story. And I didn’t expect the reviews to be that negative. By the sounds of it, us lot in the balcony had a more enjoyable time compared to the people below! Yes, I agree that it didn’t appear to be mean-spirited laughter. There wasn’t any laughter I was aware of in the first half, and in the moments where it did happen in the second half it was, as you say, very much in response to the plot. The “It’s my fault” line got a laugh I think more for the dramatic fall which followed it. There was also some laughter at a few of the lines between Alex and Jenny, but thinking about it it may have been more out bewilderment and being uncomfortable, given the age gap and the fact they’re cousins. |
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Post by karloscar on May 26, 2023 10:39:53 GMT
Any show that counts "we're talking drivel, but let's be civilised" (and just after the leading lady's been shot) as one of its more accomplished lyrics is asking for trouble.
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Post by Oleanna on May 26, 2023 11:28:51 GMT
Any show that counts "we're talking drivel, but let's be civilised" (and just after the leading lady's been shot) as one of its more accomplished lyrics is asking for trouble. That’s far more accomplished than most of what passes for lyric writing in musicals nowadays. |
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Post by max on May 26, 2023 11:41:01 GMT
This 'word' ICKY keeps coming up in reviews. It really annoys me as an unserious reaction for professional reviewers. I've seen the show twice in different versions over the years (David Essex tour, and Hope Mill/Southwark). I find the taboo element interesting; I'd rather hear 'disturbing' or 'uncomfortable' than "icky"; better still, admit that seeing the shadow of someone you once loved in their offspring is a complicated and interesting thing.
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Post by oxfordsimon on May 26, 2023 11:55:40 GMT
Would the same reviewers react in a similar way to Spring Awakening which has a range of encounters which might be seen as ick?
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Post by sukhavati on May 26, 2023 12:22:49 GMT
The Telegraph gave it four out of five stars...
"This revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber's 1989 hit musical may not quite sweep you off your feet – but it still beguiles."
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Post by BVM on May 26, 2023 12:29:06 GMT
Would the same reviewers react in a similar way to Spring Awakening which has a range of encounters which might be seen as ick? This kinda sums it for me. Are we now in a period where everything has to be totally sanitised and we can't have any themes that might make anyone feel slightly uncomfortable on stage? I mean I hope not. And honestly Aspects is pretty tame compared to how uncomfortable some other shows out there can make one feel. As ever, I do wonder if it was a non ALW musical, if the "critics" would have found the themes as problematic? Guessing TBH - don't really know the answer to that? But I ponder it! |
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Post by BurlyBeaR on May 26, 2023 12:55:58 GMT
And then you have A Strange Loop and A Little Life which sound to me way beyond icky and into the realm of God only knows what being lauded. Double standards.
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Post by longinthetooth on May 26, 2023 13:06:37 GMT
Well, thanks for the spoilers. I've never seen it, and have a ticket for next week. I knew the vague outline of the show and wanted to keep it like that.
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Post by Someone in a tree on May 26, 2023 13:06:46 GMT
My issue is with how the writers treat the themes. I think with more accomplished writers then you could make a series point about human relationships.
The fact that the tittle song is now sung by a different character due to the actors star status - I rest my case!
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Post by jay78uk on May 26, 2023 14:22:25 GMT
And then you have A Strange Loop and A Little Life which sound to me way beyond icky and into the realm of God only knows what being lauded. Double standards. I agree, the outrage in some reviews feel a bit of a lazy and puritan reaction. While some might find it offensive, it is a fact of life that some teenagers develop crushes on adults, and some adults struggle to resist and not take advantage of such crushes. George is highly critical, and Rose wary of Alex’s conduct, with George being so concerned it brings on a heart attack and prematuredeath. I struggle to understand why anyone could consider the course of events as depicted as condoning grooming. |
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Post by adamkinsey on May 26, 2023 15:18:00 GMT
The reviews do seem at odds with the democratic consensus here with 5 stars being 1st and 4 stars being 2nd. Not that that is particularly unusual. Thank God this is London, where reviews have a lesser impact on sales, and not Broadway Anyway, we all know the only review that matters is Micky Joe Theatre's, which I patiently await. (Though I imagine he'll have similar criticism of the story). Seriously though, it's based on a novella which it follows very closely. Criticising the plots of ALW musicals seems to be a recurring theme currently. (Personally I am more or less happy with any plot if it inspires him to write sensational melodies which Aspects of Love clearly did IMHO). I am finally going tonight so will see for myself! That's "international theatre critic" Mickey-Jo these days if you please... |
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Post by danb on May 26, 2023 15:29:25 GMT
Michael looks very distinguished, dare I say handsome, with the grey hair and beard. I was going for ‘ruddy’…like he’s just been chasing a scantily clad waitress around a French cafe, or come in from milking the herd. |
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Post by alece10 on May 26, 2023 15:45:24 GMT
And then you have A Strange Loop and A Little Life which sound to me way beyond icky and into the realm of God only knows what being lauded. Double standards. And let's not mention Sweeney Todd that deals with mass murderers and cannabilism. |
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Post by BurlyBeaR on May 26, 2023 16:22:35 GMT
And then you have A Strange Loop and A Little Life which sound to me way beyond icky and into the realm of God only knows what being lauded. Double standards. And let's not mention Sweeney Todd that deals with mass murderers and cannabilism. Too late… you just did!  |
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Post by karloscar on May 26, 2023 16:26:04 GMT
It's not so much the subject matter as the way that it's handled that's "icky". And the fact that none of the characters are believable or likeable.
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Post by BVM on May 26, 2023 16:28:58 GMT
The reviews do seem at odds with the democratic consensus here with 5 stars being 1st and 4 stars being 2nd. Not that that is particularly unusual. Thank God this is London, where reviews have a lesser impact on sales, and not Broadway Anyway, we all know the only review that matters is Micky Joe Theatre's, which I patiently await. (Though I imagine he'll have similar criticism of the story). Seriously though, it's based on a novella which it follows very closely. Criticising the plots of ALW musicals seems to be a recurring theme currently. (Personally I am more or less happy with any plot if it inspires him to write sensational melodies which Aspects of Love clearly did IMHO). I am finally going tonight so will see for myself! That's "international theatre critic" Mickey-Jo these days if you please... Haha, true! Joking aside I do really like him. (Though would be surprised if this is his cup of tea!) |
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Post by annette on May 26, 2023 16:43:16 GMT
And then you have A Strange Loop and A Little Life which sound to me way beyond icky and into the realm of God only knows what being lauded. Double standards. I'm confused by this. Not by critics/audiences having double standards, but I don't understand why you've put A Strange Loop into the same bracket as A Little Life. I'm also not a fan of the term 'ick' but I know that the plethora of stage blood and acts of cruelty have been way too icky for some people in ALL, but this ick reference being applied to ASL is baffling to me. Is it the 'Inwood Daddy' scene that you're referring to? If so, have you seen the show or just heard the track on the OBC? |
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Post by BurlyBeaR on May 26, 2023 16:50:46 GMT
And then you have A Strange Loop and A Little Life which sound to me way beyond icky and into the realm of God only knows what being lauded. Double standards. I'm confused by this. Not by critics/audiences having double standards, but I don't understand why you've put A Strange Loop into the same bracket as A Little Life. I'm also not a fan of the term 'ick' but I know that the plethora of stage blood and acts of cruelty have been way too icky for some people in ALL, but this ick reference being applied to ASL is baffling to me. Is it the 'Inwood Daddy' scene that you're referring to? If so, have you seen the show or just heard the track on the OBC? I did say beyond ick. I’m making comparisons between shows with what might be called ‘controversial’ content. The age guidelines on both of the shows I mentioned is 16+. From what I have read, if they were films they would be surely be adults only. And yes, in the case of ASL that is because of that one song which is pornographic. |
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Post by woobl on May 26, 2023 17:23:46 GMT
I was there last night after buying a cheap ticket for the top balcony last minute. I didn’t have any knowledge of the show or music going in. There were a lot of people laughing throughout, a lot of it I missed because I couldn’t see half the stage. At the interval when in line for the bar, a women was talking to an usher about the show and asked him if it was a comedy. So it’s fair to say a lot of people were confused about the genre/tone of the show. The only time I laughed, and the biggest laugh from the audience on the balcony, was when Michael balls character dies, and the nephew says ‘it’s my fault’. I was just laughing at how ridiculous the plot was, and I assume everyone else was too. I mean a nephew perusing a women, then that women running off to his uncle, then he tries to kill her? Then they get married, but she kisses some women? But he doesn’t care? Then they have a kid, who is the nephews cousin, who he then falls in love with? I mean, it felt very soap opera. I don’t think anyone was being disrespectful, it’s just a strange story. And I didn’t expect the reviews to be that negative. By the sounds of it, us lot in the balcony had a more enjoyable time compared to the people below! From at least where I was sitting, with regards to the laughter on Alex's line, I think we were all thinking 'yeah no sh*t sherlock - you tried to shag his daughter!'. A truly odd show, and chatting to people at the after show party, I wasn't the only one to think that. |
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Post by Jon on May 26, 2023 17:43:06 GMT
I'm more and more excited with each drip of pictures, clips and reports... I so wish they could film it and release it to the public! I know it's not very likely, to say the least, but one can wish! It's a shame, really, that hardly any recent production of ALW's shows got a video release after they closed; in my opinion, they all should have, even for the sake of being preserved for posterity. Stephen Ward, The Woman in White revival at the Charing Cross Theatre, the Glenn Close Revival of Sunset Boulevard, of course... Sunset Boulevard in Concert at the RAH with Mazz Murray... West End's Cinderella or Broadway's Bad Cinderella... They all should have gotten a video release after they closed! Please make it happen at least this time with this revival of Aspects of Love, whoever's responsible for such decisions! To quote Aerosmith: 'Dream On' |
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Post by annette on May 26, 2023 17:47:56 GMT
I'm confused by this. Not by critics/audiences having double standards, but I don't understand why you've put A Strange Loop into the same bracket as A Little Life. I'm also not a fan of the term 'ick' but I know that the plethora of stage blood and acts of cruelty have been way too icky for some people in ALL, but this ick reference being applied to ASL is baffling to me. Is it the 'Inwood Daddy' scene that you're referring to? If so, have you seen the show or just heard the track on the OBC? I did say beyond ick. I’m making comparisons between shows with what might be called ‘controversial’ content. The age guidelines on both of the shows I mentioned is 16+. From what I have read, if they were films they would be surely be adults only. And yes, in the case of ASL that is because of that one song which is pornographic. Thanks for clarifying that Mr B. You didn't say if you'd seen ASL or not. The thing is with *that* song is that it is a very difficult scene to watch, but I would argue that it's an important one. Michael R Jackson really doesn't hold back in any part of the show and I'm sure there are other things in it that might be offensive or shocking to certain groups of people. In terms of the development of the lead character, in my opinion, something that debased does need to happen to him as part of his journey around the strange loop. It's controversial for sure, but I'm not sure I would define it as pornographic. The language used in the scene certainly is in more way than one, but physically it is dimly lit and suggested, rather than seen in the way everything is enacted up, close and personal in A Little Life. Before I saw the show and had only heard the OBC, I skipped 'Inwood Daddy' every time as I found it so unpleasant to listen to. The second time I saw the show I felt having watched that scene once, it was fine to stare at the floor until it was over. Part of that was because I felt so much for the lead character by that point that I didn't want to watch him being hurt and humiliated in that way. Also watching that scene once was quite enough for me to get the point. Having said that, in my opinion, the show is such an original and totally unique piece of work, I really hope that one scene doesn't end up getting so much negative word of mouth that it stops people going to see the show. There's nothing else resembling anything like that in the show (but super fans of Beyonce, Whitney Houston and Tyler Perry may want to sit near a member of the St John's Ambulance staff  ). |
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Post by chernjam on May 26, 2023 17:50:22 GMT
To me, it's lazy on the part of some of the reviewers to just mock the storyline.
Just because things happen in a story doesn’t mean they are being condoned. That’s what makes this story to me somewhat tragic. The characters in their quest for love, end up jealous, envious, take advantage of one another, not to mention other “ick” factors. The fact that in the end, none of them has discovered true love I’ve always found to be a cautionary tale that sentiment and emotion are fleeting (“A memory of a happy moment”).
And whoever pointed out about Sweeney Todd (too lazy to scroll up) THANK YOU - and EXACTLY. Who said people needed to like the characters in the story? I don't think I'd want to spend much time with Norma Desmond, Joe Gillis or Max either...
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