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Post by Deleted on Jan 6, 2017 0:26:54 GMT
I'm just back home after a bit of a late one seeing La Cage in Oxford. The performance was delayed by thirty minutes due to Adrian Zmed apparently being unwell, but Bill Kenwright addressed this on stage before curtain up and assured the audience that Adrian would still perform.
Strengths + Marti Webb is an absolute joy. It's only a shame that Jacqueline doesn't really come into her own as a character until the later half of the show. + John Partridge is undoubtedly the star here. He plays Zsa Zsa/Albin brilliantly, and is the perfect lead - despite my reservations. + The tucks! They were eye watering!
Not so Strong - The sets are generally very wobbly, it put me very much in mind of Prisoner Cell Block H. - There were a few wardrobe and wig issues, but I'm sure with time, like the tightness of dance numbers will improve. - Adrian Zmed. I was disappointed, he didn't seem to know his lines very well, and I really didn't rate his acting ability. He seemed to be delivering each line for the audience, rather than the characters he was apparently in dialogue with.
I always assumed that the lead characters were French (from their names) but here Georges had an American accent and Albin a strong Mancunian/Northern?! As this was the first production of La Cage I've seen I wasn't sure if this was usual or simply a strange directing choice?
Overall though, considering this was the first night out on tour, it's already in a pretty decent shape. I'd like to revisit it again in six months' time when it's bound to have improved even more.
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Post by theatremadness on Jan 6, 2017 0:38:34 GMT
I always assumed that the lead characters were French (from their names) but here Georges had an American accent and Albin a strong Mancunian/Northern?! As this was the first production of La Cage I've seen I wasn't sure if this was usual or simply a strange directing choice? Thanks for the review! Interesting, hope Adrian feels better soon, which may also have affected his acting! In regards to accents, yes it's set in Saint-Tropez in France but in the most recent London revival I believe they all used British accents (if my memory serves me well), as Les Mis do to depict France, unless it was an American actor (i.e John Barrowman, then I think he stayed American for Albin - again if I remember correctly!). On Broadway, Kelsey Grammer stayed American/transatlantic for Georges (gives an air of class and respect I guess) whilst Douglas Hodge stayed British. The rest of the cast on Broadway stayed American, though I think they gave Jacob a French accent. George Hear when he originated Albin definitely had an American/transatlantic thing going on, not that I was around to see it but there are enough recordings. It's probably better and much cleaner that way than an entire cast of affected French accents. As for John Partridge being Northern, well it's a strange choice but one that a few picked up from that promo video. Only idea I take from that is, again, from Les Mis, in the Tom Hooper film (and the 25th Anniversary Tour a couple of years before, to some extent), they had all poor people in France affect a Northern accent to convey class. They tried this for Hugh Jackman but he didn't quite get there, leaving his Soliloquy a strange hybrid of Australian/Northern. So maybe they're trying to establish Albin as slightly lower-class (for whatever reason? Not so sure) by giving him a Northern accent to convey lower-class French. Even as I'm typing that I'm shaking my head.
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Post by Honoured Guest on Jan 6, 2017 10:14:42 GMT
Accent-blind? Actors using their own accents?
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Post by danielwhit on Jan 6, 2017 17:44:17 GMT
I was in Oxford last night too for the first preview. Started at 7.51pm (house was only opening at 7.25pm). Kenwright put this down to Zmed being unwell, but I can't see how that delayed us getting in, meanwhile FoH just didn't know what was going on with the delay. Anyhow.
The first half is fine but limp, lacking energy in bits and feels very tacky in parts. The second half is much stronger, presumably as the book is and there's some much needed comic relief in addition to plot.
John Partridge is definitely the best thing about the show - however I didn't buy his forced talk to the audience near the end of Act 1. It came across as desperate and didn't get the reaction desired (which, for an evening presumably packed with family and friends of the production, is slightly concerning). He's definitely got the lungs for the part and has strong presence.
The set itself has more moving parts (both intentionally and unintentionally) than Kenwright's re-imagining of Ghost. Plenty of slight wobbles going on at the moment. I'd put part of this down to the flats themselves being at the wrong height (which would surprise me, TBH) and partially due to people knocking into them. The one intentionally moving part is a moving staircase.
The one peculiar sight I had from mid stalls SL was the access to see, via the reflective tab, into one of the quick change areas. I suspect they need to fix this, as not everyone wants to be distracted by Zmed stripping down to change into a suit.
Lighting is good - and sound is passable, but the New Theatre is notoriously bad for their acoustics so I'll attribute that to the venue rather than the show team.
Curious fact - last night was being filmed. Presumably to provide footage for an EPK?
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Post by anthony40 on Jan 6, 2017 17:51:04 GMT
EPK?
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Post by theatremadness on Jan 6, 2017 17:56:11 GMT
Electronic Press Kit - basically a trailer for a show!
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Post by anthony40 on Jan 6, 2017 17:58:42 GMT
Ah, thanks mate!
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Post by Deleted on Jan 6, 2017 18:40:24 GMT
danielwhit I felt completely the same about the first half. It was very vanilla and Zmed very bland. I also cared very little for Anne throughout. Whether it was the actress or the character though I'm not sure. Zsa Zsa's skit to the audience at the beginning of the title number did fall very flat... but I wondered whether that was partly due to the miffed audience members who were unhappy it started late. He managed to have many back on side though by the end of the number. I also think that some people just don't know how to react when the fourth wall is broken, and they go stiff.
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Jan 6, 2017 20:14:16 GMT
I expect this to be perfect by The time I'm seeing it.... in June . Either that, or the whole lot of them will be bored out of their brains and at each others throats. I hope they keep the costumes nice and it's not fishnets with holes in *cough* Priscilla *cough*. Seriously, these long tours. Doing the same thing with the same people every night of the week but making it look fresh for the audience (hopefully). I do admire them. Do these actors have any kind of social or family life? I think I would KILL somebody. Yep, I know actors in WE shows carry on for months or even years but I'm sure touring must be even harder.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 6, 2017 20:34:25 GMT
I'm sure it will be. It was in a much better shape on day one than some other touring productions have been further along in their runs. Particularly the dire Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
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Post by shady23 on Jan 7, 2017 9:04:34 GMT
I expect this to be perfect by The time I'm seeing it.... in June . Either that, or the whole lot of them will be bored out of their brains and at each others throats. I hope they keep the costumes nice and it's not fishnets with holes in *cough* Priscilla *cough*. Seriously, these long tours. Doing the same thing with the same people every night of the week but making it look fresh for the audience (hopefully). I do admire them. Do these actors have any kind of social or family life? I think I would KILL somebody. Yep, I know actors in WE shows carry on for months or even years but I'm sure touring must be even harder. If you're somewhere like Edinburgh where there's lots to see and do I can imagine you could have quite a nice week. When you're in somewhere like Sunderland for a week where's there's little to do it will be a lot less fun.
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Post by Honoured Guest on Jan 7, 2017 9:36:06 GMT
When you're in somewhere like Sunderland for a week where's there's little to do it will be a lot less fun. From February, visitors to Sunderland can experience their latest tourist attraction, the ATG National Group Booking Call Centre.
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Post by danb on Jan 7, 2017 9:49:17 GMT
When you're in somewhere like Sunderland for a week where's there's little to do it will be a lot less fun. From February, visitors to Sunderland can experience their latest tourist attraction, the ATG National Group Booking Call Centre. I hear that the hand drier in the ladies is something to to see, and some attractive staplers have been sourced for the team. In fact, you could probably kill a good six minutes looking around. Between that and the KFC on the High St you could have yourself quite a day! 😂
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Post by Mark on Jan 7, 2017 11:25:52 GMT
From February, visitors to Sunderland can experience their latest tourist attraction, the ATG National Group Booking Call Centre. I hear that the hand drier in the ladies is something to to see, and some attractive staplers have been sourced for the team. In fact, you could probably kill a good six minutes looking around. Between that and the KFC on the High St you could have yourself quite a day! 😂 The KFC on the high street in Sunderland closed down years ago due to Rats and poor food hygiene (no word of a lie). There about 10 Greggs in the town centre though 😂😂 That said, don't go into the Sunderland Empire box office to try and buy a single seat, or rather leave a single seat by itself. The most dreadful and unaccommodating staff I have ever come across in a theatre box office.
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Post by danb on Jan 7, 2017 11:48:14 GMT
It's a good job that the ATG website is easily manipulated to create available single seats!
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Post by oxfordsimon on Jan 7, 2017 18:18:50 GMT
Just home from a very well received matinee in Oxford. It is not often that I am one of the youngest in an audience - but it was definitely an elderly crowd in (not that unusual for a matinee, I guess)
Adrian Zmed comes pretty close to ruining the show. He can sing reasonably well - but he simply does not know the dialogue. He stumbled time after time after time - from the opening through to the finale introduction. He looks uncomfortable in his own skin and comes too close to being embarrassing. He lacks the necessary chemistry with John Patridge to convince us that they are long-term couple who really do love one another. He really should be recast as a matter of some urgency - there are plenty of middle-aged character actors who can take over and do a much, much better job.
In terms of positives, this is probably the best Kenwright set that I have seen out on tour. Ok this is week one and so it hasn't been bashed around in the trucks - but it has a solid, quality feel - which is something you don't usually associate with Billy K. The mirrored side sections are distracting when you can see the activity in the wings - a bit of frosting spray would resolve that!
The choreography (once it is really embedded) is strong. The Cagelles have good flexibility but could do more to link their facial expressions to the mood of the number - at the moment it feels as if you can see their minds working to remember the steps. But they work well as an ensemble.
The costumes have seen plenty of investment - and it is great to see such a strong look for the show. A couple of the outfits really don't work. The peacock dress is a mistake and Mother's look doesn't work - but overall, it is a visual feast.
Now on to the tricky part - John Partridge. He is far, far better than I had anticipated from his lamentable outing in Chicago. He is at home vocally (other than a couple of ill-judged top notes) and is in control of the stage. However he is just too good-looking for the role. This is something that was true of Barrowman when he took over in the West End. Someone who looks that good in drag just doesn't work for me. Albin is past his prime and he knows it. It is what fuels his insecurities, his jealousy towards the Cagelles. His fear of rejection should be palpable. Partridge has none of that underlying pain and worry - and if he could find it, the show would improve massively. I should be in tears along with Zsa Zsa at the end of the first act and I wasn't.
The best recent Albins (Hodge and Allam) have brought real depth to the part - someone who tugs at the heart strings. Partridge is entertaining but it feels a superficial interpretation at this stage.
Partridge is giving a Blackpool rather than a Riviera Zsa Zsa - and that will not matter to many. But to those of us who know the piece - and in particular the wonderful Menier production - it is a crucial difference.
The band is great and overall the score emerges as one of the Broadway greats. Herman was on top form with this piece and the production serves it well.
So not as bad as I had feared, but still some work before it can rival the best interpretations.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 7, 2017 20:37:12 GMT
So accurate about Zmed, especially.
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Post by dazzerlump on Jan 9, 2017 19:08:25 GMT
Im not sure if this has been posted yet but I just found it online. I think he does a good job of it although Im not convinced with the direction that he have a northern accent
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Jan 9, 2017 19:13:21 GMT
Northern accent is puzzling. Why?
Drop it babes. It's spoiling your big moment.
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Post by oxfordsimon on Jan 9, 2017 20:41:14 GMT
That video of him has more emotional depth than he gives it on stage. Possibly the video direction helps in that.
But it still feels like a superficial interpretation compared to many I have seen. As a song, it is about a lot more than just being true to himself in terms of outward appearance - and that is the only level we get from Partridge.
At least he sings it better than he did Billy Flynn
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Post by ilovewemusicals on Jan 10, 2017 8:06:49 GMT
Bought front row seats for this. Is there a lot of interaction with front row patrons? I presume John holds someone's hand during Best of Times?
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Post by Deleted on Jan 10, 2017 8:34:32 GMT
Bought front row seats for this. Is there a lot of interaction with front row patrons? I presume John holds someone's hand during Best of Times? During the title song he does interact with the front row, a lot. No holding hands from what I recall.
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Post by critchyboy on Jan 10, 2017 10:15:43 GMT
Unfortunately that video has put me off getting tickets for this. Really wanted to see it. But unsure after that video.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 10, 2017 14:01:14 GMT
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Post by bren on Jan 10, 2017 21:42:40 GMT
I'm seeing this on Thursday and will report back. The promotional photos look quite good.
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Post by drowseychap on Jan 13, 2017 1:01:37 GMT
Have any other dates been cancelled apart from Malvern ? Anyone know why ?
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Post by drfootlights on Jan 13, 2017 3:32:34 GMT
Have any other dates been cancelled apart from Malvern ? Anyone know why ? Apparantly, this was booked in long before the design was finalised and the set was too big to fit in Malvern.
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Post by drowseychap on Jan 14, 2017 1:28:31 GMT
Have any other dates been cancelled apart from Malvern ? Anyone know why ? Apparantly, this was booked in long before the design was finalised and the set was too big to fit in Malvern. Arr ok yep maybe ....Malvern is quite small ... as playing the hippodrome in Birmingham couldn't get more different lol
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Post by barrowside on Jan 14, 2017 2:38:15 GMT
The audience went wild for it in Dublin tonight. It hadn't sold well in such a big theatre so everyone was upgraded to the stalls. You could pick holes in it here and there but it just overflowed with joy from the overture on. Very, very sumptuous production values and exquisite set - I thought Kenwright tours were supposed to be cheap - this was much more lavish than the production at The Playhouse. So warm-hearted, funny and beautifully sung - everyone had a ball.
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Post by bren on Jan 17, 2017 17:36:49 GMT
I saw this in Dublin last week. I found it very enjoyable overall and the crowd certainly adored it.
Adrian Zmed was the weakest link for me- he fluffed a few lines and I found him cringey overall. I didn't find the relationship between him and Zsa Zsa to be believable at all.
There's lots to recommend, though. Wonderful staging, sumptuous costumes and great choreography. John Partridge was superb and gave his all.
As a show, I am not sure if it would be one of my favourites- there are only a few songs that I really love and this production felt a little pantomime at times. Still, I would say it's worth seeing for sure.
Have people here seen the trailer?
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