233 posts
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Post by singingbird on Jan 3, 2023 12:49:25 GMT
So sorry to say that this show really didn't do it for me. I caught it on Friday night (I wanted to see it before it closed - the concept really intrigued me) but I found it really unengaging - and it went nowhere, and said nothing, that I didn't already expect. I thought there were far too many characters, who were largely archetypes, and they came to realisations that seemed hugely predictable and obvious. There was very little nuance, nothing that made me think about something in a new way, no moments that made my spine tingle or felt truly magical. I thought the music was largely sold through the brilliant playing/singing, rather than anything really special in the writing. I know I'm in a huge minority here, and I'm pleased that others loved this so much, but it feels like a wasted opportunity to me to create something truly insightful and beautiful.
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Post by ThereWillBeSun on Jan 3, 2023 12:52:43 GMT
So sorry to say that this show really didn't do it for me. I caught it on Friday night (I wanted to see it before it closed - the concept really intrigued me) but I found it really unengaging - and it went nowhere, and said nothing, that I didn't already expect. I thought there were far too many characters, who were largely archetypes, and they came to realisations that seemed hugely predictable and obvious. There was very little nuance, nothing that made me think about something in a new way, no moments that made my spine tingle or felt truly magical. I thought the music was largely sold through the brilliant playing/singing, rather than anything really special in the writing. I know I'm in a huge minority here, and I'm pleased that others loved this so much, but it feels like a wasted opportunity to me to create something truly insightful and beautiful. That's fair enough - just because it has a huge critical reception and fanbase; doesn't mean it's for everyone. NEVER apologise for your taste! It's one of my fave musicals but would never do someone down just because they don't respond to it like I do!
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Post by danb on Jan 3, 2023 17:13:55 GMT
We caught this last week for the second time (and a couple of apple tv viewings) and I found it hugely uplifting and enjoyable. As the characters are based on actual people (sometimes plural) to create archetypes to hang the story off, it is unsurprising that some are a bit ‘obvious’. (I’m so done with ‘nuanced’. Can we get some new words?) Can’t wait to find out tour dates and get booking. I’ll be ready to see it again in a year or so.
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2,798 posts
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Post by ceebee on Jan 3, 2023 19:48:27 GMT
I'm going on Saturday evening for what I know will be a joyous and emotional evening. This show is special - it resonates and taps into the hope and belief that most people are compassionate, empathetic and giving. That said, my favourite line is always: "F*** that, who's going to Switzerland?"
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233 posts
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Post by singingbird on Jan 3, 2023 19:55:31 GMT
We caught this last week for the second time (and a couple of apple tv viewings) and I found it hugely uplifting and enjoyable. As the characters are based on actual people (sometimes plural) to create archetypes to hang the story off, it is unsurprising that some are a bit ‘obvious’. (I’m so done with ‘nuanced’. Can we get some new words?) Can’t wait to find out tour dates and get booking. I’ll be ready to see it again in a year or so. That's absolutely fair enough! I think it's just not my thing - I find most feel-good uplifting kind of things (in any genre) don't convince me. I'm probably just an old sourpuss!!
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1,316 posts
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Post by tmesis on Jan 5, 2023 17:04:54 GMT
I went to this a year ago with very high expectations and a number of recommendations from friends. It did absolutely nothing for me. I couldn't get remotely involved with the characters and I wasn't touched by the storyline. I really wanted to love it but it just didn't happen.
Contrast that with The Band's Visit, which has a somewhat similar premise - I absolutely loved that and was totally swept up by it.
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Post by theatremiss on Jan 5, 2023 21:22:27 GMT
I’m there Sat matinee and evening. I love this show, it’s my go to if I want to be uplifted
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2,798 posts
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Post by ceebee on Jan 5, 2023 21:56:58 GMT
I’m there Sat matinee and evening. I love this show, it’s my go to if I want to be uplifted Mine too - i'll be seeing A Christmas Carol one more time in the afternoon before CFA in the evening. I'll miss both shows hugely.
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Post by starlight92 on Jan 5, 2023 22:11:36 GMT
A member of the band collapsed on stage tonight so the show was stopped for a while, he's absolutely fine thank goodness and the outpouring of love for him and the show was really moving to see. I loved the show itself too, the cast were magnificent and each scene flowed perfectly. It had the perfect mix of some really tender and thought-provoking moments and moments of humour and pure joy.
The only thing is the show stop meant we didn't have an interval (they didn't tell us this when the show restarted). I was in a really cramped seat in the grand circle so would have appreciated a chance to stretch my legs!
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Post by h86 on Jan 5, 2023 22:19:58 GMT
A member of the band collapsed on stage tonight so the show was stopped for a while, he's absolutely fine thank goodness and the outpouring of love for him and the show was really moving to see. I loved the show itself too, the cast were magnificent and each scene flowed perfectly. It had the perfect mix of some really tender and thought-provoking moments and moments of humour and pure joy. The only thing is the show stop meant we didn't have an interval (they didn't tell us this when the show restarted). I was in a really cramped seat in the grand circle so would have appreciated a chance to stretch my legs! Glad the band member is ok. There is actually no interval in Come From Away anyway so even without the show shop there would have been no break.
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Post by fiyerorocher on Jan 5, 2023 22:20:06 GMT
A member of the band collapsed on stage tonight so the show was stopped for a while, he's absolutely fine thank goodness and the outpouring of love for him and the show was really moving to see. I loved the show itself too, the cast were magnificent and each scene flowed perfectly. It had the perfect mix of some really tender and thought-provoking moments and moments of humour and pure joy. The only thing is the show stop meant we didn't have an interval (they didn't tell us this when the show restarted). I was in a really cramped seat in the grand circle so would have appreciated a chance to stretch my legs! CFA never has an interval!
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Post by starlight92 on Jan 5, 2023 22:25:19 GMT
Ohh thanks both, sorry I didn't realise! (Can you tell it was my first time). I should have picked a comfier seat haha.
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Post by 141920grm on Jan 6, 2023 12:52:02 GMT
Very valid viewpoints above about the sheer number of characters and relative lack of nuance compared to other shows but interestingly this made me think of Claude's line towards the end 'We were all exhausted... I hadn't let myself cry the whole time' (always gets me)- this is kind of how the show feels for me- a barrage of people, stories, events in quick succession that I can only process what's immediate, while the more profound feelings really hit and linger long after the performance is over which is why I find the show so powerful. Yes perhaps if I look at it more scientifically and in hindsight there are mostly archetypes and the arcs are quite predictable, but for me the 1 hour 40 mins is so well-paced I'm always completely immersed in the performance, there's never time for to wander off into such analytical reflection!
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18,864 posts
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Jan 6, 2023 13:34:15 GMT
I bet they put an interval in when it tours.
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Post by Mark on Jan 6, 2023 13:37:23 GMT
I bet they put an interval in when it tours. They haven’t in the US.
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Post by Being Alive on Jan 6, 2023 14:49:40 GMT
I bet they put an interval in when it tours. You'd lose too much momentum if you went with an interval after Screech In...1 hr 40 straight through is right for this.
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Post by h86 on Jan 6, 2023 15:50:51 GMT
I’ve always felt that the lack of interval is a great metaphor for the show, no breaks, just keep going….
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Post by 141920grm on Jan 6, 2023 16:52:34 GMT
Livestream of Theatre Cafe right now! The real Beverley Bass is here
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Post by Dr Tom on Jan 6, 2023 18:00:19 GMT
I managed to get a front row seat for the Wednesday matinee. Completely failed with rush, but checked ATG at the right time and there were two day seats available. A high stage, but it doesn't matter. They've also been releasing standing at both the back of the Dress Circle and Upper Circle each day, so there's certainly a chance if anyone wants to see the closing performances. I did do standing a while ago and it's quite bearable for such a short show.
Lots of very sad people around me who seemed to be planning to come to every remaining performance (lots of early starts for the queue).
Anyway, this remains an excellent and memorable show, although not one that I could personally watch on a regular basis. The closing cast is strong. I am glad I got to see this one more time and this should have a decent life on tour (and I wouldn't be surprised to see it back in the West End at some point).
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18,864 posts
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Jan 6, 2023 18:06:55 GMT
I bet they put an interval in when it tours. They haven’t in the US. I bet they put an interval in when it tours. You'd lose too much momentum if you went with an interval after Screech In...1 hr 40 straight through is right for this. I’ve always felt that the lack of interval is a great metaphor for the show, no breaks, just keep going…. I’m not saying there should be, I wouldn’t know I haven’t seen it. I’m just saying, it’s ATG regional and I’m not sure they’d be able to resist the temptation of some bar and ice cream revenue. Maybe I’m doing them a disservice.
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Post by theatrefan62 on Jan 6, 2023 19:36:41 GMT
I've seen one act shows at my local theatre before so I don't see why they would add an interval for the particular production on tour
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Post by danb on Jan 6, 2023 19:51:33 GMT
Remembering ATG pressuring JCS into adding an interval after ‘Gethsemane’ about a year into its Lyceum run. It was fine, but you didn’t half feel short changed by a 40 minute second act.
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Post by ThereWillBeSun on Jan 7, 2023 20:01:43 GMT
Genuinely so sad this show is closing :-(
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18,864 posts
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Jan 7, 2023 20:13:37 GMT
It’s over, but not really over because there’s a tour. Please rate Come From Away in the poll.
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3,100 posts
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Post by Rory on Jan 7, 2023 20:43:35 GMT
This is a really special show. I felt moved beyond words when I first saw it. Sad to see it leave the West End, but what a run it has had.
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Post by critchyboy on Jan 7, 2023 21:05:18 GMT
Managed to see it twice during its run - absolutely love the show, one of the most beautiful stories. It is beautifully, funnily and emotionally told. Hope it comes near me on tour so I can see it again.
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4,596 posts
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Post by Mark on Jan 7, 2023 23:28:04 GMT
It was a wonderful final performance. The audience were with them all the way and there was so much love in the room. Very glad to have been a part of it.
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Post by ceebee on Jan 7, 2023 23:31:14 GMT
I was in Stalls K27 tonight and wouldn't have missed this for the world. The atmosphere was electric. The end and speeches were filmed so should appear online at some point. A memorable final performance.
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Post by filendile on Jan 7, 2023 23:58:33 GMT
Glad I got to experience the final show tonight. Everyone got a goody bag/ tote bag placed in our seats with drinking cup and some post cards. Atmosphere was great, applause at the beginning was so loud that they couldn’t start welcome to the rock for about 1 minute after entering. Standing ovation at the end of welcome to the rock. Alice Fearn threw in some option up high notes in Me & The Sky which were amazing but honestly she seemed to be having the least fun out of anyone on stage (maybe a character choice?). Lots of the standbys, crew, writers, and Beverly Bass herself came on stage for the speeches. They also brought out the Olivier Award and a framed photograph of the Bass (?) player from the band who recently passed away which I thought was lovely.
I’ve been lucky enough to see the original broad cast in 2017, some replacements in 2018, and Rachel Tucker’s first show on Broadway in March 2020 right before shutdown, so was special to be there tonight. Phoenix theatre grand circle has to be some of the most uncomfortable seating in London though!
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Post by fiyerorocher on Jan 8, 2023 0:03:17 GMT
Glad I got to experience the final show tonight. Everyone got a goody bag/ tote bag placed in our seats with drinking cup and some post cards. Atmosphere was great, applause at the beginning was so loud that they couldn’t start welcome to the rock for about 1 minute after entering. Standing ovation at the end of welcome to the rock. Alice Fearn threw in some option up high notes in Me & The Sky which were amazing but honestly she seemed to be having the least fun out of anyone on stage (maybe a character choice?). Lots of the standbys, crew, writers, and Beverly Bass herself came on stage for the speeches. They also brought out the Olivier Award and a framed photograph of the Bass (?) player from the band who recently passed away which I thought was lovely. I’ve been lucky enough to see the original broad cast in 2017, some replacements in 2018, and Rachel Tucker’s first show on Broadway in March 2020 right before shutdown, so was special to be there tonight. Phoenix theatre grand circle has to be some of the most uncomfortable seating in London though! There's a pin in your tote bag too! (Or at least there is supposed to be)
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