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Post by ampersand on May 23, 2019 21:14:14 GMT
Well, I loved this, and much more than I expected to. Favourite show of the year so far.
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Post by BurlyBeaR on May 24, 2019 11:54:40 GMT
@remark did you think it’s changed/improved since the first week of the run?
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Post by Deleted on May 24, 2019 12:34:30 GMT
@remark did you think it’s changed/improved since the first week of the run? Yeah. Dialogue was snappier and the movement was definitely tighter. The sound had been refined also, mostly clarity in the low end. I still think it's not a very visually attractive show. It's wonderful to listen to but less so to watch. The blocking is really slack at times. Points where they're supposed to form circles looking more oblong and irregular spacing. Despite sitting in a completely different section I still found it infuriating when parts of the action were entirely obscured - as did the people sitting nearby, gentleman next to me huffing and folding arms. I found myself really distracted with bits of the set... Why a zebra crossing? Other than to allow some popup set elements. Still don't like the set or lighting. I think Sarah Frankcom's inexperience of musical theatre direction shows a little in parts and as Artistic Director of the REX, I'm surprised that some scenes were played in a way that alienated chunks of the audience. The orchestra are the real highlight for this, with the leads even more emotive and engaging this time round. I can see why people are gushing over it, but I find this production quite imperfect.
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Post by BurlyBeaR on May 24, 2019 20:16:10 GMT
I was on the other side of the auditorium from my last visit, still at stage level but the angle did put a very different perspective on the scenes played at height. I think they should reconsider this for the re-run next year. I didn’t notice issues with blocking and I guess the formation of the circles would be more evident from the first tier. Zebra crossing..agree. I also thought the hazard tape jarred. I really liked the lighting though.
I loved it and I think it’s great that it’s coming back next year.
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Post by Deleted on May 25, 2019 8:22:51 GMT
I was on the other side of the auditorium from my last visit, still at stage level but the angle did put a very different perspective on the scenes played at height. I think they should reconsider this for the re-run next year. I didn’t notice issues with blocking and I guess the formation of the circles would be more evident from the first tier. Zebra crossing..agree. I also thought the hazard tape jarred. I really liked the lighting though. I loved it and I think it’s great that it’s coming back next year. If they're trying to imply a street setting (which I get) then why are the buildings in the middle of the road?! Also, if they were to get rid of the zebra crossing and then spin the kerb design 90degrees clockwise, then they'd be re-enforcing the (visual and metaphorical) divide between the Jets and Sharks. Currently they juxtapose the 'All' they need to fix the visibility issues is to make the other large frame that forms Doc's shop, so pull out into the center, like Maria's house. If those scenes were played in the center rather than tight to the tier they'd fix some massive issues. Lighting-wise, I found there were too many contrasting tones of white. 'America' had these horribly sharp mis-focused squares of key-light snap on for the chorus. And the bars that fly in for the street scene fly in too low if you're in the second tier. They mask faces and alot of the action again. It's almost as if noone sat up in the second tier at any point during rehearsal or tech, which is so odd given lx control is up in the second tier.
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Post by crabtree on May 25, 2019 9:26:17 GMT
I agree with all said about the visuals. The bright white shapes are a distraction - perhaps some texture. The zebra crossing is a bizarre feature.
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1,936 posts
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Post by wickedgrin on May 25, 2019 9:59:21 GMT
Agree with the above posts although I am pleased the production got great reviews.
Thinking about this production after a few weeks distance I would say overall it was thrilling to listen to - superb orchestra and vocals - especially from the leads - 5 stars but only 3 stars to watch due to the flat lighting, and sightline issues which unfortunately are all to common with "in the round" productions. I am always reminded of the great line from The Producers where Max Bialystock says "it's theatre in the square - nobody gets a good seat!"
I hope the majority of the cast return next year - especially the leads as they were the strongest part of the production for me.
I wonder what The Curve production will be like at Leicester at Christmas. At least it will be a traditional proscenium show so no sightline issues!
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Post by Deleted on May 25, 2019 10:08:13 GMT
Agree with the above posts although I am pleased the production got great reviews. Thinking about this production after a few weeks distance I would say overall it was thrilling to listen to - superb orchestra and vocals - especially from the leads - 5 stars but only 3 stars to watch due to the flat lighting, and sightline issues which unfortunately are all to common with "in the round" productions. I am always reminded of the great line from The Producers where Max Bialystock says "it's theatre in the square - nobody gets a good seat!"I hope the majority of the cast return next year - especially the leads as they were the strongest part of the production for me. I wonder what The Curve production will be like at Leicester at Christmas. At least it will be a traditional proscenium show so no sightline issues! That line got quite a chuckle at the REX last Christmas!
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Post by theatre241 on May 25, 2019 10:40:16 GMT
I was on the other side of the auditorium from my last visit, still at stage level but the angle did put a very different perspective on the scenes played at height. I think they should reconsider this for the re-run next year. I didn’t notice issues with blocking and I guess the formation of the circles would be more evident from the first tier. Zebra crossing..agree. I also thought the hazard tape jarred. I really liked the lighting though. I loved it and I think it’s great that it’s coming back next year. If they're trying to imply a street setting (which I get) then why are the buildings in the middle of the road?! Also, if they were to get rid of the zebra crossing and then spin the kerb design 90degrees clockwise, then they'd be re-enforcing the (visual and metaphorical) divide between the Jets and Sharks. Currently they juxtapose the 'All' they need to fix the visibility issues is to make the other large frame that forms Doc's shop, so pull out into the center, like Maria's house. If those scenes were played in the center rather than tight to the tier they'd fix some massive issues. Lighting-wise, I found there were too many contrasting tones of white. 'America' had these horribly sharp mis-focused squares of key-light snap on for the chorus. And the bars that fly in for the street scene fly in too low if you're in the second tier. They mask faces and alot of the action again. It's almost as if noone sat up in the second tier at any point during rehearsal or tech, which is so odd given lx control is up in the second tier. I quite like the set tbh. It allows your imagination to fill in the gaps. It is a very abstract set so the buildings are obvs not in the road lol they have a smaller space so they can't do any fancy stuff. But I think the other side piece should come into the middle because the audience on the stage level probs had no idea what has going on on the jets area
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Post by justafan on May 25, 2019 17:54:26 GMT
On my way home from matinee and let’s just say I loved it ... maybe I was lucky with my seat at stage level but I was totally engaged throughout the whole show and not a single mobile intrusion ... see even Saturday matinee audiences on final show day can behave occasionally ... tho there was a rather irritating woo-hooper after the key numbers which I thought ruined some of the moments
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Post by Deleted on May 27, 2019 15:55:30 GMT
The original film is on BBC iPlayer for the next week.
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Post by undeuxtrois on Oct 19, 2019 10:28:51 GMT
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Post by sophie92 on Feb 11, 2020 13:30:58 GMT
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Post by undeuxtrois on Mar 18, 2020 4:07:40 GMT
Rehearsals have been suspended.
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Post by alece10 on Mar 18, 2020 12:34:24 GMT
Damm. I was hoping that would still be going as booked for May. So anyone want a first class return train ticket and a night at Malmaison? 😄
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Post by FrontroverPaul on Mar 18, 2020 13:41:37 GMT
Damm. I was hoping that would still be going as booked for May. So anyone want a first class return train ticket and a night at Malmaison? 😄 You should be able to get the cost at least credited for future use if not actually refunded. Most rail operators and hotel chains are offering that facility.
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Post by danb on Mar 18, 2020 14:15:11 GMT
Between Leah Hill & Leslie Garcia Bowman there’d be enough dance energy to blow the Royal Exchange wide open. I look forward to watching it when our unwanted guest has finished its rounds.
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Post by undeuxtrois on Mar 18, 2020 20:10:09 GMT
Here is a video of Gabriela Garcia and Andy Coxon singing "Tonight" from rehearsals. There's one of the cast singing "Somewhere" on insta but I can't remember whose account it was on. www.instagram.com/tv/B94ma5EH1OE/
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Post by stevejohnson678 on Mar 24, 2020 15:13:48 GMT
Following rehearsals being suspended, the 2020 production has now been postponed with the intention to re-schedule for a later date.
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Post by danb on Mar 24, 2020 20:41:21 GMT
Oh I do hope so. My Mum & son went to see it last year and said it was phenomenal. Adding the firepower of those cast members will, I think, send it South.
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Post by alece10 on Jul 24, 2020 16:58:28 GMT
Is anyone else still waiting for a refund from REX for this show? My show was cancelled months ago and still waiting. I know staff have been furlowed but really don't understand why its taking so long. I contacted them again a month ago and they said they were still processing the bookings and should be another couple of weeks. Id love to donate the money but I just can't afford it with so many paid for shows cancelled. This is the only theatre now that I am still waiting to hear from.
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Post by Dr Tom on Jul 24, 2020 20:16:41 GMT
Is anyone else still waiting for a refund from REX for this show? My show was cancelled months ago and still waiting. I know staff have been furlowed but really don't understand why its taking so long. I contacted them again a month ago and they said they were still processing the bookings and should be another couple of weeks. Id love to donate the money but I just can't afford it with so many paid for shows cancelled. This is the only theatre now that I am still waiting to hear from. Yes, I'm still waiting for refunds for two performances.
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Post by stevejohnson678 on Jul 24, 2020 21:20:19 GMT
Is anyone else still waiting for a refund from REX for this show? My show was cancelled months ago and still waiting. I know staff have been furlowed but really don't understand why its taking so long. I contacted them again a month ago and they said they were still processing the bookings and should be another couple of weeks. Id love to donate the money but I just can't afford it with so many paid for shows cancelled. This is the only theatre now that I am still waiting to hear from. Yes, I'm still waiting for refunds for two performances. Same, waiting on refunds for two REX productions, the only bookings I have outstanding refunds for from any venue.
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Post by marob on Jul 25, 2020 7:49:21 GMT
alece10 Have you filled in the surveymonkey form for a bank transfer? I asked for a refund for both West Side Story and a season ticket back in April, then chased it up in May and was told I should have had an email with links to a refund form. No emails for either order, other than ones asking to donate. Filled the form in for West Side Story, but had to email for another link for the season ticket. 9 weeks later I've finally had my refund on the season ticket this week. No sign of West Side Story yet though, despite that one being applied for days earlier. It makes me appreciate my local theatre (Theatr Clwyd) so much more. They used the same system as Chichester, where as soon as they cancelled shows they sent a link out for each asking what you wanted to do with the booking
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Post by alece10 on Jul 25, 2020 8:16:13 GMT
Yes did the form some time ago and have contacted them a couple of times. Anyway update as I received a reply yesterday saying that they are having to get the refunds approved every week in batches to manage their cash flow and that mine is in the next batch to be done. I do feel really bad pushing for a refund and I understand the difficulty theatres are having, plus they have been very nice in all of the e mails. However with over £1,000 in cancelled shows for me this year I just cant take credit notes, donations etc for all of them and, as I don't live in Manchester, I have no idea when I would be there next which is why I requested a refund. I have taken credit notes from a couple of the London fringe theatres as I know I will be going back there when I can and a couple of west end shows have postponed rather cancelled so I have credits awaiting the new dates.
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