Post by JJShaw on Aug 14, 2022 11:13:36 GMT
Caught the show last night, glad I did, I went knowing I really really enjoyed Urinetown, but to be prepared for a different sort of show based on the not so kind reviews.
I will admit the first couple of numbers really made me wary and very VERY avant-garde fringe off-off-broadway experimental Edinburgh fringe (and the costumes didnt help but surprisingly grew on me throughout the night). However once the over the top operatic dramatics had finished and the show settles into its more hummable, character-driven solos and pop-rock numbers it picked up steam and I really enjoyed it.
(apologies for not grabbing a cast list or programme, also very sad they dont seem to be printing tickets anymore ) Jan the Unnamed was wonderful, and if you catch her when shes just observing she does some really funny little bits, has a cracking voice, and a wonderful stage presence. Jan the Sly and Jan the Wise had fantastic chemistry and were really engaging, Sly reminds me of a future Charlie Russell, big compliment! Loved her number with Famished, and there were some lovely lighting design choices throughout as well.
I do agree the grey sheet could have had perhaps a few projections just to round out the set, I really liked them moving platforms but did get a bit worried as there are no safety stoppers on the wheels!!
Once the concept and plot kicks in, it is a fairly basic plot of romance + vengeance to overthrow, some really creative directing choices, but the weak opening and unusual premise and costumes that could have been less conceptual, I'd give it 3*, possibly 3.5* because some of the performances really did sell me on the show, and there are some great songs in it.
A post curtain call speech noting that they are one of just two completely original musicals playing in london right now not based on anything at all (is the other one DEH? Can't think of what the other one might be? If thats the case then yikes....!) and it was quite sweet for them to try and rally some good word of mouth, it was a very receptive and enthusiastic audience to do that for as well, they were loving it! Couple next to me left at the interval but I do think the majority stayed for act 2.
If you have a free slot, go give it a chance, did run a little longer than advertised and I think we started a little late too, but it felt new and different and certainly will round out the variety of shows you can see, so love it or loathe it it will put other shows into perspective!
I will admit the first couple of numbers really made me wary and very VERY avant-garde fringe off-off-broadway experimental Edinburgh fringe (and the costumes didnt help but surprisingly grew on me throughout the night). However once the over the top operatic dramatics had finished and the show settles into its more hummable, character-driven solos and pop-rock numbers it picked up steam and I really enjoyed it.
(apologies for not grabbing a cast list or programme, also very sad they dont seem to be printing tickets anymore ) Jan the Unnamed was wonderful, and if you catch her when shes just observing she does some really funny little bits, has a cracking voice, and a wonderful stage presence. Jan the Sly and Jan the Wise had fantastic chemistry and were really engaging, Sly reminds me of a future Charlie Russell, big compliment! Loved her number with Famished, and there were some lovely lighting design choices throughout as well.
I do agree the grey sheet could have had perhaps a few projections just to round out the set, I really liked them moving platforms but did get a bit worried as there are no safety stoppers on the wheels!!
Once the concept and plot kicks in, it is a fairly basic plot of romance + vengeance to overthrow, some really creative directing choices, but the weak opening and unusual premise and costumes that could have been less conceptual, I'd give it 3*, possibly 3.5* because some of the performances really did sell me on the show, and there are some great songs in it.
A post curtain call speech noting that they are one of just two completely original musicals playing in london right now not based on anything at all (is the other one DEH? Can't think of what the other one might be? If thats the case then yikes....!) and it was quite sweet for them to try and rally some good word of mouth, it was a very receptive and enthusiastic audience to do that for as well, they were loving it! Couple next to me left at the interval but I do think the majority stayed for act 2.
If you have a free slot, go give it a chance, did run a little longer than advertised and I think we started a little late too, but it felt new and different and certainly will round out the variety of shows you can see, so love it or loathe it it will put other shows into perspective!