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Post by danb on Jul 10, 2023 19:59:32 GMT
He was the BEST thing about ‘Eugenius’ by a country mile and deserves all of the success that’s coming his way.
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Post by danb on Jul 10, 2023 17:37:32 GMT
Received my book yesterday, and whilst I haven't read the whole thing yet I'm bemused by an early little snippet on Bob Gale's research: "The musical Billy Elliot left Gale feeling that, despite amazing performances, it was a too-literal retelling of the original film, something he and Zemeckis wanted to avoid." Isn't this exactly what they've done? A literal re-staging of the movie? More so than Billy Elliot! And that's not a criticism at all - in fact, I think it's generally agreed that the musical really shines most when they stick to the source material and accomplish incredible, exciting visuals despite obvious constraints on stage. But they're kidding themselves if they think it's anything more than a literal retelling... I’d argue that the musical is more self aware and has fun with itself rather than just be the movie onstage. Of course it does follow the plot of the movie, but it’s not a 1:1 equivalent of watching the movie like some musical versions of movies are. It may have evolved over time, but what I saw in its first fortnight was literally the film translated to stage with a couple of new character conflations. Some of the performances were just impersonations of their film counterparts.
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Post by danb on Jul 9, 2023 15:18:12 GMT
As if CHF wasn't bad enough.... Quite horrific. God knows how much his record company paid for that slot. The increase in sales will be neglible, if not negative. “Please can I return this? My nan already has it. “
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Post by danb on Jul 6, 2023 20:18:30 GMT
Stunt cast someone minor? Idina doing a fortnight? Kristin Bell doing a turn? Experiment with live reindeer? Have an actual chipmunk play Anna?
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Post by danb on Jul 4, 2023 15:49:22 GMT
The tile for the app on your iphone just says ‘tix’ so you could be forgiven for thinking that.
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Post by danb on Jul 3, 2023 21:23:03 GMT
Perhaps someone could put them in touch with each other?
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Post by danb on Jul 3, 2023 12:01:57 GMT
I don't think booing the villain at something like WOZ is a problem. It's one step up from panto as it is, and if anything it shows the performer has done their job well. Les mis is different, but it's also clear the audience isn't doing it from a bad place. I'm not sure if it's the norm now for les mis though. It's never happened when I've seen it (although I know it happens). Not sure how Carrie has shed light on it though tbh. She's pretty well known for encouraging stage door behaviour then back tracking when it all goes wrong. I meant more that it never seemed to be a big deal before her, although I’m sure others had ‘suffered’ stage door business before.
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Post by danb on Jul 3, 2023 9:27:55 GMT
So, are we to reinvent hundreds of years of theatrical tradition, history and a large part of pantomime fun for kids, based on the last 3 years blossoming realisation that these traditions denigrate another person (baddie or not)? It seems like a very broad stroke to eradicate quite a fine line. To me the issue lies in the intent & the voracity of the action, rather than the action itself.
Same with the neuro-diverse lady’s reaction to stage door. Most SD’s have been a bun fight for years, and only from the likes of Carrie et al speaking out on it have things begun to ‘get better/be acknowledged/the venue realise that they have a role to play.’ If I know that a situation is going to make me uncomfortable I either don’t do it or work out my coping strategies well in advance. I rarely find anyone else to ‘blame’.
Just an alternative take on it.
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Post by danb on Jul 2, 2023 11:23:07 GMT
Would it be wrong to speculate with a dream cast or pairing for this show if it indeed receives an outing in the West End? I could see Danny Mac or Hadley Fraser playing Phil in future. Edit: possibly also even Ben Joyce who despite his youth could probably age up a bit. I’d be there for Mac as Phil.
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Post by danb on Jul 2, 2023 11:12:32 GMT
It is the first time I've heard it - I was in my teenage years when it originally came out and was interested in other things and sacking the best Bond of all time also put it on my naughty step. No doubt I'll catch up on it again when I'm bored and checking Spotify for something to listen to but right now its not stayed in my head (LCE apart but that one I already knew) - apart from a couple of short bursts that appeared to clearly riffing from Evita. In fairness, Roger Moore wasn’t sacked. It’s well documented he voluntarily left the production because he was extremely ill at ease with live singing. Whether he could have been supported more is a point of some debate but he wasn’t fired. I also take exception to the ‘Best Bond’ claim. He is ‘of his time’ but it baffles me that anyone could consider the Moore years as ‘the best’.
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Post by danb on Jul 1, 2023 8:17:44 GMT
For clarity, the £90 restricted stalls were from TodayTix on Fridays and Saturdays. If you go directly to the box office they are £77.50. Much more reasonable for a restricted view seat at the rear of the stalls. Not. I found the rv dress circle seat I sat in for Dreamgirls perfectly acceptable. Do we know how much they are? Half way back with a bar in the way?
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Post by danb on Jun 30, 2023 22:12:01 GMT
Sad for any show to close early but I don’t think Aspects of Love closing three months early can be used as a yardstick for the state of West End theatre more generally. The poor reviews reflected my reaction having seen this. Obviously it’s all a matter of tastes when it comes to theatre but when a show prompts hysterical laughter at it, rather with it, it’s never a good sign. Fair play for trying to revive it but it just didn’t work, obviously. I’m sorry for the cast and hope the Lyric find something to fill the programming space left behind. There are any number of dubious tours that could fill the Lyric for a few months. If a nostalgia fest like this with arguably the West Ends’ biggest star can’t work out, its a clear signal that producers need to try a lot harder to engage audiences . Of all of ALW’s oeuvre, this is the hallowed bastard misunderstood child that will fly when someone finally brings it back. Ok, great. How’s that working out for you?
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Post by danb on Jun 30, 2023 16:56:52 GMT
More than enough time to attract a following but not enough to gain anything from a RVP appearance, unless its straight out on tour afterwards.
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Post by danb on Jun 30, 2023 16:27:57 GMT
Big commercial tv spots would massively help this, but outside of the Royal Variety, BGT & Strictly they just don’t exist any more. There’s no show currently scheduled for the evening of the Royal Variety for them. Either they’ve already been asked or they assume they will be… Is it not just getting kicked out for ‘Skys Edge’ or is that a way away?
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Post by danb on Jun 29, 2023 15:52:19 GMT
The reviews will sell this.
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Post by danb on Jun 29, 2023 15:49:25 GMT
She is worth every penny! She totally gets the role, and gives a multi-dimensional Elsa who hits all of the ‘Disney’ beats whilst hinting at something darker going on.
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Post by danb on Jun 29, 2023 10:50:54 GMT
I’m so ready for a new Anna who plays it with wonder & awe rather than channelling an infant woodchuck. It really disengaged me on my last visit.
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Post by danb on Jun 29, 2023 10:47:56 GMT
Camp, willowy and nasty-dangerous should make for a different Herod. I like.
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Post by danb on Jun 29, 2023 6:01:39 GMT
Thanks for the honest analysis... For those of us who are fans of Aspects of Love, I think we all know how in the decades since it first premiered, it has become very niche for ALW fans. Back in the early 90's when ALW was at peak popularity and his music and marketing more than compensated for difficult/crazy/unrelatable story lines. That seemed to wane right after Sunset. WDTW had such a massive music roll out with the pop versions of the songs doing well but the show only surviving (original London production) for 3 years I think? Anyway, I think that's why this needs to be recorded and preserved as its not likely to reappear anytime again unless they really butcher the book Totally agree with you, it is one of the more niche shows for ALW fans. And whilst I am pessimistic about chances of a recording it certainly would be lovely. I will always love the score. And I'll always enjoy the story, even if it hasn't "aged" that well. Yes, certainly Sunset was the last of the ALW "smash hits" in London really. As you say he was still at his marketing peak and Whistle had a huge launch with the pop versions CD etc. Think it ran for just 2.5 years in the end, a big hit for anyone other than what ALW was used to at that time. Then Beautiful Game onwards were much more modest affairs. Sunset may have been a big name but I think it only made money in the EP days. The running costs were massive.
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Post by danb on Jun 29, 2023 5:57:55 GMT
I know, and it flopped Don't get me wrong, I love the show, I just think it's quite an unknown to most people these days. I'm early 40s and like gershwin music, but that's only because that was passed down to me. And as a theatre fan I knew crazy for you. The wider more casual theatre goers, probably not So you meant the last successful production rather than the last big production? I think the issue with a show like Crazy For You, which is basically a plot fitted around Gershwin songs from other shows, is that its a very old fashioned. Even with Charlie Stemp in, whos a name in theatre circles and not much beyond, i think the show will struggle, but then again its in for the summer, so hopefully it will appeal to them as a big, old fashioned song and dance show. Big commercial tv spots would massively help this, but outside of the Royal Variety, BGT & Strictly they just don’t exist any more.
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Madonna!
Jun 28, 2023 20:57:10 GMT
via mobile
Post by danb on Jun 28, 2023 20:57:10 GMT
Hospitalised with a serious bacterial infection 🤢 tour postponed to take maximum advantage of massive interest rates.
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Post by danb on Jun 27, 2023 19:30:04 GMT
Anyone else watching Rian Johnsons cracking series of Columbo-esque one off mystery thrillers on Sky Max? Some fantastic guest stars and fabulous 70’s throwback stories all linked by Natasha Leon’s Charlie who can tell if people are lying.
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Post by danb on Jun 25, 2023 18:08:55 GMT
Clears throat…Megabus!…cough.
A fraction of the cost and not always much slower. 2 and a half hours to Victoria vs a 2 hour drive, parking, tube to Victoria.(although I notice that you are NOT permitted to take frozen food on board wtf?).
See also Flixbus, who started off with rubbish old coaches but have a decent fleet now with usb ports AND EVERYTHING!
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Post by danb on Jun 25, 2023 6:31:18 GMT
I don’t understand the need for reinforcement of your views? Some people like stuff, others don’t. Neither one is right or wrong. It is just an opinion. No 'need' for reinforcing my views. Its just sometimes nice when others share your view, espwlecially when you seem to be in minority, that's all. Nothing complex and no agenda. Never said others were wrong either so not sure where you're getting that from. Not sure why you chose to pick on me when I've not stated anything others haven't done before in many other threads when they've been in the minority 🤷♂️ That’s what you’ve taken away from a ‘don’t sweat it, we’re all different’ message of support?
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Post by danb on Jun 24, 2023 21:07:35 GMT
Goad it's not just me who doesn't get the fuss on this. Also if they do plan on touring it I think it will need some stunt casting. I can't see it being a big draw on tour based on name alone. 12 people so far have voted it 3 stars or below so maybe not a completely unpopular view. I don’t understand the need for reinforcement of your views? Some people like stuff, others don’t. Neither one is right or wrong. It is just an opinion.
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Post by danb on Jun 23, 2023 22:20:51 GMT
The Mousetrap isn't exactly the most challenging of shows. 9 shows is nothing, Joseph on tour is 12 shows a week. I can watch Joseph if LH or someone I like is in it, but imagine performing it 9 times a week…for a year, then going back to sub-standard digs. Gah!
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Post by danb on Jun 21, 2023 14:14:10 GMT
I believe it is the norm that both Elphaba and Glinda each get a show off during the week of West End Live! Oh okay! I don’t remember them having done it previously but maybe they’ve just never announced it as holiday before It has definitely happened in previous years.
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Post by danb on Jun 21, 2023 7:04:07 GMT
The Rush ticket comment, there are always tickets at the back that are unsold and end up in the rush pool. But I’ve also seen tickets appear that have not been possible to book online in advance. So I suspect it’s a combination. They sell a lot of tickets through rush. It may well have been part of their strategy from the beginning? They have extended so obvs know what they’re doing one way or the other. We’ll just never know if this could have been a smash in a ‘proper’ theatre.
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Post by danb on Jun 21, 2023 6:13:18 GMT
Does anyone know what the chances are of getting rush tickets to the Saturday matinee? 100%, I would think. They set a lot of tickets aside. Optimistic to think that they’ve been deliberately set aside Dr Tom. I’m pretty sure that this is getting by on repeat business and offers however unfair it may seem.
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Post by danb on Jun 18, 2023 17:49:37 GMT
The West End is full of all sorts of shows, with enough variety of songs to be able to show off their wares to all ages without running into worries. The Barbican isn’t the West End; if the organisers want to invite A Strange Loop to perform, knowing how colourful it is, they can expect a few raised eyebrows and a few extra column inches about outraged parents if they’re lucky. It is win win.
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