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Theatre Talk: In Our Own Little Corner

aradia22

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aradia22

aradia22

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I saw Titanic at NYCC. I don't see it transferring with the current cast (though City Center has had a lot of transfers lately so never say never) so I will keep my thoughts short because no one really needs my opinion on a musical from 1997.

Overall, I am glad I went. It was very well-cast and beautifully sung. It's probably going to be the best version of the show I see in my lifetime. But is it a great show? I didn't think so. The talent and charisma of the performers helped disguise it and the pace kept it chugging along but I could easily, EASILY see this show dragging, even if this production just had a bad day. It's more Grand Hotel than Nine. But not as good as Grand Hotel. 

The story feels very choppy. It's not just that it has a large scope or too many characters. It's that it isn't focused on the story it wants to tell. And it has flop energy. It's not as bad as any of these shows... but I was thinking of Doctor Zhivago, Paradise Square, and even Kelly while watching it. Some of the lyrics... ugh. And the way they chose to dramatize certain plot points. The tone was careening all over the place. I liked the romances and those parts were beautifully sung like everything else but they were ultimately rushed and pointless. Caroline and Charles running off to America to marry in spite of her disapproving father. Kate and Jim getting together because she wills it and needs a father for her baby. The actors tried to sell it but on paper, there's barely anything there. Frederick and the girl he's trying to propose to back home. The Straus relationship was much more grounded, but hot take... I didn't like that song. All the young actors (Chanler-Berat, Maliakel, Grayson, Salstone, Notartomaso) sell what feels like the heart of the show which is the crew dealing with the foreshadowing and then impending and then present disaster. I'd argue the trio of EJ, Ismay, and Andrews has some compelling material but it feels out of place. When the conflict and pathos come, they don't feel earned. The concert staging helps move things along rather than letting you dwell in how out of left field some of the beats feel. There aren't smooth transitions to this grab bag of ideas. 

It's also, you know, Titanic, so the show has to fight against the inevitability and the audience expectation. The weight of it hit me at the end only because I thought fewer people had died than the number they cited. I wasn't emotional though. It's too surface of a show for you to feel empathy. At best you can feel some sympathy as the show doesn't really ask you to care for individual characters so much as this group as a collective (which is tough because for most of the show they aren't acting as a collective so you ultimately only feel bad for them in the same way you feel bad for the victims of any large-scale disaster). 

Special shout-outs: Alex Joseph Grayson, Bonnie Milligan, Chuck Cooper, Adam Chanler-Berat, Jose Llana, Samantha Williams, Ari Notartomaso

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aradia22
aradia22

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/11/26/theater/stephen-sondheim-final-interview.html I am glad he got to see the opening of this revival of Company and seemed to be living his best life 'the the end,

aradia22
aradia22
Bethany
Bethany

Just read an article about how this has "sparked a debate about theatre going etiquette".  My mind is boggling that there even needs to be a debate about this.

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DisneyBoy

DisneyBoy

On 1/12/2024 at 6:12 AM, Quof said:

I will never set foot in a Mirvish theatre, even if the tickets were free.  

Tell me why. I'm curious.

It's late for February recommendations, LOL, but I say check out Hadestown if you haven't. Great Gatsby is weak material but has a ton of pizazz and some great belting. Illinoise is absolutely beautiful, unless you hate dance. Merrily is super expensive, closing and they just filmed it, so...wait on that one.

I'm also curious to hear about the current Les Mis production. Cast? Set? Thoughts?

It's my understanding that this is the semi-recent Broadway staging without the turntable.

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aradia22

aradia22

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I made one attempt to see The Who's Tommy and didn't win the lottery for either Saturday show. So far I haven't seen any of the Broadway musicals this season. I missed Lempicka because it closed so quickly and Suffs is the only one left I have any real interest in. But I will try for some of the others because nothing's really coming until Sunset Boulevard in October.

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ebk57

ebk57

We have tickets for Oh, Mary! and Hadestown (to see Stephanie Mills) in September.  We'll get tickets to see Stereophonic as soon as my friend lets me know if she's going with us or not. 

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PRgal

PRgal

(edited)

I haven't even seen the show, but I absolutely CANNOT get through The Notebook cast recording without tearing up.  I mean, if I can't get through the movie, how can I possibly do it when it's live theatre?

Edited by PRgal
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ebk57

ebk57

I had a great theatre weekend on our trip last week.  Highlight was Oh, Mary!  The stupidest, funniest play I've seen in a looooong time.  See it if at all possible!! 

Next, we saw Hadestown with Stephanie Mills.  We saw the original cast, but love Stephanie, so wanted to see it again.  Thoroughly enjoyed it again.  The understudy for Orpheus was on (Brandon Cameron) and he was fantastic!!  I feel like he totally made the show, which I think might be emphasized for me because the weak link in the original cast IMO was Reeve Carney.  This time, the weak link was Yolo, but on the whole, the cast is great.

Lastly, Stereophonic.  I really liked it. My friend said he would have enjoyed more of a plot, but I think the character study was incredibly involving.  

And then we ate everything not nailed down 😄  Looking forward to the January trip to see Gypsy!!

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ebk57

ebk57

5 hours ago, EtheltoTillie said:

Follow up:  Hills is still in preview so my friend and I took a flyer on TDF tickets for next Friday. 

I can link a couple of theater message boards if you don't mind a few spoilers.  There seem to be mixed reviews. 

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EtheltoTillie

EtheltoTillie

29 minutes ago, ebk57 said:

I can link a couple of theater message boards if you don't mind a few spoilers.  There seem to be mixed reviews. 

Thanks.  Id appreciate it. I did read some reviews from the London production, and I could see it’s a mixed bag, but we got the tickets anyway as they were cheap.  

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ebk57

ebk57

2 minutes ago, EtheltoTillie said:

Thanks.  Id appreciate it. I did read some reviews from the London production, and I could see it’s a mixed bag, but we got the tickets anyway as they were cheap.  

Here's the tread on BroadwayWorld:

https://forum.broadwayworld.com/thread/THE-HILLS-OF-CALIFORNIA-Previews

 

Here are a few threads on All That Chat:

https://www.talkinbroadway.com/allthatchat_new/d.php?id=2604891

https://www.talkinbroadway.com/allthatchat_new/d.php?id=2604790

https://www.talkinbroadway.com/allthatchat_new/d.php?id=2604497

 

Both boards use 15th century technology.  I spend more time (and even post occasionally) on BroadwayWorld.  All That Chat is incredibly scattered and difficult for me to navigate, so I just check in sometimes is there's something I'm looking for. 

Hope you enjoy the show.  If you feel like it, let us know what you think.  Our next NY trip is in January and at the moment, we only have one show booked.

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Mountainair

Mountainair

Not Broadway related but I had the opportunity last weekend to attend Land of Oz. It’s a theme park related to all things Wizard of Oz and it’s akin to attending a walking musical if you will. The costumes and singing were all top notch. The park itself is only open 4 weekends out of the year and the characters walk the park with you and break out into song and dance while you walk along the yellow brick road. It was a really great experience. 
 

Saturday my mom, daughter and I went to see the local theatre production of The Sound of Music and were blown away by the talent! I may never make it to an actual Broadway show but if what our local theatre puts out is any indication I’m ok with that :)

IMG_3228.jpeg

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Browncoat

Browncoat

21 minutes ago, Mountainair said:

Not Broadway related but I had the opportunity last weekend to attend Land of Oz. It’s a theme park related to all things Wizard of Oz and it’s akin to attending a walking musical if you will. The costumes and singing were all top notch. The park itself is only open 4 weekends out of the year and the characters walk the park with you and break out into song and dance while you walk along the yellow brick road. It was a really great experience. 

We used to go all the time in the 70s, when it was open all summer.  I remember one day it was kind of rainy, and, while the other characters were out and singing, the Tin Man and Wicked Witch refused to leave their huts.  Even as a small child I thought that was brilliant.  I think that was the same trip where the chair lift got stuck on the way back down, and it really started raining, and thundering.  Probably why I'm still terrified of chair lifts.

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EtheltoTillie

EtheltoTillie

On 9/22/2024 at 11:28 PM, ebk57 said:

Here's the tread on BroadwayWorld:

https://forum.broadwayworld.com/thread/THE-HILLS-OF-CALIFORNIA-Previews

 

Here are a few threads on All That Chat:

https://www.talkinbroadway.com/allthatchat_new/d.php?id=2604891

https://www.talkinbroadway.com/allthatchat_new/d.php?id=2604790

https://www.talkinbroadway.com/allthatchat_new/d.php?id=2604497

 

Both boards use 15th century technology.  I spend more time (and even post occasionally) on BroadwayWorld.  All That Chat is incredibly scattered and difficult for me to navigate, so I just check in sometimes is there's something I'm looking for. 

Hope you enjoy the show.  If you feel like it, let us know what you think.  Our next NY trip is in January and at the moment, we only have one show booked.

We just got back from Hills of California. It’s not the greatest play ever written, but the acting was great. It mostly falls apart in the last act which is too expository. Not sorry we went. 

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EtheltoTillie

EtheltoTillie

(edited)

Update on Hills of California. This morning there’s an interview with Donnelly, the actress who plays two parts, who is also partner of the playwright. They completely rewrote the third act and that character just before opening in New York so no wonder it seemed off.  They are still working out the kinks.  I am looking forward to learning what was changed. 

Edited by EtheltoTillie
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PRgal

PRgal

If I ever get myself to New York City in the next year or so, I definitely want to see BOTH Sunset Blvd and Gypsy.  The only question is HOW will I do that with a kid?  I also want to expose him to theatre, and with a six year old, you're going to The Lion King, not the other shows!  Gypsy is priority because, you know, Audra (is this the first time they cast an attractive actress as Mama Rose?  Because I've always thought of her as a bit...frumpy.  And Audra is nowhere NEAR frumpy.  In fact, I think she's more Norma Desmond than Mama Rose).   

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bosawks

bosawks

Wow, RIP Gavin Creel, only 48.

Just diagnosed with cancer this July.

I remember seeing him the first time in Thoroughly Modern Millie it seems like yesterday.

It cannot be said enough, Fuck Cancer!

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ebk57

ebk57

25 minutes ago, bosawks said:

Wow, RIP Gavin Creel, only 48.

Just diagnosed with cancer this July.

I remember seeing him the first time in Thoroughly Modern Millie it seems like yesterday.

It cannot be said enough, Fuck Cancer!

This is absolutely heartbreaking.

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Spartan Girl

Spartan Girl

16 hours ago, choclatechip45 said:

I saw Back To The Future tonight. I love the movie so I enjoyed the musical the effects are amazing. Casey Likes is really good. No Roger Bart. None of the new songs were memorable though. 

I really hope the touring production will come next season. I don’t care that a musical isn’t necessary, I still want to see it. Sucks that you didn’t get Roger Bart though.

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Spartan Girl

Spartan Girl

(edited)

Kicked off the new season at Wharton Center with my third time seeing Les Miserables. Definitely a show that gets better every time I see it. It looks like they’ve made even more changes to the touring production since 2019:

  • They added in the part of the novel when Valjean stole from a child (though they put it before the scene with the Bishop)
  • Fantine’s first customer as a hooker was the factory foreman. Yes, her boss that tried to sexually harass her then fired her when he found out she had a daughter. And he laughs in her face when he sees her at the seaport brothel she’s about to join. Congratulations, show, you’ve managed to make Fantine’s story even more brutal than it already was! 😭😭😭
  • Madame Thenardier pours the piss bucket into the wine bottle before she gives it to her husband in Master of the House😂😂😂😂😂😂
  • Eponine is even more of a badass. She pulls a knife on the gang when they try to rob Valjean’s house after she takes Marius there
  • The Bishop returns to greet Valjean after he crosses over with Fantine and Eponine.

On a shallow note, the guy that played Valjean definitely hit the high notes, but even with the aging makeup he still sounded younger than the character should be. But other than that, I loved everything.

Next show is Shucked in January!

Edited by Spartan Girl
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PRgal

PRgal

1 hour ago, Spartan Girl said:

Kicked off the new season at Wharton Center with my third time seeing Les Miserables. Definitely a show that gets better every time I see it. It looks like they’ve made even more changes to the touring production since 2019:

  • They added in the part of the novel when Valjean stole from a child (though they put it before the scene with the Bishop)
  • Fantine’s first customer as a hooker was the factory foreman. Yes, her boss that tried to sexually harass her then fired her when he found out she had a daughter. And he laughs in her face when he sees her at the seaport brothel she’s about to join. Congratulations, show, you’ve managed to make Fantine’s story even more brutal than it already was! 😭😭😭
  • Madame Thenardier pours the piss bucket into the wine bottle before she gives it to her husband in Master of the House😂😂😂😂😂😂
  • Eponine is even more of a badass. She pulls a knife on the gang when they try to rob Valjean’s house after she takes Marius there
  • The Bishop returns to greet Valjean after he crosses over with Fantine and Eponine.

On a shallow note, the guy that played Valjean definitely hit the high notes, but even with the aging makeup he still sounded younger than the character should be. But other than that, I loved everything.

Next show is Shucked in January!

Assuming that this is the North American tour, Nick Cartell (Valjean) has a preshow live on his Instagram (in case you didn't know).  And I think he's like 43 or so in real life, so yeah, "sounding young" is correct.  

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MicheleinPhilly

MicheleinPhilly

On 10/13/2024 at 6:29 PM, Spartan Girl said:

Kicked off the new season at Wharton Center with my third time seeing Les Miserables. Definitely a show that gets better every time I see it. It looks like they’ve made even more changes to the touring production since 2019:

  • They added in the part of the novel when Valjean stole from a child (though they put it before the scene with the Bishop)
  • Fantine’s first customer as a hooker was the factory foreman. Yes, her boss that tried to sexually harass her then fired her when he found out she had a daughter. And he laughs in her face when he sees her at the seaport brothel she’s about to join. Congratulations, show, you’ve managed to make Fantine’s story even more brutal than it already was! 😭😭😭
  • Madame Thenardier pours the piss bucket into the wine bottle before she gives it to her husband in Master of the House😂😂😂😂😂😂
  • Eponine is even more of a badass. She pulls a knife on the gang when they try to rob Valjean’s house after she takes Marius there
  • The Bishop returns to greet Valjean after he crosses over with Fantine and Eponine.

On a shallow note, the guy that played Valjean definitely hit the high notes, but even with the aging makeup he still sounded younger than the character should be. But other than that, I loved everything.

Next show is Shucked in January!

I saw this in Philly last month. It was my first time even though I was very familiar with the story and the music. 

My only quibble was with the amount of smoke and the lighting. Is the show always that dark and musty? 

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Spartan Girl

Spartan Girl

1 hour ago, MicheleinPhilly said:

I saw this in Philly last month. It was my first time even though I was very familiar with the story and the music. 

My only quibble was with the amount of smoke and the lighting. Is the show always that dark and musty? 

No idea. But I could smell the smoke from the candles and torches sometimes.

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PRgal

PRgal

Is the smoke a new thing?  I don't seem to recall that and I've seen the show at least seven times.  The last time was in London in 2010.

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bosawks

bosawks

9 hours ago, EtheltoTillie said:

My friend saw a preview of the new Sunset Boulevard last week just before opening. She really liked it. 

I saw it on Saturday. It was bonkers. Loved it!

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PRgal

PRgal

I have not seen Sunset yet, but the full album was made available starting today.  I listened to about half of it and I'm still not sure what to make of Nicole Scherzinger's Norma.  I think Glenn Close is so ingrained in me that she's pretty much THE Norma for me (even though I never saw her and saw Diahann Caroll when the show was in Toronto).  I think I'll need to hear it a few more times first.

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bosawks

bosawks

11 hours ago, PRgal said:

I have not seen Sunset yet, but the full album was made available starting today.  I listened to about half of it and I'm still not sure what to make of Nicole Scherzinger's Norma.  I think Glenn Close is so ingrained in me that she's pretty much THE Norma for me (even though I never saw her and saw Diahann Caroll when the show was in Toronto).  I think I'll need to hear it a few more times first.

I think you will, I still hear Judy Kuhn every time Betty starts (I mean it's Judy Kuhn) but I get over it.  My take is that Nicole's Norma and Glenn's Norma live in different but parallel universes.

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PRgal

PRgal

6 hours ago, bosawks said:

I think you will, I still hear Judy Kuhn every time Betty starts (I mean it's Judy Kuhn) but I get over it.  My take is that Nicole's Norma and Glenn's Norma live in different but parallel universes.

And speaking of Glenn, they were talking about making a movie version with her as Norma.  Well, she's in her 70s now, so if she were to be in the movie, they'll need to create a new role...Norma's mom.  Or maybe that's sort of an inside joke from a line in the musical...where Norma says she wants to play Salome.  And Salome is...16.  BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA

I can't get out of my head that Nicole is a year older than me and playing Norma and that Norma is only 5 years older than me. 

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choclatechip45

choclatechip45

On 10/26/2024 at 8:13 AM, Spartan Girl said:

The new Sunset does sound promising.

Anyone seen Death Becomes Her?

I just saw it. I never saw the movie. I liked it. I thought it was hilarious. Megan Hilty and Jennifer Simard are really good. The audience was very enthusiastic whenever Michelle Williams appeared. 

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DisneyBoy

DisneyBoy

I'm curious if anyone doesn't like the new Sunset. People have been raving about it in an extremely over the top way. Not sure it really deserves its praise.

Tammy Faye is a bit of a mess but the leading lady is incredible.

Nice to hear Phantom will be making the rounds again. Going to miss the Angel though.

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Spartan Girl

Spartan Girl

Has anyone ever heard of Floyd Collins? I literally just only discovered that musical because they played the final song on Broadway XM the other day, and I was already in a mood, and I thought, "Wow, this song is depressing. What's this show about?" Then I looked it up and found out it's based on a true story of a guy that fell down a Kentucky cave shaft and the media hoopla that resulted...and HOLY SHIT, they actually made a musical out of this? And I thought Parade and Miss Saigon were bleak!

It's scheduled for a revival performance/Broadway debut at the Lincoln Center this spring.

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bosawks

bosawks

23 minutes ago, Spartan Girl said:

Has anyone ever heard of Floyd Collins? I literally just only discovered that musical because they played the final song on Broadway XM the other day, and I was already in a mood, and I thought, "Wow, this song is depressing. What's this show about?" Then I looked it up and found out it's based on a true story of a guy that fell down a Kentucky cave shaft and the media hoopla that resulted...and HOLY SHIT, they actually made a musical out of this? And I thought Parade and Miss Saigon were bleak!

It's scheduled for a revival performance/Broadway debut at the Lincoln Center this spring.

I saw it in the mid-90's at I think it was Playwrights.

I loved it, the cast was stacked.  

Three of them went from this to Titanic I believe.

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ebk57

ebk57

I know of it, but haven't seen it or heard any of the songs.  I don't think I'm in a place in my life where I want to sit through it, though.  I also passed on Parade earlier because - not now. 

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Spartan Girl

Spartan Girl

3 hours ago, bosawks said:

I can see that, I loved it but I can't say that it was real toe-tapping good time....

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not adverse to musical tragedy/drama but JESUS. That final song was haunting. 

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