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Post by jackjackjack on Jul 21, 2005 1:26:42 GMT 11
Good performances all round. Very good performances from Scott Irwin, Lucy Durack & Emma Powell and a strong ensemble. Marina Prior seemed to get into it more the more crazy her character went.
Now, I know most others already have an opinion of the show itself, I haven't even seen the film since I was a kid. I can't say I'm a huge fan of this show. Of the numbers, Wunderbar, Cantiamo D'Amore and Too Darn Hot are all completely uselss. Nothing to contribute to plot, theme or character. Nor does Brush Up Your Shakespeare for that matter, but I forgive that in a way that I don't forgive Too Darn Hot. As entertaining as it was I thought I'd come back from intermission to the wrong show. (And I hadn't even stood up).
Then there's the plot. I like the parrallel threads and especially admire how the story within a story opens with an opening number that parodies the opening numbers that backstage musicals always seem to open with, as demonstrated four songs earlier. It seemed like the book writers had something against the second couple, because they didn't seem to get much of a go, perhaps because the characters' characters weren't as reflective of their characters as the main characters' characters. (By now you've guessed I'm trying to confuse you.) By the time of Bianca their stuff was in the way, perhaps because I absolutely cringed all the way through Always True to You in My Fashion. Just what is her fashion anyway?
And as for the main plot, I'm sure some people like being left to decide for themselves what happened, but could we at least've had some hint as to whether Lilli came back for Fred, or just for the show.
Now, I expect everyone to be observant. I will have a "Was that a part of the show or the actor's mistake" question for you at the end of the week.
James
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Post by Talissa on Jul 21, 2005 1:47:09 GMT 11
A great start to TPC's 2005 season. The score had Porter's usual cascade of hits, and was performed with bundles of energy by the cast, who really threw themselves right in.
Marina Prior and Scott Irwin again displayed the chemistry discovered last year in Annie Get Your Gun, each with opportunities to show off their best points, and plenty of chances to work off each other. Petruchio's attempted wooing of Kate went down particularly well. Oh, and nice throwing, Marina. "I've Come to Wive it Wealthily in Padua", "I Hate Men" and "Were Thine That Special Face" were the definite highlights from these two, although the G&S-like "Kiss Me, Kate" suited Marina's capabilities particularly well.
Lucy Durack certainly made a wonderful impression in her TPC debut, absolutely sparkling with live. We've definitely got a new candidate for the American soprano roles in her. She was adorable. If there was anyone in the audience who hadn't been won over by then, "Always True to You in My Fashion" was sure to do the job.
Marty Fields and Gary Down pulled off the comedic gangster roles with their expected skill, and brilliant costumes. And it was great to see Adam Murphy in a straight role, since every other I can think of so far has been character or comedic. He has a gorgeous voice, and it's great to see him use it. His "Bianca" was beautiful. The other suitors were well-suited, Alex Rathgeber's strong baritone and Matt Robinson's clear tenor blending gorgeously.
The choreography was possibly the best I've seen thus far from TPC, "Too Darn Hot" absolutely sizzling. And the set was very well done. I loved the Venice backdrop. One main quibble, though. In the first dressing room scene, the invisible walls of the dressing rooms managed to move quite significantly during the scene, so they started in Lilli's room and ended up in Fred's, which was somewhat disconcerting.
Otherwise, though, well done on a great production.
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Post by Talissa on Jul 21, 2005 1:52:11 GMT 11
Now that my review's out of the way, I'll actually reply to your post.
I can see exactly what you mean about the irrelevance of some songs and rough plot. A fair few songs did have the feel of being there for the sake of being hits, and to make an impression, but at the same time, when they're performed well, it's hard to really complain. For instance, I wouldn't have done without "Too Darn Hot" because it did break things up and was a very nice piece of choreography.
As for the ending, I'm fairly certain Fred's first "Darling!", which was almost certainly out of character, was supposed to be the indicator. Very very subtle, but when audiences are expecting happy endings, that's what they'll see.
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Post by Sally on Jul 21, 2005 12:44:38 GMT 11
Loved it. Not my favourite TPC show of all I've seen (although that may change on Saturday *g*) but definitely up there. I always hated the majority of the film so kudos to TPC for picking such a stellar cast, and making me love what I'd once loathed. With the except of a few songs that I'm just never going to like, but at least I didn't dislike them last night  Marina was a treat. Perfect, as was Scott. Lucy, however, stole the show, completely and utterly. 'Always True To You' has long been my favourite KMK song and she just blitzed it, absolutely. Perfect!! As was 'Brush Up Your Shakespeare', which had me almost crying with laughter. Some other part DID have me crying with laughter, but I can't remember what it was now. I was a bit loopy last night. LOVED 'Too Darn Hot'. I don't think I was able to blink once  |
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Post by Wondergirl on Jul 23, 2005 12:57:27 GMT 11
I saw KMK last night (Friday) and it was excellent.
Even though I am not Marina Prior's greatest fan, she was excellent. Scott Irwin was also most pleasing, and I thought the entire ensemble was most talented.
I loved 'Too Darn Hot' - wonderful choreography, and 'I Hate Men' was another of my favourite numbers.
Actually met Jeannie Pratt before the show. She was very nice, though looked a bit strange wearing an oversized man's suit (and she is tiny), and she told me that "You will love the show".
Steph
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Post by jackjackjack on Jul 24, 2005 2:02:53 GMT 11
Yes, I noticed that suit on Mrs Pratt too. A little odd. Did you throw in any requests for next year?
I must admit, Too Darn Hot was.
Now, here's my question. The guy playing the stage manager came out for one of the ensemble Shakespeare numbers wearing his headphones with his Shakespeare garb. Did anybody notice this on any night other than Wednesday?
James
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Post by Talissa on Jul 24, 2005 2:29:30 GMT 11
I thought that'd be your question *g* He did that exactly the same tonight, so it was scripted. Besides, he had a costume change since being stage manager, so it could hardly have been there by accident. I don't entirely see the point of that particular gag, but it seems to have been intentional, at least.
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Post by Sally on Jul 24, 2005 12:06:53 GMT 11
I didn't even notice that on Wednesday! I guess I was too far over; I didn't notice Marina's entrance either. Loved the bird. Loved loved loved. Laughed till I cried - so unexpected! For those who saw it other nights, the bird (the one Gary Down shot) was not there on Wednesday, so we very much were NOT expecting it last night And last night was perfect, spot on, everyone, everything. Especially Lucy - but then I am a bit biased, adore the girl and adore her character, she gets all the best songs ;D I never was a Lily fan, but Marina's helped change that. Brilliant performance, she looked like she was having a ball ;D And Scott! Leaping around! God love him. I totally fell for him in HS last year and adore how he keeps popping up in half the TPC shows ;D Not to mention Adam, who I'd barely seen before. That had sure better change. So sad that it's over!  Now bring on Oklahoma! |
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Otto
Backyard Balladeer
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Post by Otto on Jul 24, 2005 12:56:07 GMT 11
Did anyone who went on Wednesday night Hear when they all nearly got out out of time with the orchestra during the 2nd or third chorus of We Open In Venice?
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Post by Talissa on Jul 24, 2005 16:53:11 GMT 11
Yep. I think they tried to slow down a verse too early. They were spot-on last night.
And really, that role was perfect for Scott. I'm so glad he's well and truly back in action now.
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Post by Wondergirl on Jul 24, 2005 23:17:27 GMT 11
Yes, I noticed that suit on Mrs Pratt too. A little odd. Did you throw in any requests for next year?
Yes, the suit was quite odd. As she is already tiny, it made her look like some kind of weird doll or something.
Didnt get to put any requests in. We were in a bit of a rush, though I wish i had. i would have requested any show as long as Kane Alexander would please be in it lol
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Post by Buff on Jul 25, 2005 17:23:49 GMT 11
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Mel
Backyard Balladeer
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Post by Mel on Jul 25, 2005 23:38:18 GMT 11
Well I gave in and made the trip to Melbourne to see the show. I originally had tickets for Friday night and Saturday matinee but ended up seeing the Sat eve show as well.
Great performances all round. The highlight for me was to finally see Adam in a *real* role. It's a real pity that TPC only do 5 performances of each show as so much work goes into each production.
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Post by Talissa on Jul 26, 2005 20:38:22 GMT 11
The highlight for me was to finally see Adam in a *real* role. Amen! |
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Post by parisboy on Jul 27, 2005 0:40:21 GMT 11
Hi, I have just found this site for the first time - and am a fairly new fan of the australian music theatre industry- as I spend most of my time in the US, but saw Kiss Me Kate while on business last week and thought it was just FABULOUS! Long story actually... I only found out about it as a friend of mine works for the appartments where two of the lead people were staying (Lucy and Scott)...Now, my real reason for being in your chat room...Random question-one of the only other musicals I've seen and loved was 'Shout' AND- my friend told me that David Campbell (lead in 'Shout'- although being the aussie musical theatre buffs you all seem to be I'm sure you know that!) spent time with Lucy in her appartment- are they together? My friend being the professional he is had not enquired- and we had sort of a silly bet after a few beverages- I want to win...so let me know!!
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Now bring on Oklahoma!
