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Post by jackjackjack on Jul 20, 2006 1:58:20 GMT 11
Before I comment on the production and performances, can I just say, what a nothing show this is. The book and lyrics seem to have different ideas about the characters and I'm left with almost no memory of them at all. Two of my common gripes apply here, the secondary characters have their relationship left hanging, and the other gripe is even starting to bore me, I won't mention it here but it has to do with the first song after intermission.
Now as for the performances, Ian and Pippa were quite strong, but were stood up by second string characters, most notably Adam Murphy as Hines and Julie O'Reilly as Mabel. Their duet, as banal as it is, was deliciously performed.
The visual design was good, especially in Hernando's Hideaway and the clever use of practical lighting to reflect different locations in a different way. I think it's the first time I've seen flourescant tubes on a stage.
Overall enjoyable, but I'd love to have the variety of shows available to be able to avoid weak plots like this.
James
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Post by Talissa on Jul 23, 2006 21:58:57 GMT 11
First off I'll have to say that most problems I had with this show weren't with the cast, who did very well with what they were given to work with, but with the show itself. It was probably in part due to my headache, but even though I went in determined to enjoy it, I still found myself by the end of the fairly long Act 1 wondering how long until interval. It wasn't like some other shows, where the pace is such that you don't notice how long you've been sitting there, instead having enough slow moments that it's easy to lose enthusiasm. The cast, though, did do well. I was very impressed with Pippa Grandison, as this was the first time I'd seen her on stage (Yes, I should have seen Witches of Eastwick), and I hope to do so plenty of times in the future, as hers are a voice and character that deserve to be heard and seen. Ian Stenlake was solid as ever, and their scenes together were credible, even with his wife on the same stage. Rachael Beck was right in her element, the Hernando's Hideaway scene a real highlight. Adam Murphy proved once again that he can always be relied on to add life and just the right touch of humour to a show, though really needs to stop being cast as men with jealousy issues  Julie O'Reilly was also wonderful to watch as Mabel, deliciously gleeful leading into I'll Never Be Jealous again and always larger than life. Also wonderful, in yet another very different role was David Harris, who is also always a pleasure. Strong in smaller roles were also Eliza Tarpey and Anna Burgess as Mae and Poopsie. |
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Post by jackjackjack on Jul 24, 2006 1:04:46 GMT 11
(Yes, I should have seen Witches of Eastwick) So it's your fault it flopped! |
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Post by Talissa on Jul 24, 2006 11:00:42 GMT 11
It is! I'm sorry! If that one extra ticket had been sold, it would have succeeded!
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Post by Sally on Jul 24, 2006 19:12:00 GMT 11
I feel like the lone Pajama Game fan here The only thing I felt was the ending was incredibly...rushed, maybe? It was as if the writers suddenly noticed they were nearing the end of their page and couldn't be bothered getting a new page so they hastily tied up everything in that tiny remaining space But then a fair few musicals of that era feel that way...the boy always gets the girl back faaaar too easily  Apart from that though, I loved it. Had all of the songs stuck in my head all day. Sure, act 1 felt a bit long, but I think I have a short attention span because act 1s *always* seem to feel long for me |
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Post by Talissa on Jul 24, 2006 20:11:15 GMT 11
Anyone else wonder whether Babe had any trouble getting her job back? After all, she did sabotage company property, even if she is sleeping with the superintendant!
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Julie O'Reilly was also wonderful to watch as Mabel, deliciously gleeful leading into I'll Never Be Jealous again and always larger than life. Also wonderful, in yet another very different role was David Harris, who is also always a pleasure.
