Weekly Round Up 18.03.16

Shows Seen (From Saturday To Friday): 1

Shows Booked For Future: 1

Since my last weekly round up, I've been and returned from New York City. I'm missing it already as I had a fantastic time. I'm trying to work out when I can next make a trip but due to some huge life changes, its not looking like this year.

Whilst I have contemplated writing a separate post for my trip, it didn't seem necessary as I will be posting my reviews for the shows I saw separately next week (I've been too jet-lagged this week to even begin to write them!). As per my previous blog posts, I saw Something Rotten last Friday 11th March, which I cannot wait to review as it was absolutely superb. It certainly challenges the top of my list for favourite musical! I waited at the stage door for the first time in a while and got my programme signed and a photo with the incredible double Tony Award Winning Christian Borle. What I will say is that this show needs to make its way to the UK as I think it will do brilliantly in London seeing as the whole show focuses on Shakespeare's success. 

My dad and I didn't have anything else booked so we planned to see a show by booking tickets at the TKTS booth, something else I've not done before. I put an initial spanner in the works as after entering the Hamilton daily lottery every day since we were there, on our last full day I decided to try the cancellations queue. 

Tip: If you really want to see Hamilton and get a ticket from the cancellations queue then you really have to be prepared to queue up super early in the morning OR get there partway through the night. I queued on a Sunday which apparently is normally quieter due to Lin Manuel-Miranda not performing, however I was still 13th in the queue when I joined at midday! On the day I went, only 7 tickets were resold via cancellations as the day before it had only been 8 and 3 for the respective shows. 

Whilst I wallowed in my disappointment of my Hamilton dream dying for about a year I quickly went round to the TKTS booth and queued whilst I waited for my dad. He gave me a short list of his preferred shows and in the end I plucked for Matilda because I got good seats near the front of the Orchestra plus I was personally feeling this over Kinky Boots on the day. My dad and I thoroughly enjoyed Matilda so it took the edge off my Hamilton disappointment. I will hopefully post my review for this next week and I will definitely make comparisons to the West End original!

On a look to the future, my best friend booked one show this week for us to see just before here birthday:

1. Wicked 

Wicked is a bit of a firm favourite of mine despite me feeling underwhelmed by my trip to see it on Broadway last year. This will be my 4th time seeing the show and I'm quite excited as right now I'm in the process of creating my own version of Glinda's Bubble Dress. What I know already is that Savannah Stevenson who normally plays Glinda on the West End is on holiday the date we are going so I will be seeing her standby Carina Gillespie instead. This is exciting in itself as it means I've seen a different Glinda each time I've seen this show!

Booked For: 14th April

At: Apollo Victoria

Going With: My best friend, her boyfriend and one of her friends. 

Next week I am seeing The Book Of Mormon for the 5th time but it'll be the first time I've seen it on my own. I've also got a post-show backstage tour which I'm more excited about as this is my favourite musical to date (though this is now being strongly contested by Something Rotten!)

Weekly Round Up 11.03.16

Shows Seen (From Saturday To Friday): 1

Shows Booked For Future: 0

I've pre-scheduled this post as I will be in The Big Apple when this post is due to go out!

This week I posted two reviews for the shows I saw last week, a 5 star review for the beautiful War Horse, and a 3 star review for the disappointing Chicago UK Tour .

If you read this on the Friday, I will be going to see Something Rotten tonight which I cannot wait for. 

I'm hoping to catch another show whilst I'm here but at the moment I'm not sure what that will be!

Chicago (UK Tour) 04.03.16

Chicago (UK Tour)

Location: The Orchard Theatre, Dartford

Date Seen: 4^th March 2016

Seen With: Mum & Dad

Understudies at This Performance: Helen Siveter as Velma Kelly

Summary

Chicago is one of my all time favourite musicals. I love the two female leads, - particularly Velma Kelly - the choreography, the songs and I absolutely love the staging with the orchestra on the stage. I am spoilt in a way as I saw this on Broadway last year and it was one of the best musical performances I had ever seen. On watching this performance, I tried not to compare them like for like.

Acting

This was a huge let down for me from the leads. I am always dubious of ‘big star’ names being cast as I feel it is at the expense of full time musical theatre actors and actresses who do this day in day out. My point was proven with Sam Bailey, who whilst has a strong voice, fell flat as the bolshie Mama Morton I’d expect. John Partridge’s Billy Flynn was limp and not the suave lawyer I was expecting. He lacked the presence he really needed and his manipulation of the other characters felt false. Hayley Tamaddon did a fair job as Roxie Hart though I think she could have had so many more layers in her character – she felt very one dimensional and could have pushed more for a more exciting performance. Helen Siveter as Velma Kelly was probably the only lead I could say I was happy with. Despite coming on as the understudy fairly early in the tours run, I think she did a great job and certainly had the majority of Velma’s sarcasm there. I feel she should have had more presence and sometimes I lost her amongst the ensemble but I think over the tour’s run, she will get the opportunity to really hit home.

Music & Songs

I cannot fault the orchestra who for me are the glue of this particular show mainly because they are on stage rather than being hidden in the orchestra pit as is the norm with most musicals. They have a real flare and Chicago’s staging allows them to show their personalities without detracting from the actors.

The songs are some of my favourites in musicals though I think the sound system let some songs down as you couldn’t hear the lead vocals over ensemble. But I have to criticise John Partridge as I was left highly disappointed with his rendition of ‘All I Care About’. The vocal sounded unnatural and strained and was difficult to listen to. He slightly redeemed himself in ‘We Both Reached for the Gun’ and ‘Razzle Dazzle’ but for a musical theatre performer, I really did expect better.

Choreography

Other than a couple of awkward moments in ‘All That Jazz’ (though I think this was a result of the staging rather than the choreography), the choreography in Chicago is some of the most iconic. The ensemble is showcased at their strongest in the group numbers as well as standout numbers ‘Me and My Baby’ and ‘Honey Hot Rag’. The choreography was one of the redeeming features of this production.

Direction

I think part of the problem with this show has to stem from the direction. Roxie Hart, for me, is a cunning, sexy minx who manipulates everyone around her to get what she wants. Whilst Hayley Tamaddon had the comedy elements of her role down, I didn’t get the sexy or manipulative feeling from her. She was just ‘too nice’. I feel if the director had pushed her, her performance would have sky rocketed. Whether this was an actor limitation or a director’s misdirection I won’t know but either way something was amiss for this particular character.

Set/Lighting

There is not a lot of set to speak of with the orchestra stage taking up about 50% of the stage. Chairs are the main prop used and I don’t think this show needs more than that. The lighting is sultry and captures the harshness of the prison setting whilst also emulating the sexiness that Chicago is so well known for.

Costumes

I absolutely love the sexy costumes of Chicago. They’re simple in the sense they’re all black and use similar sheer and lace materials but they’re so effective. The only costume let down was Hayley Tamaddon’s first dress as Roxie Hart. It seemed too big and the front sheer panels were extremely unflattering. Again it reflected on the fact she seemed ‘too nice’ and needed a serious vamping up to portray the seductive side of the character.

Stand Out Performances

A.D. Richardson as Mary Sunshine: In a show where the lead performances were disappointing, A.D. Richardson made up for this in buckets. The vocal was so impressive and I’ve not heard ‘A Little Bit Of Good’ as good as it was sung in this performance. Richardson was the best Mary Sunshine for me, outshining those I saw in the West End and Broadway.

The Ensemble: Lead actors are often talked about at the expense of the ensemble but the ensemble stood out for me over the leads. They were slick, together and felt like they were performing for their lives.

The Orchestra: I have never seen an orchestra have as much fun as these musicians and conductor did. I love the Entr’acte and their short skit after the finale. It really showed them off as individuals and for me was one of the best bits of the night!

Show to Show Comparisons

At the beginning of this review I said I wouldn’t compare this to the other productions of Chicago I’ve seen but its hard not too. I saw Amra Faye-Wright as Velma Kelly in 2009 in the West End and last year on Broadway. In my eyes she has Velma’s sarcasm and bluntness down to a point and this wasn’t felt in this performance. Overall I hope the UK Tour improves as it is seriously lacking in certain areas at present. I would personally like to see some of the leads change to ‘unknown’ actors and actresses as I think this really would have benefited. 

Would I Recommend?

If you’re an avid fan on Chicago then I’d steer clear as it probably won’t live up to your expectations and I think some of the casting was a huge mistake. If you’ve never seen Chicago and want to then I’d say go and see it as the ensemble and orchestra were outstanding.

Overall Verdict (Out of 5 Stars):

3 Stars – I think ‘star’ casting is what let this production down. Chicago is in my top 3 musicals of all time and I was left frustrated with some weak performances of the big supporting characters. I would have given in 2 stars but the ensemble, orchestra and a couple of the leads meant I couldn’t justify bumping it down another star. 

War Horse 03.03.16

War Horse

Location: New London Theatre

Date Seen: 3^rd March 2016

Seen With: Mum, Dad & Brother

Understudies at This Performance: None noted (no announcements and didn’t see the daily board)

Summary

War Horse is the stage adaptation of Michael Morpurgo’s novel of the same name. Albert takes responsibility for foal Joey and raises him well, eventually winning a bet placed against his uncle winning back the 38 guineas paid for him. However his father sells him for £100 to the war effort and Albert is distraught. In an attempt to reunite with Joey, the underage Albert enlists in the war to find him.

Acting

The acting is at the forefront here from the puppeteers or to the rest of the cast. The ensemble fill the stage with energy and it feels like each actor is feeding off the others. I particularly enjoyed James Backway’s interactions between his family, Joey and to other characters. The changes were subtle but you clearly understood his relationships with other characters.

Music & Songs

The sound really enhances the initial Devonshire setting which is a rural idyllic village. This is juxtaposed against the loud cannons and gunshots that make up much of the soundscape of the war zone. The songman that features is fantastic and the live accordion and vocals really embed this show as feeling real, despite the minimal staging.

Choreography

N/A

Direction

The direction is fantastic in this piece as everything thing is natural. Nothing is forced or over done. There is some lovely staging with scenes from Devon and the War Front happening simultaneously and although this breaks from ideas of reality and that those two scenes would not happen in the same space, it feels right. It is clear that although the horses are a big draw, that as much effort has gone into working with the actors to make the piece come alive. I think it would have been very easy for the puppets to take all the glory, but I think it has been well balanced.

Set/Lighting

The set is minimal but I think this is perfect as it doesn’t detract from the impressiveness of the puppets. The lighting is warm during the scenes in Devon which contrasts against the cold and darker lighting during the war scenes which reflect the change of life and the dire times that have hit.

Costumes

The costumes are fitting to the period and the military uniforms are accurate. Its nice that the realism has been kept here and compliments the same realism that comes from the horse puppets.

Stand Out Performances

In this particular piece I can’t single out actors as the whole show was breathtaking. I have to applaud the puppeteers as they really steal the show with making the horses come alive. The way they trot down to the small details of an ear twitch when they hear something out of the ordinary. It’s the best example I’ve seen of the puppet and puppeteers becoming one.

Show to Show Comparisons

There are many shows out there now using puppets but none quite like this. The difference between War Horse and shows such as Avenue Q and Hand To God is the realism. War Horse’s puppets are so life like; you do at times forget that they are puppets being controlled by 3 actors.

Would I Recommend?

Yes however you may need to catch it on its UK tour as it plays its last performance at the New London Theatre on the 12^th March 2016.

Overall Verdict (Out of 5 Stars):

5 Stars

Weekly Round Up 04.03.16

Shows Seen (From Saturday To Friday): 3

Shows Booked For Future: 0

This week I posted my review for my revisit to In The Heights which I saw on Saturday. Even with some changes of cast in the form of understudies, this show is as strong as it was the first time. 

Last night I saw War Horse and tonight I am seeing Chicago (UK Tour). 

For the second week in a row due to holidays and saving money I have not booked any shows this week.

Next week I am in New York and will be seeing Something Rotten on the Friday. I'm hoping to see at least 1 other show though I'm going to decide on this when I'm there as I'm hoping to try some of the Broadway lotteries!

In The Heights 27.02.16 [REVISITED]

In The Heights

Location: Kings Cross Theatre

Date Seen: 27^th February 2016

Seen With: 3 Friends

Understudies at This Performance: Jocasta Almgill as Vanessa and Alexzandra Sarmiento as Carla

For shows I’ve seen before and have previously reviewed, I don’t plan to do a whole review again. This is the first time I can do a ‘REVISITED’ review where I can add comments on extra observations and performances where different actors may be on for that particular performance.

Since My Last Visit…

When I saw the show last, I have fallen in love with the characters and plot more since I bought the soundtrack. I absolutely love Lin-Manuel Miranda’s style and as a result bought his newest musical Hamilton’s soundtrack which I can’t get enough of.

Whilst having time to listen to the music, I became more excited about seeing the show again with my new understanding of the characters and the music.

Review – REVISITED

I was excited to hear David Bedella was on playing Kevin as I saw his understudy last time. He recently won the WhatsOnStage award for Best Supporting Actor In A Musical and I’m not surprised. One of my friends described him as having one of those voices you’ll never forget like Morgan Freemen. His clarity in every word he spoke or sung was beautiful.

My views on the acting, songs and choreography have not changed and I enjoyed this performance more because I was more emotionally invested in the show.

One thing beyond my control I was sad about was that Jade Ewen was not performing. I love seeing understudies and whilst Jocasta Almigill did a fantastic job, there was something so strong about Ewen’s performance that I couldn’t help thinking something was missing.

What I was pleased to hear is that although the photo in this review shows Philippa Stefani as an understudy, she has in fact been promoted full time to play Daniela (this is reflected on the website). This is something I was over the moon to hear about as she was the best understudy I’ve ever seen and fully deserves this promotion.

Stand Out Performances

Sam Mackay as Usnavi is still the stand out performer for me with Philippa Stefani  as Daniela close behind. One thing I really picked up on this time was the relationships between characters I absolutely loved Sam Mackay’s Usnavi acting alongside Clever September’s Sonny. The family bond between them was so clear and didn’t look like any acting was involved as it was so believable. I also loved the dyanamic between David Bedella’s Kevin and Jodie Benson’s Camila and the song ‘Enough’ once again really captures this.

Would I Still Recommend?

Yes

REVISITED Overall Verdict (Out of 5 Stars):

5 Stars