Amelie at the Ahmanson- Page 3

[SporkGoddess]

Posted: 12/11/16 at 12:06pm

I saw it last night and wanted to share my thoughts.  First off, I found it a very enjoyable night of theatre.  It's a whimsical, adorable, and sometimes magical show.  I thought Phillipa Soo lit up the stage when she was on it.  However, the original film is one of my favorite movies ever--I've seen it a million times, so I know it really well. I thought that the storyline and characters suffered a bit by removing certain scenes and story arcs.  It was only a one act show so I found it interesting that they cut out so much instead of just having it be two acts. I get that they have to make changes, but I thought some of them were clumsily done.  For instance, why have that one scene with Lucien if you don't have any of the payoff later with his relationship with Dufayel or Amelie's revenge against Collignon?   Why show her imagined post-mortem press coverage (although I really enjoyed the show's musical twist on that scene) if you don't also include the overarching theme that she realizes she didn't do anything for herself or her family, which is what motivates her to steal the garden gnome? 

I also think that they made Amelie seem more damaged in the stage version and there were moments I wondered why Nino was putting up with her tactics.  I think the movie has a tiny bit of that too, of course, but not as much.  So, I think my takeaway is that it's an enjoyable night of theatre, but it just doesn't get to the level that the movie does.  That being said, because I think the movie is so amazing, that would be hard to do.  I'm also not sure how the show will fare on Broadway considering that this season appears to be particularly strong.  In a weaker season, I think it might be a different story.

I did really like a lot of the score.  I'm excited for a cast recording to be released so I can hear it again  Also, although I liked the staging, it didn't really feel "Broadway" level.  I'm not sure if that's reflective of the show itself or that it was pre-Broadway.  I'll be interested to see what they do for the Broadway production.

[smallvillefan16]

Posted: 12/11/16 at 1:51pm

Saw this on the 7th -- I'd seen the film years ago -- It's a nice evening out at the theater but could use some major retooling.

Phillipa is very good in the role and captures the enthusiasm that Amelie has for life. 

I thought the set was beautiful and the lighting really captured the mood of Paris in the evening.  I thought they managed to capture the whimsicality of the film into the stage and never felt out of place or cheesy. The old man is played very well and the ensemble did a fine job --

The guy playing Nino was a huge weak link in the cast. His singing left much to be desired -- there were numerous chorus men who would have made a better Nino --

The music is the biggest problem with this show.  There isn't a catchy or memorable tune in the entire score.  There's a fun song in the beginning dealing with the gold fish and a great Elton John inspired number, but I couldn't tell you how  the songs actually went -- this score needs big, fun numbers celebrating life and love but they are all just kind of mid-tempo uninspiring songs.

The second biggest flaw is that if you haven't seen the movie you'll be fairly lost on the plot and some of the characters. The book needs to be heavily rewritten to explain exactly what is happening. This show needs more dialogue in it and less song -- something I'd rarely say about a musical. In the program it mentions the writers felt they needed to add in extra musical moments -- which is sad because it really hinders the story.  I was also confused that the show did not have an intermission -- it appeared to be a little over two hours?

For what it's worth, my friend [a massive fan of the film] said she was entertained and really enjoyed Phillipa but thought the score was bland and could understand how people would be confused. I had to ask her about the man at the camera --

Not sure if I'd recommend people to spend money on the show -- I got orchestra seats for $25 -- so it was worth that amount -- but for $100+ a ticket -- there are better shows worth the buck.

[emg_sound]

Posted: 12/11/16 at 5:50pm

I saw it last night and left rather annoyed that I had spent an evening viewing some rather beige art.  

Now, I feel that everything (performers, technical elements, etc.) was serviceable and technically well executed, but it was all in service to a misguided book and direction which castrated the source material and made it remarkably bland.

While I understand that I'm watching a musical rather than the iconic film, (with Jeunet's signature inventive quirkiness) this production missed the mark... The film (source material) is about two damaged characters who see the world in a quirky and distinctive way, but find safe haven in each other.  The musical is a disposable girl meets boy story where it's just the mildly neurotic lad looking for his book, and the ingenue keeping it from him.

My other big complaint is with the music... The score is too anonymous broadway and does not evoke PARIS in the slightest.  Would it be too hard to include an accordion in the pit?  I know some might say that that's too cliche, but it would give it some distinct character to the sonic landscape.  Why was there a soul number near the end? Why the Elton John number in the middle?

I will say, the fish number was quite good, and David Zinn's set design didn't suck (but his work on Spongebob is FAR superior).

But I agree with one of the earlier posts... 3-4 nominations come tony time (Philippa, due to lack of competition in the best actress category), and a run that will barely make it into the new year... Sorry investors, y'all aren't getting your money back!

[SporkGoddess]

Posted: 12/11/16 at 7:46pm

The guy playing Nino was a huge weak link in the cast. His singing left much to be desired -- there were numerous chorus men who would have made a better Nino

 

I liked his singing, but I thought his characterization of Nino seemed too... normal and not weird enough.  He didn't seem as good of a fit for Amelie as in the film, IMO, because of it.  I think that's why I was wondering why he'd put up with her behavior. It might have also seemed that way because the show's book cut out a lot of the scenes/dialogue that helped establish Nino's character.

Updated On: 12/11/16 at 07:46 PM

[YouWantitWhen????]

Posted: 12/12/16 at 1:19am

I saw it tonight and thought it was a sweet trifle of a show - but left me a bit "meh'. I had no real issues with the performers, but think there is not a "wow" song sung by Amelie.   I really think a duet song by both Nico and Amelie better explaining who they are before we get to the ending we all know is coming might be helpful.  

I though the sets and stages were fine.

I saw the movie so long ago I don't really remember it, and I thought Soo was adorable - but there was not enough texture to either her or Nico to make you care that much about either of them.

As the show stands right now, it was enjoyable, if forgettable night.

 

[jwsel]

Posted: 12/12/16 at 2:06am

YouWantitWhen???? said: "I saw it tonight and thought it was a sweet trifle of a show - but left me a bit "meh'. I had no real issues with the performers, but think there is not a "wow" song sung by Amelie.   I really think a duet song by both Nico and Amelie better explaining who they are before we get to the ending we all know is coming might be helpful.  

I though the sets and stages were fine.

I saw the movie so long ago I don't really remember it, and I thought Soo was adorable - but there was not enough texture to either her or Nico to make you care that much about either of them.

As the show stands right now, it was enjoyable, if forgettable night.

 

 

"

"Enjoyable, if forgettable" is exactly how I felt.  My friend and I both had a good time and found the show charming, but, immediately after the show, I told him that I would not remember anything about it in a week.

As someone who never saw the movie, I also could have used more characterization.  I love the idea of an earlier duet from Amelie and Nino.  For Amelie, there is some history, but it is not clear enough why she fears connections.  As for Nino, he is a total cypher.  I still don't understand what his photo album represented.  A little introspection would help significantly.

One other thing confused me.  I understand that all of the secondary characters were connected in some way to Amelie, because of the significant events that occurred on her date of birth.  With one exception -- the other waitress.  I don't want to post any spoilers, but I was confused about the resolution of her arc.  It seemed like Amelie played an active role in the other characters' arcs -- the hypochondriac, the plumber, the poet, her father, etc.-- but I couldn't tell if she was involved in what happened to the other waitress.  (If anyone can answer that, feel free to message me.)

[rosscoe(au)]

Posted: 12/12/16 at 3:38am

Saw it Sunday night, it really is in places wonderful , a heck load off fun, and highly enjoyable. Sadly it lacks something, the biggest number of night is not sang by Amelie but a one off character. Phillipa is fine, nothing truly remarkable or nothing that makes her stand out. Nino lacked something, well anything that made you want to care for him.

Tony Sheldon is doing some great work as always. Nothing wrong with the show, it is what it is two hours of enjoyment, but nothing truly special.

[QueenAlice]

Posted: 12/12/16 at 9:34am

I wonder if Pam McKinnon (like Leigh Silverman) is really just a director better suited to plays rather than musicals. Surely, to adapt this visionary film to the stage would require a visionary stage director. Paging Tommy Tune?

[Ado Annie D'Ysquith]

Posted: 12/12/16 at 10:21am

Mostly OT, but would anyone be willing to critique a film treatment for me? The story is partly inspired by Amelie, partly inspired by personal experience. I'll gladly PM it to you. Thanks!

[SporkGoddess]

Posted: 12/12/16 at 10:29am

As someone who never saw the movie, I also could have used more characterization.  I love the idea of an earlier duet from Amelie and Nino.  For Amelie, there is some history, but it is not clear enough why she fears connections.  As for Nino, he is a total cypher.  I still don't understand what his photo album represented.  A little introspection would help significantly.

In the film, they go a bit into Nino's childhood and why he and Amelie are kindred spirits.  Also, IMO it's not really so much that Amelie FEARS connections as that she prefers to be by herself and live in her imagination.  She doesn't want reality at all. That's how she coped with her childhood.  One of my favorite lines from the movie is "Any normal girl would call the number, meet him, return the album and see if her dream is viable. It's called a reality check. The last thing Amelie wants."  

I think it's hard to capture that and I'm not sure the musical was successful.  I just kept thinking that Amelie seemed more like she had social anxiety.

Updated On: 12/12/16 at 10:29 AM

[jwsel]

Posted: 12/12/16 at 10:35am

Thanks to everyone who send me a message in response to my question.  The answer was what I suspected, but it could have been established more clearly in the show.

[RippedMan]

Posted: 12/12/16 at 8:12pm

This seems like the perfect fit for Alex Timbers as director. Sad to hear it's "meh," but Bronx Tale found an audience so... 

[rosscoe(au)]

Posted: 12/12/16 at 10:35pm

Just another thought on this, when the ensemble shines brighter than your leading couple you have an issue. To be clear the show is fun , but nothing memorable.

[Jack Hughes]

Posted: 12/13/16 at 12:45am

There are things about this show that can be improved (as noted above) but I kind of loved it anyway.  It's a beautiful, likeable story with lovely music, and I left happier than I was when I walked in (and I was reasonably happy when I walked in).  Also, I never saw Phillipa Soo perform live before, and I get why she's so in demand, and well regarded.  She's great.

[neonlightsxo]

Posted: 12/13/16 at 8:32am

rosscoe(au) said: "Just another thought on this, when the ensemble shines brighter than your leading couple you have an issue. To be clear the show is fun , but nothing memorable."

 

This doesn't bode well. Thanks to all for your thoughts. I'm looking forward to seeing this, but I'm definitely concerned.

 

[defygravity2]

Posted: 12/13/16 at 9:25pm

Thank you for all of the reviews (good and bad). Does anyone know how the cancellation line works at the Ahmanson? I used to be a season ticket holder years ago, so I've never considered the line. Would love to see Amelie with a friend, but tickets are a bit too pricey for two 5th grade teachers....any info would be helpful..thank you!

[rosscoe(au)]

Posted: 12/13/16 at 9:41pm

I grabbed what used to be a hotix ( 25.00 ) about 90 minutes before the show and ended up in great box seats on the left hand side of the theatre and maybe missed two small things... would sit there again in a heartbeat 

[VernonGersch]

Posted: 12/15/16 at 1:29am

When does the show actually open?  Curious to read the reviews to see if any changes were made from when I caught it in previews?

[ChiTheaterFan]

Posted: 12/15/16 at 1:42am

Has anyone seen it both here and at Berkeley?  I did not particularly enjoy it in Berkeley.  I thought there were way too many sub-plots for a musical (particularly a one-act musical) so I didn't really care about any of them, and I thought the props they used to depict her imagination were cheesy (like a fish on a stick).  There are some cool things they could do with technology to show those stories but I haven't heard anything about them doing so.  From the comments I've sound, it sounds like the things I didn't like about it haven't been changed.  (I don't begrudge those who enjoy it... that's great for you.  But I didn't so I doubt I'll see it again if those things haven't been changed.)

I'm sure Philippa is fantastic and I hope for her sake this is a big hit.  My issues with the show had nothing to do with Barks whatsoever, so I don't think replacing her alone will change my view of the show.

 

[RaisedOnMusicals]

Posted: 12/15/16 at 9:28am

VernonGersch said: "When does the show actually open?  Curious to read the reviews to see if any changes were made from when I caught it in previews?

I'm pretty sure that official opening night is either tonight or tomorrow night. 

Does anyone know who the lead producer is of this show?

 

"

 

[Ado Annie D'Ysquith]

Posted: 12/15/16 at 9:32am

Harbor Entertainment, I think?

[RaisedOnMusicals]

Posted: 12/15/16 at 4:10pm

VernonGersch said: "When does the show actually open?  Curious to read the reviews to see if any changes were made from when I caught it in previews?

Just confirmed that Opening Night is tomorrow (Friday, Dec 16) so the reviews from LA should be up Saturday morning.

 

"

 

[QueenAlice]

Posted: 12/15/16 at 4:19pm

As I recall, reviews in Los Angeles aren't necessarily published the day after opening as the critics actually attend and review the opening performance.

[RaisedOnMusicals]

Posted: 12/15/16 at 5:30pm

QueenAlice said: "As I recall, reviews in Los Angeles aren't necessarily published the day after opening as the critics actually attend and review the opening performance.

Like the good old days in NY  

 

[theatreguy12]

Posted: 12/16/16 at 3:24am

Love seeing the pictures posted on Photo Flash.  Soo really is adorable.

I really did find it an interesting play.  I really don't remember anything about the movie, so I went in pretty detached from expectations.  And I was able to experience it without any preconceived notions.

I would agree that the music isn't exactly memorable, and I can appreciate some of the critiques some have had of the show.  But I still think it was an enjoyable evening at the theater.  It kept my attention as I watched the story unfold.  And Soo was most engaging as Amelie.

While it's not one I would necessarily see again, this doesn't reflect on my enjoyment of the production.  I'm very glad I saw it.   And did enjoy it.  Regardless of what the critics will say, or not say.