Annie Preview Thread — Page 5

Welcome Guest. Please Login or Register.

#101

Annie Preview Thread

Posted: 10/4/12 at 9:50am

Is the disappointment with Finnegan about her interpretation, which was clearly explored during rehearsals, or her execution? Actors nail their approach to character as a show is put on its feet; creative decisions are made about who the character is, what she wants, how she achieves her goals. In performance, adjustments are made in size, in shape of the evening, in finding moments. But a characterization is generally found early and then built upon. People expecting her to re-find this woman in front of an audience are not understanding technique (and direction) or the purpose of previews. I would guess her performance will acquire proficiency and stature, but that her Hannigan was decided weeks ago. So is the problem with her characterization or her demonstration of musical comedy chops, i.e. her comfort with the demands of the show?

"I'm a comedian, but in my spare time, things bother me." Garry Shandling

Updated On: 10/4/12 at 09:50 AM

#102

Annie Preview Thread

Posted: 10/4/12 at 9:58am

Does anyone know if Lilla also plays Annie on the Saturday matinees or if there's an alternate? I don't want to go this Sat if she's not in. Thanks in advance!

#103

Annie Preview Thread

Posted: 10/4/12 at 10:26am

one thing I noticed thanks to playbillvault.com, is that every orphan understudies another orphan. I know there's one standby for Annie, Pepper, Duffy & July, but if one orphan is out sick, it looks like it'll cause a chain reaction.

ORPHAN U/S LIST:
Jaidyn Young - Standby for Annie, Pepper, Duffy & July.
Taylor Richardson(Duffy) - u/s Annie
Madi Rae DiPierto(July) - u/s Kate
Tyrah Syke Odom(Kate) - u/s Mollie
Juhan Jang(Tessie) - u/s Mollie

A Chorus Line revival played its final Broadway performance on August 17, 2008. The tour played its final performance on August 21, 2011. A new non-equity tour started in October 2012 played its final performance on March 23, 2013. Another non-equity tour launched on January 20, 2018. The tour ended its US run in Kansas City and then toured throughout Japan August & September 2018.

#104

Annie Preview Thread

Posted: 10/4/12 at 10:50am

ACL 2006, ALL shows are run like this, regarding swings and understudies. There's always a chain reaction when people are out.

Behind the fake tinsel of Broadway is real tinsel.

#105

Annie Preview Thread

Posted: 10/4/12 at 11:11am

Auggie- For me personally it was a combination of the two. Vocally I think she was a little uncomfortable with "Little Girls." This aspect I think can be fixed during previews.

The exaggerated drunkeness was definitely a character choice, and maybe that won't change during previews. I thought many of her jokes didn't land. The timing/delivery needs honing and that can definitely happen over previews.

It felt like she was finding her footing, and for me, what she was trying wasn't working.

Marie: Don't be in such a hurry about that pretty little chippy in Frisco. Tony: Eh, she's a no chip!

#106

Annie Preview Thread

Posted: 10/4/12 at 11:28am

Thought the whole thing was incredible, besides the mansion scenes (mostly confusing as to what the set was trying to accomplish), although it was surly brought together in full force once the Christmas tree was brought in and the room was lit in twinkling lights.

One of my favorite parts were the orphans in Easy Street. Very clever and actually hilarious. What was an issue was the car. What an odd exit!

The snow globe in NYC was very cute, although it had a more extended purpose previously, but such was cut. Hopefully they will fill in the gap soon. I did not like the empty marquees for the Roxy. Very bare. Didn't feel like New York City. What really sold the number to me was Star To Be. Her performance was incredible, really touched me. Truly captivated. Such a singular moment, but stood out, even today.

I love how the tap dancing was suggested and sort of teased a couple of times, leading up to a big number in the end. Well worth the wait.

The orphanage set, the whole lower east side and bridge, absolutely gorgeous. Its movement was so clean. Lit with such grungy splendor!

The orphans were hilarious.

The orchestrations brilliant. The overture was awkwardly short. Enjoyed the video reel. The projections were very well incorporated.

Lighting was swell, complimented all the elements.

Costumes were very good, although, a comment about the hair, I was so confused as to what Hannigan's hair was doing in her first entrance. Loved Annie's hair, and the change at the end.

Brilliant creative choices throughout

Seeing it again!! Cannot wait!!

Updated On: 10/4/12 at 11:28 AM

#107

Annie Preview Thread

Posted: 10/4/12 at 12:06pm

I say it is premature to start writing-off Katie Finneran's Miss Hannigan.

I was dating a cast member of the 2010 Broadway revival of PROMISES, PROMISES and attended literally EVERY single preview performance including the first one and I can say, Finneran tweaked her Marge McDugall at EVERY single preview performance. Her final version was literally entirely different from the version she first performed. She toned down, played up, and added so many little nuances during the preview stages of PROMISES, PROMISES (adding that hilarious leg lift during her dance break late in previews) that I'm sure this will also be the case with ANNIE. She feeds off the audiences and as the consummate theater performer, she will use this preview period to test things out before she creates her final version of Miss Hannigan. I'm sure there will be costume and make-up modifications as well. Its Katie Finneran, folks. She knows what she's doing.

Bernadette Peters' wig and costumes were modified during previews of the Sam Mendes revival of GYPSY. Even Sutton Foster's opening costume was changed during previews of THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE (she originally made her entrance wearing overalls).

Previews are a time to made modifications based on audience response. I'm sure the Overture will be added back. Most likely played to full hilt as that newsreel plays (a simple compromise that keeps both), and I'm sure the Asian stereotyped Lily St. Regis will be fixed, too.

#108

Annie Preview Thread

Posted: 10/4/12 at 12:32pm

What does the snowglobe do, and what was it originally intended to do, if it was cut down?

#109

Annie Preview Thread

Posted: 10/4/12 at 12:42pm

Katie F is one of those actresses that really takes advantage of previews to hone in her character and feel out her performance. I think that is part of the reason she has been so great in the past. As others have said.. her work in Promises and Noises really changed during the preview process. I do think it is kind of weird that actors are kind of being stripped of this period of exploration during previews because of the instant reviews and the hurry to judge on the internet. But I guess that is the way it is.

HUSSY POWER! ------ HUSSY POWER!

Updated On: 10/4/12 at 12:42 PM

#110

Annie Preview Thread

Posted: 10/4/12 at 12:49pm

'I do think it is kind of weird that actors are kind of being stripped of this period of exploration during previews because of the instant reviews and the hurry to judge on the internet. But I guess that is the way it is.'

I agree with this. Which is why I think the only response is to say 'F*CK it' and do your work. It's not the actor's fault that producer's are charging full price for previews. Screw it, block everything else out and do the work you need to do to get to opening.

#111

Annie Preview Thread

Posted: 10/4/12 at 1:38pm

Interesting, Whizzer, that New Deal was the only big production number. It sounds like they could at least beef up NYC. (I always think of Annie as having a number of such moments--Think I'm Gonna Like It Here being another).

Dottie, so the last revival wasn' a recreation? I guess I always assumed it was, with the same set design and choreography/directing credits. Cutting Hoover makes me shake my head.

#112

Annie Preview Thread

Posted: 10/4/12 at 1:51pm

Robbie, that's exactly how I feel! I can't wait to see the changes they make. No one should be bitching about the talent yet. Tomorrow, most of them might be completely different. F*CK it and do your work! Exactly!!!! Same with all the designers. So many changes to come already planned!

The NYC snowglobe, the piece was supposed to be more interactive with the actors as they cross through and dance on, ect.

#113

Annie Preview Thread

Posted: 10/4/12 at 2:06pm

'I do think it is kind of weird that actors are kind of being stripped of this period of exploration during previews because of the instant reviews and the hurry to judge on the internet. But I guess that is the way it is.'

It's actually not hard to avoid this site when you're in previews. Besides, even before the internet, friends would tell you what they thought was wrong with the show.

Behind the fake tinsel of Broadway is real tinsel.

#114

Annie Preview Thread

Posted: 10/4/12 at 2:33pm

Eric, the '97 revival might have had the same director at the helm, but it certainly didn't have the magnificent set design (David Mitchell) from the original production. Kenneth Foy designed the set for the revival. For the most part when I like something I can remember the most minute details about it. But when I dislike something, there isn't much I can recall. I don't even remember what the mansion set looked like!

Hey Dottie! Did your colleagues enjoy the cake even though your cat decided to sit on it? ~GuyfromGermany

Updated On: 10/4/12 at 02:33 PM

#115

Annie Preview Thread

Posted: 10/4/12 at 2:38pm

"It's actually not hard to avoid this site when you're in previews. Besides, even before the internet, friends would tell you what they thought was wrong with the show."

Actually neither of those statement are correct. I don't care what anyone says.. there is always someone in the company that is very aware and in tune to this site and others. Maybe not as obvious in the talent side ( they are busy you know) . But if you don't think they are aware of what you are saying on here.. then you have not been involved in the production of a broadway show in the last 10 years. And as far as the way word spread before the internet.... nothing equals the speed and ferocity in which the internet affects everything now. It is a huge predicament to deal with now.

HUSSY POWER! ------ HUSSY POWER!

Updated On: 10/4/12 at 02:38 PM

#116

Annie Preview Thread

Posted: 10/4/12 at 2:49pm

^ True...but, as an actor, why in God's name would I worry about someone I don't know and who hasn't been apart of the process of creating the show. I rarely even take advice from friends if they haven't been in the rehearsal room for a bit.

#117

Annie Preview Thread

Posted: 10/4/12 at 2:51pm

Remember the clamor to peg Women on the Verge as a failure? Art isn't easy, y'all.

"The gods who nurse this universe think little of mortals' cares. They sit in crowds on exclusive clouds and laugh at our love affairs. I might have had a real romance if they'd given me a chance. I loved him, but he didn't love me. I wanted him, but he didn't want me. Then the gods had a spree and indulged in another whim. Now he loves me, but I don't love him." - Cole Porter

#118

Annie Preview Thread

Posted: 10/4/12 at 2:51pm

Oh I totally agree with you. I was referring to the show or entity of the production on my second statement. Umm .. I don't know if I worded it right..
I can't imagine what a mind **** it would be for actors to be reading this.

HUSSY POWER! ------ HUSSY POWER!

Updated On: 10/4/12 at 02:51 PM

#119

Annie Preview Thread

Posted: 10/4/12 at 4:01pm

Is the set for this new production extravagant? I'm really curious to see what Korins did with the design.

"There’s nothing quite like the power and the passion of Broadway music. "

#120

Annie Preview Thread

Posted: 10/4/12 at 4:08pm

I've worked on many Broadway shows in the last 10 years...And quite frankly, I only look at the boards if it's going well. If the show is flopping every night, It's really painful to come here and have it confirmed. At every moment, you're dealing with the opinions of the director, the cast, the choreographer, the costume designer...It doesn't put you in the mood to come here and read more opinions.

It's easy to tell people, "Don't tell me what the boards are saying!". They'll usually respect that.

Behind the fake tinsel of Broadway is real tinsel.

#121

Annie Preview Thread

Posted: 10/4/12 at 4:13pm

The only thing I remember about the '97 revival was the noise coming from the audience, not just the bored children during the dialogue but the unwrapping of candy and snacks purchased in the lobby and allowed in the theater for the first time. A true disgrace!

#122

Annie Preview Thread

Posted: 10/4/12 at 6:04pm

The original choreographer was the wonderful
Peter Gennaro.. Not Paul Gennaro.

Geesh. Can't believe no one caught that.

#123

Annie Preview Thread

Posted: 10/4/12 at 6:07pm

Ha, I felt like I had it wrong when typing... EIther way it, and he was wonderful (as prob everyone on here knows, he was responsible for some of the best moments of West Side Story as well--like most of America).

#124

Annie Preview Thread

Posted: 10/4/12 at 6:29pm

Cutting the Annie overture is complete blasphemy, It's so iconic and brilliant. Shame on Mr. Lapine. I hope it's added back in.

#125

Annie Preview Thread

Posted: 10/4/12 at 6:46pm

I'm sure someone thought "kids won't sit through all of this" which often seems to be the modern thought about overtures (well actually, the thought seems to be "no one will sit through this"). Bah. And as mentioned, the show tells you enough about the depression without a newsreel--as a 7 or so year old, I never found it confusing...

← Back to Message Board

View all Videos

Tickets From $59

Tickets From $71

Tickets From $95