Another TALE OF TWO CITIES review — Page 2

I thought it was beautiful to watch. I was impressed with the sets, which i thought were really versatile. I absolutely loved the lighting...GORGEOUS to take in visually. The costumes as well were beautiful. I have never seen or heard James Barbour until last night. He was fantastic. I really started to LOVE it when Carton sings about life never being as sweet...can't find the name of the song on the website. I totally disagree that it is at all simliar to Les Miserables. To me, the end of the first act was much more like "The Gods Love Nubia" at the end of act 1 in AIDA. I was particularly moved when the had to bury the little boy. I also loved Aaron L. I only wish that the music was a bit more memorable. I do plan to go back again after the opening later this month. For what it's worth...the audience for the most part loved the show. I have not seen such an enhtusiastic standing oviation for a new show since I moved here last fall. As we were leaving I heard people saying things like "bravo, bravo" and "that is going to be a big hit". I was so happy for the cast, as they seemed to be genuinely appreciative the oviation.

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Updated On: 9/2/08 at 02:50 PM

"I totally disagree that it is at all simliar to Les Miserables. To me, the end of the first act was much more like "The Gods Love Nubia" at the end of act 1 in AIDA."

You totally disagree? You didn't find the score to have a similar vibe to Les Mis? Also the lighting, costumes, set, and the French Revolution??? The musicals definetely have major differences, and there is room out there for both, but some comparisons can definitely be made.
I do agree with your comparison to Aida, as well, though- I just did not think of that, but good point. And I had the same feeling about James Barbour- I didn't know him, but now I am a fan! What a voice!

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I see the comparisons you are making, I just think it's silly to say there none to be made with Les Mis.

Either way, Barbour is a new favorite.

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I think that what I was trying to get across was that in light of everything I had heard...from calling ATOTC "Les Mis Light" or something like an all out "rip-off" of Les Mis...I just didn't see it. Other than that they are both set in a different time period then which we are now living, and parts of both of the shows take place during a time of turmoil in France.
I guess I thought that it was going to be a lot more blatant...I never thought to myself "...oh come-on...that is such a rip-off of les mis. Couldn't they think up something on thier own."(Which is how some posters on here have made it sound.) I was glad to see that in my humble opinion, that the shows were not that similar.

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Well "Until Tomorow" is practically stolen right off of Les Mis. Otherthan that, it's pretty much it's own show. But really, the "Until Tomorrow" scene...the marching..the guns..the etc. Come on!

"By the way, speaking of the act one finale, does anyone else find it ironic that Joe Cassidy (who lead that song as Ernest DeFarge in Sarasota) was replaced for the Broadway production, but is still being very prominently pictured in all of the show's ads?"

Not just Joe but Derek Keeling and Jessica Rush as well.

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Updated On: 4/3/10 at 06:51 PM

i saw it on monday and while i wouldn't call the score terrible, it's not exactly that engaging. there are a few fine moments, but also a few bland moments. i think it's a mediocre, but not terrible score.

i agree with the hummable score comment, however, even if i don't walk out humming a tune i at least feel engaged by the score and WANT to learn it.

I saw the show last night for the 3rd time.. It was the best I've seen so far and I was moved to tears again! The audience was on their feet before the curtain closed!!

Winston. That is a TERRIBLE comparison....

of course you can find similarities, in many shows, if you try hard enough. But you don't have to try very hard to find the similarities between Les Mis and Tale. That's the point Winston.

As you can see, even fans of the musical agree that many parts resemble Les Mis. Stop being a stubborn jackass!

I could be wrong, but the "Evita" moment in Wicked was probably on purpose to be funny.

BTW--shill alert with broadwayfan310.

Apologies if I'm wrong. I just get jealous when people get paid to post on here and I don't

yes, the evita reference in wicked is there on purpose. not many people notice/get it, but it's definitely on purpose.