^ Where did you see clips of Carl-Magnus and Charlotte????
Updated On: 12/9/09 at 10:42 PM
PalJoey, I love what you said. You are very right about the role of Charlotte. Do you think there's any hope that Erin Davie will get any better or is she simply just directed this way? (I haven't seen the show yet, so I'm unable to answer that question).
I also found it odd that she held out the word "knife." But, I did see a little bit of the humor come out in "You Must Meet My Wife." But, this was only a clip.
I can't reconcile paying $150 to watch CZJ overact in claustrophobic sets, and to listen to Sondheim's gorgeous score reduced to a piano and a fiddle.
Please, don't! More seats for me. Yay!!!
^
Ljay, Touché.
People who can't afford to buy tickets, like to convince themselves it's not worth it instead. And of those same types who are actually planning on seeing it, why spend the money to see something you've already convinced yourself to dislike? Spend that money on something you know you will love. Not just to legitimize your negative preconceived opinions.
"It looks wonderful! I hope we get a cast recording."
There is no way the first revival of ALNM with Zeta Jones and Angela Lansbury will miss out on a cast recording, even if it closed tomorrow!
I just hope it is recorded soon, while the notable cast members are in good health :).
"People who can't afford to buy tickets, like to convince themselves it's not worth it instead."
Right. Nice assumptions on my finances there stranger.
I gotta say, the pared down orchestrations totally work for me. The chamber sound is so totally appropriate for the tone they're taking with the piece.
I don't remember that much of the orchestrations in the London Show, but when I saw the show in London the orchestrations were a lot better than the ones in the video. Does anybody know if they're using the same orchestrations? And the set works really good! Even though the set isn't as dramatic as the Original it still works quite well.
Angela and CZJ are both wonderful!
Btw. You can compare the Revival sound of "Weekend" with the London one here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hy6ZRPRUZiY
People don't realize there are actually more intstraments in the orchestra in the Broadway Production than there were in London. Sondheim suggested they add a viola. People should bare in mind that the Chocolate Factory Theatre is so small they can only accomodate about 5-6 musicians. They're current production of Sweet Charity only has 5 band members.
Some of the best productions of Chekhov and Ibsen that I've seen have been done in-the-round with no scenery and just the odd piece of furniture.
If you judge this production on its own terms then the set may not be lavish but it is appropriate.
And maybe the absence of a dining table is actually deliberate rather than a budgetary constraint: thus everyone but Madame is "squatting on the ground like bohemians."
CZJ definitely sings it well but she definitely does not project what you imagine Desiree to be. Too young perhaps?
^ Can only imagine what you would have thought of 34-year-old Hannah Waddingham.
Lansbury is FABULOUS. Zeta Jones looks divine and sounds in good voice but not sure about her overall performance. It seemed a bit over the top. But these clips are out of context so I'm not complaining. The orchestra sounds really weak though and that is troubling.
Oh, did I say Lansbury is FABULOUS!!!!!!?
Understudy Joined: 10/6/03
Wait until you see the show. They're acting for the stage and the camera is going to make it seem exaggerated.
I saw the show last Friday. It works and is about 80% there (as noted on other threads work is needed on accents, landing some humor, etc.). CZJ is mesmerizing and a delight especially with her moving SITC. Minimal orchestrations work with the minimal set. It's a winning production - simple and elegant that allows the characters and their stories to shine. I wish them success.
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/16/07
Did Sondheim change a lyric or will not one tell Angela Landsbury that it's "Liaisons - what's happened to them?"?
^ I think they're just not telling her, lol.
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/16/07
I can't believe Stephen himself hasn't said something!
What can I say, Catzy looks good.
Yeah - it's strange how Angela makes the same mistake every time I watch that video.
It all looks very exciting (full orchestrations or not), but Ms. Lansbury is the one that blows me away.
I noticed Angela's lyric flub as well...hmmm, oh well.
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/31/69
So why do theater lovers hate most theater?
Every moment of that video made me ache to see the show. I cannot fathom what there was to be so hateful about.
JoeKv I am CONVINCED you are just trying to stir up trouble.
Besides everything else, they cut the last verse of the Act I finale and Angie, Lord love her, flubbed the lyrics of the chorus of her song. And that is just in the 5 minute video clip.
No one loves Sondheim more than me, but you do not cut his verses no matter how repetitious they may be and you do not skip sections of his lyrics even if you are Angela Lansbury.
Again, I am convinced you are trying to stir up trouble. I hope I'm wrong.
P
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