London's Sunday in the Park

[devonian.t]

London's Sunday in the Park#0

Posted: 6/2/06 at 7:20am

If you are taking a trip to London, SEE THIS SHOW!

It struck me that the show was not only ahead of its time in terms of that nebulous thing, audience 'readiness', but also in terms of its technical demands.

At last, with the appropriate use of projection, (WIW take note), the staging has the flexibility that the show demands. The magic starts from the beginning, as drawing room curtains transform magically into George's trees. As he erases one from his sketch book, it wipes from the stage, as if removed by an eraser!

So, the design is superb. What about the performances? Jenna Russell is perfection as Dot, bringing out her humanity, humour and intelligence to startling effect. She was just lovely!

Daniel Evans has received much praise as George. I have to say I thought he was fine, but not so different from Mandy.

The highlight of the show for me: "We Do Not Belong Together", preceded by the dialogue in which Gay Soper as George's mother breaks your heart with her longing to intervene, but not daring to interrupt.

Having seen OBC and National Theatre production I was reluctant to see this chamber version. Boy, were my fears unfounded!

[Practically Perfect]

re: London's Sunday in the Park#1

Posted: 6/2/06 at 7:27am

So pleased you enjoyed - I saw it twice last week and thought it was perfection; an incredibly moving piece of theatre.

Mary P x

[pattifan2]

re: London's Sunday in the Park#2

Posted: 6/2/06 at 7:35am

I'm thrilled that you enjoyed this show so much, dt. It's the best production of this show I've seen. I saw the Peters/Patinkin production on dvd and loved it and also saw the RNT production. This one is by far the most truthful, I think. For the first time I really believed the relationship between George and Dot. I would disagree with the point you make about Daniel Evans. I think his interpretation of George is so much more compelling than Patinkin's. His inability to connect in ActI is so beautifully captured and makes the final moments of the show heartbreaking. I agree with your comments about 'We Do Not Belong Together' and the preceeding dialogue; I think Gay Soper brings a warmth to the role that I've not seen before. (Aren't the falling leaves just beautiful, too?). And what a good point you make about the use of projection in the show. It enhances the production perfectly. I saw this twice at the Menier and would love to see the transferred production, especially to see how Jenna Russel compares to Anna Jane Casey who was so terrific. I'm just sorry that AJC isn't on the recording of the production.

...fragment of the day...

[devonian.t]

re: London's Sunday in the Park#3

Posted: 6/2/06 at 7:40am

I missed the Menier run, but forgot to mention that it was wonderful to see a full house for a Wednesday matinee! And no discounts at Leicester Square either! It would restore my faith a little that the British public didn't only want jukebox musicals if this production did well.

And it's hard to imagine anyone else getting anywhere near the acting awards in the Oliviers this year!

[carnimiriel]

re: London's Sunday in the Park#4

Posted: 6/2/06 at 10:38pm

I just saw this last night and it was fantastic! Jenna Russell is really perfect as Dot, so humorous and emotional. While Daniel Evans reminded me a bit of Mandy Patinkin, I think his behavior and responses felt more realistic to me for George. I can't recommend this show enough. If we're lucky, it'll make the move to New York with both Jenna and Daniel. Unlikely I know, but I can dream.

[Caroline-Q-or-TBoo]

re: London's Sunday in the Park#5

Posted: 6/2/06 at 10:38pm

*is jealous*

"Picture "The View," with the wisecracking, sympathetic sweethearts of that ABC television show replaced by a panel of embittered, suffering or enraged Arab women" -the Times review of Black Eyed

[Johnnytoc]

re: London's Sunday in the Park#6

Posted: 6/2/06 at 10:48pm

I'm too tired now, just got in from traveling all day, but I Will post about this. I saw it Wed. afternoon and it's absolutely amazing. ...until tomorrow...

[danaonotlater]

re: London's Sunday in the Park#7

Posted: 6/3/06 at 1:27am

I second Caroline-Q-or-TBoo's *is jealous*

I saw it at the Menier Chocolate Factory in November and really enjoyed it. And I loved Jenna Russell in Guys and Dolls. I can picture her being a perfect Dot! Too bad I am a poor college student and can't fly to London again to see Sunday. I would make it a day and see Guys and Dolls again too! (I miss my Jo "Zippi" Servi!)

[GClef2]

re: London's Sunday in the Park#8

Posted: 6/3/06 at 1:39am

I really want to see it. I hope it comes to the US soon!

"The only way we live beyond our lives is to connect and carve ourselves into the souls of those we love." -Little Fish

[ruthiefan_felix]

re: London's Sunday in the Park#9

Posted: 6/3/06 at 7:08am

actually the show's got one of the best deals in town! They are sellin Day Seats for 15 pounds, first row. I got mine and sat in the middle and saw EVERY SINGLE detail and felt I was INSIDE the picture/action!
The show is simply amazing! I really liked Daniel Evans. And yeah, the 'We Don't Belong Together' bit is amazing and Gay Soper was so emotional as his mom. I saw the whole cast afterwards and they were SO nice!

All That Jazz Check out & support my drawings @ www.facebook.com/felixdrawings

[WickedGeek28]

re: London's Sunday in the Park#10

Posted: 6/3/06 at 7:44am

That's awesome! I have the cd and listened to it twice all the way through since last Sunday. It's a great cast.

"You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view - until you climb into his skin and walk around in it."
To Kill A Mockingbird

[Johnnytoc]

re: London's Sunday in the Park#11

Posted: 6/3/06 at 9:00am

I just Love this production. It is easily the most beautiful piece of theatre I've seen. Daniel Evans and Jenna Russell are fantastic. I definitely reccomend everyone who can sees this show.