Ramin Karimloo to star in premiere of Elvis Costello's A FACE IN THE CROWD at the Old Vic- Page 2
Ramin Karimloo to star in premiere of Elvis Costello's A FACE IN THE CROWD at the Old Vic
Penna2
Broadway Star Joined: 2/24/18
#25Ramin Karimloo to star in premiere of Elvis Costello's A FACE IN THE CROWD at the Old Vic
Posted: 9/12/24 at 10:28pm
Both previews were cancelled according to one of his fan blogs.
This is a comment from someone who was at the show tonight...not me, from a fan blog.
Ok, First off, Ramin is absolutely amazing! He gets to demonstrate his considerable acting chops and his singing is, well, it's Ramin- powerful and gorgeous. He's looking gorgeous, too 
. But I didn't love the show. It takes place in America and so I think it would work much better with an American audience, given the subject matter. The title song is gorgeous and Ramin gets to belt the first occurrence of it. There are some good songs. Since tonight was the very first night of previews, I suspect there may be some changes and I would definitely come back to see the finished product if I was still in London.
whatever2
Broadway Legend Joined: 8/25/06
#26Ramin Karimloo to star in premiere of Elvis Costello's A FACE IN THE CROWD at the Old Vic
Posted: 9/13/24 at 5:27am
thanks for the info (and the schedule clarification).
as i said, seeing this tonight ... i'm not very good at reporting back (among other things, old enough to know my reaction to a show is often idiosyncratic), but if i think of something i think is useful i'll def share.
"You, sir, are a moron." (PlayItAgain)
JasonC3
Broadway Legend Joined: 4/22/21
#27Ramin Karimloo to star in premiere of Elvis Costello's A FACE IN THE CROWD at the Old Vic
Posted: 9/13/24 at 7:58am
Lengthy and thoughtful commentary about a preview performance from one of the more reliable theatreboard.co.uk posters:
https://theatreboard.co.uk/post/536602/thread
Jmuep2
Stand-by Joined: 9/7/14
#28Ramin Karimloo to star in premiere of Elvis Costello's A FACE IN THE CROWD at the Old Vic
Posted: 9/13/24 at 5:47pm
I got to see this tonight and it was clear this was still an early performance and there are some kinks to be worked out. Having said that, there's a lot to work with here. Most of the songs are good. Karimloo is very strong. Lucas is good and while I wasn't wow'ed by her, I suspect she is struggling with illness (as evidenced by coughing during one of her songs). I thought Olly Dobson and Emily Florence were particularly disappointing, but maybe they will get better with time. I'm familiar with the movie. It was discussed a lot in political think pieces in 2015/2016 because it is such a precursor to Trump and there are some things here I don't remember from the film that felt heavy-handed, but maybe there's in the film and I don't remember them. The pacing is the big problem. The first act is pretty lackadaisical and then act two just piles on the plot points without them feeling particularly earned. It's a wholly fixable problem. Definitely glad I saw it, particularly because I can't believe this will have a large life in the States.
#29Ramin Karimloo to star in premiere of Elvis Costello's A FACE IN THE CROWD at the Old Vic
Posted: 9/29/24 at 7:24am
I caught the show - you have to respect the ambition and this a total star vehicle for Ramin that could give him a Tony, if the material was just better written. I'm sorry to say I think it's a dud - if it were extensively re-worked I could imagine them trying another go off-broadway but the script and score just needs A LOT of work.
"You can't overrate Bernadette Peters. She is such a genius. There's a moment in "Too Many Mornings" and Bernadette doing 'I wore green the last time' - It's a voice that is just already given up - it is so sorrowful. Tragic. You can see from that moment the show is going to be headed into such dark territory and it hinges on this tiny throwaway moment of the voice." - Ben Brantley (2022)
"Bernadette's whole, stunning performance [as Rose in Gypsy] galvanized the actors capable of letting loose with her. Bernadette's Rose did take its rightful place, but too late, and unseen by too many who should have seen it" Arthur Laurents (2009)
"Sondheim's own favorite star performances? [Bernadette] Peters in ''Sunday in the Park,'' Lansbury in ''Sweeney Todd'' and ''obviously, Ethel was thrilling in 'Gypsy.'' Nytimes, 2000
#30Ramin Karimloo to star in premiere of Elvis Costello's A FACE IN THE CROWD at the Old Vic
Posted: 9/29/24 at 11:10am
broadwaybabywannabe2 said: "Jordan Catalano said: "I. CAN’T. WAIT."
I already purchased my ticket for this production!"
Well i saw this musical last Saturday and was not impressed...Ramin's voice was the stand out, but the major problem with this show in my opinion, was that Ramin did not have his 11PM number to make his character come alive...i have a good friend who has a friend who is an investor in the show, and i suggested to my friend to tell this investor we came to hear Ramin sing and he needs to sing one great finale sing, so we can relish his magnificent voice!
the show is in early previews so maybe they will tweek it ...
#31Ramin Karimloo to star in premiere of Elvis Costello's A FACE IN THE CROWD at the Old Vic
Posted: 9/29/24 at 12:21pm
I’m still looking forward to seeing it next month - hopefully they’re able to make some improvements.
JasonC3
Broadway Legend Joined: 4/22/21
#32Ramin Karimloo to star in premiere of Elvis Costello's A FACE IN THE CROWD at the Old Vic
Posted: 9/29/24 at 12:22pmI see it in a few weeks, but for 55 quid, I'll be happy just to hear Ramin sing and consider it a bargain compared to NYC prices for far less desirable outings.
#33Ramin Karimloo to star in premiere of Elvis Costello's A FACE IN THE CROWD at the Old Vic
Posted: 9/29/24 at 1:21pm
Jordan Catalano said: "I’m still looking forward to seeing it next month - hopefully they’re able to make some improvements."
Can't wait to hear what you think of this musical...And it is currently at the YOUNG VIC...not the Old Vic!
#34Ramin Karimloo to star in premiere of Elvis Costello's A FACE IN THE CROWD at the Old Vic
Posted: 9/29/24 at 2:12pm
Oh, did I say somewhere Old Vic? It was a mistake, if I did.
inception
Broadway Legend Joined: 11/2/13
#35Ramin Karimloo to star in premiere of Elvis Costello's A FACE IN THE CROWD at the Old Vic
Posted: 9/29/24 at 3:40pm
It's a mistake in the title of this thread
...
Penna2
Broadway Star Joined: 2/24/18
#36Ramin Karimloo to star in premiere of Elvis Costello's A FACE IN THE CROWD at the Old Vic
Posted: 9/29/24 at 6:11pm
A Ramin fan site that I follow on FB has posted just about every review of the show. The overall conclusion is
Ramin is amazing - both vocally and as an actor, the music isn't particularly memorable, and the show overall is weak.
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