Ramin Karimloo to star in premiere of Elvis Costello's A FACE IN THE CROWD at the Old Vic- Page 2

[Penna2]

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.

Updated On: 9/12/24 at 10:28 PM

[whatever2]

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.

[JasonC3]

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]

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. 

[binau]

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. 

[broadwaybabywannabe2]

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 ...

[Jordan Catalano]

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]

Posted: 9/29/24 at 12:22pm

I 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.

[broadwaybabywannabe2]

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!

Updated On: 9/29/24 at 01:21 PM

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 9/29/24 at 2:12pm

Oh, did I say somewhere Old Vic? It was a mistake, if I did. 

[inception]

Posted: 9/29/24 at 3:40pm

It's a mistake in the title of this thread 

[Penna2]

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. 

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 10/28/24 at 8:38pm

This is an interesting show. I don’t feel it’s as bad as others have made it out to be. And yes, the reason to see this is Ramin (the reason to see any show he’s in is just for him) and he really doesn’t disappoint. He’s charismatic as hell which he needs to be to pull off the character of Lonesome Rhodes and nailing the role, but the story maybe just hits a bit too close to reality, especially this month? 

I’d say the score is a mixed bag. There’s several numbers I can hum for you right now and remember very well which is the sign of something good. But there’s others that felt pretty weak and pointless. Some of the other characters are severely underwritten, I’m guessing in service of giving Lonesome more stage time and while I understand the desire to do that, it makes scenes with other characters tend to drag until Ramin reappears.

All in all this reminded me of seeing a show at Second Stage or The Public 15- 20 years ago that you enjoyed enough but also knew would most probably never be done again. 

Updated On: 10/28/24 at 08:38 PM