THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA musical headed to the UK and West End in 2024- Page 7

[DiscoCrows]

Posted: 7/8/24 at 8:28pm

TaffyDavenport said: "DiscoCrows said: "MrsSallyAdams said: "I'm eager to hear how they've written Miranda. And which of the new songs are for her. Andy's abusive relationship with Miranda needs to be the heart of the show. In Chicago Miranda took a back seat to Andy's love interests and her tedious hipster friends."

Completely agree.

The shows Twitter tweeted this the other day: "Controversial opinion... the real villain of the story is the boyfriend holding Andy back."

Huh???"

Nate being the real villain of the movie is a take that's been around for years:

https://www.glamour.com/story/devil-wears-prada-star-adrian-grenier-admits-nate-was-the-true-villain-of-the-movie

"

Oh DMGW I get it. It was just funny seeing the show spell it out like it’s some crazy unorthodox take and that the character isn’t already reasonably despised by people. Musical and movie alike.

[Kad]

Posted: 7/8/24 at 9:01pm

I certainly think that depicting the toll on Andy's personal life is a good thing- anybody who's had a demanding job knows that juggling your personal and professional life is rough- but in the film, Nate just comes off as a prick. Rewriting him to be more supportive until there's a real breaking point would be helpful. The movie weirdly takes for granted we'd feel for Andy in this instance and draws the parallel between her personal life and Miranda's. But it only really works if we think Andy is losing something very important.

(and also- for a character who is supposedly so invested in work/life balance, having him be a chef is certainly weird!)

Updated On: 7/8/24 at 09:01 PM

[DramaTeach]

Posted: 7/9/24 at 8:41am

Williams was just on Good Morning America talking about the show. She said that dialogue is used directly from the movie and that it’s a perfect movie. I honestly feel like both of those things aren’t great to say. People will go in thinking there’s nothing new and it’s a replica of something that’s already perfect, so why bother? Small Clip of the Interview

At the end, they said it starts this weekend in Plymouth before the West End and then hopefully Broadway.

Updated On: 7/9/24 at 08:41 AM

[TennisFan4lyfe]

Posted: 7/9/24 at 3:08pm

Please keep your ear to the ground re: TDWP's UK reception.  

[DiscoCrows]

Posted: 7/10/24 at 5:46pm

I’m relistening to Seen and my heart is bursting. This score and lyricism was at large, a complete trainwreck in Chicago (albeit a mostly entertaining one) — but Seen is such an outlier. The song is just so emotionally charged and sweeping with character development. Shaina’s lyrics fit the melody so perfectly and it hits on this perfect intersection of blissful/bittersweet and comedy that shines so much light on why Nigel has poured himself entirely into being a part of this company but still knows he needs to keep his guard up to protect himself

”And he feels seen, suddenly seen. He can learn from this magazine, that being a queer kid isn’t a crime — infact, it’s pretty f*cking sublime.” I adore this. And Javier Munoz’s delivery was great.

While 99% of the show feels like it was not doing so, I think Nigel’s character at large (pretty much entirely via this song) is the one thing the musical had going for it in terms of elevating the original material to be more successful through a new artistic medium.

[KevinKlawitter]

Posted: 12/2/24 at 12:28pm

Elton John reveals at recent performance he has lost his vision due to infection: "it’s hard for me to see it. But I love to hear it and boy it sounded good tonight"

Sending best wishes to Sir Elton. Hoping this doesn't impede his ability to write more music too much.

[DaveyG]

Posted: 12/5/24 at 7:15pm

Review embargo has lifted for the London production. I saw two positive and six negative so far. 

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 12/5/24 at 7:21pm

I find this very interesting. Again, following this show for a couple years now, it’s so much better than it was before and frankly is just plain fun now, I thought. I don’t think the reviews will hurt it though, it’s selling so well as it is. But I am surprised by some of these. 

[EDSOSLO858]

Posted: 12/5/24 at 7:37pm

Reviews won't sink this show, but the critics over there are pretty much echoing all I've heard about the "revamped" version thus far. Nonetheless, I still believe McCollum will take this thing to Broadway next season and it will prob end up running just about a year.

It's just a shame what's happening to Elton late in his life, but it won't taint his incredible, decades-long career. What a songwriter, and what a performer.

 

 

 

[bway1430]

Posted: 12/6/24 at 2:23am

Jordan Catalano said: "I find this very interesting. Again, following this show for a couple years now, it’s so much better than it was before and frankly is just plain funnow, I thought. I don’t think the reviews will hurt it though, it’s selling so well as it is. But I am surprised by some of these."

I totally agree and was following it closely as well. I wouln't say it was technically a good show but it was much improved over the Chicago try-out and a lot of fun despite its flaws. I adored Vanessa's take on Miranda.

Given the crap that London critics have given praise to recently, I didn't expect it to get such awful notices but either way, I think it will likely be critic proof given how popular the film is and the attraction it will have to the target audience for this show. Hell, WE WILL ROCK YOU got blasted by the critics but still ran at that theatre for over a decade.

[MrsSallyAdams]

Posted: 12/6/24 at 10:04am

Mickey Jo found it entertaining but adds he'd like to "feel more."

THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA musical is not groundbreaking | ★★★ review of the West End show - YouTube

[MrsSallyAdams]

Posted: 12/6/24 at 10:17am

Digital Spy - 3/5 stars
The first act is overstuffed with the majority of the movie's plot, while the second act stretches out the Paris-set final act... It's the strong cast and the fashionable spectacle that sees The Devil Wears Prada musical through its flaws. The Devil Wears Prada musical is fashionable, but not flawless

Financial Times - 2/5 stars.
It is possible to turn a film into something fresh and perceptive onstage.. But this show attempts nothing so daring. Sparkly as it is, I fear Miranda would hang it back on the rail. The Devil Wears Prada review — a slim, superficial musical

Broadway World - 2/5 stars.
The publicity tells us to "gird our loins.", but after seeing this thin and rather flat show, the question is: for what? Review: THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA, Dominion Theatre

 

[MrsSallyAdams]

Posted: 12/6/24 at 10:24am

The Standard - 5/5 stars
Elton John’s irresistible songs are the highlight of this big, bold, metaphorically shoulder-padded musical... Absolutely fabulous. The Devil Wears Prada at Dominion Theatre review: absolutely fabulous | The Standard

London Theatre - 3/5 stars
The costumes are disappointing. They’re too garish and, in some cases, shapeless — and certainly don’t scream haute couture... As for where the show sometimes loses its way, the devil’s in the detail. But fans of the iconic film looking for a high-energy night at the theatre, with an injection of Noughties nostalgia, will find plenty to enjoy. 'The Devil Wears Prada' review — Vanessa Williams struts into the West End | London Theatre

The Telegraph - 2/5 stars
You sit through song after song, waiting for your heart to beat faster, but little lands or lifts besides a soulful number by a once-closeted gay art director (Matt Henry’s Nigel) about finally being “Seen”. The Devil Wears Prada, Dominion Theatre, review: Elton John’s so-so musical is no match for Meryl Streep

[Impeach2017]

Posted: 12/6/24 at 10:33am

At least the costumes are not quite as atrocious, but I don't see the connection either with haute couture.  

[MrsSallyAdams]

Posted: 12/6/24 at 10:42am

inews - 3 stars
If only [Vanessa Williams's] fabulousness could extend to director Jerry Mitchell’s choreography, which is bewilderingly and irredeemably naff, like a local Zumba class attempting a line dance. The cavernous Dominion stage is crying out for some top-level hoofing and the talented ensemble of frustrated fashionistas appear to be bursting to let rip. Come for the frocks and the folks, rather than the music and moves. The Devil Wears Prada musical is about as groundbreaking as florals for spring

Time Out - Negative
[A] decent comedy but a lousy musical... The Devil Wears Prada would have hit the spot as a slick stage play. But the people require songs, and songs have been provided, and basically we’re left with a deft comedy that breaks off to step on a rake every five minutes. The Devil Wears Prada, Dominion Theatre review: Elton John adapts the classic comedy into a so-so musical

Yahoo News UK
(This article claims the stage show redeems Andy's long-hated boyfriend.)
Honestly, a lot of this change is carried by the charm of Whitfield and his chemistry with his co-star Buckland. Their playful and frankly quite sexy duet I Only Want You For Your Body is a highlight of the first act – and perhaps one of the show’s only true earworms. James Darch’s Christian can’t really compete in terms of charisma, so the audience is always rooting for Andy to return to her loveable boyfriend and ugly jumpers. The Devil Wears Prada musical redeems its original villain of toxic masculinity – and I'm not mad about it

[MrsSallyAdams]

Posted: 12/6/24 at 10:48am

The Guardian - 2/5 stars

To give the show its due, the production values are high, Shaina Taub and Mark Sonnenblick’s lyrics are serviceable and John’s music exuberant...

But as it trots from one iconic scene to another, Kate Wetherhead’s book summarising the screenplay almost line by line, it resembles an android-like simulacrum. You find yourself asking: “Why?”...

The achievement of the film was partly in how it managed to make even its unlikable characters endearing, Miranda notwithstanding. But none of the characters on stage feel real or alive.

The Devil Wears Prada review – prosecco o’clock musical is old hat | Theatre | The Guardian

[Bwaygurl2]

Posted: 12/6/24 at 11:51am

Mickey Jo is such a positive critic and he found a lot of good in the show, particularly Vanessa, but him saying it's better than Pretty Woman doesn't inspire confidence. 

[devonian.t]

Posted: 12/6/24 at 3:28pm

He kisses butt for profile and access.

[CATSNYrevival]

Posted: 12/6/24 at 4:15pm

I used to enjoy Mickey-Jo's videos but lost interest when he switched to calling himself a professional theatre critic. I consider him more of a social media theatre pundit.

[BETTY22]

Posted: 12/6/24 at 4:31pm

The owner of the Evening Standard is godfather to Elton and David's son.

Plus, for some reason, the 5 STAR review is not by the papers theater critic......

[The Distinctive Baritone]

Posted: 12/6/24 at 5:07pm

CATSNYrevival said: "I used to enjoy Mickey-Jo's videos but lost interest when he switched to calling himself a professional theatre critic. I consider him more of a social media theatrepundit."

I was also confused by this. His reviews are certainly professional quality, but "professional" means paid, and...who is paying him?

[Bwaygurl2]

Posted: 12/6/24 at 5:21pm

The Distinctive Baritone said: "CATSNYrevival said: "I used to enjoy Mickey-Jo's videos but lost interest when he switched to calling himself a professional theatre critic. I consider him more of a social media theatrepundit."

I was also confused by this. His reviews are certainly professional quality, but "professional" means paid, and...who is paying him?"

I assumed that meant he wrote reviews for some publication in addition to YouTube. But his channel is monetized, so maybe that's what he means by "professional." Anyway, his videos brighten my day, even though I usually don't watch his entire reviews because he goes in such exhaustive detail on the productions; of course others will appreciate that thorough approach. 

[EricMontreal22]

Posted: 12/6/24 at 5:26pm

The Distinctive Baritone said: "CATSNYrevival said: "I used to enjoy Mickey-Jo's videos but lost interest when he switched to calling himself a professional theatre critic. I consider him more of a social media theatrepundit."

I was also confused by this. His reviews are certainly professional quality, but "professional" means paid, and...who is paying him?"

He is heavily monetized (haven't his New York trips been funded?) and I assume he seems to think that's... the same thing? 

 

[Musigamist]

Posted: 12/6/24 at 5:38pm

The Distinctive Baritone said: "CATSNYrevival said: "I used to enjoy Mickey-Jo's videos but lost interest when he switched to calling himself a professional theatre critic. I consider him more of a social media theatrepundit."

I was also confused by this. His reviews are certainly professional quality, but "professional" means paid, and...who is paying him?"

I believe, and I could be wrong, he uses the term "professional" because reviewing theatre/creating content is his full-time job. He quit teaching a couple years ago to focus only on his channels.

 

 

[MidWestTheater]

Posted: 12/6/24 at 5:40pm

Mickey Jo is such a positive critic and he found a lot of good in the show, particularly Vanessa, but him saying it's better than Pretty Woman doesn't inspire confidence.

Well I agree with him on that one. Having seen both shows in Chicago, Pretty Woman was one of the worst shows I've ever seen. Give me The Devil Wears Prada any day over that (despite not being a very good show either) although at least it had two solid songs, both sung by Javier Munoz. 

As for Mickey Jo, I like him. He's adorable and I enjoy listening to his reviews. I'm not sure if he's a "Professional Theater Critic." I know he has written reviews, but I'm not sure if he's a member of whatever theater critics associations there are in England. Most professional theater critics, don't create content promoting specific shows. But if he's able to make a good living and get free ****, more power to him.