#3
Posted: 10/16/08 at 3:08pm
Getting great reviews - apparently a wonderful production of the old show. From what I have heard, ignore the tacky casting gimmicks they used. Like My Fair Lady earlier this year, this is a revival that reinvents the show while preserving everything you love and is very well done. yay!
#4
Posted: 10/18/08 at 8:55pm
I saw the matinee today, and really enjoyed it. I thought the cast sounded fantastic, and I think the children did a remarkable job. Elicia Mckenzie played a wonderful Maria. The sets were beautiful!
2012: American Idiot 01/14, In The Heights 02/11, Warhorse 02/18, The Book of Mormon 02/23, The Gershwins Porgy and Bess 02/24, Anything Goes 02/25, Godspell 02/26, Shrek 03/31, Ghost (West End)04/11, Singing In The Rain (West End) 04/12, Matilda (West End) 04/13, Leap of Faith 05/02, Evita 05/03, Jesus Christ Superstar 05/04, Newsies 05/05, The Book Of Mormon 05/06, West Side Story 06/02, Beauty and the Beast 07/07, Million Dollar Quartet 07/28, La Cage 10/13, 10/27 Sister Act, 31/10 Once, 11/01 Rock of Ages, 11/02 Spiderman, 11/03 Newsies, 11/15 Jekyll & Hyde
#5
Posted: 10/18/08 at 10:16pm
Were you expecting to see Janna (because Sat. matinees are technically her shows)? Was there any reaction when people found out they were seeing Elicia?
#6
Posted: 10/18/08 at 11:12pm
Is there any Rush or Lottery or Student tickets or standing for this show?
#7
Posted: 10/19/08 at 1:39am
I actually just assumed Elicia would be in, as the show just opened this week....the most I heard was from peole sitting around me, asking "if that's the girl that won that show that was on". Noone seemed to care either way, they all seemed so impressed by the wonderful performances of the children.
2012: American Idiot 01/14, In The Heights 02/11, Warhorse 02/18, The Book of Mormon 02/23, The Gershwins Porgy and Bess 02/24, Anything Goes 02/25, Godspell 02/26, Shrek 03/31, Ghost (West End)04/11, Singing In The Rain (West End) 04/12, Matilda (West End) 04/13, Leap of Faith 05/02, Evita 05/03, Jesus Christ Superstar 05/04, Newsies 05/05, The Book Of Mormon 05/06, West Side Story 06/02, Beauty and the Beast 07/07, Million Dollar Quartet 07/28, La Cage 10/13, 10/27 Sister Act, 31/10 Once, 11/01 Rock of Ages, 11/02 Spiderman, 11/03 Newsies, 11/15 Jekyll & Hyde
#8
Posted: 10/19/08 at 4:45am
Saw the evening performance tonight - ok, technically yesterday, the 18th. It's 4:30 am, and I just got in, but I'll try to write a quick review before I forget it all. It's a gorgeous production. Quite lavish. The moving 'hill' was fun, if a bit wobbly - literally - but the various Abbey sets impressed me the most. The children were sweet. Elicia MacKenzie has a lovely soprano, and was convincing as a young, enthusiastic Maria. However she tends to rush her words, and her hard 'g' sounds end up getting lost, so words like 'singing' sound like 'seeing' etc. She also had a tendency to talk through applause, so some of her dialogue was lost. She looks like a very breakable doll next to Burke Moses.
I've never seen a stage production of The Sound of Music, so it was interesting to be so familiar with the songs and music, but not necessarily the action in front of me. The initial romance between Maria and Georg is never actually shown, only talked about after the fact. I found that very strange.
The set for the Nazi rally/singing contest at the end was quite effective. I actually felt quite uncomfortable surrounded by red banners and swastikas. The 2nd act felt rushed.
I was sitting in the orchestra, J20, right in the middle of the house. Fantastic seats. As far as I could tell it was at capacity. The audience ate it up and was more than appreciative during curtain call. Standing ovation almost right away. And you could tell that people honestly meant it.
The show itself is - dare I say it - a bit boring. Everyone is very earnest. But the sets are fantastic,no expense has been spared, and there's certainly no lack of talent. With it's mix of nostalgia, family values and love for the home country, and with the economic and political climate being the way it is, I think Mirvish picked a good time (lucked out?) to open. Just the sort of thing people want to see. And as I just got another set of free tickets, I'll be back again soon!
I've never seen a stage production of The Sound of Music, so it was interesting to be so familiar with the songs and music, but not necessarily the action in front of me. The initial romance between Maria and Georg is never actually shown, only talked about after the fact. I found that very strange.
The set for the Nazi rally/singing contest at the end was quite effective. I actually felt quite uncomfortable surrounded by red banners and swastikas. The 2nd act felt rushed.
I was sitting in the orchestra, J20, right in the middle of the house. Fantastic seats. As far as I could tell it was at capacity. The audience ate it up and was more than appreciative during curtain call. Standing ovation almost right away. And you could tell that people honestly meant it.
The show itself is - dare I say it - a bit boring. Everyone is very earnest. But the sets are fantastic,no expense has been spared, and there's certainly no lack of talent. With it's mix of nostalgia, family values and love for the home country, and with the economic and political climate being the way it is, I think Mirvish picked a good time (lucked out?) to open. Just the sort of thing people want to see. And as I just got another set of free tickets, I'll be back again soon!
#9
Posted: 10/20/08 at 1:26am
Those only familiar with the movie are sometimes surprised at how uninspired the Lindsay/Crouse script for the stage play is. Some of the dialogue is embarrassingly amateurish. (Ernest Lehman wrote a good deal of it for the film and famously changed the positions of several songs, all for the immensely better.)
The fact it won the Tony award in 1960 was more a sympathy vote, as most people in the industry knew this would be Hammerstein's last show. (To be fair it shared the award with FIOELLO! which had also won the Pulitzer Prize that year.)
I love SOUND OF MUSIC, the original cast album was my very first show album as a kid (and this was BEFORE the movie came out!) - and later my parents took me to see the movie several times. But still it is not a first rate stage musical. When it's well performed it can be highly enjoyable, but for me GYPSY is a far superior musical and should have shared the Tony with FIORELLO! (But so what? That was 50 years ago.)
The fact it won the Tony award in 1960 was more a sympathy vote, as most people in the industry knew this would be Hammerstein's last show. (To be fair it shared the award with FIOELLO! which had also won the Pulitzer Prize that year.)
I love SOUND OF MUSIC, the original cast album was my very first show album as a kid (and this was BEFORE the movie came out!) - and later my parents took me to see the movie several times. But still it is not a first rate stage musical. When it's well performed it can be highly enjoyable, but for me GYPSY is a far superior musical and should have shared the Tony with FIORELLO! (But so what? That was 50 years ago.)
Cast albums are NOT "soundtracks."
Live theatre does not use a "soundtrack." If it did, it wouldn't be live theatre!
I host a weekly one-hour radio program featuring cast album selections as well as songs by cabaret, jazz and theatre artists. The program, FRONT ROW CENTRE is heard Sundays 9 to 10 am and also Saturdays from 8 to 9 am (eastern times) on www.proudfm.com
Updated On: 10/26/08 at 01:26 AM
#10
Posted: 10/20/08 at 9:29am
I wish I can see this production, but I can't.
Anyway, it's been getting awesome reviews. lavish sets, great acting, etc. But I think the reason you, yeslets, think it's boring is this production uses the original stage script, with the addition of "I Have Confidence" and "Something Good." Compared to the movie's script, the stage script is not as sophisticated and not as witty, and it's also very amateurish. Some of the lines are so simple, unlike the movie. I wish professional productions could use the movie script instead.
Anyway, it's been getting awesome reviews. lavish sets, great acting, etc. But I think the reason you, yeslets, think it's boring is this production uses the original stage script, with the addition of "I Have Confidence" and "Something Good." Compared to the movie's script, the stage script is not as sophisticated and not as witty, and it's also very amateurish. Some of the lines are so simple, unlike the movie. I wish professional productions could use the movie script instead.
#11
Posted: 10/22/08 at 9:36pm
From what I hear its good. I have tickets for the matinee on January 7th.
I have seen a production of SOM before on stage, with the original book. Yes, it is dry in some parts, but it makes me feel like I am seeing/hearing the show as it was originally done in 59/60. Many revivals of shows have their original book rewritten, or "reworked" to satisfy the modern audience. (Eg./ Annie Get Your Gun [1999], The Pajama Game [2006?], Pal Joey [2008]) They make these shows work for "us". I want to hear the way it was performed back in its original Broadway production.
The funny part about seeing a stage production today is you are expecting Julie Andrews to come down from that hill and twirl her arms, but you realize this is something and someone totally different.
I have seen a production of SOM before on stage, with the original book. Yes, it is dry in some parts, but it makes me feel like I am seeing/hearing the show as it was originally done in 59/60. Many revivals of shows have their original book rewritten, or "reworked" to satisfy the modern audience. (Eg./ Annie Get Your Gun [1999], The Pajama Game [2006?], Pal Joey [2008]) They make these shows work for "us". I want to hear the way it was performed back in its original Broadway production.
The funny part about seeing a stage production today is you are expecting Julie Andrews to come down from that hill and twirl her arms, but you realize this is something and someone totally different.
#12
Posted: 10/24/08 at 4:02pm
I seen the show on Thur Oct. 23 2008. It was excellant. The sets where top notch and everything had a nice flow to it. The Music had a nice rich tone. Everything you would want in a musical. My review would be ***** 5 stars out of 5.
#13
Posted: 10/26/08 at 11:15am
I saw the show the night before it opened (oct 14th) and I will elaborate a bit more on my comment.
I really do think it was dull. The cast was talented, but low energy. Elicia was a beautiful soprano, but I didnt think she encompassed the role of maria. She sang it well, but wasnt powerful enough. The orchestrations were dull, and the orchestra wasnt strong enough! It seemed like everyone was holding back.
The lavish sets, and stunning lighting was the best part. The show dragged, and story holes seemed flawed.
Will not be back to see it again. The songs that everyone knows and loves seemed out of place.
And the choreography was horrid. Not to mention the staging, which seemed very forced.
I really do think it was dull. The cast was talented, but low energy. Elicia was a beautiful soprano, but I didnt think she encompassed the role of maria. She sang it well, but wasnt powerful enough. The orchestrations were dull, and the orchestra wasnt strong enough! It seemed like everyone was holding back.
The lavish sets, and stunning lighting was the best part. The show dragged, and story holes seemed flawed.
Will not be back to see it again. The songs that everyone knows and loves seemed out of place.
And the choreography was horrid. Not to mention the staging, which seemed very forced.
#14
Posted: 10/30/08 at 10:32am
Does anyone happen to know if this show will get a cast recording? That's one I'd be interested in, because from the little I've seen it looks like the cast all have excellent voices.
#15
Posted: 10/30/08 at 12:40pm
Very unlikely as the OLCR is virtually the same. Although the CBC show tie-in might help the cause.
#16
Posted: 11/20/08 at 6:40am
The Sound of Music is perfectly... decent. Overall I found the show to be adequate, but neither spectacular nor memorable. Elicia Mackenzie was a competent Maria, though she lacked depth and steely resove (and voice) of Julie Andrews in the movie. Burke Moses's Captain VonTrapp similarly lacked the intense brooding of Christopher Plummer's movie version. And the two of them had zero chemistry.
I liked some of the minor players (Frau Schmidt, Uncle Max), but found the some of the characters in the stage show to be less interesting than the film: Rolf and Baroness Schraeder were surprisingly affable and pleasant. I prefer the movie's self-important Rolf, whe eagerly joins the Hitler Youth, and the movie's snooty Baroness, a society woman with no interest or talent with children (she couldn't even catch a ball!). It's hard to dislike those characters in the stage show. Heck, even the Nazi's weren't all that menacing.
The sets and costumes were unremarkable (I was somewhat reminded of the touring production of My Fair Lady that passed through town earlier this year), although I did like the Nazi-fication of the theatre during the Salzburg Festival scene. I had read about the moving hill, but it was much different than I imagined. I liked it only in the sense that the exorbitant ticket prices demanded some sort-of big set piece--and this was it.
The children were OK (while I hate to criticize child performers, I thought their singing was a bit weak). The Mother Abbess sang well and I enjoyed the choral numbers (although they often seemed rushed). Although non-religious myself, I enjoyed the religious motifs which, along with the Nazi backdrop, making this otherwise fluffy family story a bit more serious and significant.
Despite being a Tuesday night, the theatre seemed to be full and the audience enjoy the show. In that sense, it was a success.Otherwise, it's nothing special.
I liked some of the minor players (Frau Schmidt, Uncle Max), but found the some of the characters in the stage show to be less interesting than the film: Rolf and Baroness Schraeder were surprisingly affable and pleasant. I prefer the movie's self-important Rolf, whe eagerly joins the Hitler Youth, and the movie's snooty Baroness, a society woman with no interest or talent with children (she couldn't even catch a ball!). It's hard to dislike those characters in the stage show. Heck, even the Nazi's weren't all that menacing.
The sets and costumes were unremarkable (I was somewhat reminded of the touring production of My Fair Lady that passed through town earlier this year), although I did like the Nazi-fication of the theatre during the Salzburg Festival scene. I had read about the moving hill, but it was much different than I imagined. I liked it only in the sense that the exorbitant ticket prices demanded some sort-of big set piece--and this was it.
The children were OK (while I hate to criticize child performers, I thought their singing was a bit weak). The Mother Abbess sang well and I enjoyed the choral numbers (although they often seemed rushed). Although non-religious myself, I enjoyed the religious motifs which, along with the Nazi backdrop, making this otherwise fluffy family story a bit more serious and significant.
Despite being a Tuesday night, the theatre seemed to be full and the audience enjoy the show. In that sense, it was a success.Otherwise, it's nothing special.
Coach Bob knew it all along: you've got to get obsessed and stay obsessed. You have to keep passing the open windows. (John Irving, The Hotel New Hampshire)
#17
Posted: 1/30/09 at 1:20am
Mirvish announced today that the show is extending to June 28.
At a time when most shows are extending on a month-by-month basis this should give an idea of how well it's selling.
And now re-read the commentd from people who predicted it would be gone by now.
At a time when most shows are extending on a month-by-month basis this should give an idea of how well it's selling.
And now re-read the commentd from people who predicted it would be gone by now.
Cast albums are NOT "soundtracks."
Live theatre does not use a "soundtrack." If it did, it wouldn't be live theatre!
I host a weekly one-hour radio program featuring cast album selections as well as songs by cabaret, jazz and theatre artists. The program, FRONT ROW CENTRE is heard Sundays 9 to 10 am and also Saturdays from 8 to 9 am (eastern times) on www.proudfm.com
#18
Posted: 1/30/09 at 1:48am
Group bookings are actually being taken through September 6th. It will be around for a long time. Most of the children are being recast however. Look for the new kids starting early March.
#19
Posted: 1/30/09 at 6:54am
Saw this production last week. It was ok, but not "wow". The singing was good, but not great. It's a classic, and I'm glad I went, but I wouldn't go see it again. I'm surprised it will manage to fill the house until September.
#20
Posted: 2/2/09 at 2:12pm
New to the forums (first post!)
Saw one of the two SOM dress rehearsals, and then once again in the last few months (Elica first, Janna second). I found both have their positives and faults, and I didn't really prefer one over the other. Elicia seems a bit earnest and innocent at times, while Janna exudes a little more maturity. Neither have any chemistry with Burke Moses, but can you blame them? The children are all fantastic (I've seen both sets but have not seen the swings or the third Gretel). Sets, costume, lighting, etc are all fantastic.
Somehow, despite the show's breakneck pace, there are still scenes that lack energy (much of the second act seems slow even though things are happening rapidly).
Still, a definite family favorite, well polished and deserving of a nice long run.
Saw one of the two SOM dress rehearsals, and then once again in the last few months (Elica first, Janna second). I found both have their positives and faults, and I didn't really prefer one over the other. Elicia seems a bit earnest and innocent at times, while Janna exudes a little more maturity. Neither have any chemistry with Burke Moses, but can you blame them? The children are all fantastic (I've seen both sets but have not seen the swings or the third Gretel). Sets, costume, lighting, etc are all fantastic.
Somehow, despite the show's breakneck pace, there are still scenes that lack energy (much of the second act seems slow even though things are happening rapidly).
Still, a definite family favorite, well polished and deserving of a nice long run.
#21
Posted: 5/10/09 at 7:33pm
If you had your doubts that The Sound of Music wasn't gay, gay gay... there is apparently going to be a Sound of Music Night at Woody's.
==========
Have talent you want to share? Always dreamed of twirling on a mountain as Maria or wishing you were still 16 going on 17?
This is your chance to Climb Ev'ry Mountain! Dust off your habit and join us for THE SOUND OF MUSIC NIGHT AT WOODY'S on Sunday, May 24. The fun begins at 9:00 PM.
SALZBERG FESTIVAL TALENT SHOW!
Step onto the Woody's stage and perform your favourite song or scene from The Sound of Music! A panel of distinguished judges will pick one of their favourite things...err...performances and award a spectacular grand prize of round-trip airfare aboard Air Canada and tickets to the hit Toronto production of THE SOUND OF MUSIC.
Don't have confidence? You can still dress up as your favourite Sound of Music character and win great prizes! Best costume will win a prize package including tickets to the show, cast recording and The Sound of Music Campanion book with foreward by Andrew Lloyd Webber.
Don't be a lonely goatherd! Join us on Sunday, May 24 for The Sound of Music night at Woody's!
==========
http://www.mirvish.com/festival/
==========
Have talent you want to share? Always dreamed of twirling on a mountain as Maria or wishing you were still 16 going on 17?
This is your chance to Climb Ev'ry Mountain! Dust off your habit and join us for THE SOUND OF MUSIC NIGHT AT WOODY'S on Sunday, May 24. The fun begins at 9:00 PM.
SALZBERG FESTIVAL TALENT SHOW!
Step onto the Woody's stage and perform your favourite song or scene from The Sound of Music! A panel of distinguished judges will pick one of their favourite things...err...performances and award a spectacular grand prize of round-trip airfare aboard Air Canada and tickets to the hit Toronto production of THE SOUND OF MUSIC.
Don't have confidence? You can still dress up as your favourite Sound of Music character and win great prizes! Best costume will win a prize package including tickets to the show, cast recording and The Sound of Music Campanion book with foreward by Andrew Lloyd Webber.
Don't be a lonely goatherd! Join us on Sunday, May 24 for The Sound of Music night at Woody's!
==========
http://www.mirvish.com/festival/
Coach Bob knew it all along: you've got to get obsessed and stay obsessed. You have to keep passing the open windows. (John Irving, The Hotel New Hampshire)
#22
Posted: 8/24/09 at 10:43am
Rather similar to the Star's article about the unsung heroes of Jersey Boys, here is the National Post's article about the understudies of the Sound of Music.
The Sound of Music: They have confidence
The Sound of Music: They have confidence
#24
Posted: 9/17/09 at 1:31pm
thanks for the info tag.
any idea what is coming?
any idea what is coming?
