Thoughts on A TALE OF TWO CITIES...the new musical — Page 2

This show ain't art.

"a shill in an unnecessary manor"

Sounds like the title of a communist romance novel.

Oh my God.

My hat is off to you, sir. That was brilliant.

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I am really wanting to like this show. Truly.

I admit I have only seen what is available of YT but I have to admit I have been rather underwelmed. Maybe it will make sense once I get to see it in a logical order, but that hopeful balloon has somewhat deflated as well.

I enjoy your reviews YankeeFan007, always have, and I am glad you shared. I do have to admit I have that little nagging feeling my thoughts on the show once I do get to see it will be similar to yours.

I saw the show with my friends last night and we all loved it as did the audience as far as we could see. People sprang to their feet before curtain closed, many with tears in their eyes.

Notice my word choice Yankeefan, I said IF I never said that it does.

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A Tale of Two Cities (1859) Charles Dickens

Les Miserables (1862) Victor Hugo


STILL I say, there's a way for us

If dreams came true ...

"Can’t we all just get along?”


p.s.

Both novels are classics (regardless of which came first).
And many people will love both musicals.

Natalie Toro - Idina Menzel. Can't act, belts very well. Don't get the buzz.

That's exceedingly kind. The day I went she couldn't find pitch with both hands and a flashlight. I wish someone would right something good for James Barbour--he really is an exceptional talent with a jaw-droppingly beautiful voice. He deserves so much better than this crap.

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This really does seem to be a production where there is no middle-ground - people either love it or hate it, as this thread attests.

I happen to agree 100% with Yankee's comments. I would gladly have judged the show on its own merits had it had any merits of its own to judge.

And what I think is the show's biggest flaw was the decision to "humanize" Madame Defarge. There is no real villain in the show now (you can't count the Marquis St. Evremonde - that character exists merely to put the plot in motion and is murdered early on in the proceedings). Madame Defarge, as written in the original novel and played in countless other retellings, is an evil, scary and altogether irredeemable woman gone completely mad by her lust for revenge. By giving a 21st century spin to her madness it vitiates any kind of tension that should be building from the very beginning. What happened to the knitting?

Watch Blanche Yurka in the 1935 movie version to see what I am talking about.

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Updated On: 9/14/08 at 11:38 AM

"There are so many people on this forum who say things are exactly copied from Les Miserables to the point that the creators should sue when that isn't the case. And, that irks me to no end."

Wow, Winston, you are really developing into a great force here!
Nice way to put something that is SO true =I

Tale is a fine show. It is a breath of fresh air, with its amazingly beautiful love story, and especially welcome by all of us fans of period shows. Thanks and kudos to Jill, the producers, and actors, for having the perserverance and commitment to continue to develop this artsy show into something Broadway WILL remember. The audiences do not lie. Opinions, well, we all have one, but mine is finally being backed up by the standing ovations and buzz the show is getting...

Updated On: 9/14/08 at 01:52 PM

I think saying it's a "rip off" of Les Miz is pointless. I don't care, I enjoyed it regardless. When the orchestra struck up and the title came onto the scrim, I got chills. It was just exciting. And I thought they all gave great performances. Maybe I just overlook things more, or maybe I'm not as critical, but I enjoyed Natalie's performance, and I thought she sang the sh*t out of her big solo number. And I loved the way she creepily left the scene after her song.

And to say the show isn't art is stupid. Is [Title of Show] art? Is Company art? Then this is art. There are some beautiful stage pictures, and great directing choices, I think.

Winston, you're still getting your tighties in a bunch over the LES MIS/TALE comparison?

Get over it.

Yankeefan007...sorry to inform you that I have never taken drugs in my life, and PROUD of it...so, your comment went out the window here. Yes, I know you were just probably being funny :{

Winston made a very good point, and at least someone had the nerve to note it. So there.

You know what is really funny on this board? I have yet to see any other show on Broadway now, being bashed, cut down, ripped apart, and tossed as a loser, as I have witnessed with Tale. WHAT is up with THAT?! For God's sake what do you expect from a show, PERFECTION...? Every show will have its flaws, but the overall effect and the essence of what you come out from the show with is what counts. And apparently quite a mass of people so far have not only enjoyed this show, but actually acclaimed it as a winner!
The music? Well, I can tell you that I went to see Wicked, and I came out with no melodies in my head from this show. However, it was a great show for Broadway (it really deserves the popularity it got so far. A originally written story (inspite of the references to the "Wiz" and great message at the end).