If you're talking about the Barrington Stage Company production, that's in Massachusetts, not NYC. Granted, it's still pretty close but not the same city
That's true, but I think the point still stands that Barrington is a big regional theatre pretty close to NY, and it's unlikely they'd be given a license to do the show if it was transferring soon. Of course that means nothing about a later transfer.
And yeah, Redmayne 100% deserves credit for finding a new take! I don't think he particularly sounds like Grey or Cumming, which is a feat. I did like some of his later songs much better, although I still stand by that his voice is pulled back in his throat in a way that gives him a slightly Kermit-y sound. I don't particularly care for his line deliveries throughout, though. He really does draw out each word, almost as though he's struggling to speak--I actually think the comparison to Arden's Quasimodo is a good one (I believe Quasi is always played as deaf in the stage show). It is intriguing and different, as I said, I'm just not sure that I 100% "get" it. I liked Buckley's Sally and the darker edge she brings to it. I do think the more bitter, cynical take works better in some areas than others (even her "Maybe This Time" feels self-aware and cynical, which seems a tiny bit one-note). I am curious how she plays off of Cliff? He seems so sweet, quiet and subdued on this recording that it seems like she'd completely overshadow him.
CreatureKitchen said: "That's true, but I think the point still stands that Barrington is a big regional theatre pretty close to NY, and it's unlikely they'd be given a license to do the show if it was transferring soon. Of course that means nothing about a later transfer.
And yeah, Redmayne 100% deserves credit for finding a new take! I don't think he particularly sounds like Grey or Cumming, which is a feat. I did like some of his later songs much better, although I still stand by that his voice is pulled back in his throat in a way that gives him a slightly Kermit-y sound. I don't particularly care for his line deliveries throughout, though. He really does draw out each word, almost as though he's struggling to speak--I actually think the comparison to Arden's Quasimodo is a good one (I believe Quasi is always played as deaf in the stage show). It is intriguing and different, as I said, I'm just not sure that I 100% "get" it. I liked Buckley's Sally and the darker edge she brings to it. I do think the more bitter, cynical take works better in some areas than others (even her "Maybe This Time" feels self-aware and cynical, which seems a tiny bit one-note). I am curious how she plays off of Cliff? He seems so sweet, quiet and subdued on this recording that it seems like she'd completely overshadow him."
The dynamic was fascinating to me. She absolutely bullied Cliff, but did try for a moment to make it work with him. My take on their final scene is in an earlier post of mine. I loved them together.
Either my expectations have been managed or my memory is going but I swear Jessie Buckley's 'Cabaret' has been toned down slightly on the recording. It still captures the flavour of her choices but I just recall her screaming a little louder and harder in person. RE: The dynamic between her and Cliff, well yes I would say Jessie Buckley's Sally ate him for breakfast.
"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
The title number is toned down on the recording. I saw the production after this was allegedly recorded, as the audio was used to shoot the press footage for a live audience a few days before I got to London. Either way, Buckley's performance was toned down, and I immediately noticed it even in "Don't Tell Mama."
I’m also not enjoying Redmayne’s sound. It’s even more jarring when the ensemble, who are singing well and with decent placement, joins him in backing vocals like at the end of Money. Maybe he’s going for some kind of Transatlantic/period thing. It kinda reminds me of the swallowed sounds of movies from the 30s/40s. I don’t have specific examples to offer but I’ve heard this sound over the years in media from that period.
Buckley, on the other hand, sounds beyond fantastic. Loving all her numbers.
binau said: "RE: The dynamic between her and Cliff, well yes I would say Jessie Buckley's Sally ate him for breakfast."
Haha, yes, that's the sense I got. I think Cliff can be a somewhat thankless role, but I do feel like he works best when he has some edge to him (after all, he's an artist who's been bumming around Europe hanging out at weird, underground queer spots...he's not entirely a naive outsider). I just think there has to be something about him that grips Sally beyond his ability to provide a temporary place to stay. I also don't love Adam Godley's sweet, sincere take on the character for this reason, so it may just be an issue I have with the character overall (although I did like Bill Heck in the role). Also, slight tangent, but the thread about an All Black "Gypsy" and color-conscious casting got me thinking. I find it interesting that every actor who's played Cliff in this production has (I think?) been black. On the surface, it makes sense: Cliff is the outsider in many ways. But I question why Ernst, literal Nazi, is so eager to befriend him, go to parties with him, and even be educated by a black man. It also sets up the one black lead in the show as a total dupe who becomes a Nazi errand boy and then runs away when things get rough. I feel like casting a POC as Sally (or even the Emcee, although not with this production's take on the character), would really add layers. It could speak to the exotification/fetishization and commodification of "othered" bodies. Anyways, total tangent, the other thread just made me think about this.
According to the show's IG account (@kitkatclubldn), Mein Herr and Willkommen will be released on streaming platforms tomorrow. The full album will be released on January 20th.
I saw Fra Fee as well and was beyond disappointed. The blahest Emcee ever. I have seen some very bad ones as well, but at least they were all trying something. Fee seemed to be hosting a gig at some very posh nursing home. The vibe I get from Redmayne's Emcee is of an unctuous little **** and I like that a whole lot more. Though I wish they'd released a video as well, since they seem to have shown the newest cast do the opening number on Brit tv.
I’ve seen at least three people on Twitter comparing Eddie to Kermit the Frog now, and I just have to admit I feel slightly vindicated in my earlier Muppet comment lmao
Jordan Catalano said: "It’s a performance that needs to be seen AND heard instead of just heard."
I don't know, I'm sure that seeing it would elevate the whole thing, but I get such a tangible sense of character from this recording already. I'm completely flummoxed by some comments here. Like, were Joel Grey and Barry Dennan going for "pretty" voices? No, but I liked listening to them more than Cumming, because I can hear the characterisation in their vocal work.