What's the advanced word on "Tale of Two Cities"
#2
Posted: 8/16/08 at 12:49am
I saw one of its many readings and it has some beautiful things to recommend it. It has some good songs and James Barbour does give a wonderful performance BUT it does feel like warmed over Les Mis. It is kind of stuck in 1980's popera, but hey millions of people loved it before and they could love it again. I am interested to see how the design and staging will be. That can really help elevate it to a new level. Look how many things in the popera cannon rose to success based on design and staging. EVITA for sure and it certainly helped PHANTOM, LES MIS, and MISS SIAGON. So I am looking forward to seeing it.
#3
Posted: 8/16/08 at 12:52am
It had a critically acclaimed tryout in Sarasota with most critics raving about Barbour and Toro's performances. The sets are supposed to be amazing. I have only seen pictures. The music is also getting some buzz.
Current Avatar:The sensational Aaron Tveit in the soon to be hit production of Catch Me If You Can.
#4
Posted: 8/16/08 at 12:52am
a second-rate version of LES MIS
#5
Posted: 8/16/08 at 7:53am
I don't know first hand because I haven't seen the production, but a poster on another site described it this way:
"If someone ate Les Mis for dinner and threw it up on stage - this is what it sould look like."
Kinda tickled my funny bone.
"If someone ate Les Mis for dinner and threw it up on stage - this is what it sould look like."
Kinda tickled my funny bone.
#6
Posted: 8/16/08 at 8:02am
"Critically acclaimed"?
#7
Posted: 8/16/08 at 8:38am
I saw the show at the Asolo during its pre-broadway run. It was amazing. Yes, it had its problems like many shows before they are fine tuned, but for the most part the performances were stellar. From the official casting I would say that they have only improved the cast from what I saw last and that it should be a very satisfying evening at the theatre.
Call it "Les Mis lite" if you want, but go into it with an open mind. I personally may be the only one on this board who absolutely loathes Les Miserables, however A Tales of Two Cities doesn't have any "unnecessary numbers" in the show. Instead the plot continues in a forward motion at a fast pace to get everything in. Unlke in Les Mis when all of your main charachters stop every ten minutes to sing a solo like "Stars". Although a beautiful song, there's no need for it in the show. Javert has told us his motivation every time he comes on the stage why must he now sing about it just when the show starts moving?
Obviously this is just my opinion, I don't mean to offend anyone but if you do see this show remember the novels were only written 3 years apart and both have the same feel to begin with. Go into the show with an open mind and hopefully you'll enjoy a remarkable evening in the theatre.
Call it "Les Mis lite" if you want, but go into it with an open mind. I personally may be the only one on this board who absolutely loathes Les Miserables, however A Tales of Two Cities doesn't have any "unnecessary numbers" in the show. Instead the plot continues in a forward motion at a fast pace to get everything in. Unlke in Les Mis when all of your main charachters stop every ten minutes to sing a solo like "Stars". Although a beautiful song, there's no need for it in the show. Javert has told us his motivation every time he comes on the stage why must he now sing about it just when the show starts moving?
Obviously this is just my opinion, I don't mean to offend anyone but if you do see this show remember the novels were only written 3 years apart and both have the same feel to begin with. Go into the show with an open mind and hopefully you'll enjoy a remarkable evening in the theatre.
"It's like children's theatre for 40-year old gay people!" - XANADU THE MUSICAL
#9
Posted: 8/16/08 at 2:31pm
I really think they are walking a tightrope by so overtly creating a show so seemingly similar to "Les Miserables. If "Until Tomorrow" stays in the show as the
Act 1 finale song, I think there's going to be a bloodletting.
The TOTC braintrust has a great opportunity to bring the curtain down on Act one to write something that says, "There ! And you thought this was just another Schoenberg/Boubil clone!"
If I was a producer that song would be the dealbreaker for me because I believe it's going to be a pivotal moment in the show that could either make or break this musical.
It would be one thing for me to hear people at intermission say, "At times it's a lot like "Les Mis"; it would be another to hear, "Why didn't they just ask for the rights to use 'One Day More'"?
Act 1 finale song, I think there's going to be a bloodletting.
The TOTC braintrust has a great opportunity to bring the curtain down on Act one to write something that says, "There ! And you thought this was just another Schoenberg/Boubil clone!"
If I was a producer that song would be the dealbreaker for me because I believe it's going to be a pivotal moment in the show that could either make or break this musical.
It would be one thing for me to hear people at intermission say, "At times it's a lot like "Les Mis"; it would be another to hear, "Why didn't they just ask for the rights to use 'One Day More'"?
#10
Posted: 8/16/08 at 2:36pm
I feel like I am the only person on this forum who doesn't hear One Day More while listing to Until Tomorrow.
I am VERY much looking forward to this musical. I am a huge fan of the 1980's pop operas and Les Miserables is my all time favorite show. I am glad that this is one new show opening this fall that starts previews before I go of to college so I can see it before I go. I am very much looking forward to seeing it.
I am VERY much looking forward to this musical. I am a huge fan of the 1980's pop operas and Les Miserables is my all time favorite show. I am glad that this is one new show opening this fall that starts previews before I go of to college so I can see it before I go. I am very much looking forward to seeing it.
"If you try to shag my husband while I am still alive, I will shove the art of motorcycle maintenance up your rancid little Cu**. That's a good dear"
Tom Stoppard's Rock N Roll
#11
Posted: 8/16/08 at 2:49pm
I am looking forward to it as well. With the recently announced postoinment of some shows, it will be great to see one of the next new musicals of this season. I'm more excited about this show than I am about "13".
"The price of love is loss, but still we pay; We love anyway."
#12
Posted: 8/16/08 at 2:49pm
I am looking forward to it as well. With the recently announced postoinment of some shows, it will be great to see one of the next new musicals of this season. I'm more excited about this show than I am about "13".
"The price of love is loss, but still we pay; We love anyway."
#13
Posted: 8/16/08 at 3:25pm
I am seeing it Friday to humor my mother but the more i see and hear the more excited i am about seeing it.
#14
Posted: 8/16/08 at 3:33pm
I didn't see the Asolo production, but I have a feeling this is going to be pretty good.
It's too early for me to bet any money on it, but I went to the press preview a few weeks back and was fairly impressed. The music, though it definitely hearkens back to "Les Mis" in its grandeur and overall tone, is pretty strong, as is the cast, especially Natalie Toro.
We were also taken, during the press preview, to see the set in a warehouse in Jersey, and, even though it hadn't had the finishing touches around it yet, it looked spectacular. As long as the writing of the book and score are up to snuff (definitely a major if), it should be just fine.
I wrote a preview piece about it that's a little lengthier, with some great quotes from the actors and the writer, if anyone wants to take a look at it (SEE LINK BELOW).
musicOMH.com: Broadway Preview: A Tale of Two Cities
It's too early for me to bet any money on it, but I went to the press preview a few weeks back and was fairly impressed. The music, though it definitely hearkens back to "Les Mis" in its grandeur and overall tone, is pretty strong, as is the cast, especially Natalie Toro.
We were also taken, during the press preview, to see the set in a warehouse in Jersey, and, even though it hadn't had the finishing touches around it yet, it looked spectacular. As long as the writing of the book and score are up to snuff (definitely a major if), it should be just fine.
I wrote a preview piece about it that's a little lengthier, with some great quotes from the actors and the writer, if anyone wants to take a look at it (SEE LINK BELOW).
musicOMH.com: Broadway Preview: A Tale of Two Cities
#15
Posted: 8/16/08 at 3:53pm
Thanks Everyone - I am going to be in NY mid Nov and have ticket for South Pacific and Equus - have time for one more show and trying to decide if I should see this. Your comments are all helping me decide. P
#16
Posted: 8/16/08 at 3:58pm
Mid-November? If you're not totally into the idea of "A Tale of Two Cities," "Speed-the-Plow" looks like a fairly good bet. It's a great play at the very least. Also "The Seagull," though that's not everyone's cup of tea.
#17
Dismal, dreadful, disastrous.
Don Draper
Sterling/Cooper, New York
Posted: 8/17/08 at 1:10am
Dismal, dreadful, disastrous.
Don Draper
Sterling/Cooper, New York
#18
Posted: 8/17/08 at 1:46pm
I can't wait for this show actually! Have my tickets for during the previews performances...and although it has no doubt a large amount of similarities to both Les Miserables & The Scarlet Pimpernel (plot/musical/sort of costume wise (from what I've seen!)) and Jekyll & HYDE/Frank Wildhorn music, it may be a hit.
And although it was "critically acclaimed", the press that reported these kinds of things were along the lines of the "Pelican Press" & "Broadway.com", and I don't really call a sold-out run in Sarasota, FL anything to yell about...just because they generally don't have many world premieres I'm sure & lots of hype was probably there.
And on another note, I do also love pop-operas, winston89...including the last of them in Woman in White I believe (one of my favourites :)!)...but I don't think this is a pop-opera. The music is in that style, but it's a book musical too (according to Natalie Toro on those videos!) apparently. We'll see....
I'd definately reccomend it from what I've heard....you can actually hear the entire Concept Album on the website... talemusical.com under Sounds.
And although it was "critically acclaimed", the press that reported these kinds of things were along the lines of the "Pelican Press" & "Broadway.com", and I don't really call a sold-out run in Sarasota, FL anything to yell about...just because they generally don't have many world premieres I'm sure & lots of hype was probably there.
And on another note, I do also love pop-operas, winston89...including the last of them in Woman in White I believe (one of my favourites :)!)...but I don't think this is a pop-opera. The music is in that style, but it's a book musical too (according to Natalie Toro on those videos!) apparently. We'll see....
I'd definately reccomend it from what I've heard....you can actually hear the entire Concept Album on the website... talemusical.com under Sounds.
#19
Posted: 8/17/08 at 2:22pm
I'm really excited to see this. But I'm waiting for it to pop up on TDF or for them to announce a rush.
A little swash, a bit of buckle - you'll love it more than bread.
#20
Posted: 8/17/08 at 2:36pm
In my opinion, if TALE OF TWO CITIES wants to survive, it's going to have to offer something that audiences haven't already gotten sick of at the 80's Big Big Musicals.
So it either has to get very good reviews, or have wonderful word-of-mouth: there can't be any in-between. And frankly, if either is going to happen, it's probably going to be the latter.
So it either has to get very good reviews, or have wonderful word-of-mouth: there can't be any in-between. And frankly, if either is going to happen, it's probably going to be the latter.
"Y'know, I think Bertolt Brecht was rolling in his grave."
-Nellie McKay on the 2006 Broadway production of The Threepenny Opera, in which she played Polly Peachum
-Nellie McKay on the 2006 Broadway production of The Threepenny Opera, in which she played Polly Peachum
#21
Posted: 8/18/08 at 1:27pm
I agree. The success of this show depends on whether the 80's POPERA genre can be revived.
"It does what a musical is supposed to do; it takes you to another world. And it gives you a little tune to carry in your head. Something to take you away from the dreary horrors of the real world. A little something for when you're feeling blue. You know?"
#22
Posted: 8/18/08 at 1:29pm
Oh jeez...
I'm watching a 'Friends' re-run, and Joey's just got an audition for a musical version of... *drumroll* ... 'A Tale Of Two Cities'!
I LOLed.
I'm watching a 'Friends' re-run, and Joey's just got an audition for a musical version of... *drumroll* ... 'A Tale Of Two Cities'!
I LOLed.
#23
Posted: 8/18/08 at 7:24pm
3 performances were on TDF *very* briefly today. I missed it.
"I thought that that was just going to be a like one shot deal for me, you know, but they kept talking about it like, 'when we do the production, when we do the production', and I was like, 'yes, yes, when you do the production, cool, I will come and see it'". - John Gallagher Jr. on SA
#24
Posted: 8/18/08 at 7:24pm
I'm a fan of big ol' pop operas, and who doesn't love Dickens? But can we just chat about the Playbill cover/website/marquee design? Holy ugliness--what happened?! I know it's silly to judge anything based on its promotional art, but I'm not going to lie: the cheapness of the look makes me wary. That said, I'll be back tomorrow night for early word from folks who catch the first preview. Hope it's a million times better than its art.
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