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do you think long running shows need to do what les mis did? — Page 2

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#26

re: do you think long running shows need to do what les mis did?

This topic reminds me of when I saw "Phantom of the Opera" back in 2002.

I couldn't understand what all the fuss was about.

It played like a bloated beached whale.

If a performer on Broadway isn't giving %110 percent (and granted sometimes there are health issues) then get off the stage. The audience members that night paid the same amount the audiences paid during your first month. They deserve (and should demand) the same level of performance.

Updated On: 2/22/05 at 04:29 PM

#27

re: do you think long running shows need to do what les mis did?

I totally agree - I've been having this problem with RENT for a few years now. Once in a while they will throw things together again, but for the most part, they're just gliding through the show. I noticed the same thing with THE PRODUCERS already - especially with the terrible Stephenson/Stalden cast. It's my biggest theatre pet peeve.
"If you are going to do something, do it well. And leave something witchy." -Charlie Manson
#28

re: do you think long running shows need to do what les mis did?

I have experienced many a show where I noticed actors on auto-pilot. The one that comes to mind was when Faith Prince was in Guys and Dolls. A friend of mine and I went to a Wednesday matinee and we both looked at each other during intermission with the same "wtf" look and said she was on auto-pilot. On the flip side there are times I was expecting a long running show to be tired looking, yet the show appeared very fresh. The revival of "42nd Street" is a perfect example. I saw it March 2004 after not having seen it since 2001 and was pleasantly surprised by the energy of the cast etc. (though I did see one girl in the chorus who looked liked she was just going through the motions; it was very distracting.)

The sad reality is seeing one of your favorite shows look like it has seen better days. I usually apply the two year rule as well.
Hey Dottie! Did your colleagues enjoy the cake even though your cat decided to sit on it? ~GuyfromGermany
#29

re: do you think long running shows need to do what les mis did?

I totally agree on all the statements and most of the particular shows already mentioned. I do agree on Rent, I never saw the OBC unfortunately but I think I saw the third cast and still...it just seems different. And I have heard pretty bad things about Les Miz as it was closing.

But I dunno I feel the need to stick up for Phantom of the Opera currently. Maybe it's just because Hugh Panero's so great, but I saw it a couple months before the movie and it still feels like a great show. I mean, true some effects have certainly surpassed the chandelier but I still feel like watching it fall is magical in the theatre. I for one certianly hope and have a feeling it will surpass Cats as the longest running show.
"If there was a Mount Rushmore for Broadway scores, "West Side Story" would be front and center. It snaps, it crackles it pops! It surges with a roar, its energy and sheer life undiminished by the years" - NYPost reviewer Elisabeth Vincentelli
#30

Black Saturday at Annie

Yes Martin did pop in to see his show and was so furious he fired almost everyone even Sarah Jessica Parker was axed from the title role that night
Dan
#31

Black Saturday at Annie

you know... sometimes this is why i'm glad i get to see touring shows vs. a broadway show... it always feels like a touring show is giving always so much energy in their performances... it helps that they have like 4 opening nights a month... when i saw the RENT tour... they ensemble were always spot on and full of energy... including the non-equity tour... Miss Saigon's ensemble during the 2NT run was phenomonal!!! probably the best working ensemble i'd ever seen and hear from a touring group... i just saw Chicago at the Pantages and although the show is blah to me... the movie was better... the cast had so much energy for a Saturday matinee... i've seen numerous Les Miserables and they've almost always were stunning performances... i mean i can go on and on... GO TOURING SHOWS!
#32

black saturday at annie

I agree with wickedrentq, maybe it is Hugh but I saw Phantom last night and was blown away. I found the entire cast to be filled with energy even the guy that played Raul who was very weak. The voices were so powerdul and full of emotion and I enjoyed watching the ballerina's who were full of joy and spark.
"Without Jews, fags, and gypsies, there is no theatre!" ~Mel Brooks, To be or not to be
#33

black saturday at annie

"it always feels like a touring show is giving always so much energy in their performances..."

Really? I've actually had mixed emotions about touring companies as of late, especially the heavy dance ones. The tours of "Chicago" and "Fosse" that came to Seattle some years ago were quite bland.. the dancing/feeling was just not there.

Now... I have seen some awesome tours, "Rent", "Urinetown", and "Movin' Out" come to mind...
Happy, smile! Sad, frown! Use the corresponding face with the corresponding emotion! - Kate (Meg Ryan), French Kiss

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