...does this freak anyone else out? (Into the Woods) — Page 2
#27
Posted: 4/18/07 at 12:04pm
While they are no vocal match to the Broadway cast, I love the way the London production was cast. I think that the costume designs are excellent as well (in this case better than the Broadway production).
#28
Posted: 4/18/07 at 12:06pm
Hey!
At least he has his pants on....
At least he has his pants on....
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#29
Posted: 4/18/07 at 12:07pm
I'm sure that I've got the souvenir brochure at home somewhere - I'll try to dig it out and post some scans here tomorrow...
#30
Posted: 4/18/07 at 12:32pm
I have never before seen any of the OLC. Was the concept that they were in black and white in the "real world" and then in color when they went into the woods? Or was it just a bad video?
#31
Posted: 4/18/07 at 12:48pm
I saw both the Original Broadway and Original London casts and the London production simply destroyed me emotionally in ways that the Broadway production (which I love and admire) never came close to doing.
The London production was much darker from the get-go, eliminating the stylistic sea-change from Act I to Act II on Broadway. And Imelda Staunton as the Baker's Wife was simply heartbreaking. I started sobbing from the end of "Last Midnight" and stayed that way through the end of the show.
That said, the London Cast recording is in no way as well-sung as the OBC ... but as a live experience, it is something I will carry with me all my life.
The London production was much darker from the get-go, eliminating the stylistic sea-change from Act I to Act II on Broadway. And Imelda Staunton as the Baker's Wife was simply heartbreaking. I started sobbing from the end of "Last Midnight" and stayed that way through the end of the show.
That said, the London Cast recording is in no way as well-sung as the OBC ... but as a live experience, it is something I will carry with me all my life.
#32
Posted: 4/18/07 at 2:50pm
>> AGain no one else gets the dark take on British pantomime aspect?
They're Americans, Eric. They dont understand the concept of pantos.
They're Americans, Eric. They dont understand the concept of pantos.
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#33
Posted: 4/18/07 at 5:42pm
SO true lol
I am glad that since posting last night a lot of other fans of this VERY good production have come out to praise it--so I'm not alone.
Eastwick--that would be brilliant if youc ould post some scans!
It does make me laugh when some (like Jazzy) say they shoulda gotten a stronger cast--as other shvae said, at the time this was a VERY strong cast with a lot of big British theatre names.
I do think that *most* people who have a problem with it are just *too* used to the OBCR but...
I am glad that since posting last night a lot of other fans of this VERY good production have come out to praise it--so I'm not alone.
Eastwick--that would be brilliant if youc ould post some scans!
It does make me laugh when some (like Jazzy) say they shoulda gotten a stronger cast--as other shvae said, at the time this was a VERY strong cast with a lot of big British theatre names.
I do think that *most* people who have a problem with it are just *too* used to the OBCR but...
#34
Posted: 4/18/07 at 5:47pm
thats weird. it could easliy be someone doing a voice over....and little red is like 45.
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#35
Posted: 4/18/07 at 5:50pm
#36
Posted: 4/18/07 at 6:13pm
I have never heard the OLCR, but I just watched the clips on YouTube. Based on the few clips that there are, I prefer the OBC hands down. Maybe it's because, as someone said, I am so used to the OBC having listened to the OBCR and watching the DVD countless times, but I think that is just a minor reason.
I just don't really like the show as a panto. I understand the interpretation, and its an interesting one, but I don't see it working as well as the OBC production. To me, it cheapened the show. Maybe I need to see the full thing (I did after all see just a few clips), but I didn't much care for it.
I think the OBC and the original production are close to perfect. And you just don't beat Joanne Gleason in that role. Even if you are Imelda Stauton.
I just don't really like the show as a panto. I understand the interpretation, and its an interesting one, but I don't see it working as well as the OBC production. To me, it cheapened the show. Maybe I need to see the full thing (I did after all see just a few clips), but I didn't much care for it.
I think the OBC and the original production are close to perfect. And you just don't beat Joanne Gleason in that role. Even if you are Imelda Stauton.
"One no longer loves one's insight enough once one communicates it."
The opposite of creation isn't war, it's stagnation.
The opposite of creation isn't war, it's stagnation.
#37
Posted: 4/18/07 at 6:15pm
Those clips are from a performance on a TV SHOW. We're judging clips on a TV performance, which are usually lackluster.
#38
Posted: 4/18/07 at 7:07pm
That mask was the coolest thing I have ever seen.
#39
Posted: 4/18/07 at 7:15pm
RIght--it's like watching performance clips from the View or the Rosie Show and judging the sets and costumes from that
#40
Posted: 4/18/07 at 7:23pm
Which is why I said, "Maybe I need to see the full thing (I did after all see just a few clips)." And I've only seen the DVD of the OBC production, so I saw both shows (in the case of the OLC, just a few measly clips) on the same format.
"One no longer loves one's insight enough once one communicates it."
The opposite of creation isn't war, it's stagnation.
The opposite of creation isn't war, it's stagnation.
#41
Posted: 4/18/07 at 7:44pm
I've just now seen the British cast on YouTube and I had to go back to the original post to see what was meant to be so freaky. The big wolf head hadn't struck me at all - it's a fella in a wolf get-up, that's going to be weird however it's done.
And so far as the penis is concerned, I'm behind Eric (ahem) - I found that terribly distracting the first time I saw the DVD. I still find it tough to look away from it. It's just so . . . unapologetic.
And so far as the penis is concerned, I'm behind Eric (ahem) - I found that terribly distracting the first time I saw the DVD. I still find it tough to look away from it. It's just so . . . unapologetic.
Tonight the world is just an address
#42
Posted: 4/19/07 at 10:53am
If anything, the OLC is worth it just for "Our Little World" at least. If you can get your hands on that song, it is definitely wonderful and although I still can't tell whether it would have been useful in the OBC, it is a gorgeous song to listen to.
#43
Posted: 4/19/07 at 11:42am
Honestly, I really dislike "Our Little World." I feel like it stops the show cold, and doesn't really add a trememndous amount to it.
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#44
Posted: 4/19/07 at 12:07pm
I like "Our little World"
but it's because I'm playing Rapunzel right now:)
but in honesty, it gives Rapunzel and the Witche a more developed relationship.
but it's because I'm playing Rapunzel right now:)
but in honesty, it gives Rapunzel and the Witche a more developed relationship.
and all that I could do because of you was talk of love...
#45
Posted: 4/19/07 at 12:17pm
I can see it going two ways. I think that the show adds some depth.
However, need they harp on the two of them when they already have enough development at that point? Plus it tips the scales to sympathize with the (obsessive) love that the Witch has as a mother figure. I like there being an even balance between her love and the harm that she inflicts on Rapunzel.
So although I prefer the song NOT being in the show, as a recording it sounds beautiful and knowing the story already it does add that extra impact.
However, need they harp on the two of them when they already have enough development at that point? Plus it tips the scales to sympathize with the (obsessive) love that the Witch has as a mother figure. I like there being an even balance between her love and the harm that she inflicts on Rapunzel.
So although I prefer the song NOT being in the show, as a recording it sounds beautiful and knowing the story already it does add that extra impact.
#46
Posted: 4/19/07 at 1:35pm
I haven't watched the videos yet. Just thought that I'd put in two cents worth about the London production. It was directed by Richard Jones. He directed "Titanic" and "La Bete", two shows with very strong visuals.
One of my favorite little touches from the pictures that I've seen is one of the Witch. She was portrayed in the traditional "black pointed hat" manner, much like Elphaba in "Wicked", but really decrept and filthy. And there was a large black spider sitting on the brim of her hat.
In the second act, after she has been transformed, she is still dressed in black. But the dress is now stylish and the spider is now a rhinestone broach.
One of my favorite little touches from the pictures that I've seen is one of the Witch. She was portrayed in the traditional "black pointed hat" manner, much like Elphaba in "Wicked", but really decrept and filthy. And there was a large black spider sitting on the brim of her hat.
In the second act, after she has been transformed, she is still dressed in black. But the dress is now stylish and the spider is now a rhinestone broach.
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#47
Posted: 4/19/07 at 3:08pm
it is freaky, but i like Into the Woods to have that dark eerie feel. and i think it was almost like story book pictures, with the characters and everything. i personally dont like the cast they were all kinda bland.
#48
Posted: 4/19/07 at 4:17pm
I adore the OBC, and fell in love with theater through the PBS broadcast. When I realized there was a song from my favorite show that I had never heard (Our Little World) I all but demanded my mother buy the OLCR for me. And I love it, too.
I guess I'm someone who, while obviously very attached to the OBC, really appreciates a different take on material. I have the OBC, OLC, PBS performance, and revival cast on my iPod. ALL get played regularly for different reasons. I love Imelda Staunton and Lulia McKenzie. I love the faster tempi, it really added excitement when I really already knew the score backwards and forwards. The recording of It Takes Two might be my favorite, as I love the shift in tempo and orchestration when the Baker begins to sing, and the shift back to a slower, more romantic song. And I love the accents/dialects. Especially Little Red's.
My only "problem" (and it doesn't stop me from listening to the recording) is Jacqueline Dankworth as Cinderella. Not sure exactly what she's going for...I want a pretty-sounding Cinderella.
I was excited to find the clips pop up on youtube a few weeks back. Wish I could see more, but certainly glad to get some idea. I think the wolf head is hilarious.
I guess I'm someone who, while obviously very attached to the OBC, really appreciates a different take on material. I have the OBC, OLC, PBS performance, and revival cast on my iPod. ALL get played regularly for different reasons. I love Imelda Staunton and Lulia McKenzie. I love the faster tempi, it really added excitement when I really already knew the score backwards and forwards. The recording of It Takes Two might be my favorite, as I love the shift in tempo and orchestration when the Baker begins to sing, and the shift back to a slower, more romantic song. And I love the accents/dialects. Especially Little Red's.
My only "problem" (and it doesn't stop me from listening to the recording) is Jacqueline Dankworth as Cinderella. Not sure exactly what she's going for...I want a pretty-sounding Cinderella.
I was excited to find the clips pop up on youtube a few weeks back. Wish I could see more, but certainly glad to get some idea. I think the wolf head is hilarious.
#49
Posted: 4/19/07 at 6:20pm
Well said--I agree completely although I still haven't got myself to buy the revival cast I admit...
I like Cinderella--the one I usually find people complaining bout is Rapunzel's Prince (there's a clip of Agony on youtube too) who has sorta a weird EUropean accent that muffles some of his lines. Ont he sondheim forum someone defended him saying he was very funny live and apparantly was a well known singer from the continent--which explained more why he was cast but I don't rememeber the details. Anyway he doesn't really bother me one way or the other.
It's strange--it was only recently I learned that the London production recording divided fans *so* extremely. it just feels like another legit version fo the show to me *shrug*
As for Our Little World--I'd never stage a production without it. Stops the show cold? the song is like 2 minutes! It allows interesting visuals with us finallyr eally seeing the tower, etc for the first full extended time, and we actually SEE Rapunzela nd her mom itneract for more than one or two lines early on which adds to their characters (plus of course its lyrics give an early indication into all the "parent and children" stuff Sondheim will go into in Act II). And musically it's WONDERFULLY integrated into the show, using the "bean motif" (as it was called in a recent Sondheim Review) etc
I like Cinderella--the one I usually find people complaining bout is Rapunzel's Prince (there's a clip of Agony on youtube too) who has sorta a weird EUropean accent that muffles some of his lines. Ont he sondheim forum someone defended him saying he was very funny live and apparantly was a well known singer from the continent--which explained more why he was cast but I don't rememeber the details. Anyway he doesn't really bother me one way or the other.
It's strange--it was only recently I learned that the London production recording divided fans *so* extremely. it just feels like another legit version fo the show to me *shrug*
As for Our Little World--I'd never stage a production without it. Stops the show cold? the song is like 2 minutes! It allows interesting visuals with us finallyr eally seeing the tower, etc for the first full extended time, and we actually SEE Rapunzela nd her mom itneract for more than one or two lines early on which adds to their characters (plus of course its lyrics give an early indication into all the "parent and children" stuff Sondheim will go into in Act II). And musically it's WONDERFULLY integrated into the show, using the "bean motif" (as it was called in a recent Sondheim Review) etc
#50
Posted: 4/19/07 at 8:12pm
I randomly got the London recording when I bought mine. I think it's great (al though I agree about Rapunzerl's prince being a little odd). I love the wolf's howl.
I guess it all depends on what you are used to, because even though I love Joanna Gleason and Chip Zien, I find that the Broadway version overall sounds dull and like it's their first sing-through of the material. No one sounds like they give a ****.
I guess it all depends on what you are used to, because even though I love Joanna Gleason and Chip Zien, I find that the Broadway version overall sounds dull and like it's their first sing-through of the material. No one sounds like they give a ****.
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