Sweeney starts previews tonight!!!'

[Play Esq.]

Who's going tonight!?!?

I'm practically going to London JUST to see this production (but since i'm there, I might as well see a half-dozen other plays...)! I'm catching it in two weeks and I can hardly contain my excitement!

[Spotlight61]

and Gypsy opens at The Curve in Leicester, No wonder Mr. Sondheim is on these shores.

[qolbinau]

I'm curious, do producers pay Sondheim for consultation?

[hpeabody930]

Already posted this on the other board, but I was there tonight and really loved it. Michael Ball and Imelda Staunton are really fantastic together, and the production itself is pretty great. Some of the performances were a bit uneven but that's obviously to be expected for the first preview. altogether though a really fantastic night of theatre!

[Sean2]

I saw the second preview tonight (Monday). Some thoughts...

I think the set works far better in a proscenium arch, and the staging has benefited from it as well. The conductor seemed to be taking most of the first act at a much slower tempo than I've ever heard before. The performances were almost all terrific, although the Beggar Woman was wearing the most old-fashioned makeup I've ever seen! Michael Ball seems even better than he was at Chichester, as does Imelda Staunton. I adore that woman.

One thing baffles me though. I was sitting in the third row stalls and I could barely hear Luke Brady as Anthony. Even though the guy was miked, he just didn't seem to be producing any sound! What the hell? And he just got on my wick more as the performance went on, to the point that I can't figure out how the guy got the job.

I hate bitching about a performer, but I know so many actors that would be brilliant in the part vocally and have the acting chops to back it up. He was on one note the whole time. Aargh! I don't get it.

But do see it, even if you saw it in Chichester as I did! It is absolutely worth it.

[Phantom of London]

I saw this tonight also. I didn't see the Chichester production 'regret'.

With a new look Michael Ball, that you have seen from the promo shots, who was sensational, but was upstaged by a delightful Imelda Staunton, well maybe.

[MariusPontmercy]

One thing baffles me though. I was sitting in the third row stalls and I could barely hear Luke Brady as Anthony. Even though the guy was miked, he just didn't seem to be producing any sound! What the hell? And he just got on my wick more as the performance went on, to the point that I can't figure out how the guy got the job.

Sadly I thought exactly the same when I saw him play the role in Chichester. I wouldn't normally say something like this, but it genuinely was an inept performance when I saw it, acting-wise and vocally.

For what it's worth, I thought he was very good - and perhaps more suited to the style of music in - Vernon God Little at the Young Vic last year.

[Jonwo]

Is the Orchestra in the pit or is it like SITR and on the stage? I know for OMTG, they removed the pit.

[qolbinau]

It is distressing to hear that Luke Brady is in the cast recording at all if he is so awful..they could have cut him and Kept "Poor Thing" :P.

[ClapYo'Hands]

I agree, I thought he was the only weak link in Chichester. Just so (apologies here) "stage school" - but not producing any genuine sound or acting.

[Sean2]

Jonwo, the orchestra is in the pit. They've also added at least a couple more chorus members, so the chorus sounds fantastic.