ruby
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Post by ruby on Jan 20, 2022 12:18:40 GMT -5
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Post by njr on Jan 20, 2022 12:51:37 GMT -5
^ I agree Ellen!
Nancy
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Post by njr on Jan 20, 2022 12:55:54 GMT -5
That was great! “Only took me 20 years!” (actually 18, but who’s counting?) 😂 Nancy |
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jo
Ensemble
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Post by jo on Jan 20, 2022 14:04:41 GMT -5
Maybe he was thinking of an even earlier period ?
Wasn't he the first Curly to have danced the dream ballet as well as being the acting lead in Oklahoma! in 1998? According to Hugh, he was a bit clumsy then and in one instance, he sent Josefina Gabriel flying into the air. And his dance captain then was Warren Carlyle. The show choreographer then was the famous Susan Stroman (The Producers/2000 Music Man revival).
He has spent so much time (not expected) honing up his dancing skills for The Music Man, partly because the pandemic gave him the time to do part zoom-based lessons with Warren and part studio-based lessons.
If one remembers, he posted the tap dance studio rehearsal to the beat of Warren's clapping as early as June 2021. Many had speculated where in the show it would show up because it might not be period-authentic. No one ever thought it would be part of the finale/curtain call.
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jo
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Post by jo on Jan 20, 2022 14:14:06 GMT -5
The secret understudy cum swing!
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jo
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Post by jo on Jan 20, 2022 14:29:24 GMT -5
The theatre purists (on ATC & BWW) are questioning the inclusion of so many dance sequences in the revival, presumably possibly affecting the book length. On the other hand, the general public seems to be overjoyed with this revival, including one who said that she is a ballerina but she really loved the tap dance in the finale.
I think that if we have learned the lesson from the unexpected success of The Greatest Showman, the real factor that will appeal to audiences is connectivity & resonance. People said they could totally relate to the movie's music and life messages and the joy that the storyline & characters has brought to them. And some have said that the well-critiqued West Side Story remake failed at the box office because it failed to connect to the audience.
We'll see how Broadway critics and Tony voters will view this revival! And how the demand for the show will fully materialize!
Jo
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jo
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Post by jo on Jan 23, 2022 0:06:17 GMT -5
From an overjoyed cast member, Hugh's once-upon-a-time-LeadingLady Kathy Voytko
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jo
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Post by jo on Jan 23, 2022 23:41:53 GMT -5
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jo
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Post by jo on Jan 24, 2022 0:44:55 GMT -5
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ruby
Auditioning
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Post by ruby on Jan 24, 2022 1:44:24 GMT -5
LOL! Does Hugh still get a prolonged entrance applause? Jo The first show was the longest but every show I’ve seen since has been been consistent because the scene is set up to get that reaction. The euphoria is expected and the timing doesn’t vary by much. |
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jo
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Post by jo on Jan 24, 2022 20:07:16 GMT -5
BWW --
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jo
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Post by jo on Jan 24, 2022 20:15:13 GMT -5
BWW --
Why Hugh Jackman is above the title ( and not just because he is Hugh Jackman) --
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jo
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Post by jo on Jan 25, 2022 12:13:10 GMT -5
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ruby
Auditioning
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Post by ruby on Jan 26, 2022 1:24:16 GMT -5
They finally addressed a significant issue with this production of the Music Man. The finale was confusing to the audience. It starts like a curtain call with cast members systematically taking turns executing some dance steps. It broke the momentum of the upbeat ending of the band coming together to be the dream marching band. People wanted to rhythmically clap for the finale but the stall of trying to get all these dance runs in for the full cast was slow and bloated. They cut the whole thing and it moves much better and ties up the show quickly and in high spirits.
Hugh has perfected the delivery of many lines. Before I sensed the stress of remembering all the steps, lines and blocking. Now I see him fleshing out his performance. His expressive face gets a workout and I think he lives to get Sutton to break ( he did get her to go once and she had to cover her face to regain her composure).
I felt bad for Hugh as he did lose his foothold in one dance sequence and he hit the ground ( concerned he was going to fall on Patrick V. in the pit- he laughed at that suggestion when we saw him after the show. Jinxed him he says “Quite the dancer, yeah when I stay on my feet!”). He covered well and milked it to full effect. The audience loved it.
Each time I catch new asides or quips that Hugh adds. All are LOL funny.
I’m really loving how the show has tightened up. Now if they would cut at least one dreary appearance by the mayor’s wife and the ladies … give the time back for more of the sizzling and impishly sexy Hugh doing Marian the Librarian. Damn! He really works it in that number.
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jo
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Post by jo on Jan 26, 2022 2:24:25 GMT -5
Thanks, Ruby!
Especially for this - which I have seen also drawing negative comments on theatre boards -
It looks like Hugh is putting a stamp on the show that reflects more on his interpretation of how Harold Hill charms the town folks, rather than being a modernized version of the smooth-talking Robert Preston.
They seem now to be making full use of the previews to tighten up the show...
and be ready for when the critics come in to see the "frozen" show...and then the official Opening Night on Feb 10, 2022.
JO
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jo
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Post by jo on Jan 26, 2022 2:47:55 GMT -5
I usually do not book for tickets until about a month or two after Opening Night ( when I think the show and the actors have fully settled down) -- but it also means missing the evolution of the show ( from its previews to Opening Night).
You guys are lucky who have seen the show at its preview stage...and can follow its final development phase.
It is said that unusually long previews is a legacy of Scott Rudin. This preview period length was set when he was still with the production. It looks like it is the result of his experience as Broadway's most successful producer!
JO
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jo
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Post by jo on Jan 26, 2022 8:17:49 GMT -5
> > > I felt bad for Hugh as he did lose his foothold in one dance sequence and he hit the ground ( concerned he was going to fall on Patrick V. in the pit- he laughed at that suggestion when we saw him after the show. Jinxed him he says “Quite the dancer, yeah when I stay on my feet!”). He covered well and milked it to full effect. The audience loved it. |
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ruby
Auditioning
Posts: 345
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Post by ruby on Jan 26, 2022 8:57:58 GMT -5
> > > I felt bad for Hugh as he did lose his foothold in one dance sequence and he hit the ground ( concerned he was going to fall on Patrick V. in the pit- he laughed at that suggestion when we saw him after the show. Jinxed him he says “Quite the dancer, yeah when I stay on my feet!”). He covered well and milked it to full effect. The audience loved it. Oooh, someone was filming! Hugh is so extra special…he never fails to recognize those he has a history with just by their eyes 😷. He always interacts with us from the stage too when we’re in the front. No one better to fans than Hugh. |
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Post by mamaleh on Jan 26, 2022 10:13:31 GMT -5
I’m really loving how the show has tightened up. Now if they would cut at least one dreary appearance by the mayor’s wife and the ladies … give the time back for more of the sizzling and impishly sexy Hugh doing Marian the Librarian. Damn! He really works it in that number. He certainly does. No wonder, as Hugh said to me, that Deb's favorite number is "Marian the Librarian." Ellen |
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jo
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Post by jo on Jan 26, 2022 10:42:52 GMT -5
I think I will change my name to Jealous Jo - LOL! I won't get my chance till when Omicron supposedly becomes less intrusive. Maybe then I can also start chip-chip-chiping  But thanks for all the sidelights, Ladies!! JJ |
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jo
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Post by jo on Jan 26, 2022 11:00:37 GMT -5
Sutton is following suit - takes off the hat for the final bow |
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Post by njr on Jan 26, 2022 12:57:57 GMT -5
If you didn’t know that “Marian the Librarian” was a song, this would take on a new meaning! 😂
I’m really loving how the show has tightened up. Now if they would cut at least one dreary appearance by the mayor’s wife and the ladies … give the time back for more of the sizzling and impishly sexy Hugh doing Marian the Librarian. Damn! He really works it in that number.
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ruby
Auditioning
Posts: 345
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Post by ruby on Jan 26, 2022 20:00:02 GMT -5
If you didn’t know that “Marian the Librarian” was a song, this would take on a new meaning! 😂 I’m really loving how the show has tightened up. Now if they would cut at least one dreary appearance by the mayor’s wife and the ladies … give the time back for more of the sizzling and impishly sexy Hugh doing Marian the Librarian. Damn! He really works it in that number. That is indeed a bit more than I meant to imply 😳 |
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jo
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Post by jo on Jan 26, 2022 21:01:13 GMT -5
Between performances  
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jo
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Post by jo on Jan 27, 2022 19:29:04 GMT -5
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