Sam4God

Good posts, strallenfan and Sam4God. Very considered and diplomatic.

Part of the fun, I do admit, is comparing and contrasting different performances, but it's helpful to be specific and objective about your observations - and remember as much as, for example, I find Rachel grating, lacking a connection and unemotional, others have the opposite experience. Huge sweeping statements aren't really conducive for a fun discussion, but explaining why you like someone can be. Of course, other than by saying 'Nobody else compares. She is the best' - as this doesn't tell anybody anything about their performance. A critique - rather than criticism - is interesting to read as well.

Personally, I'd love someone completely different for both the tour and the new London Elphaba. I was really disappointed by Louise's casting as it wasn't anybody 'new'. I want to be surprised, and excited, and I think it would help, after so many years, the show to remain fresh.

Obviously you are entitled to your opinion on this but so are all the bloggers (who should just stop writing according to you) and the people who actually enjoy reading the various blogs.

I am a blogger myself, however I usually don't put links to my blog on here (unless you count the link in my profil). Why do I blog? Quite simple: Because I enjoy writing and I love writing about my main passion which happens to be theatre. My blog consists of reviews and some interviews with performers. I sometimes write about general things that I feel are worth a mention (my blog post about the WOS Awards actually made it on here - and no,  it wasn't me who posted the link).

I don't want to be a professional writer, I don't want to be famous - I just enjoy writing. Obviously it's great if people enjoy my reviews, interviews and such. But I'm not expecting anyone to be interested - anyone who thinks my blog is a waste of time can just ignore it.

Not sure why this bothers you so much.  You say yourself you don't have to click the links.  Why shouldn't people give us access to their blogs?  What you describe as "ramblings" are often extremely well-written and thoughtful pieces.  Several of the bloggers here are talented writers - Poly is a prime example. I always click the links to her blog and to most of the others. Honestly, what's the essential difference between writing a review here and providing a link?

Does anyone know of anyone joining the cast at the end of this cast change?

I've heard Anna Jane Casey is playing Mrs Wilkinson! She's going to be incredible - I've wanted het to do it for ages!

Whatever else you say about him, you surely have to concede that ALW has always been surprising with his choice of subject matters. If he'd listened to every person who told him "That's a terrible name/idea for a musical" over the years he'd probably never have made a penny."

I'm sure ALW has no expectations of this running for 20 years but clearly the subject matter interests him. Perhaps after the roasting he got over Love Never Dies he likes the idea of working on a show for which there is no huge expectation.

Don't worry, you are forgiven as long as you promise to have better opinions in the future

wickedgrin, on 04 March 2013 - 12:29 AM, said:

Do you not have paid holiday in your job then? I should get onto your union pronto if that's the case.

I had no real respect for her in the first place though, don't take that in the wrong way, I respect her career, and she seems like a nice enough person, but I don't feel that seeing her in a role on stage is enough to form enough of an opinion on her to be able to 'lose respect'

Also losing respect for her is totally different to losing respect for her as a performer!!

yes he posted about a band, the responses are still there of people saying they're surprised he has time to listen to a band whilst he's busy breaking his family apart.. he must have taken it down. and still no statement from either gina or him. you'd hope that given the people they're hurting they would post something in the way of an apology instead of coward behind silence till it all "goes away". i've lost so much respect for gina and him i'd rather wait till cast change till i go back again.

I completely agree with Sam. Constant 'I love and support you' just because you love a performer on stage is ludicrous and quite frankly naive. If this was one of my favourite performers I wouldn't automatically jump to their defence.

sorry i disagree. its all over twitter. her fiance made it clear he did not like ben. and yes, you CAN help who you fall for. when you're working with them for no more than a couple of months and they've a child and a wife you can bloody well hold back.

Well that was an incredible performance. Never seen anything like it. The whole cast really blew the show out the water. Big applause for Katherine Kingsley and Daniel Crossley. There were no speeches but there was extra water kicked over the first few rows and being on the front I got a good soaking! I will really miss this cast they all work so well together and I think the next cast have a lot to live upto!

I’ve been fortunate to see A Chorus Line already and I absolutely love it. Having never seen the show before and only knowing a few of the songs I was not sure what to expect but I enjoyed every second of it. I’ve seen a lot of West End shows and the energy and talent of the cast I would say is unsurpassed. Such is the show that each performer has to be a triple threat with acting, singing and dancing and the entire cast are amazing.
The standout performances for me include John Partridge as Zach; he has unique star quality and stage presence. His acting is fantastic and he moves from Zach in the strong, tough director mode to the caring, emotionally complex human Zach effortlessly and wonderfully. I love that he is involved in several of the dance numbers as his dancing is phenomenal.
Scarlett Strallen as Cassie is also fantastic, her solo dance is a beauty to behold, all at once strong and sensual whilst maintaining the fragility and emotion of Cassie in that moment; beautiful. Leigh Zimmerman as Sheila has the audience in the palm of her hand and delivers some of the best and funniest one-liners with aplomb. Victoria Hamilton-Barritt also gives stunning renditions of ‘Nothing’ and ‘What I did for Love’. I also adore Gary Wood’s portrayal of Paul; his monologue describing his childhood and youth is performed beautifully, retrained yet emotional, I was totally captivated by his performance.
I was lucky enough to see Marvin Hamlisch perform with Idina Menzel in 2011, a wonderfully charismatic and talented man, this new revival of A Chorus line with his gorgeous score is a credit to his memory. I cannot wait to see the show again.

Sam4God, on 31 January 2013 - 10:49 PM, said:

That's never been strictly true, the box office do discount on the day if you ask.  But yes, I've never seen it do regular discounts.

I wouldn't be surprised if it closes some time this year, but I'm dubious about the Commitments - there's no way that will sell as well as Singin in the Rain.  I'd be more inclined to believe a closure rumour if a different show was rumoured to be going in.  But a rumour is all it is anyway without any verifiable sourced information.