[markinchelsea]

Hi Everyone,

I went to see this Saturday afternoons preview of Love Never Dies. I thought the first act was pretty dire, a bit slow in parts and didn't really get anywhere. During the interval I thought ok this is going to flop big time. The second act was actually rather good though, very sad ending and very well staged. It will be interesting to read the press reviews as I think it might be slated. I am a huge fan of the original Phantom, though if you see this as a individual piece of theatre, you will enjoy it. The lighting and visuals where fabulous as where the performances by the leads. There was definitely a lack of memorable tunes though.

Hope my review helps.
Mark

[Pharaoh's number 2]

Thanks for your review Mark. And btw, welcome to the board!
Personally, (although I have yet to see the show, but have the album which arrived today), I am finding the score wonderful, lavish and memorable. In my opinion, I think it's one of ALW best works ever- really emotional. I love the first act but it may come across different on stage. Have you got the soundtrack Mark? Good to hear the visuals, lighting and cast aare good though. Did you find the set too bare at any stage? P#2

Moderators: could this thread be merged into the big LND thread please?

[markinchelsea]

Thanks for your review Mark. And btw, welcome to the board!
Personally, (although I have yet to see the show, but have the album which arrived today), I am finding the score wonderful, lavish and memorable. In my opinion, I think it's one of ALW best works ever- really emotional. I love the first act but it may come across different on stage. Have you got the soundtrack Mark? Good to hear the visuals, lighting and cast aare good though. Did you find the set too bare at any stage? P#2

Moderators: could this thread be merged into the big LND thread please?

Thanks for the welcome. Nope ain't got the soundtrack yet, not sure if I would buy it but some of the score was very nice, though very Lloyd Webber. The stage being bare not too sure, there are lots of video effects and it wasn't as lavish as the original Phantom set. Hope you enjoy the show when you go and see it, I would probably give it 7 out of 10.

[markinchelsea]

Pharaoh's no.2 - I am interested that you think LND's score is one of ALW's best ever. Have you heard Jesus Christ Superstar? Evita? Is it really up there with them?

IMHO sorry for crashing your question but it is nowhere near as classic as those musicals you have listed.

[Pharaoh's number 2]

Personally, I find LND very memorable and moving. Jesus Christ Superstar is a superb musical, as is Evita, and both have great tunes. I said one of, thereofore not dismissing the 2 aforementioned shows. I'm sure in a few years time, LND may very well become a classic. My favourite Lloyd Webber show is Joseph- yes, I know! - but I think it's a very clever mix of musical pastiches and fits the story perfectly, and very catchy. I also do love Superstar, Evita, PoTO, Aspects and bits of Sunset. I also enjoy listening to The Likes of Us, and I hope that that makes it into London soon. I guess it's all a matter of personal opinion. Some journalists have said that they trhink it's ALW best work, whilst other hate it thoroughly.

[markinchelsea]

Personally, I find LND very memorable and moving. Jesus Christ Superstar is a superb musical, as is Evita, and both have great tunes. I said one of, thereofore not dismissing the 2 aforementioned shows. I'm sure in a few years time, LND may very well become a classic. My favourite Lloyd Webber show is Joseph- yes, I know! - but I think it's a very clever mix of musical pastiches and fits the story perfectly, and very catchy. I also do love Superstar, Evita, PoTO, Aspects and bits of Sunset. I also enjoy listening to The Likes of Us, and I hope that that makes it into London soon. I guess it's all a matter of personal opinion. Some journalists have said that they trhink it's ALW best work, whilst other hate it thoroughly.

I sort of agree with you, somethings age well with time and then become classics. LND could quite become something of a slow burner to begin with and then gain momentum over time, though a soundtrack CD is normally so highly produced that it can seem faultless.

[Matthew Winn]

Moderators: could this thread be merged into the big LND thread please?

Kind of difficult to merge them now, as there have been overlapping posts in both threads and it would get confusing. So I'll lock this one; please continue discussion of the show in the main thread.