tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1912669500934497251.post1854815340461786949..comments2023-09-29T03:39:03.460-04:00Comments on Gratuitous Violins: A Little Night MusicEstherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16076517542540421210noreply@blogger.comBlogger8125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1912669500934497251.post-14454539969594836102009-12-14T20:10:09.758-05:002009-12-14T20:10:09.758-05:00Hey Crossoverman, thanks for the comment.
Well, ...Hey Crossoverman, thanks for the comment. <br /><br />Well, there really isn't much of a set, just some basic furniture. But like I said, I think the costumes and the waltz music give you enough of an old-time feel. And these are people who are well off, comfortable, but probably not ostentatious. So I wasn't expecting opulence. And I liked the country scene in Act II, with the trees. <br /><br />I know some critics do feel the lighting is dark. And it is in some of Angela Lansbury's scenes. But to me, that just added to the dream-like quality.<br /><br />I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you! I think with the two stars it should continue to sell well.Estherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16076517542540421210noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1912669500934497251.post-29381672372500396142009-12-14T20:03:39.487-05:002009-12-14T20:03:39.487-05:00Thanks, Sarah. It was such an enjoyable afternoon....Thanks, Sarah. It was such an enjoyable afternoon. I still smile when I think about it. And sophisticated is a perfect description.Estherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16076517542540421210noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1912669500934497251.post-41403226507252547642009-12-14T17:22:09.882-05:002009-12-14T17:22:09.882-05:00I've seen the show twice here in Melbourne - t...I've seen the show twice here in Melbourne - the Melbourne Theatre Company in 1999 and Opera Australia earlier this year, which a full orchestra. I will be seeing this production in May 2010 (fingers crossed) and it will be interesting to see what I think of a eight piece, though I think the show itself could stand it, I'm not sure how that translates to a reasonable size theatre. That said, the set and lighting design sound much more interesting than the OA version which was a bit too basic, sheer curtains and a big revolve which didn't detract from the show but didn't exactly add to it. (And it was also in the State Theatre of Victoria, which was far too big for a show I think as more intimate than anything.)<br /><br />I'm glad it's getting generally good reviews and I believe it's selling okay.crossovermanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10252850174791385656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1912669500934497251.post-62471499913767226312009-12-14T17:17:51.665-05:002009-12-14T17:17:51.665-05:00I'm so glad you liked ALNM. It's Sondheim...I'm so glad you liked ALNM. It's Sondheim's most sophisticated romantic, adult show. It's good to hear the pov of a novice. <br /><br />Don't wait to get that OCR - it's heaven. <br /><br />Incidentally, Keaton is not technically an understudy but alternates the role with Katherine Leigh Doherty. I'm sure Katherine is just as great, but on the first preview, Keaton basically stole the entire show with her poise and ease.Sarah B. Robertshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01515476679981650807noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1912669500934497251.post-89593978665682977352009-12-14T14:02:50.170-05:002009-12-14T14:02:50.170-05:00Thanks, Kari!
I respect your opinion and this bei...Thanks, Kari!<br /><br />I respect your opinion and this being my first time with ALNM I probably had different expectations than someone who knows it so well and is more musically inclined. <br /><br />The next day I saw Wicked and it sounded terrific at the Gershwin. I'm sure if I'd seen a stripped down production with seven musicians practically no sets and plain costumes, I'd feel the same way.Estherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16076517542540421210noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1912669500934497251.post-7766314116623627922009-12-14T13:55:11.764-05:002009-12-14T13:55:11.764-05:00Hey Dorian,
Thanks, I definitely want to get the o...Hey Dorian,<br />Thanks, I definitely want to get the original cast recording. <br /><br />It's a tough choice. Personally, I enjoyed ALNM more than Ragtime, although I saw a very early preview of the latter. But I think overall Ragtime may have gotten better reviews. Also, I think because I'd read the book and seen the movie of Ragtime the story didn't grip me as much emotionally as I thought it would. But I may be the exception! <br /><br />Is there any way you can go on a Wednesday or Saturday and see both?Estherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16076517542540421210noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1912669500934497251.post-82970665993038489302009-12-14T11:20:21.247-05:002009-12-14T11:20:21.247-05:00This is lovely, Esther; I'm so glad you enjoye...This is lovely, Esther; I'm so glad you enjoyed it. I've been curious how newcomers would take to it -- I'm afraid my reaction is unalterably colored by memories of other productions I've seen. And Dorian hits it on the head -- I've been listening to the OBCR for 20 years, and the expectations that come with those orchestrations has its effect as well.<br /><br />Also: Jonathan Tunick was at Feinstein's for Kate Baldwin's show last night. I wanted to go up and give him a hug for his gift to this show, but refrained.karigeehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16313190790440833847noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1912669500934497251.post-79033884088672005062009-12-14T09:55:49.011-05:002009-12-14T09:55:49.011-05:00I'm glad you liked it! I still can't decid...I'm glad you liked it! I still can't decide whether I want to push for seeing it or for Ragtime over the winter break...but ALNM is slowly picking up steam, and I think it may ultimately be my choice.<br /><br />Incidentally, the original cast album is well worth tracking down--apart from the fact that the cast is very good, the orchestrations are really lovely. I mean, I'm sure it works, even works well, with the smaller orchestra, but the way the score is treated on the original album is really great.Dorianhttp://dorian-is-i.livejournal.comnoreply@blogger.com