This is from 'The Stage' Shenton's View

 

Then it was over to Waterloo to catch a train to Kingston to see the new touring production of Blackbird at the Rose; except that I didn’t get there. This being Network Rail (or whatever franchise is supposed to operate the trains), the departure boards indicated that all trains out were cancelled. So I surrendered - and took the afternoon off!

 

But that was just as well: I needed to recharge before the evening’s ordeal. Typically, of course, I don’t get to see shows before the first night, when critics attend at the invitation of the management; but there’s nothing to stop me buying a ticket earlier, and out of sheer curiosity I had done so to see an early preview of Trevor Nunn’s new production of Gone with the Wind at the New London. Since Friday’s first preview had been cancelled, I was now inadvertently seeing the first; so this was going to be as rough a cut as it would be possible to see. One thing I was curious about was how long it could possibly be: the copyright version of the 1939 film version, of course, runs for 3 hours 46 minutes, and Trevor Nunn productions are not noted for their brevity. Before Saturday’s performance began, a stage manager appeared and warned us that Nunn had obviously seen fit to trim a single minute from that length: stating that this was currently longer than they wanted it to be, he respectfully asked audiences to leave as discreetly as possible if they had to go early, to avoid distracting the actors.

 

In fact, the performance finally ended at 11.35pm - four hours and five minutes after it had begun. By then, great clusters of the audience had been frequently trickling away, presumably to make their last trains; those of us who had stayed to the end had the further delay of getting out of the New London, which is one of the hardest in London to leave since it is so entirely elevated from street level, and I didn’t get to the street till gone 11.45pm.

 

I’m sure cuts and changes will now be implemented - but I worry that, since the show officially opens two weeks tomorrow, they’ve not allowed themselves enough time to do so. While a previous stage musical version of Gone with the Wind at Drury Lane in 1971, which featured a 7-year-old Bonnie Langford in the cast and a live horse that defecated onstage, prompted Noel Coward to apparently say, “”If they’d stuffed the child’s head up the horse’s arse, they would have solved two problems at once, ” those options are not available here: the horse is mimed and the child’s dialogue is taped.

 

It will be fascinating to see what the final - or at least the first night - version is, and I’m glad that I’ll be able to see what progress is made. Of course, it would be even more fascinating to be a fly-on-the-wall backstage, and indeed there is: Turner Classic Movies (TCM) are tracking the offstage and onstage progress of the production for a documentary Gone With the Wind - The Making of a Musical which is due to air on the cable channel on April 20.

 

 

 

 

All I can say was he was lucky with the trains. We were half way to London when all the trains not stopped because of rail works were stopped because of an incident at Waterloo. Getting back was fun as well.

well, good point is he doesnt give an opinion which would have been out of order really for a first night preview, which is very fair seeing it isnt meant to be the final trimmed show - so thumbs up to him on that. I really hope he gives a fair review later on. glad to see he is interested in seeing its progress though and mentions the documentary.

I wonder how many other critics have been tempted to buy tickets for a preview. We know there was at least one other at the show on Saturday.

 

It will be really interesting to see what Mark Shenton says because he wrote an article/blog railing against reality TV people in the West End, back when Darius first got Billy Flynn. He definitely mentioned the "star" casting in Chicago, its involvement in Musicality and Darius by name.

 

It is professional of him not to reveal his opinion either way of GWTW at this stage.

well hopefully this will make him see that its talent that counts, and "reality TV" is not the same as "talent TV" and anyway shouldnt come into it is you have the talent - it would be nice to see a critic actually review on what his eyes see - not on a chip he has sitting on his shoulder

I thought it was good to watch, be interested and look forward to the final model. That's how I feel about previews anyway. It's great to see the start and watch it develope to opening night.

Just think how amazing the past few months must already have been for Darius, watching something as huge developing organically.

An awful lot of hard work for a lot of people.

and still a lot to be done. They'll be exhausted before opening night

Just got back. I was only able to take 11 pics at the stage door and most from the side, so no wonderful ones on this occasion, although there is one nice one of D and the three amigos :D

 

I enjoyed the show, it moved me in parts, but I have to be honest and say one or two things weren't quite right(for me anyway) Being a D fan, I wanted him to be the character on stage, but his first half script didn't really allow him to dominate, as there were just far too many people on stage and the song snippets he sang just didn't showcase his voice at all :( Sir Trevor remarked about his booming singing voice, but he was given no real chance to evidence it before the break. He did actually miss his last note on one of the songs to, and although he probably won't on the next 100 occasions, it will have left an impression on those not familiar with how good his voice really is IMO :( He acted well with the dialogue and role he was given, and I would even go as far to say his acting was better than his singing in the first half. He also did a little dancing and as always he seemed incredibly graceful :)

 

Second half was better for D as he came into the show more centrally. The songs were stronger and he delivered them with incredible emotion(on the appropriate ones) His duet with Jill was lovely too :)

 

I am reporting this mainly about D rather than the actual show because as good a show as it was, I was there to see and support D. I feel he would want me to be honest with my opinions here, so I have been, and I hope that everyone knows me well enough to know that I am a true D fan, and wouldn't post to try and upset or annoy anyone.

 

Overall the show was very good, and doubtless will get even better, once they streamline it a little. I thought Jill had far too many songs to perform throughout the whole show. I know the story is hers, but certainly 2-3 of her songs could be lost without any detriment to the production, particularly as Meg felt D had some scenes cut from the 2nd half. Jill was wonderful throughout, and was the star of the show, which given the storyline is probably correct. I feel the next most memorable character was actually Mammy :ohmy: She had a wonderful voice and played a great role. Darius on this occasion for me was only about the 3rd best performer of the evening, but I feel he has the skills and ability to overshadow everyone's performance if he can raise his game a little.

 

Darius asked me what I thought of it, and I told him I loved it, which was true. This whole show seemed professional from the start, and much more like a west end musical than Chicago in that there were many stage and costume changes throughout, as well as the impressive set. It is wonderful to have seen an early performance because I know D will just get better and better throughout, and I am looking forward to going again on the 22-23 :)

 

I will edit and post pictures soon, but as I said , there are only 11 in total, so I won't be able to fill the thread with them as I normally like too. I will certainly try for more next time :)

 

Thanks, B.P.

 

I'm disappointed that the first cuts they make are of D's scenes.

 

I'm trying to figure out where the first act ends now. What is the final scene in it?

I wouldn't worry BT - it'll probably be somewhere else by tonight.

I hope they haven't cut the scene with the kids because that's needed to show a different side to Rhett.

it was great to see a review of the preview on WOS from fizzipop who used to be a member of Sister mothers site long way back. Am disappointed that they have cut the wrong half and some of D. wonder if Trevor nunn does always get it right. Would have thought they would cut the narration and some of Jill as she already has a lot to do. Feel disappointed. No-one seems to have mentioned whether D was on gmtv. I was out early 7.a,m this morning so did not get to watch it.

I didnt see him this morning.

Ive just seen them saying hes on Paul OGrady tomorrow.

 

I am getting very excited now to go and see this. :w00t:

I thought it was Paul O'Grady this week and GMTV wasn't until next week, Preston.

Thanks baytree, I expect I have got it wrong again. Dont seem to know whether I am coming or going this wseek, very hectic. Having read th

Just posted this over on .net.... Sorry for delay but didn't get in until 1.30a.m. last night and had a busy day today!!

 

I really enjoyed last night. I have never seen GWTW or read the book so everything was new to me apart from the few snippets I may have seen. All the cast work very hard - some take several roles and because of my ignorance I did get a bit confused occasionally! Even though the first half had been cut, I was just thinking I was ready for a break when the lights came on. The first half had held my attention but Darius had only sung one real song - he sang it well but the song was not memorable!! Mammy and Prissy (I think) had both sung solos and they were amazing, they had really powerful voices About 10 minutes into the second half I was beginning to get depressed and wondering when D was really going to get his chance to 'shine'. But.... from then on the show really picked up! His acting was amazing - I had tears running down my face at one point when he was singing to Bonnie and the passion, frustration and anger shown when singing to Scarlett was very impressive. Their duet was beautiful - their voices really complemented each other.

D's acting in the first half reminded me of Billy Flynn but he excelled himself in the second half :cheer: :wub: Scarlett was amazing throughout - she was hardly ever off-stage!! Apparently she has signed for a year - she will be worn to a frazzle!! :)

 

My only worry is that although the music is good I cannot think of one song that will stick in people's minds!! I was really hoping that Darius would have a powerful song that could be sung generally out of context of the show, but he didn't! :cry: When he made his exit near the end of the show, he left me wanting more and judging by the cheer he got when he came back onto the stage to take a bow after the final song, the audience wanted more of him too!!! :cheer: :D

 

Still... this was only the 2nd preview - a lot can change between now and 22/4. I'm looking forward to seeing the difference when I go again on 23/4 - I'm hoping that D will get more to sing and maybe Scarlett a little bit less so that she can get a bit more needed rest occasionally! :D

 

Julie

This is all the photos I have, sorry I couldn't get more, but as I said, I will try my best next time :yes:

 

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b252/PaulHardy/GWTW/94.jpg

 

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b252/PaulHardy/GWTW/95-1.jpg

 

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b252/PaulHardy/GWTW/96.jpg

 

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b252/PaulHardy/GWTW/97.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b252/PaulHardy/GWTW/98.jpg

 

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b252/PaulHardy/GWTW/99.jpg

 

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b252/PaulHardy/GWTW/100.jpg

 

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b252/PaulHardy/GWTW/101.jpg

 

Darius was very good, but I know he will get even better, and I can't wait

thanks B.P