So, I know someone who has a VCR of this show when it was shown on T.V a while ago and I watched the first 20 minutes and it was painful. It really looked horrible. I was just wondering if anyone else saw this and how their experience was.
I like the score. It's a very small, simple show and not really like anything else Webber has written. I think it's cute how they use all the little props to make the car and window ladder and all the other little imaginative bits, but the show is entirely too long. It would be better if it was just short and sweet. I was definitely a bit bored watching the DVD, but again not because of the music or the story. It just feels like it goes on and on forever and it's not visually stimulating enough to hold my attention for that long.
Was the DVD even ever releaed in N America? It aired on the Canadian Bravo network ages back, anbd I had the same reaction. It's by no means awful but the Wodhouse stories work best in quick dips anyway--the show felt like it just went on, and on, and on...
I saw a professional production 2 yrs ago and loved it. I have seen scenes from the DVD on youtube and it seems very similar.
But, I love shows that tell a good story with the minimum of props. The exasperation and bewilderment of Bertie just get better as it goes along.
My wife liked it and the pace shouldn't bother her because she likes "Downton Abbey" and "Gossip Girl" soap operas that move along at a slower than real life pace that I cannot fathom how anyone can enjoy.
I was musical director/pianist on a production several year ago, and our audiences (we're a small Equity theatre near Chicago) LOVED IT! It's a show that didn't belong on Broadway. It works terrificly in an intmate setting.