The Heilcopter Will Land In Two Weeks.

[Phantom of London]

Posted: 4/19/14 at 1:55pm

Only 2 weeks to go now, for the most anticipated and awaited revival in musical history will happen, I hope the helipad at the back of the embassy is clear, or will it be last night of the world?





Updated On: 4/19/14 at 01:55 PM

[ggersten]

Posted: 4/19/14 at 3:20pm

When I bought tickets last week for May 20 (row F) I asked about the helicopter and the guy at the box office said he had no idea - that no one has told them anything - not even how high or low the stage will be. The lobby was filled with lights and equipment. So, it seemed like they were still arranging things.

[busylizzie238]

Posted: 4/19/14 at 4:10pm

I'm not sure, on the one hand I hear that because it's the touring version with a different production team to the original bringing it to London that it might not have the helicopter. (The touring didn't have a helicopter, it used visual effects). But on the other hand as its now playing to a bigger audience they may bring it back - I guess we'll have to wait and see.

[devonian.t]

Posted: 4/20/14 at 6:33am

There is a helicopter. They've been working on it since September.

Why exactly is this the most anticipated revival in history? It's not in my book.

[Princeton Returns]

Posted: 4/20/14 at 6:55am

Yeah the only people its that anticipated by is cam mack and his marketing team

The way people go on about the original helicopter you would think the original had a real helicopter deacend from the roof and not just a piece of set

[Phantom of London]

Posted: 4/20/14 at 7:40am

Box office are always sworn to secretly!

What musical revival has been bigger than this in the West End?

[ggersten]

Posted: 4/20/14 at 8:22am

>>Why exactly is this the most anticipated revival in history? It's not in my book. <<
Why? I'm sure the reason differs by the person - but the box office records are what says it's the "most anticipated revival". People paid top dollar months and months in advance (and will need to double check what date those tickets are for so they don't miss the performance!)

The helicopter may just be a set piece - but it's a big dramatic set piece. Even when you know it's coming, it still "works" as a big theatre moment.

[devonian.t]

Posted: 4/20/14 at 8:23am

My Fair Lady at the National/ Drury Lane for a start.

Arguably Michael Ball's Sweeney Todd off the top of my head.

I think what you meant was "musical revival I am most excited about".

MS is selling well- Cameron is anticipating a 5-year run for this revival, but at the end of the day there are far more complex scenic effects than simulating a helicopter landing. And I am sure the writers would be very disappointed to think that the best part of their show was not the script or score, but a piece of scenery being introduced on a crane arm.

[AddisonMizner]

Posted: 4/20/14 at 8:25am

The helicopter is such a small part of the show – I don’t know why everyone makes such a fuss about it. The projection they used in the tour worked wonderfully and did not take away any of the show’s impact. It is the story and gorgeous score that make MISS SAIGON so powerful, not the stage wizardry. I can’t wait to see this revival in August – with or without the helicopter.

[Jonwo]

Posted: 4/20/14 at 8:32am

5 years seems a bit ambitious, would have thought 2-3 years tops.

[lotiloti]

Posted: 4/20/14 at 8:33am

'The way people go on about the original helicopter you would think the original had a real helicopter deacend from the roof and not just a piece of set'.

I presume from your post above, you never saw the original Drury Lane production. The reason everyone goes on about it, was because the stage effect was so good. For a moment you could easily believe it was real.
When a 'piece of scenery/set' gets an ovation, you know it is something special.

[devonian.t]

Posted: 4/20/14 at 8:46am

"When a 'piece of scenery/set' gets an ovation, you know it is something special."

That's when you know you are in with a bad crowd.

[DeNada]

Posted: 4/20/14 at 10:09am

At Rocky the other week there were all sorts of bits of scenery getting applauded - mostly because I think they were scenes from the film? Some meat hanging from the ceiling and some big steps? One bit of scenery gets a standing ovation because as it comes on they move a huge chunk of the audience on stage and make lots of others stand up so they can see it...

[Princeton Returns]

Posted: 4/20/14 at 12:19pm

You presume wrong

Yes its a good moment but it does not look like a real helicopter, its clearly a set piece.

[Phantom of London]

Posted: 4/20/14 at 2:16pm

Let's keep things in check here.

I went with the helicopter here because that is what Miss Saigon is synominous with, just like barricades are with Les Miserables, chandelier with Phantom etc, I agree it isn't the best part of the show, but when I will see this, like everyone else will be curious to see how it's done, I will be also anticipating how they will do the Statue of Liberty also. But I will enjoy the whole 2:30hrs, it is a breathtaking show with a great score, Boublil and Schonberg are my favourite musical composers, so will relish this, but that doesn't mean to say that it will be a great revival, the proof will be in the tasting.

Also went with a Miss Saigon thread as it is only 2 weeks away and give us something fresh to talk about on here, as the board will tend to stagnate.

Sweeney Todd despite having 2 big stars in it, it turned out to be a very hard sell in the end.

[Jonwo]

Posted: 4/20/14 at 5:02pm

Miss Saigon should be a hit even if the reviews aren't all raves, I'm hoping Cameron Mackintosh isn't just plonking the Dutch production into the Prince Edward and instead made changes to make it just as great as the original,

[DeNada]

Posted: 4/20/14 at 5:40pm

If the helicopter's going in it's already slightly different from the Dutch production which used the hoary old projection.

It'll be like Oliver was at Drury Lane, I suspect - that was the Palladium set spruced up to fit the theatre, this'll be the Dutch set with something similar done, probably some improvements from the Japanese production as well. Looking at the creatives list on the website they've got a new lighting designer (Bruno Poet), and Mick Potter's doing the sound like he does for every Cameron Mackintosh show, but the set design, direction, costumes etc. are all the same as they have been for years, with the addition of Matt Kinley (another Cameron Mackintosh favourite) on set design alongside the old Adrian Vaux/Totie Driver credits. Most interestingly there is a new credit for more additional lyrics from the latest person to try and make Boublil's lyrics work in English...

I've just had a look at the casting in detail; it's rather safe, outside of the Kim, isn't it? Three of the principals have played the roles in this very same production before, and the ensemble has some people who were in the last London run of the show! I'm sure they'll all go a good job, though. Perhaps the show itself is still the star here; the Cabaret revival on Broadway is exciting because of its casting, rather than the return of the seminal production. I guess it's pretty difficult to cast Miss Saigon with talented stars.

[ClapYo'Hands]

Posted: 4/20/14 at 7:23pm

Thanks for starting this thread, Phantom.

I for one am incredibly excited about this revival. I have already bought tickets for myself and for my parents for their wedding anniversary!

I don't know how accurate this is, but am I right in thinking that the show has not been staged with the helicopter (as per Drury Lane) since that original production and tour? I heard rumour that due to an injury sustained on the tour (and involving the helicopter) that it was a set piece never to be able to be used again - a combination of health & safety and high insurance costs.

Not sure how true this is, and what exactly we're going to see at The Prince Edward. I for one am not a massive fan of Laurence Connor. None of the recent CM productions have had as much impact as their original counterparts, I just hope that Saigon doesn't lose any of the necessary grit and rawness.

On a partial side note; I have a ticket for a 14:30 Saturday Matinee in June, followed by a performance of Clarence Darrow at 18:00 at The Old Vic. I'm hoping for a Saigon finish at 17:00. How likely is this, and how likely is a mad taxi dash south?



Updated On: 4/20/14 at 07:23 PM

[Phantom of London]

Posted: 4/20/14 at 7:42pm

I think Saigon will come in about 3 hours, let you know. I am at the first preview. Very tight though.

[devonian.t]

Posted: 4/21/14 at 7:52am

The set has been having major work done in Plymouth for several months. The show should look bright and shiny when it opens.

[Phantom of London]

Posted: 4/21/14 at 10:12am

sounds good, I didn't think they would just put the Dutch/UK tour version in thr Prince Edward, that would be open season for the press.

BTW: Clap of Hands, good to see you are active on here again, knowing your tastes in shows, which are very similar to me, I think you will love Miss Saigon.

[nataliealana]

Posted: 4/21/14 at 10:27am

I am so looking forward to this revival as I have never managed to see Miss Saigon "live" only recorded footage and the soundtrack.

I'm also excited to see the helicopter, but then again I get excited by the yellow cab in Fame- easily please.

[ClapYo'Hands]

Posted: 4/22/14 at 3:01pm

Nice to be back POL - it probably won't last for long! I always read but vert rarely have time to post.

Very much looking forward to Saigon - it's certainly my most anticipated revival!

[Phantom of London]

Posted: 4/22/14 at 7:08pm

Glad you are seeing it, a great show, if anything like the original.

[BrassBandBoy]

Posted: 4/23/14 at 8:49am

Regarding the helicopter: the original Dutch production (back in 1996) used the exact same staging and set as the original production in London.
So, including the actual helicopter on stage.

Overall, it was a much better show than the revival a couple of years ago and I'm glad I had the chance to see that 'original' version back then.
It worked much better, with the 'small stages' (Dreamland, Kim's room etc...) on stage, compared to the new set which is basically the same thing for most of the show (first Act in particular).

One thing that also stood out in the new production (and not in a good was) was The American Dream, with those dreadful cartoons and without the actual Cadillac (although I believe that has been brought back later on in the run)...*ugh*.

Anyway, for those who haven't had the chance to experience the show and score live, this revival will be a great opportunity.