Woman In White

[Jimmcf]

Posted: 11/11/05 at 12:30am

Well, I am back (and so is Maria Friedman). I really enjoyed the show...I am a huge Lloyd Webber fan, and I think this is one of his best scores (it is more operatic in scope than pop I think). Maria Friedman was back, and in great form...you would never know what she has gone through this past week. Michael Ball is a delight as Fosco. The projectors were a bit jarring at first, but I thought they work very well. All in all, a very enjoyable evening!

[cathywellerstein]

Posted: 11/11/05 at 1:50am

i'm so glad maria is back and doing well! i can't wait to see this show on the 22nd.

[jimmirae]

Posted: 11/11/05 at 2:31am

I too am delighted Maria is back, and ya just gotta love M. Ball!!

[Theatreboy33]

Posted: 11/11/05 at 4:39am

I agree about the projections set. It just is far too jarring. For a rock musical perhaps it would work quite well, or something set in the future, but for a gothic, lush melodrama? It simply doesn't work at all. Everything about this musical screams LUSH. And then you have actors in beautiful victorian costumes acting around a vast empty stage in front of what appears to be a video game. Honetly, each scene opening looks the the start of a new level. I can't stand it. And what makes it worse is that I really enjoyed this musical. I think with a different set and perhaps not on a turn-table (Trevor Nunn, get off it already) this could be a FANTASTIC show. Wish Hal Prince had staged it. Phantom--now there's a lush, beautifully set musical.

[ALWrules]

Posted: 11/11/05 at 11:11am

I think the sets are incredibly inventive; it certainly seems the way of the future to me. I thought it was a visual spectacle.
Micheal ball was excellent when I saw him in London; he really stole the show. I'm looking forward to seeing the show in December, because when I saw it in London Friedman was sick. I can't wait to see this!

[FriedmanFan]

Posted: 11/11/05 at 11:57am

I'm so glad to hear Maria is back in the show and doing well! I really didn't think she could be back in such a short recovery time. It's unbelieveable to me. I continue to wish her all the best with her recovery. She must still be dealing with pain and other effects that go along with Breast Cancer surgery. She truly is a role model.
Theatreboy-I am glad to hear you liked the show! Sorry you didn't care for the sets. It really is a "love it or hate it" design. I am one of the "love it" people. I'll explain why later in a separate thread. Thanks for posting your thoughts on the show. I saw it in London and I already have my tickets for the day after opening. I can't wait!

[touchmeinthemorning]

Posted: 11/11/05 at 12:06pm

For me, Angela stole the show. Glad to have Maria back. i'm sure she was in pain last night (who gets surgery and then wears a corset?!), and she pushed her way through it. Way to go!

[ShuQ]

Posted: 11/11/05 at 12:33pm

I think the sets are incredibly inventive; it certainly seems the way of the future to me.

if this is the way of the future...you can't count me OUT on going to broadway in the future.

[Fosse76]

Posted: 11/11/05 at 1:14pm

I think the sets are inventive as well. The problem is, there's too much of it. It never sits still for more than a minute, and easily distracts from the performances. I blame Nunn and his horrible and lazy direction. I think he turned it into a gimmick when it could have easily been perceived as innovative.

[WithoutATrace]

Posted: 11/11/05 at 1:17pm

the only time i really loved the projected screen sets was during the wedding scene when we are able to get two views of the church...one looking from the front, one looking from the back. i thought that scene was excellent.

[doodlenyc]

Posted: 11/11/05 at 1:40pm

I pretty much hated the projections. I agree that they moved around too much. Set design shouldnt be the focus of a production, yet all I kept thinking was "Everyone, please stay put, so I dont have to think about the sets?" I found it distracting, and in some cases, unintentionally laughable (Marian spying on Fosco and Glyde.) I may also be inclined to blame the direction, and that it could work for another production, perhaps.

I didnt really like the show itself, either.

[AnotherDay46]

Posted: 11/11/05 at 2:56pm

Hmm I liked the projections. ^__^ I thought they worked well, that's just me though.

[kec]

Posted: 11/11/05 at 10:28pm

Thanks, Jimmcf -- glad to hear Maria is back and doing well! Looking forward to seeing the show next Friday...