| The Martine McCutcheon Eliza; saw it, barely remember it. Thoughts? | |
| Last Edit: Delvino 02:58 pm EDT 07/04/18 | |
| Posted by: Delvino 02:53 pm EDT 07/04/18 | |
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| With the recent posts about the demands of the role, my thoughts turned to the NT production with Pryce that transferred. I actually saw the first night in the West End. A steamy July Saturday in 2001. Sold out, but I went to the box office at 10 a.m. for returns and got some for front of the first ring/tier (it was at the Theatre Royale Drury Lane). Had seen "Noises Off" with Lynn Redgrave (just wonderful) that afternoon, and the theater was sweltering, the A/C at the Drury Lane barely working. I remember a few things: the missing overture, which disappointed me. That downbeat that starts the show is iconic, to my ears. Pryce was the event, and chilly and impressive. And of course their ending was to just burst into gales of laughter after the last line. It was a dreadfully bad final moment, saying nothing in particular, and it felt like a cheap shot. I have the CD -- bought it in Heathrow -- but never play it. I loved the Doolittle of Dennis Waterman (choreography by Bourne), and the designs were impressive. McCutcheon was fine, and her acting was fresh and natural. But did they lower the keys for her? Her vocals were pop-infused, and controversial. She left the production after only 5 months, missing many performances. Won the Olivier. But certainly her problems with the performance add to the discussion about the role. I wish I could remember more about how her singing landed in the giant Drury Lane. The show felt somewhat distant, even though I had superb seats. People who saw it at the NT loved it. |
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