Bumpy Angels
Sun, 2 July 2000, 12:07 pmWalter Plinge27 posts in thread
Bumpy Angels
Sun, 2 July 2000, 12:07 pmHello everyone! Well, lets see if we can cause some more controversy!(not that that's what i set out to do)
Bumpy Angels is a strange mish-mash of song, personal revelation (and even) game show. Unfortunately I was put off from the beginning with the intolerably long procession of "brides" which had no relevance to any later scenes - merely some sort of masque to get us in the mood (and failing). Firstly the backstage crew were laughable - taking ages just to move a cupboard and later making mistakes (coming in and off in half light) and then very audiblely chastising/discussing backstage - to was so bad the audience couldn't help but giggle. Mind you, we were already in a bemused state after being subjected to various snatches of song which are incredibly cheesy and I think lent nothing to the play - they could all be cut and play would lose nothing (might even gain a bit of dramatic credibility). By the interval I was pleased with the dramatic tension set up between characters and the audience was certainly emotionally involved - some of us rather uncomfortably so! But then it just kept coming! Coral and Felicity-Elizabeth's monologues were quite touching and well performed - but then everybody had to get in on the act, confessing every dark secret and troubled soul. Destroying most of the poignancy and subtlety of the play we were sledgehammered with emotion until the unsatisfying conclusion. High praise must goto the Mother Superior, who showed excellent charactisation and crystal clear vocal technique. Singing numbers were a little ragged and out of time and of course not all of us can be singers (Angela and Amy's song certainly made us long for a chorus number) but Your CHeatin' Heart was an absolute delight. All in all an emotion packed and interesting show, which cheapens itself through lack of any subtlety and its silly songs.
Bumpy Angels is a strange mish-mash of song, personal revelation (and even) game show. Unfortunately I was put off from the beginning with the intolerably long procession of "brides" which had no relevance to any later scenes - merely some sort of masque to get us in the mood (and failing). Firstly the backstage crew were laughable - taking ages just to move a cupboard and later making mistakes (coming in and off in half light) and then very audiblely chastising/discussing backstage - to was so bad the audience couldn't help but giggle. Mind you, we were already in a bemused state after being subjected to various snatches of song which are incredibly cheesy and I think lent nothing to the play - they could all be cut and play would lose nothing (might even gain a bit of dramatic credibility). By the interval I was pleased with the dramatic tension set up between characters and the audience was certainly emotionally involved - some of us rather uncomfortably so! But then it just kept coming! Coral and Felicity-Elizabeth's monologues were quite touching and well performed - but then everybody had to get in on the act, confessing every dark secret and troubled soul. Destroying most of the poignancy and subtlety of the play we were sledgehammered with emotion until the unsatisfying conclusion. High praise must goto the Mother Superior, who showed excellent charactisation and crystal clear vocal technique. Singing numbers were a little ragged and out of time and of course not all of us can be singers (Angela and Amy's song certainly made us long for a chorus number) but Your CHeatin' Heart was an absolute delight. All in all an emotion packed and interesting show, which cheapens itself through lack of any subtlety and its silly songs.
RE: Bumpy Angels
Tue, 4 July 2000, 12:00 amVery well said Ross and I enjoyed your high form of wit - and to all those other than SS.
As I was just a tourist in the bio-box on opening nigh I should not comment - but life being what it is I must add mine GST worth.
What I seen during the 1st act was great - although I heard very little as there was a problem with the 'show speaker' (this was rectified during interval) but the 2nd act was good and will be even better when I get to hear the 1st act next friday night.
We in the box asumed that the 'warm props' in their enthusiasm jumped the cue, as I was to believe that the cupboard was to be set prior to their enterance after which the visual lighting cue for that scenes state was to be executed - however as the cue did GO the state was left at the start level and paused untill the set piece was set.
So thanks Ross - now I know what happened - how's the head now? and the name for that sand bag thing is a stage weight - which caused a light wait. But is not this that gives that little bit extra, that added factor of being live and bringing about value for money.
But I find it amazing when the warm props can fluff and jump whole pages of script forward and backwards, then carry on and nought is mentioned, after you consider the amount of rehearsal they have had as compared to the crew - and yet the crew is always nailed because they stuffed up (usally by accident and beyond their control of course) then some yo-yo who hangs out their shingle as a crit or reviewer - screw them to wall, because in their view they should get it right first every time - even though it is doubtful they had time for a tech run or a cue to cue rehearsal.
May I let you in on a secret - IT happens in pro shows as well.
One thing you may have missed - which got up my nose - was after the house was opened and the punters let in, the cast and tech crew entered the house thru the house rag to take their places. I questioned this - but because it was raining and the builders of the arts centre did not plan for it - there is no way to get to the foyer or control room without entering the FOH. That's a design fault that happens when these City's build a community hall cum modifed Theatre venue. Possibly the designer was once given a comp to see a show and instantly became an expert.
But there again I am only a little black duck and have not had SS's extensive education in the arts - after all he is a self confessed actor as well - so keep on doing it - as your postings are as exciting as watching fruit ripen on the ground to most backstagers I know.
Joe McCabe
As I was just a tourist in the bio-box on opening nigh I should not comment - but life being what it is I must add mine GST worth.
What I seen during the 1st act was great - although I heard very little as there was a problem with the 'show speaker' (this was rectified during interval) but the 2nd act was good and will be even better when I get to hear the 1st act next friday night.
We in the box asumed that the 'warm props' in their enthusiasm jumped the cue, as I was to believe that the cupboard was to be set prior to their enterance after which the visual lighting cue for that scenes state was to be executed - however as the cue did GO the state was left at the start level and paused untill the set piece was set.
So thanks Ross - now I know what happened - how's the head now? and the name for that sand bag thing is a stage weight - which caused a light wait. But is not this that gives that little bit extra, that added factor of being live and bringing about value for money.
But I find it amazing when the warm props can fluff and jump whole pages of script forward and backwards, then carry on and nought is mentioned, after you consider the amount of rehearsal they have had as compared to the crew - and yet the crew is always nailed because they stuffed up (usally by accident and beyond their control of course) then some yo-yo who hangs out their shingle as a crit or reviewer - screw them to wall, because in their view they should get it right first every time - even though it is doubtful they had time for a tech run or a cue to cue rehearsal.
May I let you in on a secret - IT happens in pro shows as well.
One thing you may have missed - which got up my nose - was after the house was opened and the punters let in, the cast and tech crew entered the house thru the house rag to take their places. I questioned this - but because it was raining and the builders of the arts centre did not plan for it - there is no way to get to the foyer or control room without entering the FOH. That's a design fault that happens when these City's build a community hall cum modifed Theatre venue. Possibly the designer was once given a comp to see a show and instantly became an expert.
But there again I am only a little black duck and have not had SS's extensive education in the arts - after all he is a self confessed actor as well - so keep on doing it - as your postings are as exciting as watching fruit ripen on the ground to most backstagers I know.
Joe McCabe
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