Chicago

First of all I would like to congratulate Grant and Julia for getting having ambition to form their own company. Secondly I would like to offer a piece of advice. I don't consider myself to be an expert, but I have been heavily involved with non-professional theatre for the past 10 years. In my expereince being part of the creative team and performing on stage do not mix. I saw Chicago on Sunday night and I felt that the production suffered from lack of direction. It is very difficult for the director/choreographer to be objective when they are on stage themselves. I could definitely see the talent and potential of the cast, but I could not shake the feeling that something was missing.

Good point. I'm not an expert either, having been involved in this wonderful world of amateur dramatics for only about 3 years.

However, I must say that I disagree with the practice of trying to direct yourself, or even direct part of a show, while leaving the direction of scenes you are in up to a like-minded conspirator. This is not to say that I think I could resist the Siren Song of roles such as Inigo Montoya or Phillipe the Mouse (the spelling is probably very dodgy, but it's also very early in the morning). If you are forced by a sudden and untimely death or simple lack of commitment in your cast, perhaps it may be necessary to take a role, if no-one else can. Generally speaking though, theatricals can degrade into sordid back-slapping easily enough, without the narcissim of pre-casting yourself.

This is not aimed at Act One Scene One, it's a general statement that's been bouncing around in my cranium for quite some time. I too saw Chicago on Sunday (the third time in all) and was pleased with the overall result. Anthony Harwood, what can I say? The man quickly quenches the over-ambitious thoughts of mortals such as myself. I don't know how you do it.

Indeed my only complaint is a strictly heterosexual male one, and stems from the fact that one of the cutest chorus-girls only appeared in every other song. Of course that's just my personal tastes interfering in my objective professionalism, which is what this is all about I suppose.

Well what can I say.....

I had the pleasure of being part of the cast of Chicago and this may prove to be a bias review but these things happen....

Never in my time of involvement in the theatre have I met such driven and inspirational people such as Julia and Grant. The effort and enthusiasm of turning a dream into a reality for them, not only once but twice, is astounding. I am in awe of their professionalism and ambition. This was an amazing project to accomplish under any circumstances and the way that they went about it is commendable to anyone, let alone directors of their age.

The cast of Chicago should be applauded for their efforts and the amazing preformances they delivered. I consider it an honour to have been a part of this amazing group of people.

I look forward to Act One Scene One being a familiar name in the theatre scene here in Perth.

Dear Grant and Julia

Congratulations on a great production - Chicago.

Keep up the great work.

xoxo
Lynnette.

Hello suckers!!
What I would like to add is that yes, Julia and Grant did have the lead roles in the show, and yes they were the driving forces behind the shows creation but I (in my 11 years of professional and amateur theatre experience) have never seen a group of 'youngish' people with such drive, determination and professionalism. I would like to challenge all critics of people like them to stage such a successful and polished show and to perform well in the lead roles at the same time. The audience numbers, let alone the audience reaction, were proof enough that the show was a resounding success.
BTW I think I figured out what Emmalee's missing aspect of the show was. The $65 price of the ticket...

Hi Jarrad and Emmalee

Can i take a moment to critique the critics here?

Emmalee wrote:
------------------
> I felt that the production suffered from lack of direction.

Where's the substantiation, the evidence, the examples? If Grant and Julia (sorry, i missed the show) are going to learn from your experience, can you provide information, practical examples, to support your view?

Jarrad wrote:
---------------
> I would like to challenge all critics of people like them to stage
> such a successful and polished show and to perform well in
> the lead roles at the same time.

"Those who can do, those who can't criticise"?

mmm... standard ad hominen argument used against critics. Attack the critic rather than challenge their point of view.

> The audience numbers, let alone the audience reaction, were
> proof enough that the show was a resounding success.

"Lots of people turned up and enjoyed it, so it must be good"?

Lots of people thought the earth was flat!

:-)

Some people might even argue that if lots of people enjoyed it, it can't be very good... Malcolm?

In my view, considered and careful criticism on this site is usually richly rewarded with meaningful debate and follow-ups. General, unsupported remarks have tended to lead to even more general and less helpful responses.

Cheers
Grant

I'm sorry I missed it, too. It sounded great.

(Sorry, Grant, not very helpful...)

JB

>I would like to challenge all critics of people like them to stage >such a successful and polished show and to perform well in the >lead roles at the same time.

Erm.. I believe that's the point that was being made. It's an incredibly hard job to do, and if someone were to ask me if it should or shouldn't be attempted, I would probably warn them off the idea. Of course, this is after only a couple of years of experience. Maybe one day I'll throw caution to the wind, and fall flat on my face. My point is, SOME people may be able to pull such a feat off, but I feel that MOST won't, and as such I feel that it's a GENERALLY bad practice. There's nothing to become defensive about. This is not a personal attack on Act One Scene One, I enjoyed Chicago all three times.

I've got drive! I've got determination! What I don't got is talent and an objective enough viewpoint. So I pull myself back a bit. My advice is aimed at mere mortals such as myself.

Grant said: "Some people might even argue that if lots of people enjoyed it, it can't be very good... Malcolm?"

No, that wouldn't be my argument at all. If lot's of people enjoyed it then it must have been a very enjoyable show. Best wishes to the producers!

I don't think anyone sets out to produce 'Chicago' as an intellectually/theatrically challenging piece. Why would you??

But then again I suppose Mr Cant did make an essay with 'Cabaret!' and lots of people seemed to enjoy that... hmmm.

Good on you Emmalee for having the 'guts' to give an objective opinion.

I too saw the production on Sunday night and felt that something was missing. I assumed that the production suffered from insufficient rehersal time and hence was obviously shocked to hear that it was second run of the performance.

One of my major criticisms is that on the dancing. Being a professional dancer and choregorapher who has worked extensively with amateur groups I felt that this was a poor display. It seemed that the choreography (although some from the broadway production) was too difficult for the cast. As the dancing was a feature of the performance, I expected it to be more polished. I feel it is better to keep moves simple and effective rather than attempting moves that are clearly too difficult.

Overall, I felt that the lead actors in the production were let down by poor choreography and staging.

I can't wait to see another production as Act One Scene One is an exciting young company with huge potential that could benefit from some constructive criticism.

Firstly I am sorry if I have offended anyone. I will try and substantiate my remarks.

* I thought the stand-out performance was given by Julia in the role of Velma Kelly. She obviously had a view of the character in her mind and the result was an enganging and 3 dimensional character. I also thought Anthony handled the pathos of Amos extremely well.
* I felt that many of the other characters were stoic and 2 dimensional. I had no feeling of who they were, their inner feelings and their motivation.
* I thought Lara Threw almost made it in her performance, but her character seemed to waver at times.
* Although I thought Alicia Broad as Roxie was effective in that she communicated the change in personality between sweet and innocent and pure bitch, her vocals let her down at times, especailly in "Funny Honey". Her voice was beautiful, but I don't think she made the best use of her chest voice and inner "gutsiness"
* overall I thought the vocals lacked power. At Iwas getting churchiness, not sexiness from particularly the girls in the chorus. While correct vocal technique is important, so is vocal style in a production such as Chicago.
* The staging was too flat for my liking. I know the production is meant to be minimalist, but I felt that the simple lighting plot needed to be compensated with more levels on stage. this could have been achieved with human bodies or more platforms. i have also seen Chicago done very effectivly with construction scaffolding
* I liked the use of the box in the opening of act 2.
* I have read comments about the energy and enthusiasm of the cast, but I am sorry, I didn't feel it. I was sitting in the front row, so I should have had my socks knocked off. The cast may be enthusiastic off stage, if you know them personally, that energy has to be transferred to the stage and projected right to the back of the auditorium and out onto the street.
* I think the broadway choreography should be avoided, for one thing it has been created with professional dancers with years of expereince and it leaves you open for comparison with the professional production. there is clearly an immense pool of talent
in Act One Scene One, so be original and create dances that match the ability of the cast.
* I felt that both the staging and the choreography could have been sharper in places. I liked the use of red lighting in the hanging scene. I also thought the cell block tango was effective.
* the use of the blue feathers was great, and I thought more props in other places could have added interest.
* The costumes were great, but I would have liked to see some more sparkle. I especially liked how the costumes seemed to match the personality of the members of the ensemble.

Lastly I would like to say that I think both Julia and Grant have such talent that they are doing themselves an injustice by perfroming a dual role. I would love to see the next production, (maybe even become involved myself ) where their talent is devoted to one role wether that be as directors or performers.

The concept of Act One Scene One is so exciting, I think Perth really needs a company for young adults. I hope that you get all the support and encouragement that you need. I did not mean to be discouraging only to offer a suggestion that would allow you to make the most of a wonderful comapany and dynamic young talent.

Critique the criticism of the critics?

Now this is getting way left! The beauty of site is idiots like myself can spout their new-improved mindless drivel without fear of recrimination or legal action. This must not be taken away from us: I can't let that happen, I won't let that happen, and I can't let that happen!!

Remember: "You are entitled to your opinion; no matter how base-less and ill-formed it may be"

Eliot

Methinks y'all should mellow on out..........if we start critiquing and cackling about caustic critics than we live in fear of drowning in an ocean of aliteration and in the end, disappearing up our own arses.

Take a deeeeeep breath, and order a couple of quadruple scotches and a couple of pints of cider......ice in the cider.

Yours in AmTheatre and Self Rightousness,
JL

At the risk of sounding childish and petulant.....BOLLOCKS!!!!!!!! I was fortunate enough to be in the cast of Chicago and in my humble opinion we KICKED ARSE!!!!!! Bear in mind won't you that alot of the cast are teenagers.....young, beautiful, talented, vibrant teenagers.....who will go reeeeaaaally far, in a short time........being an oldie, I envy them a little, but admire them ALOT! They are quite fabulous and the show was a creit to their imagination, vision and creative talent.

So there.

JL

YAY Jarrad!!!!! We were bloody marvellous though weren't we? What a joy this show was to do. And what an inspiration Grant Wes and Julia were! They will go far, mark my words!

And when they do, I shall throw back my head, let out a phsycotic laugh and think about all the Negetive Nellys out there who DARED cast nasturtiums at our little show!

KK (JL)

Don't you think you are being just a tad biased. I should think that you would be glad to find out what people not connected with Chicago thought of the production.

Being a performer myself, I would like to think that everything I am in "kicks ass" but I also understand that because I have vested so much of myself in each production, that i can not have an objective opinion on the show. That is what critics and reviews are for.

I personally quite enjoyed it, it was no professional production, but I didn't expect it to be.

Hi Emmalee

Bravo!

An excellent mix of responses to the production, that i hope may prove at the very least interesting to those involved, if not instructive. Emmalee's review combines some generous praise with careful criticism and plenty of constructive comment.

I don't know about anyone else, but I'll be looking forward to Emmalee's next review!

;-)

Cheers
Grant

Let Jill enjoy her youth and optimism Peter! Reality and age will come creeping up on her soon enough.

dude,

you are everywhere...

send me email address, i have lost yours...

clint

To all the cast of Chicago. Congratulations!!

Each and everyone of you put on a grand performance.Very often in life we all wish to follow a dream and something seems to get in the way. You kids did it and did it brilliantly. While you are young and fearless go for what you want before age and experience get in the way.

You've got my support all the way ..... Oi where's my shirt gone!!

Luv Linney Li!!!

The show sucked. The staging also was really unreliable as the way that the performers moved around it. What did the show actually "Show" as of relivance to Chicago. It all was a setup to take our so desperately needed $65.00! It was unmistakebly the worst production ever. "Barney: And Friends, in concert" was better. The only thing that made it good was the comfortable seats. We didn't neede to waste our money.. because we there are other shows out there that are better.

i can only assume this is some kind of joke...

if it is then ignore the following:

you arrogant moron.if you found barney and friends more entertaining, thats probably because you are a complete mental midget, unable to comprehend or appreciate theatre in any way shape or form, and only barney provides an acceptable platform for you to observe action on stage...

Even that however is no excuse for such an amazing display of stupidity and rudeness, not to mention poor grammar, spelling and syntax...you are a true dipshit........

if it was a joke...(as i suspect youre entire life would be),
then oh how very amusing...not

Kam

Just having a quick look at the address of Miss Leslie, I think it is safe to say that she is obviously not from Perth, and she appears to be a disgruntled audience member who did not enjoy the PROFESSIONAL production, as evidenced by her comment about the $65 price ticket. Please, let us try and be a little informed about the show that is actually being reviewed, otherwise it gets very confusing...

ohhhh......

well, if you are not making a personal attack on the same show i witnessed...i withdraw all my previous statements....except about the poor grammar and syntax....really....

Kam

I'm keeping my acid tongue at bay!! I am, however, curious as to which production of "Chicago" you actually saw and where....?

Linda