Lord of the Rings musical closing this July - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Nogrod · 03-16-2008, 04:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davem

Maybe they'll try & recoup some of their losses by putting out a dvd of the show......

Here in Finland we're promised to have a choice of a CD with the music only and then a DVD with some stills and videos from the production... nothing more than that.

davem · 03-16-2008, 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nogrod

Here in Finland we're promised to have a choice of a CD with the music only and then a DVD with some stills and videos from the production... nothing more than that.

The one that's been released here is a standard cd plus dvd with stills only in a hardback booklet with pics & lyrics. http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/c...ndex=2#gallery . No video on mine - unless its some kind of 'easter-egg' thingy. I suspect there might be a problem releasing a dvd of the show due to New Line owning the 'movie' rights - of course, I may be totally wrong in that.....

MatthewM · 03-16-2008, 10:53 PM

Wow....I looked at those clips on YouTube, and I must say...what in the world were they thinking? What were they attempting? Did you SEE those actors? Those costumes? WOW. I am very glad I did not see this mockery.

The one and only thing that sounded cool was one of the musical scores. That's it.

Mithalwen · 03-20-2008, 02:51 PM

that while many of the critics admitted they hated Tolkien and so were prejudiced from the start, and clearly some are prejudiced for other reasons, I know I am not alone in having enjoyed the Lodon production and I am sorry it is closing. However I think it is too simplistic to say it could never work...

It is not a great time for the West End

http://arts.guardian.co.uk/theatre/d...139843,00.html

The strength of the pound and the fact that tourism has never really recovered from the aftermath of the atrocities of 11th September 2001 mean that the theatres are getting very cautious. It says a lot that the Rings is going to be replaced by a production of "Oliver!" with the eponymous hero and Nancy being played by the winners of the latest BBC "audition by television" show, a follow up to the highly successful contests for a new Maria (Sound of Music) and Joseph (and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat). Dont' get me wrong, I enjoyed both the shows (and my favourites won through ..

.) but it is a worrying sign for the longterm health of the industry if the only things that can get put on are tried and tested pot-boilers starring people who have had huge tv exposure.

Brinniel · 05-04-2008, 05:12 PM

I saw the musical on Friday and enjoyed it very much.

I thought the first half was depicted very well. All the best scenes were left in, and the parts that were changed had good reasons for change (after all you're cutting down a trilogy to three hours). The hobbits were well done (loved Pippin) and I was particularly pleased watching the number "The Cat and the Moon" as I really love that song in the book.

The second half was alright too. I found the death of Boromir touching and the ending was well done. The only thing that really bothered me was how they seemed to combine Rohan and Gondor and merge Theoden, Denethor, and Eomer into one character. I understand that stuff needs to be cut down, but that really just confused and frustrated me more than anything. I think it would've been better off if Gandalf came to Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli in Fangorn (like he's supposed to), and then have them ride off to save Rohan (and Gondor), but leave it there and not show any of it (until they arrive at the gate). That or extend the musical another 45 minutes. But I think it's better to cut out an entire part of the books then to include some and butcher it up. That's really my only major criticism. Though less importantly, the hand movements of the elves bothered me after awhile. It was overdone and exaggerated...like a really bad interpretive dance.

But I think what made the musical so fantastic were the special effects. The balrog was a great way to close the first act with smoke coming everywhere. The Black Riders were absolutely stunning. And Shelob was superb...she really managed to freak out the audience (as did the orcs who wandered into the aisles). And really, the list could go on...

The music was wonderful too. There were no songs that stood out to me above the rest in ways that songs in some musicals do, but still it was all very beautiful. I'll have to get the soundtrack if I can find it cheap somewhere...

Anyways, when I first heard LotR would be a musical, I admit I thought it a bit ridiculous. But after it came out I became more curious and when I found out I was going to London I decided I really wanted to see it. I still wasn't sure about how good it would be...I thought some of the clips on the website depicted the musical as a bit cheesy and overdone, but of course I had to see it for myself and I'm glad I did. Really, pictures and videos don't do the musical justice...things may look overdone but that's how all musicals are because they have to be seen from a distance (while usually they are filmed up close). It was only a few days ago I saw the first ads about the musical closing (though I was aware of it before), and I'm sad to see it go. Take my advice: anyone and everyone who has the opportunity to see LotR before July 19 should go and see it. Despite the changes, it'll be worth your money...trust me.

Kath · 05-04-2008, 05:45 PM

I've been to see it twice now and have pretty much the same opinion as Brinniel. Gollum, the Black Riders, Shelob - all fantastically done. The Elves hand movements - incredibly irritating.

Ah the orcs, there's a subject of debate. Alright, if you're watching a video I suspect the pogosticks do look silly, but when you're there and they're flinging themselves around Saruman and after the Fellowship it works very well. In addition, when they come out into the audience and flippin' well terrify you it really, really works. Trust me. My name is Kath and I have been terrorised by an orc.

As for the music. Well, clearly I can't speak for all but I enjoyed it. The voices were fantastic for the Elves and the hobbits were just the right mix of good voices but relying on the acting to get the point across. The woman playing Galadriel had a beautiful voice and when she was singing Lothlorien the audience was just spellbound.

I didn't mind the mixing of Rohan and Gondor into one because it takes out all the going one way and then back and then another and back and then another. It worked. Cuts out confusion, especially for any theatre-goers who didn't know the story.

All in all I have to say I loved it and would happily go again. I may well!

03-16-2008, 10:53 PM	#3
MatthewM Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: New York Posts: 628	Wow....I looked at those clips on YouTube, and I must say...what in the world were they thinking? What were they attempting? Did you SEE those actors? Those costumes? WOW. I am very glad I did not see this mockery. The one and only thing that sounded cool was one of the musical scores. That's it. __________________ "Loud and clear it sounds in the valleys of the hills...and then let all the foes of Gondor flee!" -Boromir, The Fellowship of the Ring

03-20-2008, 02:51 PM	#4
Mithalwen Pilgrim Soul Join Date: May 2004 Location: watching the wonga-wonga birds circle... Posts: 9,461	It should be borne in mind... that while many of the critics admitted they hated Tolkien and so were prejudiced from the start, and clearly some are prejudiced for other reasons, I know I am not alone in having enjoyed the Lodon production and I am sorry it is closing. However I think it is too simplistic to say it could never work... It is not a great time for the West End http://arts.guardian.co.uk/theatre/d...139843,00.html The strength of the pound and the fact that tourism has never really recovered from the aftermath of the atrocities of 11th September 2001 mean that the theatres are getting very cautious. It says a lot that the Rings is going to be replaced by a production of "Oliver!" with the eponymous hero and Nancy being played by the winners of the latest BBC "audition by television" show, a follow up to the highly successful contests for a new Maria (Sound of Music) and Joseph (and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat). Dont' get me wrong, I enjoyed both the shows (and my favourites won through .. .) but it is a worrying sign for the longterm health of the industry if the only things that can get put on are tried and tested pot-boilers starring people who have had huge tv exposure. __________________ “But Finrod walks with Finarfin his father beneath the trees in Eldamar.” Christopher Tolkien, Requiescat in pace

05-04-2008, 05:12 PM	#5
Brinniel Reflection of Darkness Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Polishing the stars. Well, somebody has to do it; they're looking a little bit dull. Posts: 2,983	I saw the musical on Friday and enjoyed it very much. I thought the first half was depicted very well. All the best scenes were left in, and the parts that were changed had good reasons for change (after all you're cutting down a trilogy to three hours). The hobbits were well done (loved Pippin) and I was particularly pleased watching the number "The Cat and the Moon" as I really love that song in the book. The second half was alright too. I found the death of Boromir touching and the ending was well done. The only thing that really bothered me was how they seemed to combine Rohan and Gondor and merge Theoden, Denethor, and Eomer into one character. I understand that stuff needs to be cut down, but that really just confused and frustrated me more than anything. I think it would've been better off if Gandalf came to Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli in Fangorn (like he's supposed to), and then have them ride off to save Rohan (and Gondor), but leave it there and not show any of it (until they arrive at the gate). That or extend the musical another 45 minutes. But I think it's better to cut out an entire part of the books then to include some and butcher it up. That's really my only major criticism. Though less importantly, the hand movements of the elves bothered me after awhile. It was overdone and exaggerated...like a really bad interpretive dance. But I think what made the musical so fantastic were the special effects. The balrog was a great way to close the first act with smoke coming everywhere. The Black Riders were absolutely stunning. And Shelob was superb...she really managed to freak out the audience (as did the orcs who wandered into the aisles). And really, the list could go on... The music was wonderful too. There were no songs that stood out to me above the rest in ways that songs in some musicals do, but still it was all very beautiful. I'll have to get the soundtrack if I can find it cheap somewhere... Anyways, when I first heard LotR would be a musical, I admit I thought it a bit ridiculous. But after it came out I became more curious and when I found out I was going to London I decided I really wanted to see it. I still wasn't sure about how good it would be...I thought some of the clips on the website depicted the musical as a bit cheesy and overdone, but of course I had to see it for myself and I'm glad I did. Really, pictures and videos don't do the musical justice...things may look overdone but that's how all musicals are because they have to be seen from a distance (while usually they are filmed up close). It was only a few days ago I saw the first ads about the musical closing (though I was aware of it before), and I'm sad to see it go. Take my advice: anyone and everyone who has the opportunity to see LotR before July 19 should go and see it. Despite the changes, it'll be worth your money...trust me. __________________ Nolite te bastardes carborundorum

05-04-2008, 05:45 PM	#6
Kath Everlasting Whiteness Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Perusing the laminated book of dreams Posts: 4,533	I've been to see it twice now and have pretty much the same opinion as Brinniel. Gollum, the Black Riders, Shelob - all fantastically done. The Elves hand movements - incredibly irritating. Ah the orcs, there's a subject of debate. Alright, if you're watching a video I suspect the pogosticks do look silly, but when you're there and they're flinging themselves around Saruman and after the Fellowship it works very well. In addition, when they come out into the audience and flippin' well terrify you it really, really works. Trust me. My name is Kath and I have been terrorised by an orc. As for the music. Well, clearly I can't speak for all but I enjoyed it. The voices were fantastic for the Elves and the hobbits were just the right mix of good voices but relying on the acting to get the point across. The woman playing Galadriel had a beautiful voice and when she was singing Lothlorien the audience was just spellbound. I didn't mind the mixing of Rohan and Gondor into one because it takes out all the going one way and then back and then another and back and then another. It worked. Cuts out confusion, especially for any theatre-goers who didn't know the story. All in all I have to say I loved it and would happily go again. I may well! __________________ “If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.”

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Switch to Linear Mode Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode