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RE:Annie don't bother picking up the gun.... - 5:38PM on 10/07/2009
Where to begin.... The last production of Annie Get Your Gun I saw was in 2005, the national tour which closed early and I thought this new production starring Jane Horricks and directed by Richard Jones could not worse than the dreadful touring version... I was wrong.
I am not sure in what era this production has been set, but I am assuming none of the creative team do either. This has got to be one of the ugliest scenic designs Ultz ever to be put onto the London stage. We are forced to look at a set consisting of brown laminated walls for the entire evening. The only slight change is when some fabric drops are released from the paneled ceiling completely covered which can only be described as a room upholstered with a 5 year olds pajamas. I was very tempted to leave a note in the feedback box saying, "get a new scenic designer ASAP". The lighting is not much better. I do sympathize a little with Mimi Jordan Sherin as there is NO space above the stage to hang anything as it is completely covered with roof tiles. Then again how can a lighting designer even contemplate giving into this scenic design. I am not even going to bother going into any details, anyone lighting the actors with bright flood lights from the front of the stage is just mean.
Phillipe Giraudeaus staging of "Sun In The Morning And The Moon At Night" is the worst choreography EVER created! The cast look so embarrassed and understandably - I would have faked an injury to get out of the number before the 1st preview. The producer should cut the choreographers fee in half as there is no choreography.
Jane Horricks copes with the role but her voice is no where near strong enough. As she said on TV she sings it as Judy Garland but she simply just doesnt have enough power. Her characterization starts off well but in ACT 2 we just end up with Bubbles from Ab Fab. One great thing about the touring production was the wonderful Rebecca Thornhill who played Annie. The only saving grace in this production in the fantastic, magnetic Julian Ovendon.
I have no idea what the point is of doing a NEW production of this fantastic show is when all we are seeing is a badly directed, poorly designed product. I really feel sorry for the cast.
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