Doctor Zhivago

[mazza]

@ Ozzie I can't wait for Sunday, but I'm already so sad that it will be the last time I will be able to see DR Z. I'll bring the chocolates. Started making the first batch last night.

[poppy]

Aug 9, 2011 19:24:49 GMT 9.5 mazza said:

Perhaps you could sell the kids to pay for the trip.(I'm joking)

Don't tempt me!!

Ing, I can't sell anything........... I am too much of a hoarder!


Everyone who is going this weekend...ENJOY!

[mazza]

Poppy
If I manage to talk to Anthony I'll tell him you're there in spirit.

Do we have a roll call of everyone who is going?

[chauvelin]

Watched my last show on Tuesday - and I got to go backstage! Stood on stage for a while, it was great to walk around backstage and check out the tech stuff and costumes and get a different perspective from a show I just watched. Didn't see Anthony at all, but glad he did all the performances I went to. The person I met commented that Anthony's Zhivago became a bit more vulnerable in Brisbane compared to how he started in Melbourne. For those who have seen it over the three stops, what do you guys think? Has his character changed from earlier in the run?

[mazza]

Getting backstage must have been great. Pity you didn't see Anthony, but at least he performed in all the shows you saw.

I think he has changed over the 6 months since Sydney. In Sydney he was still recovering form his injury so I don’t know if that had something to do with it. In Melbourne I thought he had a cold but then realised he was changing his voice as Yurii became sick because at the end he was back to his usual best. In Brisbane I was convinced he had injured his leg during Ashes and Tears but at the end he was fine. I notice different things each time I see the show so what I may see as a change may have been there all along, I just missed it previously. Someone mentioned a while ago that they thought he was using his hand less. I think he has changed some of his hand movement but the feelings portrayed still come through.

I saw a great quote on DR Z FB
” to quote Molly Meldrum "do yourself a favour" and go and see this brilliant production! Anthony Warlow isn't hard to look at either!!!!”

Well can I just say even if he was bald and pushing fifty he would still be great to look at and listen to. OMG He is! and he is!! and HE IS!!! and HE IS!!!!!!!!!

[mazza]

I think this may count a double posting but I didn't want to just edit my last comment.

Here is me report on the last show:

The last show? What show? Oh yes THAT show!!!!

Well It was ok ……………………..












edit
It was GREAT what more is there to say.

I believe Anthony was ill on Saturday but he gave a wonderful performance on Sunday. I was sitting between two older couples. I love it when I can refer to people as older ( I can’t find many nowadays).

The gentleman on my right was with his wife and they had seen the show before but Anthony had not performed so they had gotten Anton. I assured them they were in for a treat. They were musical theatre regulars and we discussed all sorts of things especially Les Miz. We both had the 25th anniversary DVD so we had a lot in common.

The lady on my left was with her husband they hadn’t seen the show before so I told them they were in for a treat as well. Because, well they were, Anthony was going to be performing what more is there to say. This lady worked in an age care home she told me a story about one of the gentlemen she helps look after. On Friday he had asked her what she was doing for the weekend. She told him she was going to see Dr Zhivago. He replied “Well I hope everything goes OK” he thought it was an actual doctor she was seeing.

“Well on with the show”
By the may how long can this report go on? I’ll see I suppose.

We had a full cast, no understudy announcements so I just knew we were in for a great show. I had so been looking forward to seeing the last show but I didn’t want it to start because that would mean it would end and that would be the last time I would see it! I’m getting very melancholy again sorry!

Usual opening….then the moment we all wait for…… Anthony’s first appearance

“What will my future be?” Just pins you to your seat every time. He always looks so young and handsome in that first wig. (I thought he looked a little thin, I’m concerned he may have lost weight during the last few months). The whole show was just wonderful if there were any mistakes I didn’t notice them but then I only have eye’s (and ears) for Anthony. (I’m off in one of my dreams again, gazing at the picture on my computer monitor)

No seriously (me serious that’s a joke) the whole performance was great. Every time I’ve seen the show I notice different things and try to spot how some of the changes take place on stage. It’s all the little things that make all the difference. The attention to detail is astounding. Yurii folds up an umbrella and after using his hand to wind it up. He shakes his hand and wipes it on his coat. Now how many times have we all done the same thing. It’s just so natural. But that’s what make the whole performance so magical.

The audience laughed at all the jokes. I particularly like the lines ”what the attic?” and “It a duck!”. I must admit I find the scene where Alex rants about the killing of the Tsar and his family is very moving but the audience always laughs, I’m not sure whether it’s me or the rest of the audience who have the right interpretation, perhaps it’s more that people laugh when they are uncomfortable with something.

For a story which could be so dark and depressing they have included just the right amount of lighter moments. The most depressing thing about the whole production is that it’s finished.

Anyway Anthony didn’t fool we this time, I knew he hadn’t really hurt his leg during Ashes and Tears but I must admit he had me going again for a moment when he appeared to slip when he climbed out of the hole in the stage. But it’s all part of the attention to detail which is his forte.

The wig he wears in the final scenes is rather dishevelled, I don’t know if it’s gotten worse over the months or that I noticed it more as I noticed more details. I must admit I don’t know how he resists the temptation to brush the hair out of his face during some scenes. Perhaps he likes the novelty of having hair in his eyes.(Ha Ha)

That reminds me of a story when I was in a car with some people from work. We were being driven by an older guy to pick up cars from another location. Anyway when the car doors were opened this guys (comb over) hair blew off the top of his head and the guy sitting next to him announced in a very load voice “Oh John your hair is in my eyes” I thought I was going to wet myself I just couldn’t stop laughing. The guy just gathered up all this very long hair and replaced it on his head as if nothing had happened.

Anyway on with my report……..

Every time I’ve seen the show I hear more of the words of the songs. I was discussing this with Taneel afterwards. It’s not that the diction is bad it’s just that there is such a mine of information being told in each song. During songs like “Love finds you” when there are 5 people singing in such beautiful harmony. I just what to hear it all over and over again. But it’s gone (I’m feeling very sad again).

All too soon it was over and the cast came on for the curtain call. We had been given streamers to throw. I almost forgot to throw mine I just wanted to enjoy the last moments of seeing Anthony on stage.

Well that was the end, most of the cast came out and signed autographs and chatted. I got a really nice photo with Martin Crewes. I got some good comments about the chocolates but I think Todd may have eaten most of them. Which is a bit worrying as there was about 2.5 kilos of chocolate. Anthony didn’t make an appearance which was a bit disappointing but I suppose it’s a matter of “better luck next time”.

Well that’s the end of Dr Zhivago for the time being. What next? Well Annie of course see you all there!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I’ll bring the chocolates.

[tori2210]

Ha, I got about three double post warnings on my old account. XD

I'm so glad the last show went well, Mazza. I would have killed to be there.

I hope the show gets produced overseas (wonder if Mackintosh will tackle it?), cause that means the licence will be managed by MTI or whoever and local theatre companies may give it a crack.

[mazza]

tori it would be good if someone like Cameron got hold of it. I wonder if he wants another epic/serious show he already had Les Miz. I've considered trying to get intouch with him but I only met him ones about 16 years ago so I don't think that is really enough basis to start up a conversation. There has been mention that an English producer is looking for a Westend theatre for it but I don't know how that's going. LND is closing at the end of this month and Pricilla is due to open at the Adelphi in it's place. But theatres in the Westend are always in demand.

[tori2210]

The fact you've met him is pretty cool. If anyone can make DRZ successful, he can.

[mazza]

Tori Unfortunately we met at a friends funeral so it wasn't the best of circumstances I thought a lot of the fact that he made the effort to travel several hours by train to attend the funeral. Most people in his position wouldn't both.

Lets hope he gets involved with Dr Z it could be the making of it on the international stage.

[tori2210]

Oh... I'm sorry. It's cool that he did that though.

If DRZ is in the wrong hands, just from viewing the clips and pictures of it, and by knowing the story, I can see how the show wouldn't do too well. With such a serious show you'd need someone to give it that extra wow factor.

[cynthia]

Mazza said it all really - the last show was wonderful - no surprises there. It's so true that you notice more little details each time. I noticed, as others had previously, that the "poor thin chunky man" was now described as "weak" - but I'm fairly sure also that in the second Melbourne show I we t to it was "pale". So maybe they tried a few variations. I'm also pretty sure this time that in "Now" one line of the melody was very slightly different - I think it was in the line "and now, I need to tell you now" - the last two notes were different, from both characters in their equivalent lines. I've been singing along with those recordings (in the car mostly) for quite a few months so I don't think I was mistaken.
It was nice to talk with some of the cast afterwards, all seemed as sorry as us that it was over. As a matter of interest I found this yesterday www.sydneytheatre.com.au/2011/threepenny-opera - Lucy Maunder, Luke Joslin and Johanna Allen will all be in this; and later in the year Peter Carroll will be in a Pinter Play, also at The Wharf.
Oh, and Mazza's chocolates are, or rather were, gorgeous!

[mazza]

@ cynthia it's amazing how this show has effected people, not just us Anthony lovers. There are lots of people, all ages and both men and women who have fallen in love with this show. people are still wanting the cast recording. I resisted the urge to tackle John Frost last Sunday because I still get quite angry that he couldn't sort the recording out. I still think there is more to the whole thing than he is admitting.

Glad you enjoyed the chocolates. I working on a new recipe for Annie. I will probably use my rocky road recipe as a basis. Fred I won't put any vodka in them. I'm looking at making the marshmallow and turkish delight using mostly organic ingredients. Preferably from Australia.

The problem with chocolate is that it needs specific conditions to grow, there is a plantation in Queensland but I'm not sure it's the best use of our scarce water supply. So I may have to continue using imported chocolate.

Oh by the way my husband has already said if Dr Z goes to the West End I will have to go over there and see it. Now isn't that nice, but I think I would only do that if Anthony was in it.

[jemasjottings]

My first post on this site - so bear with me, please!
Just had to comment about the final performance in Brisbane for Dr Zhivago - A New Musical on 14 August 2011. I was in the front row for this very emotional performance. It was just beautiful and so moving. I had already been to three performances prior, including the day before, but this was the best. It was so poignant seeing members of the cast with tears running down their cheeks as they sang certain songs for the last time. Anthony's quiet concern for Taneel during the "In This House" sequence where they were sitting at the table saying grace and she was getting quite emotional truly showed his wonderful heart. (Thanks for letting me get a glimpse of your true spirit, Anthony - I will never forget it.) Lucy Maunders eyes as she was singing with Anthony in the finale were so full of emotion and so sad ... she made my tears flow. (As the mother of a daughter close to her age I just wanted to go and give her a hug!) He was magnificent as he sang "On the Edge of Time" for the last time - so very emotive for him and everyone close enough to really see his face. Their voices were exquisite and even now the music haunts me every day. This was the pinnacle of all musicals - bravo to everyone involved - you will be sadly missed ...

[mazza]

@ jema Welcome on board. Like you I still miss this show so much. The last night was so good but there was a tinge of sadness because we knew it was the last time we would hear all those wonderful songs and see Anthony perform the role of Yurii so perfectly. I still hope the show will open in London so I can see it again.

The recordings on YouTube help but it's not like being there, watching each scene unfold. Seeing a detail you missed at a previous show or hearing some of the words of a song that tell so much, that you didn't fully understand previously because there is just so much information being communicated.

I just love musical theater and have done for many years but there is something about this show that makes it very special.

[cynthia]

I have to agree with Mazza and Jemasjottings, I wasn't close enough to see as much detail as you could, but if I was sad as each song came for the last time I can only imagine how all the cast felt. I might get another chance to see it if it goes to London, but at this stage I find it hard to imagine without "our" cast.

[Fredus]

I ... there's so much that has happened in this thread that I can't think where to start... thanks, everyone, for all the feedback on the last show. It's ever so appreciated!

It's a pity it didn't come to Adelaide though.
(Have I mentioned lately how incredibly grateful I am to everyone who got us to Zhivago?)

[jemasjottings]

mazza and Cynthia - Thanks for your feedback - yes, it's so sad it's gone. I miss it very much. I wrote to Lucy Maunder and received a lovely replyl where she said she was so very sad to let it go and she mentioned how super emotional the final show was for her. I think it touched people's hearts in a way they weren't expecting. It truly was exquisite and I am so blessed to have been able to be a part of it - even if only in a darkened theatre enraptured by a magnificent score, heart-wrenching lyrics and the most amazing cast with perfect diction. Would see it again tomorrow ... and the day after ... and ...

[mazza]

I still remember sitting waiting for the next song because I love them all so much but knowing that as much as I wanted to hear them, I didn’t, because then that was one song closer to the end!!! I’ve already made a date with my parents to go and see it if it opens in London. But it’s going to be at least a year before that’s a possibility.

Perhaps we all need to let the producers know how this has affected people. There are still people joining the wanted page and making comments. I’ve tried to keep the interest going, but I’m reduced to using links to quite old articles with the hope that it will spark some reaction or we will get some updated information. The fan page someone started hasn’t had a big take-up but perhaps we just need to start some chatter and then go from there.

I must admit I was surprised at the range of people joining the wanted page. We have men and women of all ages commenting. Considering the show finished 2 weeks ago there is still interest in the page. We could ask people to comment on their experiences or feelings about the show and see where it goes.

[jemasjottings]

mazza - Know exactly what you mean - I felt the same, especially at the final performance - filled with so much anticipation and emotion to hear each song but so sad to know it was the last time I'd hear them live and the last time the cast would be singing them all together.

Am I correct in thinking that you may be the creator of Facebook's "Wanted: Dr Zhivago! (Australian Cast Recording)" site? From what you've said I gather you must be. Are you also the creator of Facebook's "Dr Zhivago Fans - A New Musical" page as well? I still check these each day to see what others have written - and to keep the flame alive! I think that would be a great idea to ask people to comment - I know there are at least a handful of us still checking them each day. (I'm Jeni Robinson on those threads - just for the record.)

All the best for London! My sister and I might join you - we talked about it as we walked home from the last performance! (But I somehow doubt that any other cast would stir my heart as much as our Aussie one did...)

[mazza]

jemasjottings I didn't create the wanted page but I do post a lot of comments . Marie-Cris set it up with Fred (I think that's right let me know if I got it wrong girls).

I don't know who set up the fan page. Anyone else know?

I guessed it was you when I saw your first posting here. Are you a Warlow fan or more a DR Z fan? If you plan to do an introduction you might want to save some stuff for that.

I'm just wishing the time away hoping that the show will go to London. I have a problem if it goes to Broadway as I don't have any family there so I can't use a visit home as an excuse to go.

My husband would probably give in anyway.

[tori2210]

I'm probably in a better position if it hits Broadway. I have an uncle, aunt, and 18 month old cousin in Manhattan. We're hoping to visit the US in April, but I'm sure Zhivago won't be there by then. I'm pondering whether to see Wicked and maybe the Lion King. Guess it'll depend on hiw much money I have ($51.50 and counting.)

[Injeanious]

Or - you could always go and see Jersey Boys!!

[mazza]

@ Inj you are incorrigible

[jemasjottings]

mazza - thanks for the info - and @marie-Chris, really appreciate you setting the "Wanted" site up on FB.

I've been a Warlow fan since the 90s when I first saw him in Phantom - I think it was 1994 or so. I LOVED him in Les Mis and the second run of Phantom in 2007 - in my eyes, he had "grown" into his character and I always thought these would be my favourite roles but now that I've seen him as Yuri in DZ this role has taken my admiration of him to a whole new level.

As far as being a fan of DZ - I have loved the book and the movie since I was in my early 20s back in the late 70s. The tragedy played out through such a turbulent time had me enthralled. Being a nurse at the time also added to the mix! I have always been fascinated with Russia, , especially the story of Nicholas and Alexandra, the last Czar, his wife and their family - the movies "Nicholas and Alexandra" and Anastasia" which I saw when in my mid-teens were the catalysts for my fascination of this time in history, so when I saw the movie of DZ I was captivated and had to read the book.

Consequently when the musical was coming to town I was one of the first in line to book a ticket - well "online" - but I had no idea how captivated I would be of this interpretation until the first strains of the music arose at the scene at the grave. Then when Anthony walked out I was enthralled all over again and have been totally captivated with the entire production since that moment - and my heart soars now every time I hear any of the music from it.

The musical has also been the catalyst for a novel I have finally been able to put pen to paper - after about 6 years of an idea, which then grew from lots of jottings and notes but not really sure where it would start or finish - but now I've just finished my 100th A4 page (probably about 160 pages of the actual size of the pages in books). The last four weeks have been an amazing time of reliving the musical, reliving a very important time in my life from a long time ago and bringing these characters to life. And I've had a lot of encouragement from Amy Powers (the lyricist) to keep on with my book and keep her informed of its progress as she is very excited that their (Michael Korie, Lucy Simon and her own) creativity has brought about my own. She has also guided me as to how to gain her copyright permission to use the lyrics of "On the Edge of Time" within the novel - such an honour to have her approval. Lucy Simon (the composer) has also shown her support through an email. It was an amazing buzz to receive personal encouragement from them when they read a portion of it...

So that explains why this musical has touched my soul like no other - it has given birth to my own "baby" which has a very similar storyline but with a modern twist.

And to finish - excuse my ignorance but when you say "If you plan to do an introduction you might want to save some stuff for that" I'm unsure what you're meaning by "an introduction". Maybe I'm too "worded out" what with posts on this and several others I am following and my book. Would love you to explain what you mean.

Lovely to have fellow DZ and Anthony fans to reminisce with about this wonderful production. Thanks!

[shakattack]

I miss Yuri

[mazza]

@ jem There is an area to do an introduction I think you have covered everything already so don't worry. Your writting sounds really exciting. Good luck and please keep us informed.

@shak We all miss him!!!