(I sent this to the PR company yesterday before I knew there was this site and this forum.)
I saw Lestat with my wife last night (12/20) and I have a few thoughts about it for you if you are still looking for input and tweaking.
By far the most important problem with the play is the lack of a central theme or conclusion. If the main theme about the play is living life to the fullest whether you have 100 days or 100 lifetimes then the ending needs work. Living life to it's fullest and not giving in are recurring throughout. But there is no conflict point where Lestat gives up and then learns again about living his life and is thus redeemed. Given the layout of the play it seems like the most logical point for this break would be the death of Claudia.
In addition, there are far too many characters and some need to be dropped. The play feels like it was written for the fans. If it could be honed down to four primary characters; Lestat, Gabrielle, Louis, and Claudia it would make the play far easier to follow. Lestat, Louis and Claudia are obvious choices. I mention Gabrielle only because she has some great numbers.
Some other comments:
The play was way too long. Everyone around us was yawning and uncomfortable late in the first act and through most of the second act.
The vampires never appear threatening. The turning of Lestat needs to be unexpected, brutal, vicious and scary. And Lestat needs to go to a far darker place before he realizes that he can use this 'dark gift' in his own way.
Overall the musical segments need to be shorter and tighter. There were several stanzas where the characters would merely iterate there ideas, and that just lengthened the play.
It would be far better to have the musical numbers move the story more and involve more than one character. The first number between Lestat and the violinist (I can't remember his name because he is completely insignificant) is a good example of this.
The violinist should be cut or greatly simplified (e.g. a hunting buddy). The related scene between Lestat and his mother in the beginning should be a two way conversation with Lestat going to Paris.
You can tighten up the second act by merging Claudia's second number about being a little girl with the burning of Lestat.
The boat scene should be dumped completely. It's a nice set piece, but it's boring to watch. He went back to Paris. We get it.
The character of Louis is far too weak. The book starts off with Louis as a very strong character who is much older and wiser in San Francisco. So we allow for him to be weak in the beginning so that we watch see him grow. In the play he just comes off as a weak-willed idiot that we don't care at all about. The point could be made more subtly that he doesn't care for Lestat's methods.
Claudia's death scene could be shortened.
On the positive side, the score, costumes, set design, and acting were all superb.
What needs work is the story. You need a non-fan editor to come in, find the central theme of the work, then chop it down until it becomes a coherent story that appeals to a wider audience and not just the fan base.
Those are some GREAT suggestions.The boat scene had a beautiful song "Sail Me Away" but I think if they had something going on in backround or more visual things happening it would be alot more effective and not look like a recital.
The videos just need to go,end of story on that one.Yes the violinist one was boring and good idea about him and his mom take the paris song.There was NOT enough develpement with them for a good heartfelt connection in the beggining to is needed to "feel" for the characters.
Kat: The videos just need to go,end of story on that one.
You really don't like the videos do you? It seems that some reviews had positive things to say for the videos. Personally i look foward to the videos because they're done by Dave McKean and I'm a big fan of his. I thought it was an interesting concept and use for them...but when I first heard about the idea I was wondering how video would work with a live performance and whether or not it would take away or cheapen it. Well I'm not going to see the show until April...hopefully the show will be much improved by then *crosses fingers*
Personally I found the use of videos intriguing. However some of the art needed some more time in the cooker to get right. In particular the baby images and the tree at the end seemed amateurish.
I think video projections, if used sparingly or in appropriate instances, does work. Though not necessarily video, the projections in "Kiss of the Spider Woman" is a good example. In "Lestat" I think it's most appropriate in scenes where the vampire bites, the "wolf-killer"/Magnus scenes (though it's very Lord of the Rings-like") and the fire.
Ok, the "wolf-killer" stuff was really cool. The people around me loved it. But when he actually appeared on stage and did the deed, it wasn't scary enough. I understand that there might be kids in the audience, but frankly, there shouldn't be kids in the audience. This is a play about vampires.
By far the most important problem with the play is the lack of a central theme or conclusion.
What needs work is the story. You need a non-fan editor to come in, find the central theme of the work, then chop it down until it becomes a coherent story that appeals to a wider audience and not just the fan base.
I attended the 1st performance of Lestat along with my wife and our two son's ages 11&12. Our introduction to the vampire Lestat was opening night. We had no pre conceived ideas for non of us had ever read the books, seen the movies, heard the songs, or read the synopsis. We agree with you in that there is no central theme or conclusion. We felt absolutely nothing for the vampire Lestat yet he is in practically every scene. On the other hand we all loved Claudia and felt very sad of her departure. True Lestat fans may not be happy if a non fan editor changes the story from the original books. But I must say if this musical play does not succeed it will be due to the writing. The Lestat producers and the true Anne Rice fans should not dismiss the wider audience appeal this play could, should and hopefully will eventually have. Most good stories will find their way into the main stream.
Our family would love to see this play again to see if any changes occur. We will not however due to the distance we live from the theatre. We enjoyed the music and look forward to the CD.
Some may think kids should not see this play because of the content. If your child understands and enjoys Sweeney Todd they will be fine. However, if you are looking for Disney you should stay away. Hey, I got an idea! Why not have Disney rewrite this play. They would definitely make changes to this play so as to appeal to a larger viewing audience. I can see it now, the first thing they would do is make the vampire character Lestat into a very memorable sweet, strong yet laughable bumbling fool. Actually that may not be to bad of an idea, for that character Lestat comes across as a pretty middle of the road wishy washy whiny vampire.
Oli
I was also at the Wednesday evening performace, and am glad to hear today (Thursday) of changes.
I also had problems with Armand being weak in the first Act. Interesting to note that they are taking the character in a "new direction".
I would suggest that they explain how down and out Lestat is and that he buried himself underground right before Marius makes his entrance. Not ever reading the books, this had to be explained to me later. With the set being "bricks" over top of him with he being in a "black hole", I though he was under a bridge. Once it was explained, it very much made sense.
I also agree with other posts that the song aboard the ship could be done away with, or changed. Lestat is supposed to still be very weak at this point. I am told that in the books, he was down to eating rats, etc. This is too strong of a song if he is to be in that condition....and is weak right after arriving back in Paris.
The show has great potential with some work. For me, the first Act flows well, with the second being choppy.
LodiBill: For me, the first Act flows well, with the second being choppy.
That's a real problem, since the first act explains far less than the second act. So the question becomes, should the play concentrate on telling a shorter story more slowly, or a longer story more quickly.
For me I would prefer a shorter story. In fact, if they kept the story to be within the bounds of "Interview with a Vampire" that starts in New Orleans and ends in Paris, I think they could substantially reduce the character count, and have a flow that is well paced for audiences that haven't read the books.
Aren't we to have a sense of fear, awe and admiration for Lestat?
YES the paying public should be leaving the theatre with a truly amazing feeling for the titled lead vampire character Lestat.
A wolf killer deserves awe and admiration. After killing wolves the character Lestat is nothing more than a mere dandy.
No disrespect for Hugh Panaro for I know he's a good actor and a great singer his character just needs improvement.
There must be 100 ways to improve the character Lestat.
I'll begin with 3 suggestions:
1) Lestat need one great song.
I would have felt some satisfaction if Lestat had sang one memorable song. Hugh needs a song with some type of strong built in emotion with an upbeat tempo, or maybe just have him sing something funny while typing away on his laptop, anything to just stand out and be different because as it now stands all his songs sound the same. I thought his songs were good, just not memorable.
2) I'd suggest they remove, reword or change the delivery of any lines that make him sound weak or pathetically unsure of himself. Take for instance the scene just before he gets pushed off the roof top, he acted and sounded like an immature kid when he told Armond that Marius likes me more than you--nay--nay--nay.
3) I would replace or remove him from any hoaky looking scenes, like when he's suspended over Greece with Marius. In other words make sure that every scene Lestat appears in looks real.
oli
Well I've seen 3 previews of Lestat this week and here are my thoughts and suggestions, some of them many people have mentioned previously:
1) I really do think that Lestat needs a more memorable song at the beginning (belt it, Hugh!). Discussing things with Hugh, he did find it strange at this musical doesn't have a "purpose" song that the main character sings right off the bat. I think that adding this at the beginning will help the audience connect with Lestat at a more emotional level because they'll understand his motivation and purpose. As of now, it seems that the writing doesn't allow the audience to become attached to the main character, Lestat, which to me is absurd because isn't the musical titled "LESTAT"?!
2) I think the show needs to stress a central theme as well, whether it may be loneliness or searching for enlightenment. The loneliness idea is intriguing because it kind of relates to his motivation in becoming an actor (which the musical doesn't get into why Lestat has a passion for acting in the first place...argh) and is need for companionship in the future. Hmmm...it all boils down to motivation and purpose, doesn't it?
3) Still very indecisive about the finale. It just seems too happy for me...very Disney, and doesn't have the emotional impact that I was looking for. My first impression when the first time I watched it, was "doesn't this finale resemble Les Miserables' "? Why do they feel that they need to resolve all the conflict and wrap it up with a nice bow? I always thought that the most memorable musicals were the ones that had ambiguous endings that left the audience to interpret it for themselves. This garners interest and leaves them something to talk about while leaving the theatre or at a cafe for post-show coffee and dessert. And has Lestat truly found peace, as the musical seems to indicate? It seems a little contradictory for me to state that he has this wisdom and peace and then go decide to write a rebuttal. I don't know...I guess I was expecting the musical to be MUCH darker.
4) I too think the Act I finale needs to be stronger. For what I've heard, audience members that aren't too familiar with the novels, are quite confused as to why Lestat feels the need to go into his slumber. Again, more dramatic impact is needed here...I mean you have to show that at this point in time...Lestat basically loses everything that he loves: Gabrielle, Nicholas, and he's losing hope for finding Marius. But I felt that the audience did not quite understand his pain and loneliness during this scene.
5) The videos didn't bother me. I thought that it was quite abstract and creative to show glimpses of each victims' life.
6) Oh and some people didn't quite understand Lestat's attraction to Louis in the first place. I think they kind of glossed over that one too.
7) Overall, the most memorable scenes I thought were "Make Me As You Are", "Crimson Kiss", "I Want More", and "Sail Me Away". I think this musical has great potential to be successful. It's got a few bugs here and there, but that's the nature of doing previews, right? I know that the cast and crew are working around the clock to make this a hit. I have faith in them and wish them the best! I can't wait to see the final product!
I will stick with my convictions that the projected scenes when a victims life was taken were terrible and to graphic.I would have actors on the side come out portraying a scene of there life with dreamy like music as a flashback while there dying .Not some mtv santanic hoohaww that looks like a video game gone wrong.
Play up armonds character ALOT more then what it is.They have already recast and are doing new things with him which should be interesting even though I really liked Jack in the show.
Hugh is getting all this lovely praise.Yes he sings with ease and looks the part and I enjoyed him as I wrote in an early review but let's not go overboard.He needs to connect with the audience alot more.At times I felt like it was a singing recital.
The staging needs alot more movement.No dances but ppl standing still during a whole song in so many scenes is very unimaginative and unartistic.Sail me Away could have had the boat move around the stage with fog rolling by and a moon in the sky.Maybe even a town light get bright as he got close to town.Wheres the imagination???..It is a pretty song that I love but can really be enhanced when almost all others have people standing or sitting still LOL.
The opening I agree needs an number.It was dead silence then he closed the laptop and ppl chuckled.Is that the strength of an opening??..Pretty bad.
I don't mind the words going across the skrim and actaully enjoyed that.
Please change the foot stomping hodown in the second act.Those of you who saw this ensemble number know what I am talking about.LMAO.I laughed out loud it was so bad.
The ending to act 1 would be better if they cut some length and characters maybe.It was almost like WOW heres the show now!!,,,then the curtain went poof.
The last number song was fine but the scene was a mess.I didn't think it was disney at all.I don't mind happy endings if i an understand them.But it was a mess and confusing.
If thats the real ending they will keep then maybe have the setting different.Under the Moon with actors coming into the stage via flight.Again everyone stood still for the 4 mins and felt like a church revival of the dead.
I hope they make some more changes and this could be a great show!
Kat stated: Please change the foot stomping hodown in the second act.Those of you who saw this ensemble number know what I am talking about.LMAO.I laughed out loud it was so bad.
I agree. I instantly thought of Michael Jackson's "Thriller" video.
I can't wait to see the final product!
