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Ruby Griffith Critique (continued) It was also felt that the French reporters' hats were more American than French and in Le Jazz Hot Victoria's costume did not fit her at all well. Make-up was flawless and everyone's hair was in period. The hilarious wigs of various hues were much admired. Set and Props The set was outstanding. Construction was flawless and set changes were smooth and quiet . The hotel bedrooms were a bit tight for space, but the actors negotiated them perfectly. All props were correctly chosen and well-handled. Wonderful old piano. Lights and Sound The lighting relied heavily on the follow-spots used for the nightclub numbers. When used for the bedroom scenes, however, these lights were too narrow, too white and too dark. There was, therefore, no dramatic distinction created between "on stage" and "off-stage" scenes. It all ran together. The sound was marvelous. Pre-show and interval music were well-chosen and well-played. Body miking was excellent - no annoying crackles or high bleeps. Some flesh-colored tape might have been used to help disguise the wiring visible on the ladies' backs. The telephones always rang on cue! Stage Management AR aspects seemed correct. the performance started right on time. AU entrances were timely and smart. The stage crew were well-rehearsed, fast and silent. The fog at the beginning of the show seemed somewhat excessive - was it really necessary? Obviously it was meant to depict a foggy Paris night, but members of the audience seated to the front of the auditorium were observed coughing! Front of House Friendly, efficient and courteous front of house staff. It might have been helpful, however, if some ushers had come down into the auditorium a little sooner to help people find vacant seats - even at 7.30 p.m. it was not easy to see the spaces. There were some problems with the program. The professional cover was especially attractive and sophisticated with one exception It would have been much more effective with the bright red lips as displayed on the opening screen. A far more serious problem however, was that the African-American singer/dancer, who opened Le Jazz Hot was not specifically identified despite having a significant solo/singing role. The cast were not listed in order of appearance, and the list was awkwardly displayed on the left hand side of the program. For ease of reference it is always better to have it on the right. Musical selections were listed but no scenes. Good refreshments at intermission. |