RE: London Rocks! (2014 to Present)
Well, I saw the changes a long time ago and I wanted to give my thoughts for a long time also now.
Overall, I thought the changes were both good and bad, in my mind the changes evened out themselves and put the show at the same level it has always been. I'll just go through the show in order telling you my feelings about each change.
Okay, the first change is Lucy saying to the Crowd of people, "Have a sunny day!" Just to be quick and simple, this change was unnecessary and not needed. Lucy already stood out from the group of people, I don't understand how this one piece of dialogue helped the audience understand that any better.
Next is Lucy opening up the record and saying that the lead is so dreamy. Again, to be short and simple, this piece of dialogue was cheesy and not needed. It didn't help the storyline at all, it just added another part to the show that makes you cringe.
Next is Lucy's mother saying she daydreams to the music. This I find to be a valuable piece of dialogue that helps the confused audience members understand what happens next.
Then there's Lucy's mom calling her name. This I'm neutral on and don't have any serious thoughts on.
Then there is the Queen Segment where they let the two supporting singers come out and interact with the clip. This, is another addition that I found unnecessary. It kind of ruins the flow of this part, and just adds yet another cringe factor to the show. Especially, with the performers terrible British accents, the things they say to the crowd, and the faces they make.
Next is the Record store/proposal scene. Although there wasn't any major changes to this part, there have been changes that emphasize the more 'adult' sides of the show. There are obvious body movements and references to sex. And in one part of this scene the whole cast has to act high, and it's even more obvious now than it ever has been. Families were outraged at these things. So I think these changes are way too adult for an advertised 'family friendly' show.
Then there's the wedding scene. Again no major changes here. I have to confess though, the changes to this part of the show are for the most part good. First, the way they organized the performers, where instead of them running out from backstage and lining up, they all come out in a line and walk across center stage. This change is probably my favorite out of all of them. The rest of the changes in this scene are pretty minor.
The acid trip puppet scene is next. The only change here is the voiceover of the father that if they don't stop fighting they aren't going to the aquarium. I find this change stupid and unnecessary, but what isn't in this scene?
Next is the 'family issues' scene. This scene now shows a more obvious conflict between the parents. However, the conflict between the children has been totally taken out. This is a major part where the choreography got slashed in change for these 'improvements.' Now instead of the kids fighting, the whole family just stands at center stage joining hands for thirty seconds. Overall, the changes in this scene ruined some of the choreography that it used to have.
Finally, there's the finale. The changes here are mostly that they want the crowd to participate more. At one point they want the crowd to clap, but the message never gets across, and then they want you to sway with peace signs, of which only about less than half the crowd does. The crowd participation was yet again another change that was unnecessary and took away from the choreography in this part of the show. Now if only they could fix the horrid costumes in this scene.
Overall did the changes improve the show? Yeah... Ummm. No.
