August Reviews

**Dee** · Posted: Sun Jul 27, 2008 7:44 am Post subject: August Reviews

Please post your August reviews of Joseph here - Thanks
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**tricia** · Posted: Sat Aug 16, 2008 10:16 pm Post subject:

This space looks a bit empty so here goes.
Went to the matinee this afternoon.
Seated in the dress circle row A but on the right hand side of the theatre.
You get a totally different perspective from here, its some what restricited but hey its the Adelphi, its Joseph and Its the MEADSTAR so what more can a woman want.
It was Adam as Jacob and I love him as the baker but not as Jacob or Potifer. But may thats because I'm a Stephen Tate fan.
No Russel either I hear he had a bit of an accident last night . His understudy is good. as is Adam's for the baker.

I know I've said it before but I'll say it again. Lee is amazing. he goes on that stage and I'm lost.
He's such a horrid youngster arrogant, dreamy and plain foolish. He plays about with the snake and causes me to fall about laughing. Then such a sexy servant no wonder Mrs, P gets a good grab at the ROTY. Pity as she says I'm too old to audition for the part should she get fed up with it. Hysterical

"Close Every Door" has never made me cry but it gives me goose bumps every time. Lee was in excellent voice.
Lee is so funny in the dream interpretation scene .I think he is a brilliant comic actor.
Lee was bouncy in the GO Go Joe scene and could be seen continuing even when the lights went down madly twirling and bouncing.Oh to be twenty seven again and have the energy to do that.
The second half for me was again mesmerising.
Lee is worried , asking for help it makes you want to get on the stage and remove the hancuffs, funny and endearing especially when he is trying to persuade Pharoh that he is the man he needs.
Then the scene where I'm sure he grows six inches.
I think this shows what a really good actor Lee is. he manages to be maserful and very sexy and yet he injects real humour into the role.
Then he unwinds and jigs about finally revealing his identity to the brothers and he always gets it so right.
Then the scene with Jacob. Adam still has to get this bit right in my opinion but Lee carries off the scene, if you hadn't seen the show with Steven in you would be unaware of anything except Lee's amazing ability to portrait the poignancy of the moment when father and son finally reunite.Great second rendition of CED
Then we have the megamix two lovelees in the stalls who will remain nameless but they were up and dancing.
( You know who you are)
More of the DC up at the end than the stalls I think. Lee on the Cherry Picker looking happy and pleased with the audience reception.
Then of course he has to do it all again two and a quarter hours later.
The man's a STAR.
You can't help but sing his praises so I have Very Happy

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**Issy** · Posted: Sat Aug 16, 2008 11:11 pm Post subject:

Saw Joseph yesterday August 15th. Stephen was ill so Adam Pearce took on the role of Jacob/Potiphar/Guru. He did great in the roles but I missed him in the brothers line up. I always look for Adam when he's on stage as his expressions make me laugh. I also missed him as the Baker.

I absolutely love the moment when Lee appears behind the curtain; it gives me goosebumps and I'm not ashamed to admit I shed a tear or two of happiness when I saw him up there with that gorgeous smile. He always looks like he's having such fun even though he's done the show hundreds of time before. Jenna was in fine form and I tried to pay as much attention to her as I could but for some reason I kept being drawn back to Lee. This was the first trip for me with the new cast and I have to say that they was as good as the previous cast. There isn't one member that lets the team down; I'm probably being a little naive here. I haven't seen that many West End shows.

I think that one of the things that makes Lee so special are his facial expressions. He never drops the character of Joseph for a single second and I just love the scene in the pit with snake.

Another scene I like to look out for is the one with the talking camel and snake. You can see Joseph/Lee begging the Narrator/Jenna to be set free and she's there with the Bible explaining that she can't because it's not in the book. It's very subtle and cleverly done.

I adore the Potiphar scene; just watching Lee being stripped is enough Shy

All to soon it's Close Every Door and being on the left; for the first time I noticed that after being thrown from Mrs Potiphar's bed Lee lies on his back while the bars come down (or maybe it was just this time). I have always cried when the Lee sings this song and I was surprised to not go further that a huge lump in my throat and misty eyes. He puts so much into this song and it always brings the house down. Lee at his very best!

Following the interval Dean was ultra fantastic as the Pharaoh, I know Lee has played the Pharaoh before but somehow I can't picture him doing it. Lee will always be Joseph to me. Dean brings the much needed lightheartedness to the show after the gut-wrenching end of the first half.

The rest of the show followed on in quick succession until the final Any Dream Will Do. The emotion Lee put into his voice and acting when he sung to Jacob completely undid me and I cried from then until the start of the Megamix. I wasn't the only one so I didn't feel too silly.

I love the Megamix. It really sends you out on a high and I always collect a few pieces of the paper as a memento of the show.

So that was show number 3 over for me. Only 8 and 1/2 weeks to show number 4. I plan to do my first ever stage dooring then!
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**claire t** · Learning your Lines Joined: 29 Dec 2007 Posts: 319

Great reviews Very Happy

Issy i totally know what you mean, he is so amazing in the role.

Tricia - I was lucky enough to be at the matinee yesterday. WOW, what a show. I think you summed it all up brilliantly. *wistles quietly, me megamixing with only one other lovelee in the stalls for company , he he, looks like i was spotted, but it was fun Very Happy

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**tricia** · Posted: Sun Aug 17, 2008 12:29 pm Post subject:

You were obviously enjoying. Wink

yourself
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**Chrissi** · Leading Role Joined: 08 Sep 2007 Posts: 8371

Another lengthy review from me I'm afraid Lol

16th August- Evening show

Part One- Act One

Before starting my review I want to say what LoveLee friends I have. They were so supportive of me with my knee troubles so I want to say thanks to Linz, Jess, Jules, Ange, Julie, Jo, TruLee, Claire T, Emma, Amber, Veronica, Red, Badredruby and Anne. Also thanks to other .org lovelees who expressed their well wishes Hug

I had a bit of an accident with the crutch I’m using to help me walk at the moment. I was sat on the step and I got helped up by some of the girls (Linz and Jess) and I accidentally whacked my crutch on the bad kneecap which made me yelp, and turn into quite a state. The LoveLees were so so sweet and supportive to me, Linz swapped seats with me for the show so I could sit with my knee out. B31. The closest I have ever been to the stage. This was so incredibly kind of her I can’t thank her enough. teddy

So… the show!!! I could feel a very happy, excited vibe in the theatre when we were waiting for the show to start. I was sat right next to the stairs that Jacob and The Narrator use. As the music started everyone seemed to be in good spirits clapping along getting ready for the show to begin. Jenna (Narrator) came on and sang the Prologue very softly and sweetly and toned down then the time I had seen her before. Then the moment arrived when I knew Lee was going to descend. Usually my heart beats really fast at this point waiting for him to appear! This time I seemed to be in shock! (Could be to do with hurting myself.) He was so close, and his eyes from Row B were twinkling. He had a serious look on his face and then broke out into the most beautiful genuine smile I have seen!! He sort of giggled at the reaction, everyone was cheering and clapping. He sang the first line of Any Dream Will Do and everyone cheered! I had never heard that before so I was dumbstruck. He sang beautifully and very controlled. I’ve mentioned it in reviews before but I just love how he interacts with the children at this stage. His eyes just sparkle. Jenna came on with the coat, the coat was taken off of her and Lee bounded off of the stage.

Jacob and Son’s/Joseph’s Coat felt a bit different to me tonight. Adam was Jacob and Jonathan was on for Russell and Brad for Adam. I have never seen the show without Stephen (Jacob) and Russell (Butler/Gad) before. It was still a good scene though. From the seat I was in I could hear all the little asides that the brothers say and watch the actions they do. I had fantastic eye contact with Craig (Zebulun). He was teasing Tom (Benjamin). I think all of the brothers work extremely well with one another. Lee is fantastic in this scene, he portrays the young dreamer very well. His voice was controlled well again in this scene. He was bounding around the stage, flapping his coat about- I’m sure I felt a breeze!

Joseph’s Dreams is one of my favourite scenes and the brothers really come into their own here. Lee’s was singing very softly in this scene. Derek (Asher) came out with the line “Oh shut up!!!” and Craig sat on the step, right in front of me, saying “I’ve heard it all before” and “I’m going to take this stick….” and threatened to hurt Joseph with it. You can understand why the brothers are saying this as Lee has such a smug expression on his face! Poor, poor Joseph was again a moment for the brothers to shine. Their comic timing is fantastic. Lee struggled with the snake in the pit, which made the audience laugh. I swear he was going to knock the camel over when the brothers tied his hands up. The brothers were fabulously comical when smearing Joseph’s coat in the goat’s blood.
I still miss John as Reuben in One More Angel, however Stephen (John Davis) does have a lovely voice. The brothers sing beautiful harmonies in this song and act their socks off. The hoedown part of the scene was energetic and performed extremely well. The Potiphar scene was as camp as usual and I must say I prefer Adam as Potiphar rather than Jacob. Lee came on in the loincloth looking very slim but toned. The audience were very appreciative of this outfit (as usual) and he gave the little tug at the back of it. The scene was performed well, I just feel sometimes Jenna screeches in this number and it is particularly off-putting.

Close Every Door was beautifully performed, it wasn’t the best vocal I have heard from Lee, but being so close he was almost directly in front of me and his eyes seem to swim with tears when he sings the song. He built up to the song very well and belted out the last few lines, not quite nailing the “Land” lyric, but to be honest, his acting was superb and he has fabulous interpretation of the lyrics. His pained expression throughout the song really moved me. I think he is a very special performer. I sometimes forget he’s only been a leading man for just over a year. Lee received a fabulous reception at the end of the song. He seemed to be having trouble with his microphone as he moved to the back of the stage, just before Go, Go Joseph and was touching his forehead.

The baker and butler as I mentioned previously were swings. I couldn’t warm to Brad as the Baker, I’m not sure why, he just didn’t seem right in the role, but I’m sure with more experience he will improve greatly. Jonathan surprised me as Butler, he was a good Butler, and if you hadn’t seen Russell perform as Butler you wouldn’t know the difference. He didn’t get as much laughs from the audience as Russell does but he did a good job. Go, go Joseph was just fabulous. This is another of my favourite scenes. The cast are fantastic dancers and I just don’t know where they get their energy from. Lee was incredibly bouncy and seemed to be feeding off of the audience’s reaction. When the curtain was going down for the interval, he and the rest of the cast were still bouncing around. Lee twirling around in circles and doing little dancy movements!

A bouncy first half with an appreciative audience..
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**Chrissi** · Leading Role Joined: 08 Sep 2007 Posts: 8371

Part Two- Act Two

The Entr’acte by the choir was sung sweetly. Some of them do pull the funniest faces when they are trying so hard, it’s quite sweet. Jenna came on to sing Pharaoh’s Story, and again she was a bit “too much” for me. She interacts with the children very well and has such a fabulous voice but her expressions and her mannerisms are sometimes very over the top. I do understand though that she has to do this so she is seen from the back of the stalls. The end of the song, turned very “shouty” but she was widely appreciated by the audience. She can definitely belt out a song though and has a fantastic figure.

The Pharaoh scenes were greatly appreciated by the audience and Dean whipped them up into a frenzy. Dean sang very clearly and well, giving it all he’s got. It was terrific. He has fabulous comic timing and is a showman. His ad-libs are marvellous. I love the way he works with Lee and Jenna. Lee’s back should win an Olivier award in it’s own right! He flexes his back muscles beautifully and his back does strange but wonderful things!! I can’t describe it really. From where I was sat I could see his face and he continues to act even with his back to the audience. He utters things such as “Mr Pharaoh man” and repeats words that the Pharaoh is singing. His enthusiastic waves to the band always make me smile. I missed Russell as Butler in this scene as Jonathan doesn’t chair dance as much. Lee and Dean were fantastic again working together as Joseph interprets Pharaoh’s dreams. Lee was dragged around the stage by the girls with some rubbing his tummy and holding onto his arms tight. Going onto King of my Heart, Dean sang this well and worked up the audience fantastically. It seemed there were plenty of Dean fans in the audience as he got cheered and comments shouted out to him!

Those Canaan Days was brilliantly performed. Mark (Simeon) sings the song in a very comedic way, his face is just so expressive. The brothers were on form singing brilliantly and interacting well with one another. The long note got a cheer from a very appreciative audience. The Brothers Came to Egypt/Grovel Grovel is another of my key moments in the show. Lee was very masterful in this scene, I couldn’t help noticing how tiny his hips are! He looks well though and was strutting along the stage as if he owned it. His voice was very powerful in this scene, and he just portrays the Prince of Egypt in such an arrogant manner, he oozes charisma. The brothers always look so terrified of him. Fantastic acting from them all. I like watching them attempt to polish Joseph’s boots and arm wear. The way Lee steps over the brothers, swaggering from one to the side of the stage to another just shows how much he is living the role and in the moment.

In Who’s The Thief, Lee’s voice was incredibly powerful. I almost had a heart attack as Brad who was on for Adam, pretended he was about to fall on me. The brothers tried to accuse a lady in the front row for stealing the golden cup, but Tom (Benjamin) was trying to convince them she hadn’t. Poor Tom when it was revealed that he had the cup, he flew to the front of the stage in fright. I really focused on Tom here as his whole upper body shakes, I noticed from the angle I was at, that he was whispering “No, no” He looked completely petrified, such an amazing actor. Lee always has a lot going on if you watch his eyes- extremely expressive. As Lee slams the cup down in front of Tom, Benjamin Calypso starts. It was very vibrant and energetic and sung well by Neal. Lee was stood directly in front of me for some of the song and was completely focussed but gave out the little grin at the appropriate times in the song.

The brothers reunited is my ultimate favourite moment in the show. I just love how softly Lee sings his lines and the look of despair , confusion and lost years that he portrays. I love the way he whispers the last line and then bends down to show Benjamin it is his brother and he is safe. Tom breaks out into a huge grin and Lee envelopes him into a reassuring hug clutching Tom’s head and gripping his back.

The Any Dream Will Do reprise was sung beautifully by Lee. This is a moment where I usually can look around and see people moved to tears by his performance. Last night was no exception. His voice was chocolately smooth and emotional. I couldn’t see Adam’s face from where I was so I can’t comment on that. I did notice Adam cup Lee’s face as he was singing to him. This is the part in the show where I really enjoy Jenna’s performance. She puts such an amazing amount of emotion into this song, her eyes water and her lip quivers, she sings beautifully and softly. She interacts with Lee extremely well. The part that moves me every time in the show is when Lee belts out the line “Give me my coloured coat, my amazing coloured coat…” in the Any Dream Will Do Reprise. This is because it takes me back to the final of the Any Dream Will Do show, when he had that determined but extremely happy look on his face and I realised that was why he had won.

Close Every Door was sung well by Lee, and I preferred his 2nd version as his voice seemed stronger. Someone in the box seats that had been rather loud over the duration of the show shouted out “I love you Lee, go on Joe.” It kind of ruined the moment, but Lee smiled towards the box and focused. He performed the song well, but had a little trouble with the “Land” note near the end. He did not falter though and held the last note for a while and with great control. With the final note delivered nearly everyone in the stalls was up for the megamix. It was a FANTASTIC megamix, one of the best I’ve been involved in. The cast were completely full of energy, I honestly don’t know how they manage it, but they seemed to be bouncing off of the audience. There are some amazing dancers involved in the cast of Joseph. Neal worked the audience well and Lee appeared. A cheer went up and he looked thrilled, he was so bouncy and appreciative with a wide grin plastered on his face. It was an amazing show and I’m so overwhelmed with just how talented the cast of Joseph are at a show which is seemed to be “easier” than other shows.

teddy

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**claire t** · Learning your Lines Joined: 29 Dec 2007 Posts: 319

Great review Chrissi Hug

Sounds great fun. Better megamix than the matinee. The lady sat at the end of Row A nearly jumped out of her skin when the brothers started accusing her of taking the cup!! It was brilliant. And i agree about Jenna, didnt appreciate having Pharo story screeched at me again yesterday!!
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**leetje92** · Posted: Sun Aug 17, 2008 5:07 pm Post subject:

Great reviews all !!
Thanks for posting !! Hug

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**indigo** · Auditionee Joined: 31 Jul 2007 Posts: 10

Thanks for a fab review Chrissi.
I was at this performance too..row 16 in the stalls..so had a fab view though not as close as you!
Was an amazing performance I must say.. Lee really was special!
Couldn't believe when that person shouted out before the final close every door..that can be soo distracting.
He handled it well though.

**Angel** · Posted: Sun Aug 17, 2008 5:47 pm Post subject:

Thanks Tricia & Issy for the first reviews for August!! & FAB ones they are too. Great to see you again Tricia albeit all too brieflee Hug

Hi Indigo!! Glad you enjoyed the show. Would have been lovelee to meet you. How’s the acting going? Laughing

Chrissi your review is fabulous!!! clapping

Sums up everything about the evening & great to hear about the asides from the Brothers Laughing

I’ll add a few of my observations.................
What a Fabulous show!! There was a good audience in last night that the cast fed off & were bouncy & really having fun!!
There was some extra roudiness in the audience (one of the boxes) that at times was a bit OTT (shouting out at the beginning of CED Reprise?!!) Confused

Anyhooo………….I was in DC Row D, an excellent view! Adam was on for Stephen & I thought he was better this time than the last time I saw him do it. It’s still Stephen everytime for me tho for playing Jacob.

No matter how many times I see the show I start to get tingly & breathless at the end of the Prologue anticipating seeing Lee descend onto the stage!!!! Heart Beat

Dean was ON FIRE!!! Pharaoh

A fabulous performance made all the better for the audience reaction that he played to!!! clapping

I’m always moved at the end of the show but last night the emotion for me started when Joe revealed himself to the brothers & Benjamin in particular Cry

At the end of ADWD I couldn’t stop myself standing up, quite a few others stood for it too in the DC. We obviously sat down again for the reprise of CED and again at the end another standing ovation!! I took the opportunity to stay on my feet for the MegaMix even though everyone sat down again after the first couple of mins! So that left me & Red (who was over the other side of the DC) & a Hen party at the front on the left hand side!!
It was fab!! I got prodded however as Neil came out to do his bit near the end so I slid down onto the top of my folded seat for about 30 seconds cos then Lee comes running out again so I turned, mouthed “Sorry!!” & stood again for Lee being raised up on the cherry picker!! Heart Beat

I seriously thought Lee & the cast where gonna jump into the orchestra pit on the 2nd encore they rushed forward that fast!!! Lol

So another fabulous show, 2 fabulous scrums & a fabulous day spent in the company of so many Lovelees
Hooray

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**indigo** · Auditionee Joined: 31 Jul 2007 Posts: 10

It's going really well Angel.. I've been accepted to one of the big drama schools in London.. so I've had to move over here last Thursday!
Took myself to Joseph as a reward for surviving my first week!
Would really love to meet up with you guys..now that I live here!! Very Happy

**leetje92** · Posted: Sun Aug 17, 2008 5:59 pm Post subject:

Great Review Ange !! Hug

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**Chrissi** · Leading Role Joined: 08 Sep 2007 Posts: 8371

Thank you Indigo for that review and Ange too!!!
Fabulous night!!!

I completely agree with the rowdy box-goers! Shocked

A bit inappropriate!

Thanks to those who said they enjoyed! teddy

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**badredruby** · Posted: Sun Aug 17, 2008 6:10 pm Post subject:

Great reviews guys - it was an AMAZING show again. I agree that Adam was a bit better this time round, but would still rather have Stephen as Jacob/Potiphar, and Adam as a brother. I also thought the camel was going to fall over (!!) and wow, Dean!!!! And Lee was F*A*N*T*A*S*T*I*C!!! Masterful Joe gets me every time!!!

A couple of other little observations - roudy box was a bit annoying, particularly when they shouted out at innappropriate points and looked like they were going to fall over the edge Confused

A couple of 'first timers' behind us who were absolutley thrilled with their first Joe show, gasped when Lee first appeared, shouted and whooped the whole way through, and were moved to tears at the Jacob/Jospeh reunion. Also a lovely guy from New York next to me who had been to see the opening night of Joe in New York about 35 years ago, had met Donny Osmond when he played Joe and got to know him and Andy Gibb (who I never realised played Joe!) and was rather 'amused' by how many times some poeple went to see the show (me being a virtual novice at only 4 times now!!!!)

I ended up quite coincidentally sat next to Sal, and it was a pleasure to share the Joe experience with you Sal. Hope the lack of space to your right didn't hamper your enjoyment too much!!! Wink

Lovelee to meet so many lovelees again and spend a very enjoyable day in your comapny. teddy

LOL
Claire
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**leetje92** · Posted: Sun Aug 17, 2008 6:11 pm Post subject:

Great Review Claire !! Very Happy

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JULES · Posted: Mon Aug 18, 2008 9:40 am Post subject:

Wow you guys can really write reviews...
I dont have much to add except I saw both, the matinee crowd was less energetic.Lee managed to trip over tom in the masterful scene.Not all over but enough to make you go ohhh! Kazzer the lone stalls mega mixer gogogo girl. Nathanual had a flap of coat on his head when he was lifted that cracked me up.

The evening show was great again lee splits up the note in Close every door!! lee noooo you have an amazing voice why?If my life was important I...... SAY NO MORE.
Ricky doing chicken and the snake scene has me in fits even now. Lee was great as always .
Cant write without saying Dean...Damn your good.The crowd loved him.he was powerful and well like a thunderbolt through my heart hits those notes with a range that well still amazes me.

The day was made even better by seeing lots of us together A LOVELEE DAY. teddy

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**Chrissi** · Leading Role Joined: 08 Sep 2007 Posts: 8371

I don't think I even noticed him splitting up the song in Close Every Door, perhaps I am used to it now. I see it as his interpretation of it.

Thanks Claire and Jules for the reviews teddy

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**tricia** · Posted: Mon Aug 18, 2008 11:53 am Post subject:

What a lot of lovelee reviews and what a lot of lovelee lovelees

I do love the camaraderie that this site has generated over the last year. its just great to meet even for
a brief time other Lee afficianadoes. Wink

Love the show and reading how others see it. Doesn't matter how often you go or how many reviews are posted there's always something new. Thanks Lovelees. Hug

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JULES · Posted: Sun Aug 24, 2008 10:17 am Post subject:

Waited after matinee only for dean and lee to be walking and talking together...was not quick enough for a picture Rolling Eyes

lee stop for a few people dean went straight in.
I did the evening show 23rd August. I was sat in D17 a really good spot in the middle of stalls
Stephen was back as jacob and adam was off. I really enjoyed the show lees voice was on top form..back to doing the CED version I like Wink

Sorry chrissi dont like the splitty up note Razz

In the reprise he went back to the splitty not again.
Lee was on top form and sounded great.

Deans performance was excellent..lots of interaction wih narrator Wink

He came out at the end to mega mix with half done up flies Embarassed

Really we need to get the man some velcro. Although I enjoy the garment problem Razz

I dont scrum but got to say good night to the rest of the cast.
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**Chrissi** · Leading Role Joined: 08 Sep 2007 Posts: 8371

Awww that's great. Lol

I don't mind if you don't like the splitty note, I was just saying I don't even notice it. Each to their own hey? Hug

Sounds like a fab show!!!
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