Review: 41368 Andrea's Talent Show

Turn that stage around ... you'll love to her her sing!
Andrea is finally ready for her singing performance on this beautiful stage. Chloe's "smiley" flag is a welcome sight!

This set was provided by the AFOL Engagement of The LEGO Group for the purpose of sharing set details with fans. Opinions provided here solely reflect those of our reviewer. Photographs are property of FriendsBricks and are not directed by TLG in any fashion.


Box front shows lots of action with arrows drawn to indicated functions in this set. The backdrop stage graphics are beautifully rich, like an old classic theater. The top right insert indicates its the main Friends theme, while the bottom left demonstrates you can use a smart phone with it. Although it's not necessary, nor is it included in this large box.


Box back shows just some of the fun you can have creating scenes and acting out your own show. Lots of moving and touch functions!
My box's thumb-push tabs were not perforated. I noticed the bottom left corner had a tiny gap, so I slid a brick separator along the bottom to open it as a flap -- like a suitcase or advent calendar. The good aspect of opening it like this is the sticker sheet was still flat.



Box side with the "scene-slice" shows Andrea singing in her lovely new skirt!


Box top shows us a scene of Chloe filming Andrea performing a magic act. Lots of fun element pieces, letting us know this wee bunny is Chili, plus Andrea as the mini-doll ratio size.


Box other side has the standard 2018/2019 brick collage and LEGO Life ad.


Box contents: One 123-page instructions book, sticker sheet, and 4 parts bags.


Bag 1 parts:
New of note:
- 1/4 circle tile in Teal (bright bluish green) is new for 2019, yet not exclusive to this set -- also appears in Andrea's Heart Box, TLM2 Movie Maker, Sweet Mayhem's Systar Starship, and Rex's Rexplorer

- Flower 1x1 is new in Aqua color, and rare -- only in this set and Andrea's Heart Box

- Chloe is new in mini-doll form, and her hair piece is not a new mold, yet the Lavender "sheen" stripe highlight is new; previously was bright reddish violet (magenta) for Natasha in the Heartlake Hair Salon

~ For those who complain about brick separator abundance, remember this could be "someone's" first ever LEGO set!


The instructions book cover gives us another look at the overall set scene. With several independent modules -- it looks cohesive with this stage backdrop artwork. I like the way the light beams appear to come from the Friends heart motif :-)
The bottom right insert features the (so far un-named) mini-doll letting us know we can use a smart phone to scan the set's QR code and use a LEGO Life app to view the instructions digitally.


The instructions tell us to build Andrea first -- of course it's her namesake set -- and so here she is, as per instructions, with her drum sticks. She has a new top of gold mesh over navy halter top, with a gold stripe and magenta details at the bottom, which coordinate with her magenta skirt. Her navy boots match the solid navy back of her top, with just a hint of magenta trimmed soles. I find Andrea's hair piece so beautiful and easy to stay on her head. Her lipstick color is dark magenta.


Chloe is new to mini-doll form, yet not new in Heartlake City, as she is the judge for talent shows there. As per instructions she's built with a pen in hand! She has very pretty blue eyes with Lavender eye shadow and dark Lilac lipstick. Her hair piece is not new, having appeared in Heartlake Hair Salon -- yet in that set, Natasha's had a magenta stripe highlight. Chloe's is more a Lavender "sheen" in person.
Her pale pink and black checker-plaid blouse has a pink scalloped neckline. Above that is a gold twist necklace. Her flame yellowish orange vest has a happy "drama" type of button, and is trimmed in black -- with zippers that coordinate with her black skirt. You can't miss her pale pink and black lace-up boots!


Next we build the microphone stand with base. Then we build the drum kit on its base, along with a seat that has drumstick holders -- and a water bottle -- since stage lights make it hot up there!
The cymbals are silver, and the main drum doesn't have a foot pedal to it, yet you could imagine under the foot shelf. The gold star on front is nice; although I would have expected a printed name/motif round flat tile. The smaller drums both do have Andrea's signature winged music note as stickers.


Then we build the judge desk with lovely Aqua flowers! You build the box that the trophy stands on as a separate small unit then add it to a round tile with stud -- so it can swivel, plus be moved easily. The prize sticker of one-hundred-thousand-dollars is displayed on the front. The desk itself, with stickered funny faces of "yuck" or "yes" that align with the red and green buttons on top, may seem simple at first glance. However, the black Technic "rubbery" dampers installed under those red for "no" and green for "yes" buttons allow us to actually mash the buttons down! Very clever and I think only a hint of the many fun surprises hidden in this set.
The video camera is built upon a rocket base, and also can be moved or swivel -- of course! But we're not done yet with the rotating and swiveling stuff -- because the chair does that, plus it reclines!
So let's hope Chloe doesn't recline too far back when she sees this long list of acts coming on stage.
That "List" tile is said to be a few Friends designers names scribbled -- so we can't read them very well -- yet *they* know who :-)


Last for this bag of parts is the Magic Box. Chili is soooo cute! We have those beautiful Teal 1/4 circle to thank for the front design. It's just spot on! The that we place in front of the baby bunny has a sticker of playing cards. I'm not really sure why they didn't use a printed tile, since there's been one since at least 2013's Mia's Magic Tricks set.
This is another unassuming module that is packed with function! We "lift" the magic playing cards by rotating the black stud downward with our finger.
Then a turn of the Technic gear as a knob, the bunny goes down a hole ...
Then by returning the cards to their original place on top -- presto! Where's the Bunny?!?

So now the magic trick module is ready for Andrea to perform the "pull a rabbit out of her hat" trick!

Super clever, super cute, and super fun! As I already said -- this set is way more that just another "stage" set!


Here are all the modules together that bag 1 parts build, before I applied stickers.


So, here are those stickers I applied all at one time for bag 1 creations. For me it's easier. I wish we didn't need stickers, yet these graphics are cute and make you smile. The final set/scene wouldn't be special without them.


Bag 2 parts:
New of note:
- 4x4 gear wheel (z10 size) in dark azure is new for 2019 only in this set and Olivia's Cupcake Cafe
- Bow brick that is 1/4 circle and 4x4x1 (curvy) is new in black
- more of the Teal 1/4 circle tiles
- and more Aqua Flowers

Rare:
- Teal 4x4 curvy tiles are otherwise only in Downtown Diner, and TLM2 Pop-Up Party Bus


Constructing the stage base is a lot of horizontal building. Top image shows how far we get before installing the first gear.
Then, after white plates covering it, we install our second gear by interlocking the teeth of the two. They turn very smoothly!
I like the use of the white corner tiles to form a platform on the top of the second gear mechanism. The white 4x4 tile with 2 studs in the center as the connection spot for future talent performance modules, or mini-doll.

Although the white rounded 1x2 tiles with open studs are not new, this is the first time found in Friends theme.


Now we have used up all the parts from bag 2 to build the stage base to this point. The front is beginning to look so wonderful with those curvy Teal tiles! We've added adjustable speakers to the front.
On the back side, you can see the access to the back gear's teeth. By turning it, the front white platform will rotate in the opposite direction.


Bag 3 parts:
New of note: [both in small bag]
- Plate with bow that's 1x2x2/3 (curvy slope) is new in Teal for 2019 -- and otherwise only in Alladin's and Jasmine's Palace Adventures, TLM2 Pop-Up Party Bus, and TLM2 Sweet Mayhem's Systar Starship
- 1/4 circle tile in Aqua, new for 2019 and only in this set


Bag 3 parts build onto the stage; white arch slope bricks for the bottom of each of the 6 stacked 2x2 white round bricks -- then the Technic axle functions for future green or red flags. The black lattice towers set upon Teal.
Then we build our curtains as separate sections before we install them. They attach at horizontally near the bottom via the white 1x1x1 2/3 brick with vertical knobs, which are somewhat rare. I really like this part and have it in magenta, which I used as fence post in Emma's Lunar New Year creation. At the top they attach to the black 1x1 with side knob bricks.


Lovely flame yellowish orange curtains held back with a magenta flower are hung! The matching front valance is also built separate with "upside" methods, and installed. Then we add directional spotlights in trans pink and yellow -- which are easy to rotate for shining where you want.


Next we build the stage's speakers as separate modules. One side has a video screen for the audience to see an act better, on top of magic show graphics -- and opposite side are the mid-range and woofer speakers.
This sticker of Chili looks so cheeky!


Both rotating video screen and speaker sections attach on top of turntable bases. It takes a good push to get them on -- yet they will stay put and be firm when turning. The vertical teeth make sure.
Andrea's close-up shot is viewed on the left screen -- her colors are coming together well. Those rare Teal slope bricks form an arched top, and 2 the new Aqua 1/4 circle tiles create a half circle under the amplifiers.

Last we assemble the shooters and load them with yellow (transparent fluorescent green) 1x1 plates for yet another function in this set! Their handles insert into the stud holes of the top black bricks. The flicker mechanism is triggered and ready ...


Now you can pretend set off fireworks with just the touch of a finger! Just don't shoot anyone's eye out, OK. ;-)


Bag 4 parts:
New of note:
Boxed:
- Teal Magicians Cape with silver star pattern only in this set
- Aqua fabric skirt crimped pleats with oval waist hole is also only in this set

Rare:
- Teal 1/4 Arch Brick 5x5 with cutout (curvy, dome) only in 2 other sets: Downtown Diner, and Mojo Jojo Strikes
- more Teal Tile 4x4 with bow (curvy) only in 2 other sets: Downtown Diner, and Pop-Up Party Bus
- Teal 1/4 circle tile


Bag 4 parts have us build the stage top as a separate unit, then attach. We get to use the lovely (rare) Teal arch bricks and 4x4 curvy tiles. The graphic of Andrea's winged music note is a sticker. I have a printed 2x4 magenta "Andrea" tile from my very first Friends set -- her Stage -- that I may add later.


We attach the top section via the 2x2 grey inverted plate with snap, by inserting its slotted pin into the 1x16 white Technic brick.


Next we build each "yes/thumb's up" and "no/blah" flags as separate units, then attach using the slotted pins of the black Technic double snap piece (looks like a skeleton torso). The Technic cross axles with full stop ends, with colored balls on the other end, have free movement once through the holes of the black snap piece -- which allows "swing down" action.


Here you can see both flags have been attached to the back of the stage topper.
They are held up by the longer grey cross axles until their knob is pulled. Then they present onto the stage front a smiley or "blah" face.


Now we build the last 2 modules, starting with the dressing room. There are lots of Technic bricks, pins and axles in this set! The mirror can swivel thanks to a pin/axle bush piece. The chair also reclines thanks to hinges, and can swivel due to a turntable.
It get 'snapped' into place behind the speaker on the right. Yet, thanks to those Technic pieces, can be removed to switch places.


Then the Magic props room quarter round section. Now you can see the shimmery Magicians cape on a rack under the Top Hat. The very, very light-as-air fluted pale aqua skirt is merely resting on the tip of a gold inkwell piece. I doubt any of my photos will project just how delicate that skirt is ... I was hesitant to touch it after opening the small box!

Although this is basically all the building for the whole set -- that last pile of Technic beams, axles, pins, and 90-degree angle pieces get assembled then inserted into the cross holes at the bottom of the back of the stage. When first looking over the box images, I couldn't understand what moving function it had (being so Technic-y). Then I realized it's to hold a smart phone behind the stage as a backdrop.

You could even use Andrea's stage as the official smart phone holder on your desk! ;-)

If you don't plan to ever use it with your phone, you could just stop here and put away those pieces. Or, you could add them and prop up some other art medium as backdrop. Maybe create art of your own on firm poster-board.


Here is everything we build for this set.


Spare parts. I wasn't sure the silver inverted dome piece could actually be "extra" since it's usually only 1x1 sized pieces and elements. After looking back over the instructions twice -- apparently it is a spare. Although it could be used upside-down under the other small cymbal, to represent pole-slide compression of those two for sound.

Also ... extra fairy magic wands!!! :-)


First act: Andrea on drums!
Chloe is 'thinking' about the green button, yet not sure.


Next up: Make a rabbit appear by dealing magic cards!


Chloe is definitely hitting the green button for a smiley flag on this performance! Yay!

For a backdrop on the stage -- using the yellow holder/brackets -- I used a "pretend" cardboard phone that came with set 40112 from 2014. Works great, not the best reception though ;-)


Now Andrea is in the dressing room getting ready for her final performance, while Chloe waits ...


Wearing her beautiful new pale aqua pleated skirt, Andrea sings with all her heart!

This is the complete set built. There are 3 acts in this set.  I feel like I'm not done with it yet, and that I should pull out some of my round plates to create other fun performance creations.  Well, the Friends designs thought that might happen, so they created at least one as a set: Olivia's Hamster Playground 41383 has the same size circle plate and can fit onto this stage for a performance. Pretty cool for inter-theme compatibility!


Winning! ~~ I hope you can see her beautiful skirt. It's more knife-pleated before you have her put it on, then the pleats soften a bit. I removed the flame yellowish orange round plate, and set her onto the white plate studs for a better photograph. Just mind the gears when using the rotating stage this way! ;-)

Summary:

Vibrant colors, clever techniques using fun and technical pieces make this set more than what it may seem at a glance. It's a set to build leisurely. Don't let 492 pieces fool you into wanting to whip this up in one sitting. Sure, I suppose you could -- yet you would rob yourself the enjoyment of imagining this stage inside a luxurious theater in the old district!

There are so many moving sections which can't really be appreciated until you build them. I know I didn't during the many times looking over the box art. Let's see if I can list them all:
- Rotating center stage
- Two rotating speaker and large video screen modules
- Two judges flags to drop above the stage
- Magic box big enough to hide a baby bunny
- Talent judge buzzer buttons that actually you can actually push down
- Dressing room module that you can attach and move
- Magic show props room that you can detach and move, or attach to the dressing room module

Plus ... let's not forget about those fireworks launching from the very top! "Pew-pew" err, "POP Fizzle!"

The amount of wonderful Teal parts is exciting for a MOCer. I'm glad it's now one of Andrea's signature colors; it blends well with flame yellowish orange and magenta. The aqua color is a nice finishing touch color and complements as a pale version of Teal. All of this set would be perfect for a New Orleans Mardi Gras creation.

For those fans who like this color combination, there's a new for 2019 Name Sign in the Friends gear lineup. For AFOL MOCers, this is a super parts pack!

It's an understatement to say these types of sets may get over-looked because of the performing arts theme. Yet, just like past sets for Andrea in particular, the amount of Technic pieces to allow moving functions for module configurations and play rivals other sets in TLG's inventory.

The only aspect I wish were different is if the curtains closed via a function. That's something I'll have to design and build for myself!

~~~