blank canvas.
i saw roundabout's "sunday in the park with george" today. first, i was speechless. then, after about five minutes of letting it sink in, i couldn't stop talking about it. once again, sondheim has left me in complete awe of what theatre can do to an audience.
if you live anywhere near new york, you must get to studio 54 to see this production. even better, it will be affordable to you through Hip Tix (www.hiptix.com, all tickets 20 bucks for ages 18-35). but enough of the commercial portion,
one of the best pieces of theatre i have seen in a LONG time, and definately is high up there on the list of best shows i have ever seen. it always amazes me how sondheim is able to take a specific subject like art (or history in assasins, for example) and make that seemingly exclusive topic universal through the themes it presents. truly, this is one of his most brilliant accomplishments. i don't want to say more because i really do believe everyone should see this show - especially those of us who are young artists. our generation needs pieces like this. we weren't around for the original production. it also comments on how technology can be such a valuable tool in storytelling on stage today - i am usually not one to say "ooo look at the pretty fancy stuff up there" but in this production, the "pretty fancy stuff" is crucial and surpasses superficial implications to create a provocative fresh take on this classic piece of sondheim.
the show was impeccably cast, and beautifully sung. in my opinion, it deserves many tony awards. most importantly, jenna russell delivers a tony worthy performance- really amazing. i had heard the music of course, but to sit down and watch this show was such a treat. the way the music changes and surprises... the way it moves the audience is just so unique. sondheim has a way of reminding us that things can be beautiful even when not perfect. just when the harmonies are swelling and seeming to be major and full, the chords go one step further and change, pushing the limits. the result is an emotional response unlike any other. when the entire cast turns to the audience and begins singing "sunday" nothing else in the world matters and you are truly taken away from your life and in to the world of the play completely.
all in all, it was an inspiring day at the theatre and one i will not forget any time soon.
"Look at what you've done,
Then at what you want,
Not at where you are,
What you'll be
Just keep moving on
Anything you do
Let it come from you
Then it will be new.
White. A blank page of canvas. His favorite. So many possibilities..."
-Sunday In The Park With George