Theatre That Sticks With You.
So sitting here today, I find myself reflecting upon all of the various theatre productions I've seen, from high school and community theatre on up to Broadway. I don't realy know why. Maybe because I'm not currently performing in anything I just miss it, and got to thinking about just what it is that makes me love theatre so much. And what I find really interesting is how great theatre sticks with you. There are shows I saw years ago that I still think about with fondness, and there are others I saw much more recently that I've already forgotten. And I've noticed that there are shows I remember thinking were well executed, but I don't think about much, which I guess means they lacked that certain magic that really elevates theatre to art.
Anyway, I thought I'd write down some of the theatrical experiences that have left the greatest impression on me. If you find this interesting, great, but if not, well, I'm really doing it more for myself than anyone else. In no particular order, they are:
August: Osage County - The more I think about this show, the more I am left with only one word to describe it. 7 months after seeing it, I've concluded the show is pretty much perfect. And since I never like anything (or so I'm told), that's really saying something. I could go on and on about the ensemble acting, the script, the direction, all the bits of theatre craft that were exemplary to explain why the show as perfect. But what has truly convinced me of this assessment are far less sophisticated but no less important measures. At 3 and a half hours, I never looked at my watch and didn't want it to be over, so clearly the show is entertaining. I immediately wanted to discuss the show with friends, which proves how thought provoking it is. I have though about it on numerous times since then, and continually wish to go see it again. The show managed the double feat of affecting me emotionally and stimulating me intellectually, and I really do think it is the best thing I have ever, EVER seen.
Avenue Q - I loved this show. Period. The end. It is uproariously funny, and yet what really made it secial for me is how much heart it has. I was more involved in this show and the characters than I've been in more straightforwardly dramatic shows. I love Les Miserables, but when Eponine gets shot I don't really care. But when Princeton dumps Kate at the end of the first act of Avenue Q, I felt genuinely bad for both of them. And they are puppets. It also helps that I think Avenue Q represents what the next wave of musical theatre can be. It's fresh, funny, deceptively clever satire, and let us not underestimate the value of not being based on a popular movie. The fact that the cast was an excellent ensemble was like icing on the cake.
The Color Purple - There are a couple of flaws in this show (Mister's solo comes to mind). But I didn't care while watching it, and I don't care now. The beauty of The Color Purple is how the show manages to completely and totally involve you in its narrative. For all its narrative twists and turns (which I didn't know, since I had never read the book or seen the movie), it's a bit predictable, and yet even when you know what's coming you have the desired emotional response. I wanted to stand up and cheer when Nettie walked in the back of the theatre with Celie's two children, even though I had guessed during the first act that was how the play would end. And The Color Purple has the distinction of being the only show to actually make me reconsider the way I look at the world. If Miss Celie can go through all that and still praise God for the gift of life, maybe my problems aren't so bad. And I will always, ALWAYS be a sucker for black women belting out gospel music.
A New Brain - I'm pretty sure the only Catawba show I watched more than this one was Drood, and that was because I was ASM. No, A New Brain is not on the same level as the other shows I've mentioned. That is not meant as a slight; if the New Brain cast was capable of performing at a Broadway level, they all should have quit school and gone off to make real money. What New Brain represents to me is just how much you can accomplish when you pour your heart into something. I was not a fan of the set, but there's a certain amount of charm in those ricketed platforms and off-kilter boat, because you could tell that they did the best with the limitations they were given. I would even argue the lack of money improved the show, because it forced David to be incredibly inventive in the direction and it forced the cast to bring their A-game, because they knew they didn't have fancy sets and stage trickery to distract the audience. I loved walking down that damn hill to the FBC for a week and sitting in that tiny theatre and seeing what can be done with a lot of talent, hard work, and the stage equilvent of duct tape and toilet paper. And whenever I find myself in a situation where it would be nice to have more money or stuff to perform with, I just remind myself of how little of that you need to make great theatre.
Of course, these are just the shows I've been able to watch as an audience member. They exclude some of the great experiences I've had working on show's, whether it be creating the most ghetto-fabulous thesis ever with some of my best friends or gallavanting about Keppel as a spoiled brat in a business suit for three-hours each night. It also doesn't include arguable my two favorite musicals, Sweeney Todd and Ragtime, since I've never actually gotten to see either one live (although I have been fortunate enough to be in both, and to do both again).
Well, once again I've babbled long enough. It's time to go find some food.
-Jared W. Wietbrock