So they have decided the nudity is too much for the Wednesday matinee crowd. Here is my question. If the nudity is so integral to the production why is it why is the standard of excellence being compromised?
This decision says one of two things to me:
The nudity is gratuitous and doesn’t need to be there for one to totally enjoy the experience, OR, the producers want it both ways and don’t really care what the show is like as long they can sell tickets to both the lookie-loos and the prudes.
I definitely think that the nudity in Dracula really doesn't need to be there. That guy in the playbill article said something like 'biting someone is a metaphor for sex'. Yeah, we get that, we're pretty smart, we don't need to *see* it to understand it. Plus, I think that half the time nudity on stage takes you out of it, if you know what I mean. Some people stare, others divert their eyes, either way, you miss some of what's going on onstage.
Actually, it's not just boobs. There's full female nudity.
I'm a little bit of a hypocrite though. I think that nudity on stage distracts the audience but I'm the first person in line to see naked Ewan McGregor.
That's weird... I saw The Graduate a few years back and I saw total nudity and it really doesn't bother me. Plus, like they haven't seen it in other places before. Go watch Titanic. I was 9 and I saw it in theatres. I didn't get it/care and I doubt kids now will either. I think the parents are more uncomfortable with nudity. Maybe it's just me. -Penny
"I'm a pretty girl, mama." -Penny Lou Pingleton, Hairspray
"You like football, Ed?" "Yeah..." "Good. Me too." -Chad & 'Ed', All Shook Up
I just received my b'way update email and this is what it says about Dracula:
"Finally, in an apparent attempt to attract family audiences, “Dracula, the Musical” will refrain from nudity during Wednesday and Saturday matinees, starting August 25. All other performances will have Kelli O’Hara (as Lucy) sans clothes and Melissa Errico (as Mina) topless during the show."
It makes it sound like they are naked for the ENTIRE show!
Honestly, I think nudity in this show is a strange idea. I'm not sure what it will accomplish (other than chatter which may be all its for) and, I don't mean this as condescendingly as it may sound, but for Wildhorn to try and pass it off as some bold artistic statement is going to be a tough sell.
Are you sure it's Wildhorn's decision? It just reeks of publicity stunt to me. If you need it for the artistic integrity of the show it should be in every performance. If you don't need it to fully enjoy the show then cut it completely. The more I think about this, the more it bothers me.
Think about it...the actors are supposed to be in the "moment" and not be preoccupied with whether or not it is a matinee. What happens if it is a matinee and she decides to go sans costume?
Hey Dottie!
Did your colleagues enjoy the cake even though your cat decided to sit on it? ~GuyfromGermany