A Stylized HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL? Help!

[aces25]

Posted: 1/28/08 at 11:58pm

Hey all!
I'm going to be directing a production of High School Musical (the one-version) and I want to figure out a new style or look at the production. Basically, I don't want to try to put the movie on stage. Something new and unique. Any ideas to get me going? I need a new frame or context. Like, has anyone ever seen a really unique production of Grease?

[fnyboi88]

Posted: 1/29/08 at 12:00am

Yes... and they made it all about sex

[theaterdude87]

Posted: 1/29/08 at 12:04am

You could try going for a symplistic approach to it. Maybe do some unconventional casting. Does Sharpay need to be a bitchy blonde? No. You could do things with that.

Also, maybe have the principles work more on character development. You could have reasons why the show means so much to Shapray?

Why does Troy want the change...etc.

I know it isn't the most serious show...but it is what you make of it.

[CATSNYrevival]

Posted: 1/29/08 at 12:13am

How about you do your job and don't come to BWW for your creative shortcomings. Some of us would kill to be able to direct a show. Treat it like the blessing that it is.

[tinkerscanne]

Posted: 1/29/08 at 5:44am

Cats,

Wow - what a nasty comment! Shame on you.

Aces25,
I directed HSM One Act last year and I kept it pretty conventional. I gave the people what they expected to see. As for a new approach - you could make alterations to the color scheme, which would refresh the look of the show for the audience. Who says that East High has to be red and white? I like the idea of unconventional casting - no Sharpay doesn't have to be blonde OR bitchy...maybe add a twist to the characters. Are your sets going to be elaborate or simple? I think there are lots of ways you can go with this...but the one thing I kept in mind was that the people that will come to see the show are expecting it to have SOME of the movie's signature trademarks. You may want to stylize some elements, but perhaps straying TOO far from the mark could impact your audience's enjoyment of the production. Feel free to PM me if you have any other questions. I would be more than happy to shoot ideas around with you!

[Flaunt It]

Posted: 1/29/08 at 6:29am

Have all the actors play instruments. People will think they are looking at high art if Sharpay is puffing on a tuba!

[Copeman63]

Posted: 1/29/08 at 9:10am

Whoa, perhaps you could have Cats help you stage it with a giant saucer of milk?

[EdmundOG]

Posted: 1/29/08 at 9:29am

I would say the best way to do something new and unique is to not do High School Musical.

[husk_charmer]

Posted: 1/29/08 at 9:43am

This is my blanket statement for when people want to take a well-known piece like HSM or Wizard of Oz:
Keep certain elements (i.e. the Blue Gingham dress) but still make it your own. Make your designs reflect but not necessarily copy the film's designs.

And, since you asked, I saw a production of "Grease!" back in 2003 done on roller skates. It was kinda neat.

[TheatreDiva90016]

Posted: 1/29/08 at 11:09am

Set the whole thing in a loony bin...

[Borstalboy]

Posted: 1/29/08 at 11:15am

Or you could pull a Crispin Glover and cast the whole thing with young people with Down's Syndrome.

[HoshiForever]

Posted: 1/29/08 at 11:52am

I like the "loony bin" idea. Rather a lot.

[TheatreDiva90016]

Posted: 1/29/08 at 11:53am

Or in a crack house...

Posted: 1/29/08 at 12:01pm

The only reason to do HSM is that people want to see the movie on stage. Why in the world would you want to subvert that? Put on the best show you can and try to get hired to do what you want next time.

[groovy-hoover]

Posted: 1/29/08 at 12:42pm

I agree with JoeKv99 - people want to see a more or less direct transfer. Your audience (a lot of young children) won't appreciate their favourite film being completely changed, I doubt.

[tinkerscanne]

Posted: 1/29/08 at 2:06pm

I agree that the audience is expecting their favorite songs and characters, but a new approach is not out of the question. Unconventional casting and minimal sets are a simple way to alter the "look" of the show, but that doesn't mean the integrity of the show would be lost. It would actually force the audience to use their own imaginations and focus on the actors' performances rather than being spoon-fed a stage version of the movie in which MOST people will compare the actors to the "real" Sharpay, Ryan, etc. I like the idea of a minimal show while staying true to the music. It's not like the OP said she wanted to do a reggae version of High School Musical...

Just a thought.

[TheatreDiva90016]

Posted: 1/29/08 at 2:58pm

Set it in the lobby of a fast food resturant.