And the number-one way to ruin a Sondheim show?- Page 2

[Broadway_Baby]

Posted: 12/4/05 at 10:20pm

oh geez.

[Calvin]

Posted: 12/4/05 at 10:32pm

Umm...adding 20 characters is beyond inane.

But quick question: Wasn't the golden harp a character in the London version? I know the harp sings on the cast recording after Jack says "Play, harp."

[ljay889]

Posted: 12/4/05 at 10:33pm

I think another way to ruin a Sondheim show is by having a High School performing Sweeney Todd.

This TRUELY scares me. I know HS's do it. I don't know many (if any) High Schools that have the voices for the lead roles AND the ensemble. Not to mention have the talent for the demands of the acting.
Updated On: 12/4/05 at 10:33 PM

[best12bars]

Posted: 12/4/05 at 11:37pm

...Yeah, and instead of meat pies, they turn everybody into tater tots.

[Calvin]

Posted: 12/5/05 at 12:29am

When I was in high school, one of the schools in our region did Sweeney Todd as a one-act in competition. I don't know if it was a different version or if they just chopped out the songs and did it that way. I'm tempted to believe the latter, because they had done the same thing to Forum the year before as their one-act. If they did, though, it was legit, because directors have to get their cut scripts approved by the scholastic league to even compete in these.

I didn't get to see it. Our show was on right after theirs, so I was busy. And they didn't win, anyway.

[emehobeival]

Posted: 12/5/05 at 12:49am

Another vote for contacting MTI anonymously. Adding 20 characters in insane... and so wrong.

Sigh. That's one of my favorite shows, I hate to see it ruined like that.

-Tammers

[fiatlux]

Posted: 12/5/05 at 1:50am

"Wasn't the golden harp a character in the London version? I know the harp sings on the cast recording after Jack says "Play, harp.""

Yes, indeed there was a golden harp (played by the same actress who played Snow White) at the opening of act 2. I have seen productions where other Grimms' Fairy Tales characters have appeared "going in the other direction" of the main characters in ITTW - for instance Hansel and Gretl passing Jack and Little Red Riding Hood - but it was a sight gag, rather than a written character and doubtful if it was all that funny. In the same production - a national youth production - the part of the Narrator was a chorus that diminished to one actor as the turmoil of Act 2 unfurled, it sort of worked, but I think I was in a forgiving mood because it was a youth prodiuction..... I draw the line at Shrek. That musical is to come courtesy of Sam Mendes, I believe.
Updated On: 12/5/05 at 01:50 AM

[emo_geek]

Posted: 12/5/05 at 2:02am

I would like a copy of the script tho where shrek is in it. Good laugh no?

[Urban]

Posted: 12/5/05 at 4:49am

Urgh. *shudder*

"Moments in these Woods" is the best song. It shows (if down correctly anyway) the Baker's Wife in such a schizophrenic, Melissa Manchester-torn-between-two-lovers befuddlment. On one hand she has to be brutally realistic and on the other a carefree romantic all in the same verse!

[paradox_error]

Posted: 12/5/05 at 5:30am

argh!

[rockfenris2005]

Posted: 12/6/05 at 12:31am

I'm gonna puke

[gavrochegirl]

Posted: 12/6/05 at 12:37am

Another vote for the anonymous MTI call.

[BobbyBubby]

Posted: 12/6/05 at 5:06am

You need to report this. They are not only violating their MTI contract (if they even have one!), but they are using the likeness of Shrek. I'm not Shrek fan, but that's stealing!

And why do a show if you don't like major parts of it? I know lot's of people who do Into the Woods but hate the 2nd act, which to me, is the most interesting and important part of the show. The Baker's wife/Prince affair is key to the show. Ugh, I hate people like this.


Updated On: 12/14/05 at 05:06 AM

[YankeeGal#24]

Posted: 12/6/05 at 9:41am

I would definitely report it. Why would they choose this show if they are going to add/delete/change characters, scenes--in other words, mess with what Sondheim intended? UGH!

[Broadway Bob*]

Posted: 12/13/05 at 11:50pm

Just wondering - whatever happened? Did you report the issue or deal with it in any way? The reason people keep doing things like this is because they don't think they'll ever get caught. If more people would stand up for what was right, it would happen less and less.

[iliketheater]

Posted: 12/14/05 at 12:56am

preach it YankeeGal#24! *count this as another vote for an anonymous MTI call*

[musicalsaregreat]

Posted: 12/14/05 at 1:14am

The point of Into the Woods is Act 2. Act one just rehashes most of the fairy tales we know with the baker and his wife's story, but it is the second act that shows the results of our actions and "wishes" that makes Into the Woods more than just a "children's theatre" performance.

[SamIAm]

Posted: 12/14/05 at 11:30am

You can approach the creative team of this community production and ask them politely if they are aware of the laws regarding rights to musicals and plays. Print a copy of these restrictions off the internet and quietly hand it to them. I guarantee, they will change their minds and MAYBE when they get over their anger toward you, they will realize that you did them a favor and that you are smarter than they are...and they'll want to work with you again.

BTW, the real answer to your question about the fastest and best way to ruin a Sondheim musical is: Cast Chris Kattan

[Nothatsmrt]

Posted: 12/14/05 at 11:57am

This makes me sad...I love ITW, flaws and all. Clueless, misguided people.