Dessa Rose- Page 2

[musicalkid]

Posted: 4/14/07 at 2:16pm

I was really intrigued about that too...
How was the show staged? what scenery? how did the Old-Young transformations took place?

[Ronnik]

Posted: 4/14/07 at 2:38pm

I can't speak directly for anyone, but my hunch would definitely be no, b/c there are times when the switch is instantaneous. For example, near the end of Act I, when Ruth says "they brought her to my door already in labor..." and then she almost immediately becomes Young Ruth, "but I had no time to think, this baby's comin'" ... There are moments where getting both or all four women on the stage in that amount of timne would be impossible. The book would have to be substantially altered. In the show, all the transformations are seen just through body lanuguage and vocal changes. I believe that everyone involved (Lynn, Stephen, Graci) all believe in the "less is more" approach.

BTW, the above moment is one of my favorites in the show, b/c the change Rachel did was so extrordinary, in that split second, it was as if you saw Young Ruth re-enter her body or something. SO cool.

I think, also the idea that it is a really meaty part for two actresses, a chance for them to really show range, as both Rachel and LaChanze did admirably.

Ask away if you have other questions

Ronni
The Ahrens & Flaherty website

[lovesclassics]

Posted: 4/14/07 at 2:41pm

The New Rep in Watertown, Mass. (just outside Boston) will be staging Dessa Rose in the spring of 2008. They do wonderful work. Their production of Ragtime last year was splendid! I'm really looking forward to seeing what they will do with DR.

musicalkid,

At Lincoln Center, the two women transformed themselves from younger to older and back again seamlessly with very simple changes in body language, facial expressions, and voice quality. I thought it worked beautifully. It really bonded the women together for life, and it was very powerful to see certain traits and characteristics carried through from youth to old age. For example, Ruth as a girl had a tendency to slouch, and was admonished by her mother to stand up straight. As an old woman, that slouch became more pronounced, as if she now had osteoporosis. Dessa as a girl would thump her fist against her thigh when angry. As the old woman, that thump became more subdued, more like a reflex, but it was still there.

And I disagree that the "ending" was revealed in the opening number. Yes, we know that the two women are still alive at the end of the story because they are narrating their tale, but the story isn't about whether or not they survive. The story is about HOW they survive and change as a result of their meeting. As Ronnik said, the ending - which came as a very simple yet powerful declaration of mutual respect - was a stroke of genius on the part of Lynn Ahrens. I agree that it greatly improved upon the novel.

I think it would weaken the piece to have different actresses play the young and old women. It might actually confuse things.

lc

[BobbyBubby]

Posted: 4/14/07 at 2:44pm

The Old/Young Transitions were lame. They spoke in granny voices and hunched over.

[ahmelie]

Posted: 4/14/07 at 2:47pm

Patti LuPone sings a song from The Glorious One's at her concert, that I'm seeing tonight. And then I'm seeing the opening of the show this Thursday.

I haven't heard much about the show, but has anyone heard rumours of it making it to Broadway, depending on how it fares in Pittsburgh?

[Ronnik]

Posted: 4/14/07 at 2:54pm

Wow!!! Thanks so much for letting me know about the New Rep production of DESSA!!! I hadn't heard about that. I wanted so badly to see their RAGTIME, but didn't make it up there. However. I will make it a definite point to come see DESSA.

I did get to the TheaterWorks production in CA, and they did a wonderful job.

Ronni

[Ronnik]

Posted: 4/14/07 at 3:00pm

I will also be at GLORIOUS ONES on Thursday ( and Friday and Saturday!!).

No decisions yet on what will happen to the show after Pittsburgh, but I think there is always the hope that the show will be presented elsewhere. Watch the website for details...
The Ahrens & Flaherty website

Posted: 4/14/07 at 9:45pm

"FINAL VERDICT--One of the BEST cast recordings I own and I have no clue why it didn't last longer than it did. I will venture to say that the music is better than "

It got rather poor reviews sadly but I believe (liek Man of No Importance, etc) it was a set run with the option ot THEN move it to an open ended run--so it's not like it closed early really

[[e-mail]]

Posted: 4/14/07 at 10:40pm

In regards to Dessa Rose, it has some really nice moments, but a lot of the score reminds me of borrowed moments from Ragtime & Seussical. The Song "A Pleasure" certainly comes to mind.

For Me, probably Ragtime is my 1st Favorite, with Once on This Island, Second.

[spiderdj82]

Posted: 4/15/07 at 3:06am

What are your favorite songs?

Mine are (and not in any kind of order):

Bend of the Arm
I'd Rather Die
Twelve Children
We Are Descended

[DezBryner]

Posted: 4/15/07 at 3:14am

Thanks for bringing this to my attention. Sounds like a great recording that I need to add to my collection.

[tazber]

Posted: 4/15/07 at 5:08am

faves:
12 Children
At The Glen
Over the Line (love the beginning of that one)
The Scheme

and of course-We Are Descended.

btw-the packaging of the physical cd is amazing. The best I've ever seen.

[bwayaddict]

Posted: 4/15/07 at 9:41am

So glad I read this thread. I saw Dessa Rose a year ago with a TDF ticket and I took this picture afterward at a talk-back at Lincoln Center. I loved the show and thought both actresses were phenomenal. I was especially surprized by Rachael York! I bought the CD at the Broadway Flea Market in September for $15 and it was still in it's package until this AM. I am now excited to listen to the cast recording to bring back the memories of the show.

[Mattbrain]

Posted: 4/15/07 at 9:53am

I really wanna get this CD as well as Summer of '42, The Bubbly Black Girl Sheds Her Chameleon Skin, The Great American Trailer Park Musical, and Zombie Prom.

Sorry to threadjack.

Updated On: 4/15/07 at 09:53 AM

[lovesclassics]

Posted: 4/15/07 at 12:00pm

bwayaddict,

Thanks for the picture. It's great. I read the talkback transcript on the Lincoln Center website, and it really is informative and fun. Enjoy reliving the show!

mattbrain,

Summer of '42 is also terrific. I can't stop listening to it since I got it. Have your tissues ready, though. You will cry.

lc

[WithoutATrace]

Posted: 2/1/09 at 3:08pm

Just listened to DESSA ROSE again today (yes, the full double CD) and it is absolutely fantastic. It took me back to when I saw the show (twice) and loved it so much. The score is outstanding, as is the story. LaChanze and Rachel York gave brilliant performances. Just wanted to spread the love for DESSA ROSE!!

[lovesclassics]

Posted: 2/1/09 at 3:48pm

What fun to see this thread come back!

Both LaChanze and Rachel York need to get themselves back on Broadway ASAP. Please, somebody, write another show that can star the two of them.

[Acaila]

Posted: 2/1/09 at 4:18pm

Hmm, I'm quite tempted by this, seeing as I'm on a bit of an A&F binge atm