How did SA win a Tony? — Page 2

Well. Once upon a time, there was a chappy called Wedekind who wrote a play. Many moons later, Sheik and Sater (one presumes) got together and turned it into a musical. They got some cast together, workshopped it, opened it off-Broadway, opened it on Broadway, the Tony votes went to see it, the Tony voters thought "I quite like that" and enough of them voted for it in eight different categories that - lo and behold! - it won. SHOCKINGU!

---

Like what?

The changes are minimal, and I say this as someone who saw the show four times before seeing it with the new cast (who I enjoyed for the most part). The stick beating scene has been changed subtly, but the most noticeable changes are in the characters' looks: different hair, glasses, clothing etc.

The beating scene changed (and made it worse!)
Ilse in the conversation with Moritz
Some of the hayloft

I forget what else.

---

Can you please elaborate on the changes? Only scenes are being mentioned, not how they were changed and it's very vague.

~Steven

1) The blocking and acting choices in the beating scene have been altered. Wendla is no longer desperate or, to be honest, emotional. She seems more just like a stupid little girl. And she doesn't grab Melchior's lapel.

2) Melchior and Wendla are much more touchy-feely BEFORE he kisses her. She makes it clear that she knows what she wants but doesn't want to say it out loud. She also turns his head towards her when she says "It was me. All me."

3) This was changed a while ago, but Wendla's mother doesn't slap her anymore before "Whispering." Now, she just gets pushed back in her chair.

4) Melchior is laying on the ground before "The Word of Your Body" as opposed to sitting.

5) Melchior returns to his journal after he says "I don't believe anyone is ever better for it" to Wendla in response to her talking about Martha's beatings.

There are a few more but I just can't seem to remember them all. Yes, they're minute changes that only someone who has seen it way too many times would know. But it's amazing how much it changes the story. Some work (the hayloft scene, Melchior laying on the ground), some don't (the beating scene, the lack of a slap before "Whispering"). It's just bizarre to me that ANYTHING would be changed. The blocking was perfect before. The beating scene never worked, really. But now it's worse. Oh well. I think the show is in great shape besides that.

I thought it was the best Broadway show I saw.

Leave Broadway alone.

---

Question for KillerTofu (and I love your name btw):

would you pay money to see a show you disliked a second time? I know I wouldn't. In fact, I never have. I bring my HS kids to NY every year...when they see shows I despise I usually grab a different show or just go have coffee somewhere. (I bring tons of chaperones, so it's not a big deal) My time is WAY more valuable than torturing myself.

I'm not suprised that a show like SA doesn't grab everyone, and that's ok.

---

See....and I absolutely DESPISED Curtains. Wanted to shove hot forks in my eyes.

Different strokes.

---

I didn't think the new cast was lacking in talent at all! Gerard Canonico was a real stand out and I loved Hunter Parrish. I didn't think I 'd like this show... but I walked out of that theater loving it! Alexandra Socha sounded weak at some points with her singing, but all in all, I thought it was great! I absolutely disagree with it winning some of the Tonys it did (ie best choreography) but it really was a great experience.

I miss Good Vibrations

---

dramamama611, I wouldn't go and pay for the show again right away if I didn't like it, but I'm not sure I'd completely write it off either. Down the line I'd give it another shot to impress me. If that doesn't work out then I'm pretty much DUNZO with it. But I think I'd still give it a chance. But some shows just aren't for everyone and I totally get that.

And thank you for liking my name. I used to watch "Doug" on Nickelodeon when I was little, and fell in love with the Beets!!!

---