How to enjoy theatre - or life in general

[Unknown User]

Posted: 5/3/04 at 1:23am

I'm a new poster, but a long-time observer of this site. Just a few thoughts to share.

I'm not going to spend time talking about what I think someone should - or should not - appreciate. I will tell you that I'm 41 years old, and that my first professional job as a musician was when I was 11, and my first paying gig as an actor came later when I was 14. In other words, I've done this before.

My partner and I just got back from a week in New York to see some shows. As the person who monitors the "buzz" - on this site, as a small example - I was the one who pretty much arranged our schedule. We saw Avenue Q, Bare, Wicked, I Am My Own Wife, King Lear, The Boy From Oz, and Sly Fox.

Thankfully, while I do appreciate other people sharing their opinions (even though they, at times, seem to forget they are just that - opinions,) I went by my gut instinct - and really, just went with what I felt like seeing. So, here's the opinion of a seasoned professional, who also happens to be a human being who would rather spend his time having fun than being critically boxed into a negative stupor.

Avenue Q - What a GOOD TIME! Fun, incisive at times, but never didactically so. It felt so good to sit in a room full of people and LAUGH - seemingly because we shared some similar values. One of the highlights of our trip was hearing hundreds of people cheer at the line "George Bush is just for now." John Tartaglia is a seriously committed and talented performer - as indeed the whole cast seemed to be.
Bare - Our interest was in what had come from LA (where we are now). A nice indication of what is happening right now when young people are getting invigorated by theatre. Anybody who thinks theatre is dead (or at least dying) I would send to this show. I personally could have used with a little bit more maturity in the libretto, but that would have been beside the point. This was about what young people felt and allowing THEM the chance to say it. BRAVO. And the crowd was with them all the way - even if we only got to see it in preview.
Wicked - What a spectacle!!! We participate in an ASCAP workshop here in LA with Stephen, so had a chance to speak with him beforehand about how he put it together - which actually helped my appreciation of it. As a serious fan of the novel, I'm not sure how I would have approached what changes were made to the basic story structure, but after hearing what he and Winnie had to say (and finding out that Gregory was fully behind every decision,) I relaxed and accepted it for what it was. What a set (oh what money will buy)!!! The most impactful part of the evening was experiencing a sold-out large theatre screaming, stomping and basically doing whatever they could to signify their appreciation. And a young crowd at that. If anyone has a problem with that - for ANY reason - then they should stay home and listen to their favorite cast recordings, and remember how they thought it was better when . . .
I am my own Wife - We saw this the day after it won the Pulitzer - and could see why. Mr. Mays gave a performance of amazing focus - unlike anything I've seen since Ian McKellan in Amadeus. Fascinating, thought-provoking and stimulating theatre - and even the matinee audience of blue-hairs stayed with him the entire journey - quite an accomplishment.
King Lear - Having seen Christopher do Iago 25 years ago, this was kind of a cycle completer for me. While there were questions I had about the production in general, he was worth the trip. And after high tea at the Plaza, and arriving at Lincoln Center in a light drizzle to see Lear (after sipping my cocktail whilst listening to Beethoven sonatas performed live in the lobby,) very little could have brought me down.
The Boy From Oz - While it is true there are better singers, it is also VERY true that there are MUCH worse - and few that can dance as competently AND act with such conviction as Hugh does. Besides which, the show is simply what it stated it was, a compilation biography/tribute to a wonderful songwriter. To deny its impact is to ignore the SERIOUSLY involved participation of the THOROUGHLY engaged audience. I sat back, I let it be what it was, and I TRULY was blown away by the dedication of Mr. Jackman. We should ALL have that kind of committment to ANYTHING - even if it's just life in general. Even though I have a tendency to fall into the category of not wanting to give standing ovations for EVERYTHING, I stood readily for him - and even once before the show ended (only the second time I've experienced that on Broadway - the first being for Jennifer Holliday in Dreamgirls - twice in one show!)
Sly Fox - My mother always taught me if you don't have anything nice to say, then don't say anything at all. However, I will say it was good to end on such a low note, as we then didn't mind having to fly out that evening.

In conclusion, I'd just like to say this: The only reason I said anything at all is because I have had one too many fits of anger at reading the judgemental crap that flows here freely - sometimes. I would imagine that most people here are connected with the arts in some way - otherwise they'd be checking out ESPN.com. May you NEVER have anyone stand and point fingers the way I've seen in here - and other places. I'm sure it will continue - as I'm sure there will be people who tell me to get over it. But the fact remains, you are being destructive and debilatory to the very people we need DESPERATELY in these times of neglect, greed and confusion. Let the people create what they will. If you don't respond, then move on to the next exhibit.

One small little item. I see so much in praise of Mr. Sondheim - which arguably cannot be argued HOWEVER, someone blithely stated that he is universally acknowledged as the greatest thing in the later half of the 20th century. As a professional musician - AND someone who REALLY would prefer the beauty of tonality, I would have to pick the library of Lerner and Lowe to listen to in the long run - if I only had one choice.

Anyway, I HAVE enjoyed watching this site. It's interesting to - over time - figure out who is who, how old they are - and what they have to think/say/feel.

Keep going to theatre - but better yet, DO it!!!!

Peace and Standing O's to all
Douglas

[iflitifloat]

Posted: 5/3/04 at 7:03am

Nice "maiden" post! Please don't be a stranger.

[shira467]

Posted: 5/3/04 at 7:08am

Thank you very much. I must say I truly appreciate your post and more importantly, your graciousness. You gave us all a good lesson, and hopefully everyone (including myself) will take it to heart.

[mominator]

Posted: 5/3/04 at 7:18am

Hello! and welcome DGrant. Great post. So glad you enjoyed most of the shows you got to see. Pleasekeep your input coming.
Barbara
P.S. I am also 41 nice to see another adult here

[Serendipity]

Posted: 5/3/04 at 8:22am

Welcome!

I share your thoughts about the negative energy on this board ... thanks for actually posting about it! It's great to read your reviews as well. I'm off to NYC in three weeks, and will be seeing some of the same shows. :)

[Corine2]

Posted: 5/3/04 at 8:31am

Glad you had a good time in the Greatest City In The World.
That is just my opinion mind you. I LOVE NYC and Broadway.
Glad you had fun.
And as someone who is constantly attacked here I thank you.

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 5/3/04 at 10:54am

Great post! It's nice to see someone who can enjoy shows for what they are rather than constantly comparing them to Sondheim or standards as if each show must be written to either mimic comeone else's work or reach some impossibly high standard that only one show every ten years might accomplish. I see nothing wrong with any show that the audience enjoys, even if the show was written purely for spectacle or light entertainment. If it makes you applaud and forget what is beyond the lobby doors, then it has done its job.

PS - For me, Bernstein is tops. Sure, his gatalogue of shows is not as lengthy as Sondheim or Lerner and Loewe, but what he did write was astonishing. If only we had orchestrations (or orchestras) like that now. The closest show I've seen that even sounded like a full orchestra was Titanic (how I miss that show).