Just got back from the Great American Trailer Park...

[BreeDaniel]

Posted: 8/26/05 at 11:13pm

It's been a while since I posted and quite frankly, it was because I forgot my password, but I am so driven to make this post, that it jogged my memory. I'm hoping someone in a position to do something will read this.

I saw what I believe to be an early preview of The great American Trailer park musical at my "neighborhood playhbouse" Dodger stages. It's a show I've been looking forward to for a really long time as I heard rave after rave about it during last years NYMF. I'm not prone to posting about previews because I think it's unfair, but in this case, I can't help myself.

Here you have what could be a gem of a show as well as a big hit. It's got really catchy hummable tunes, cute choreograpy, fun colorful sets, and an absolutely flawless cast across the board, so what am I up in arms about?? the direction is nonexistent. Judging from the bio's , this first time director should have cut her teeth on something smaller and been content with a book writing credit, which she also has. Someone needs to hitch her "trailer" to a truck and pull her out of this park! Directing something in a theatre festival is very different than directing for a 500 seat off broadway production.

[ruprecht]

Posted: 8/26/05 at 11:24pm

That's funny. I said the same basic thing earlier today!
https://forum.broadwayworld.com/readmessage.cfm?thread=864881&dt=082605012334

[Al Dente]

Posted: 8/26/05 at 11:51pm

Yikes, this sounds serious. It's Debbie Does Dallas all over again, although I can't imagine it's that lacking in direction. Thats show was the worst example of a director run amock and out of their element I'd ever seen. Ruprecht, is it *that* big a problem?

[ruprecht]

Posted: 8/27/05 at 12:01am

Ha ha, no. This is a funnier idea, I think. Debbie ran outta steam after 5 minutes--despite the choreography of (gulp) Jennifer Cody!!!

[sarahJM]

Posted: 8/29/05 at 4:18am

I think all the critiques are valid -- this is a really fun and maybe 'fluffy' show -- but "nonexistent" direction is completely unfair. So much of the comedy lands! I saw the show yesterday and laughed my a** off and also found myself caring about everyone on stage. Whatever might be lacking right now is so totally fixable and with so much comedy landing spot-on, how can one discout the direction? Especially in a 'preview' state?

I did also see the festival production and I think this is a completely different category -- a completely different show. I would chalk up directorial problems to expansion pains, not lack thereof...