#51
Posted: 12/15/05 at 11:17am
I saw the show with the incomperable OBC, the second cast (just before Vanessa took over), the tour, and the bus-and-truck tour, all of which had the same basic direction based on Prince's original. In the ensuing years, I've also seen many community and college productions of the show, and I completely agree that the script is strong enough to work with different interpretations.
Much of a production's success depends on finding actors who can summon up the necessary intensity: it's a very emotional show, and any faking will be obvious immediately. I've seen productions with otherwise very accomplished actors who simply crashed and burned in these challenging roles. I've also had college students move me to tears by their intensity and raw emotion. It largely depends on how much of himself an actor is willing to give to the role. Like I said, any faking will be obvious from the beginning.
One production that I particularly loved was staged in a blackbox with almost no set. A light shone down to indicate the perimeter of the cell walls, and was turned off during the movie sequences. It was economical and effective, and by reducing the show to its barest elements, the director proved how strong it truly is.
Much of a production's success depends on finding actors who can summon up the necessary intensity: it's a very emotional show, and any faking will be obvious immediately. I've seen productions with otherwise very accomplished actors who simply crashed and burned in these challenging roles. I've also had college students move me to tears by their intensity and raw emotion. It largely depends on how much of himself an actor is willing to give to the role. Like I said, any faking will be obvious from the beginning.
One production that I particularly loved was staged in a blackbox with almost no set. A light shone down to indicate the perimeter of the cell walls, and was turned off during the movie sequences. It was economical and effective, and by reducing the show to its barest elements, the director proved how strong it truly is.
"I hate musicals... People don't sing in real life."
"Well, maybe they should."
--Kiss of the Spider Woman (cut line)
"Well, maybe they should."
--Kiss of the Spider Woman (cut line)