MTI has rights to "Wicked" — Page 2

Sorry to bring this back up after y'all settled everything, I just want to be on the same page too...

"I would just really appreciate it if groups would analyze what they can actually pull off before they announce what shows they're doing."

I couldn't have said it better, Magic.

I don't think this has anything to do with creativity, because if a theatre organization wants to pull off a big name show and not follow anyone else's interpretation of it, go for it. That's how I like my shows. As I re-read my earlier post, I can see how you, bjivie, believe that I like shows staged exactly like Broadway shows. I apologize, but that's not the case at all. Of the two examples I mentioned, I think everyone has "Defying Gravity" embedded into their minds the same way, give or take a little. I wouldn't want to see ANY Theatre dulicate the Broadway staging of this (unless they could do it flawlessly), but when a memorable number like this is familiar to so many people in theatre, they wouldn't want to see it destroyed. The examples I mentioned:

1. Having Elphaba fly- I think that's a given, since the song is about 'flying away'. Unless you think, for a performance, you having her walking around on stage or standing in a chair is more fitting.
2. Being green- Yeah, sure. I guess the wicked witch COULD get away without any makeup on.
3. A powerful ensemble- Give or take some. Shoot, I would be happy with an Ensemble of two, as opposed to nothing. As long as they're there to fill up the space. Plus, if the rights ARE released, they would be written into the scene anyway.

Sure, as you said, it could be completely changed altogether if done in a creative way...but what I mentioned were the bare necessities for what I think this song should include. (Remember, my opinion.) And as you, Joshua, said...I also believe that if a theatre group doesn't have these options available, by all means, they should still have the opportunity to do it. That's not what I'm debating about though, I just wanted to make my opinion clear that groups like that should seriously consider putting on a show, not because of the name of the show or how popular it is/was.

I truly believe we are all thinking the same, just a little misunderstanding.

And thank you Type_A_Tiff for your comment. You made my night; and yes, Ewan is my man.

Updated On: 1/8/05 at 10:14 PM

bjivie2- That video was cute! I was more impressed by the belting of the lead Urchin... she has a great voice! How recent was this production? I'm assuming it was pretty recent, since it definitely looks like a few ideas were borrowed from the revised Broadway production, such as Urchin ad-libbing in certain areas and the final four chords that close out the title song. Also, I noticed that the extended chorus in "Suddenly, Seymour" was borrowed from the film. ("Suddenly, Seymour showed me I can ... (extra measure or two here) ... learn how to be more") Looked like a cute production!! You receive my stamp of approval!

-Joshua, an obsessive Little Shopper

I hate to sound like "the old Guy" in this discussion, but really, this is nothing new.

Forty years ago, it was seen as "impossible" for a high school to do a credible production of "West Side Story." It was technically too dificult, no school would ever have dancers or singers good enough and besides, the movie (even more than the stage show) was seen as 'definitive'. Never mind the fact that the characters were all high school age, dealing with issues and situations that High Schools would do well to discuss. It can't be done. Period.

Twenty years ago, Chorus Line was one show that would never ever be released to community groups, much less a high school or college! That subject matter! Those songs! The Dancing-- it's all impossible to do off broadway!

Ten years ago Les Mis was-- well I won't belabor my point. When the Wicked Mania subsides, high schools will do this show like crazy. It will be cut back perhaps and reshaped, but they will do it. And Moms & Dads will cry and say that girl belongs on Broadway because no one could sing "Defying Gravity" better than little Debbie Schoenwald!

JoeKv99-- I agree with you. That is very, very, very true. And no doubt will it be "reshaped" and "cut back"; that's what most community theatre productions usually are.

I wasn't debating whether or not it was "impossible" though, because.......it's not. Ha! Once again, I believe every school, community theatre, college, etc. should have the right to put on such a show. My argument was merely stating that these schools, colleges, community theatres and whatnot should take a look at their resources before they agree to produce a show like this. (This is just common sense, blown way out of proportion.) I believe a producer who KNOWS their community is lacking dancers, vocalists, etc. should not agree to host a show that features those mentioned above...just because they think "Wicked", "Beauty and the Beast", "West Side Story", "A Chorus Line" is a popular show that would bring in people. -But, overall, disappoint an audience.

Of course, you're right, parents will LOVE their children in whatever show they are in and whatever they do. But to those theatre kids and adults (a lot like the folks on this board)...we would not give such a grateful response. (Admit it. We're drama people, we're all critics!) And I'm sure this is all in consideration, when a producer DOES host a show. So, I guess there's nothing to worry about.

Updated On: 1/8/05 at 01:42 PM

There's a huge chunk of fringe and smaller scale theatre companies out here in Seattle and I love to see what they can do with a shoestring budget and some imagination. But I agree wholeheartedly with the idea that a show should be chosen based on the vision the producer or director has, tempered by the reality of their casting pool and technical knowledge. A show can be carried by spectacle or by performance and I'll always support the latter. That's not to say that I'll like what they've done, but strong performers and imagination can go a long way.

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