Most poignant moment?

[son_of_a_gunn_25]

Posted: 1/2/04 at 2:43pm

I was wondering what is the most poignant moment out of all the shows you have seen and what made it so effective (explain). I need a break from the "list" threads so I thought I'd add a post with a little more depth. Please don't post if you have seen only one or two shows, sorry, I am looking for answers from the more experienced theatre-goers.

Updated On: 1/2/04 at 02:43 PM

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 1/2/04 at 2:50pm

Mine is without a doubt W;T--however, it was the Alley Theatre production in Houston, not the Off-Broadway (which I didn't have the fortune of seeing).

The actress playing Vivian Bearing was Megan Cole, who originated the role pre NYC. She was astounding. By the time we reached the end of the play, I had become fully invested in this person's life. This made the ending absolutely devastating for me. The final image of her nude body reaching towards the light sent me over the edge. I could barely clap during the bows. I had to rush down to my office (I worked there at the time) to sob at my desk. It was the most intense experience I have ever had at the theatre.

[wickedfan]

Posted: 1/2/04 at 2:55pm

sonofagun, i have seen over 50 broadway shows, and over 30 regional shows (that were origianlly opened on broadway ex. guys and dolls, kiss me kate etc.)I would have to say either I dreamed a Dream or On My Own in Les Miserables. It is such a depressing show and those two just made me cry. In I dreamed a Dream, we meet Fantine and this woman once had a life that was full of joy and happiness, all by one man and then he just left her. NO food, money, and a child she had to raise all by herself. And since she cannot care for her child she must send her away to an innkeeper. I mean many women have been left by men with nothing left, and others have had to give up their children. It speaks to so many and it really touched me. Those lyrics are just so poetic. On my Own is also so sad because this young girl, from a rough upbringing loves a man who doesn't love her. And in order to get through the day she must pretend he,loves her. I mean it is just so depressing to see this poor girl struggling for all of these years. So I would have to say either one of those two.

[Jack42]

Posted: 1/2/04 at 2:57pm

The moment Sweeney Todd recognizes the beggar woman for who she really is comes to mind.

As does the scene between Louise and her mother when Louise says "I thought you did it for me"

[MyQueenPattiLupone]

Posted: 1/2/04 at 2:58pm

I'm going to second W;T - but would you believe a college production of it? Student directed no less. This was a few months ago and I never thought that I could possibly become more effected by a show/characters than I was with Les Mis (since I had invested most of my life being involved with those characters) but after spending the evening in a small black box with Vivian Bearing, I was overwhelmed and felt changed (cliche as that may sound, it resonated with me for whatever reason)

[Gothampc]

Posted: 1/2/04 at 3:32pm

One of many: When Falsettoland played off-Broadway, Faith Prince singing "Holding To The Ground". A woman's desperate struggle to make sense out of her chaotic life.

[robyn525600]

Posted: 1/2/04 at 3:45pm

The finale of RENT when Mimi comes "back to life" - it lets people know to keep the faith and to always have hope. Also, the "Mark" footage at the end while they are singing the finale kills me every time. LOVE that show.

[robbiej]

Posted: 1/2/04 at 3:50pm

Oh JRB! We ARE the same person!

However, for me, it wasn't the finale moment of W;T that destroyed me, but the moment when her old professor came and read the children's book to her.

As played off-Broadway with the incomparable Kathleen Chalfant and the brilliant Helen Stenborg, it was a moment that was not played for tears, but instead a simple moment in which Ms. Stenborg's character was completely unaware of the magnitude of her gesture.

It shook me to my core.

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 1/2/04 at 3:53pm

Yes--that is definitely a killer moment in the play! I do wish I had the chance to see Chalfant. =)

[BroadwayBaby3]

Posted: 1/2/04 at 4:24pm

I think that one of the most poignant moments in musical theatre is in Gypsy, when Rose tells them that Louise will strip, and proceeds to get her ready. If you listen, the audience goes dead silent. It's almost scary.

Also, there are a lot of moments in Parade that move me. That is such an incredible show, it's a shame it didn't do well. I love "My Child Will Forgive Me."

Posted: 1/2/04 at 4:30pm

RSC's THE LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF NICHOLAS NICKLEBY was filled with poignant moments...

...Smike's treatment at the hands of Squeers at Dotheboys Hall

...the starving citizens of London peering into the windows of the restaurants where the wealthy were feeding themselves

...Madeleine's forced marriage

...Nicholas' encounter with Sir Mulberry Hawke when he hears his sister Kate's name bantered about in the pub

...Smike's desire to be buried under Kate's tree

Anyone who truely loves theatre and what actors can do on a nearly bare stage MUST see this production. It is available on VHS and DVD. It can be rented from Tower Video, Manhattan.

This is theatre.

Yours for more theatre on Broadway.

p.s. this is the production which featured Roger Rees as Nicholas. It is NOT the pallid film which featured Nathan Lane as Vincent Crummles. Updated On: 1/2/04 at 04:30 PM

Posted: 1/2/04 at 4:41pm

If you can't rent the video, pick up a copy of Dicken's novel.

For the uninitiated Nicholas and Smike join a troup of travel actors, the Vincent Crummles, to marvelously funny and poingnant results. Dickens was enamoured of the stage and the Crummle's production of ROMEO AND JULIET are not to be missed, on paper or the stage.

Bulldog

[Hello Gorgeous]

Posted: 1/2/04 at 5:14pm

I have seen about 8-10 shows, do I qualify?

[PB ENT.]

Posted: 1/2/04 at 5:34pm

There are just so many shows with so many spots with those "reach out and grab ya'" moments.

My favorites from the classics: POTO, when Christine rips off the mask and he feels horror, anger, sorrow that he's exposed.(when its done right, it pulls at your heart).

Saigon: When Kim realizes her son's life is worth giving up her own. When the male chorus sings Bu Doi. Because this is not just another somng in a musical. It's real.

Les Miz: I think the Valjean character is filled with bravery, humility, self-less love. I know this sounds corny, but his story is a great role model for today.

A Chorus Line: Paul's whole soliloque definetly grabs you. I'm not fond of this musical at all. And this is the only real acting in the show, imo.

Neil Simon's "Jakes Women"- When Jake's about to lose his mind and finally realizes he doesn't need his imaginary women anymore.

Arthur Harwood's "The Dresser"- when "Sir" realizes how much he needs his wife and friends, then when Sir dies, how the dresser reacts. (talk about heart droping to your feet).

1776~ some of the negoations and battle of the wills of the delegates has some very poignant moments.

Brighton Beach Memoirs~ the relationship between sisters Kate and Blanch lends itself to some tough love moments.

"Lady Day", (the story of Billy Holiday): I had the pleasure of seeing Chris Calloway ( Cab Calloway's daughter,how many know him?) become Billy, in every sense. Her entire performance was one emoitional roller coster with many reality checks. She earned a Barrymore nom. for this one.

Flowers For Algernon- The character of Charlie, the challanged young man, whose whole life was a struggle. Another amazing 'keep your heart from exploding' lesson about life.



I know there's more inside my head ,,, maybe later.

Updated On: 1/2/04 at 05:34 PM

[BroadwayDiva]

Posted: 1/2/04 at 5:54pm

Let's see... in RENT when, after almost dying, Mimi comes back to life after seeing Angel in a dream. That's always like "keep on living, no day but today" kind of stuff.

Also, in RENT, during the "Goodbye, Love", when Mimi says "you don't want baggage without lifetime guarantees..." gets me every time- just the way the person playing Mimi says it.

In Man of La Mancha, during 'Impossible Dream,' when Don Quixote belts out "to reach the unreachable stars!" There is like a delay because, especially when Brian Stokes Mitchell is singing, it's just an incredible song.

The one that kills me every time, and I just start crying, is another RENT thing- during 'I'll Cover Your:Reprise'. The song has so much feeling. When the Collins sings "Oh lover I'll cover you", and everyone else is singing parts of Seasons of Love- wow. Amazing.

[BillFinn]

Posted: 1/2/04 at 6:37pm

The moment in PASSION when Giorgio finally admits he loves Fosca followed by "No One has ever loved me". He starts crying. She starts crying. Very poignant

[LadyGuenevere]

Posted: 1/2/04 at 6:41pm

"One Day More" in Les Miserables.

The energy...the spirit, it was amazing when I saw it. My friend wondered why the tears were running down my face during that point in the show- but it just all got to me.

[son_of_a_gunn_25]

Posted: 1/2/04 at 6:41pm

hello gorgeous, I just didn't want it to be that a person has only seen one or two shows and based it off the fact that they had just seen that one show, not that I have anything against them. I just wanted people who could compare several different shows and come up with the best. If someone had seen lets say Footloose The Musical and thats the only show theyve ever seen, they can't compare it to other shows so they do not fully understand how it measures up to other experiences. Now I've confused myself.

[broadwayguy2]

Posted: 1/2/04 at 8:06pm

Its okay Son.. it's the blond taking control....

[son_of_a_gunn_25]

Posted: 1/2/04 at 8:27pm

I'm still confused.

[shermanslave]

Posted: 1/2/04 at 8:55pm

I saw The Baltimore Waltz at the Alley many years ago and it blew me away. I mean I lost it; like I had to leave the theater as soon as it was over and walk around the block crying. I love that play.

Also, the very end of Kiss of the Spiderwoman when Molina is taking his "curtain call" in front of all of his friends and family.

Ragtime at the opening number when the three groups of different classes all travel in circles around each other trying not to get to clos to the other.

In Cabaret at the very end when the emcee shows his pink triangle to the audience. (another moment for me that had me totally lose it and have to excuse myself.)

there are so many!!

[TheaterBaby]

Posted: 1/2/04 at 11:07pm

I would have to say the scene in Hollywood Arms when Helen is taking her sister away to New York to live with her because of their Mother's drinking problem; and then the mother dies. Plus Linda Lavin's portayal of Nanny was so moving it brought me to tears. I fealt like I was understanding an entire piece of Carol Burnett's life that nobody could have really understood by just reading biographies or seeing her in interiews.

The scene in "the Boy From Oz" where Hugh sings, "Quiet Please, There's A Lady On Stage." I'm a such a fan of Judy Garland, so to hear that song, and know that he's supposed to be singing it after she has passed away is so sad.

[tappedout]

Posted: 1/3/04 at 6:31pm

The whole play of the exonerated is incredibly poignant and moving because it is all real...this play is seriously stripped bare the actors just sit on chairs, and many of them are reading, but it's amazing.

I would also have to say....Medea of course.The scene where Jason realizes that Medea has killed his children because she is mad at him. This is after he has stopped yeling and just has this look on his face.INTENSE!! This is done of course by the Professional Greek Theatre....Insane(in a good way)

[chasing_rainbows43]

Posted: 1/3/04 at 8:07pm

"Heiraten" in Cabaret is one of my favorite things to watch, especially as is right now. The prostitute is chosen to sing a song about how marriage can fade other troubles, and has (when done properly) the realization that this will never happen for her. When delivered well, it's heartbreaking.

Also, the first line of the epilogue of Hollywood Arms. Every time I saw it the tears just started coming. Despite Louise's shortcomings as a mother, daughter, wife, lover, friend, etc, you grow to love her so much. She finally gets that last goodbye and Nana actually lets her, understanding what her daughter needs, and then the next line just rips your heart out. THat's probably one of my most vivid memories in the theater, remembering the look of satisfaction on Pawk's face, and then hearing the epilogue.
In addition, Nana's "don't tell me I'm pissing on anyone's dream" monologue midway through act 2. Linda Lavin really did a terrific job with that.
I'm so upset that Hollywood Arms was so short-lived. If not a technically great piece of theatre, it was one of the most real things I've ever seen, and the performances were nothing short of amazing from everyone in the cast. Think if I tried to stage a one night only revival like, in my living room, that would work? Not that we've got the space.....but still, a girl can dream, can't she?

[AugustBurns2]

Posted: 1/3/04 at 11:32pm

One moment that jumps out instantly is a scene from a touring production of Fiddler on the Roof starring Theodore Bikel that I saw many years ago. The actress who played Golde (I don't remember her name) shed a real tear when she found out her daughter ran away and got married. Theodore Bikel was amazing too. Even though, these two actors have played the show over and over, they both acted this scene as though it was the first time. It was incredibly touching and believable.