OPPOSITE OF SEX @ Williamstown - Kerry Butler OUT!

[kerrylongphoto]

Posted: 8/13/06 at 9:20pm

Sorry just posted the title so that you would read this, but I had an interesting afternoon of theatre...

At the beginning of the show, Artistic Dirctor Roger Rees got on stage, along with the director of the show, Rob Roth got on stage and introduced kerry Butler and show writer Douglas Cohen. They announced, in a very nice way, that Ms. Butler was without a voice and that Mr. Cohen would be singing Ms. Butler's part, as well as speaking her lines, while she went through the staging and mouthed all of her parts.

As I sat, merely a few feet from the stage, I thought this sounded like an AWFUL idea.

However, it was a great, interesting and unique afternoon that totally was a tribute to the wonder of live theatre. Butler did a fantastic job of basically mime-ing, yet still compeltely believably acting (hard to describe!) the part and her fellow actors followed suit - they all went along with the extenuating circumstances and more than rose to the challenge. Cohen did a GREAT job voicing the part - bravo to him and to Ms. Butler for being in sync!

All in all, a very unique and enjoyable afternoon - a great testament to the fabulousness of summer theatre - especially at placed like Williamstown and New York Stage& Film etc - both great places where new works are explored in a comfortable environment. The audience was accepting, responsive and compeltely supportive.

Bravo to everyone!

Kerry

[Caroline-Q-or-TBoo]

Posted: 8/13/06 at 9:21pm

Wow. Sounds like a cool evening of theater

[CapnHook]

Posted: 8/13/06 at 9:28pm

OH MY! I saw her last night and also yesterday's matinee. I know she didn't do the Cabaret that night because of a bad cold. In her performances yesterday, it wasn't noticable AT ALL that she was sick! WHAT A TROOPER!

That sounds like a very interesting night in the theatre. I left this morning but otherwise would have seen the show again. I saw the show a total of four times in addition to a rehearsal. The cast is brilliant and I really hope this goes to New York!

GET WELL, KERRY!

[Up In Lost]

Posted: 8/13/06 at 9:30pm

It was really cool to see. A true case of "The show must go on!" Many, many kudos and thanks to Ms. Butler, what a trooper!

[gustof777]

Posted: 8/13/06 at 9:30pm

Get Better Kerry!

[FindingNamo2]

Posted: 8/13/06 at 9:33pm

I once saw an injured Maggie in a regional A Chorus Line. They had a "dancing Maggie" and the one with the brace on her ankle did the acting and singing. It's quite something what the mind can adjust to as an audience member when "the show must go on."

[Craig]

Posted: 8/14/06 at 3:42pm

http://www.curtainup.com/oppositeofsex.html

A reviewer who was there on Sunday...

[Dollypop]

Posted: 8/14/06 at 4:06pm

About 20 years ago I did a regional production of IRMA LA DOUCE which was pretty dreadful to begin with. Our Irma lost her voice and the same remedy was applied. She was onstage mouthing the words while the female musical director spoke her lines and sang her music from the wings. I also recall the chorus being brought in earlier in certain numbers.

It was a nightmare of a show from beginning to end.

[Up In Lost]

Posted: 8/14/06 at 4:11pm

I got chills reading that! It was very, very brave of Kerry to do that. And Doug was awesome, he knew her mannerisms and everything. It was very funny in one paticular instant when Kerry stomps her foot and says a line. Just the way it came out was hysterical. One of my favorite experiences at a show.

[Craig]

Posted: 8/14/06 at 4:18pm

It truly was theatrical magic. Not only to have them perfectly in sync, but how often would the audience have an opportunity to have the composer/lyricist from a show perform a role in its entirety like that.

Major kudos to the cast and creative teams for pulling together and keeping that addage that the show must go on.

[Up In Lost]

Posted: 8/14/06 at 4:44pm

That WAS really amazing, too. Hearing Doug perform his work in the context, not just one or two songs at a little gig.

[suddenlyseymour]

Posted: 8/14/06 at 4:44pm

awww I hope she feels better soon

[sidneybruhl]

Posted: 8/14/06 at 6:23pm

Thanks for sharing this interesting experience. I saw a production of "Into the Woods" once where the choreographer went on for the actress who played Jack's mother with book in hand. She ended up doing a very nice job.