SAVED: A Question

[RentBoy86]

Posted: 6/9/08 at 3:13am

Why is Curtis Holbrook part of the ensemble here? His character is in a wheelchair, why is he dancing? I can understand Aaron Tveit being part of the ensemble because they all go to the school and whatnot, but I feel like seeing Holbrook dancing takes me out of it. Any comments? Is this a dream sequence, or something?

[I'm not sure if that link works, its part of the slide show on the NY Times website, but its the picture that is most commonly used to promote the show]

[InfiniteTheaterFrenzy]

Posted: 6/9/08 at 3:18am

I'm not sure I completely understand your question. The photo I believe you're referencing is a production photo of a musical number from Saved that enacts the fantasy world of Hillary Faye's character. In said number, each character behaves and moves the way that she would want them to. This includes a verse where Hillary Faye's brother, Roland (Curtis Holbrook) thanks her for all that she does for him and then miraculously can walk again. The dancing, on behalf of the actually- wheelchair- bound Roland character, is both accurate (to HF's fantasy) and humorous. I don't know what you mean by Holbrook and Tveit being credited in the ensemble. Does it say that in the NY Times?

[RentBoy86]

Posted: 6/9/08 at 3:26am

No, no, no. You answered my question. I didn't realize there was a "fantasy" sequence in the musical (which to me seems kind of stupid). It makes sense now. I was just curious as to why Holbrook wasn't in his wheel chair. I thought they were attempting to put him in the chorus in order to beef up its size and sound. If that makes anymore sense? ha.

[InfiniteTheaterFrenzy]

Posted: 6/9/08 at 3:49am

Oh, okay. No, that's not it at all.

In my opinion, that fantasy number is one of the best, if not THE best, sequences in the show. I'd give it a chance.

[RentBoy86]

Posted: 6/9/08 at 4:11am

Oh well, I mean, i like some of the show's music. I just feel like it's been a bit whitewashed.

[paphillyguy]

Posted: 6/9/08 at 8:40am

Rentboy,

I do see how you can come up with the opinion that it is whitewashed when it is clear you have not seen the show. Once you see it then you can make that assessment.

I saw it Sat and I really enjoyed it. The 2nd act is stronger then the 1st but all in all a good time and a great cast.

[Mealz1042]

Posted: 6/9/08 at 8:47am

I'm sorry, but can you please elaborate on how it is whitewashed? I did not get that feeling at all for what the show is and what it is meant to be.

[winter_sky]

Posted: 6/9/08 at 2:17pm

I don't think whitewash is the best word but I do think the satirical bite from the movie is lost in lieu of a more sympathetic view of religion.