Schindler's List

[Tenorific2]

Posted: 7/9/05 at 6:45pm

If this were hypothetically brought to the stage, would you see it is a legit drama or musical along the lines of "Les Miz" (fully sung, operaesque).

I could see it work as both if it had a good playwright and dramaturg, and if it had a composer who could evoke feeling, as well as keeping John Williams' haunting violin score.

[pianoman68]

Posted: 7/9/05 at 6:52pm

I think it would make a beautiful play. But I also KNOW that if it were a musical, the Jewish community/Holocaust societies would make a huge uproar. Some might find putting these events to music to be disrespectful. But I do think a play would commemerate it nicely and would be a hit.

[Beergoggles]

Posted: 7/9/05 at 7:31pm

I don't think it would work as a musical... a play yes!

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 7/9/05 at 7:47pm

Why would it upset people if made into a dramatic musical? As long as it is done with deep respect, no one would have merit to be offended.

[Taryn]

Posted: 7/9/05 at 8:08pm

I agree, JRB. Just look at Parade.

[TabooWickedFan]

Posted: 7/9/05 at 8:09pm

I could never see it as a musical. But a play i could possible see.

[kombatkoala]

Posted: 7/9/05 at 8:49pm

A play has the potential to be beautiful. A musical would be kinda tacky, unless its done right. A play would be smarter though.

[MargoChanning]

Posted: 7/9/05 at 8:52pm

Strikes me more as an opera.

[JenD512]

Posted: 7/9/05 at 9:26pm

Please, no musicals about the Holocaust. That is just tacky.

[TheEnchantedHunter]

Posted: 7/9/05 at 9:29pm

"I agree, JRB. Just look at Parade."

Not the best example, given the poor handling of its subject matter.


Vivian Darkbloom
Ramsdale, New England

[WickedGeek28]

Posted: 7/10/05 at 9:18am

How is it tacky. That's what I can't stand about some people, no gypsy pun inteneded, but it's not like the musical would say anything wrong or hurtful about the situation. I mean for that matter then i guess you believe they shouldn't have all shook up because elvis is dead and that would make people upset.

[iluvtheatertrash]

Posted: 7/10/05 at 10:32am

I'm with Margo. Definately could see it more as an operatic piece.

And yes, it's difficult subject matter, but there was an ANNE FRANK musical a decade or so ago. It didn't go far, although there is a recording.

[GypsyRoseLee]

Posted: 7/10/05 at 11:18am

This seems really risky. It could either be truly wonderful and a real sucess, or it could be really awful. No in-between. I don't know why the Jewish community would see any reason to be insulted. Just look at Fiddler on the Roof.

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 7/10/05 at 11:33am

Tacky??? You make it sound like there would be glitter, sequins, and tap dancing! It wouldn't be tacky if it was done WELL.

[TheEnchantedHunter]

Posted: 7/10/05 at 10:11pm

The question is 'WHY?' Why musicalize it? What would musicalizing it accomplish? What about the material demands lyrical treatment, demands to be sung? How is it translated into musical terms?

Natasha Rostova
St. Petersburg, Russia

[dietcherryemma]

Posted: 7/10/05 at 10:19pm

I think it could be fine - but in my mind a play would be more powerful, and more well-recieved.

[Jimmyojimmy]

Posted: 7/10/05 at 10:24pm

Wicked geek, it worked in Cabaret, although it was kinda subtle

[senortenor]

Posted: 7/10/05 at 11:02pm

I don't think there is a need to bring Schindler's List to fruition as a play or as a musical. I don't think either of these media can bring any new elements into the work that would improve it without majorly sacrificing elements that were essential to the filmed version.

[Elphaba]

Posted: 7/10/05 at 11:11pm

pianoman, as a Jew, I agree with you. To put this story to music would be insulting to the 6 million Jews who died during the war, and those who survived.
Many cannot speak of what happened to them to this day. As a play, I think it could be fantastic.

[rockfenris2005]

Posted: 7/11/05 at 5:19am

Believe it or not, there is actually a Holocaust the Musical in existence. It is being offered for production on

www.beyondtheatre.com

[Parks]

Posted: 7/11/05 at 10:56am

I never got to see the whole movie, only the opening 'scene'. It was terrifying. We studied the holocaust 2 years ago. My teacher (1st period) put the movie in and played the first scene. After it was done, he said, 'good morning'. Not funny of him.

Sorry, off topic.

[Thenardier]

Posted: 7/11/05 at 11:02am

I think it would work, but would be extremely difficult to do. I think Schonberg and Boublil could pull it off, they seem to be good at those historical dramas. Wildhorn is also big on history - although he may not make it effectve enough.

Then again, the saddest part of the show was the end, when Schindler Judens were walking by his grave.


But, as long as there are no lines like:

STERN: Listen Schindler
SCHINDLER: Yes?
STERN: A Schindler, I thought you were a swindler
But I can see that you are good at heart....

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 7/11/05 at 3:48pm

I'm just still blown away by the people who think that it's fine if it is a play, but would be insulting if "set to music".

I need more elaboration on that. Because I don't see ANY logic to that. None.

[JenD512]

Posted: 7/11/05 at 8:30pm

<>

I love how use of the word "tacky" is getting people more upset than the idea of a musical about the Holocaust.

The Holocaust was a historical travesty where 6 million people were murdered. I don't care if it's the most tastefully done musical experience of all time...it's just not the appropriate material for a musical.

And yes, there's Cabaret...which takes place in a nightclub as the Nazis are taking over Germany. There was an Anne Frank musical...which took place in an attic.

Did you SEE "Schindler's List"? The scene in the showers? The scene where they took the children--and where the other children were hiding when they did? The raiding of the ghetto?

This movie was a graphic depiction of the Holocaust, not the material for a musical.

You can't sing that. I don't care how "tastefully" it's done.


<>

Elvis wasn't murdered by Nazis!! That's not even relevant to the conversation.

Besides, I'm pretty sure Elvis is already rolling over in his grave over "All Shook Up." It was awful.

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 7/11/05 at 9:53pm

Who says it would have to be a recreation of the film?

Who says it can't be based on the book?

Who says that they have to SHOW the shower scenes?

I think that thinking that serious subject matter can't be set to music is limited thinking. You drew a line that others may or may not agree on. If it's too emotional an experience to see on stage--don't go see it.

And, yes, I have seen the film. It's one of my all time favorites.