The Most Effective Blackout in a Production- Page 3

[TimeSquare3]

Posted: 4/12/09 at 7:05pm

Broadwaybound-What do you mean they "disappear"? The curtain comes down. It's not like there's a blackout and then all of a sudden there's an empty stage.

I could still see Kerry Ellis out of character with the lift coming down before the curtain finished coming down.

[wickedfan]

Posted: 4/12/09 at 7:13pm

Then that was thanks to a lazy stagehand who didn't bring it down in time.

[MrSweetNAwful]

Posted: 4/12/09 at 7:20pm

How could I forget the blackout in Drowsy Chaperone!? So hilarious! You're so close to that last note then BAM! and the recording winds down. I think I remember Bob Martin yelling "Nobody panic!" as he walks around the frozen actors holding a flashlight. LOL
Now that was a good blackout, though it was a blackout within the story and not a technical blackout.

[TimeSquare3]

Posted: 4/12/09 at 7:29pm

I love the Drowsy blackout, followed by the power coming back up SKKKKKKKYYY!!!

"What was that?"

[orangeskittles]

Posted: 4/13/09 at 12:56am

And, I guess "In The Heights" didn't really register with me. I just didn't see the hype. The choreography was good, but the story I could care less about.

It's not a case of the show not registering with you. All the lights onstage went out mid-act and it was followed by a song titled "Blackout", specifically staged to highlight the fact that there was a blackout in the neighborhood, and countless references in the second act to the fact that the electricity was out. You claim to have seen the show, but I have to wonder if you were even conscious if you missed out on all that.

Updated On: 4/13/09 at 12:56 AM

[morosco]

Posted: 6/1/09 at 2:44pm

Sweeney slamming the upstage door at the end of the original production of Sweeney Todd.

[doodlenyc]

Posted: 6/1/09 at 2:53pm

The end of "W;t" and "Angels in America:Millenium Approaches".

[tazber]

Posted: 6/1/09 at 2:58pm

The end of Cabaret at Studio 54. Wow.

That was by far and away the most powerful blackout and one of the most powerful moments I've ever seen in theater. The audience didn't know what to do.

[jacky_b_123]

Posted: 6/1/09 at 3:03pm

I liked at the end of the 'nine' revival when louisa walks back in on Guido... I thought that was quite effective.

OOOH and i wonder if many ppl saw it but the recent production of the opera 'Peter Grimes' at the ENO. It tragic when the massive chorus are singin the unaccompanied hymn lookin out into the audience / sea where Grimes is sinkin his own boat cuz he'll never be able to explain his innocence. and Ellen his love, crying is forced to watch him die. then it all goes silent and then a slow fade to black. AMAZING!

[Roscoe]

Posted: 6/1/09 at 3:03pm

The blackout midway through Act Two of THE LIEUTENANT OF INISHMORE.

[ray-andallthatjazz86]

Posted: 6/1/09 at 3:06pm

Definitely the Act II finale of AUGUST: OC comes to mind. I'll never forget the first time I heard Amy Morton (as Barb) screaming at a shocked Estelle Parsons (as Vi), "I'M RUNNING THINGS NOW!!!!" at the top of her lungs. I think my mouth just opened, no sound came out, I just sat there with my mouth opened during the blackout, then the lights came on and I just stayed on my seat for some time processing what had just happened, then I felt like I just had to have a cigarette.
I love the "Blackout" number in IN THE HEIGHTS, isn't there a blackout right at the ending of "96'000"? I love the lighting of that show.

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 6/1/09 at 3:22pm

The Drowsy Chaperone was the first to come to mind. Very clever use of blackout.

[ggersten]

Posted: 6/1/09 at 5:18pm

Sweet Charity. At the end of Act One, Oscar says he's fine and ready for anything. Blackout. Whimpered voices, followed by lighters and a cry for "help". Very funny.

[Unknown User]

Posted: 6/1/09 at 6:06pm

The blackout at the end of Golda's Balcony was quite effective, with Tovah crying "Shalom, Shalom, Shalom!" and softly blowing out the candle. Very chillng.

And gotta love In the Heights. It's a great scene all around.

[little_sally]

Posted: 6/1/09 at 6:13pm

The Inishmore blackout was definitely a great one.

[dg22894]

Posted: 6/1/09 at 6:45pm

SA when Moritiz is with the gun is the most emotional for me.

[bandit964]

Posted: 6/1/09 at 7:43pm

Les Liaisons. with the sound effect

[little_sally]

Posted: 6/1/09 at 8:16pm

I second that, bandit.

[Here I Am]

Posted: 6/1/09 at 8:27pm

YES thejcm! PROOF! End of Act One. omg so amazing!

[rosscoe(au)]

Posted: 6/1/09 at 10:33pm

The Final monments of Death and the Maiden, the music swells and then she moves towards him, will she, won't she? The final note of music and blackout. Powerful.

[bwayfan7000]

Posted: 6/1/09 at 10:52pm

I'd have to add Defying Gravity...for me, it was a thrilling moment in an otherwise underwhelming production. And it does what I think the Act I finale of any big show should do, and that's send the audience out feeling exhilarated. I specifically remember that being one of the only times in my life that my jaw dropped in a theater.

[SNLMedia]

Posted: 6/1/09 at 11:13pm

I'm surprised no one has mentioned the blackout at the end of "You Can't Stop the Beat". It always leaves me wanting more from the show, and it makes the end of the scene and the final button of the song all the more exhilarating! Then the lights come back up for curtain call and the orchestra section is covered in streamers! A great way to end a huge party on Broadway!