To all 14 to 21 year old theatre fans

I agree with that Voiceanth. That is VERY true.

To a great extent this holds true for those in all age groups and for all shows. Perhaps that's why many of the re-makes and revivals are under the microscope next to their originals.

Creative teams that re-stage originals truly take a leap of faith and a risk. Today's theater audiences are not just saavy, but extremely opinionated and some unfortunately aggressively attack every nuance that changes in a revival. I think it stinks! But that's not going to change.

I "truly" respect and appreciate young peoples' avid interest,opinions and pursuit in theater. I work with them via workshops and we talk about this a lot. But it's a stretch for me to say they have the experience or knowledge of people who have been in or around theater for 10-20 years. Still, they have a right to express themselves through their young opinions. Some are more mature,insightful and les critical than others in expressing themselves. It's just that, as you alluded to, people's opinions change with time.

---

Yes, all you "14-21year olds" with deep pockets should love it, and just think you'll be able to enjoy it just like an MTV video, all fast and showy..it's perfect. Voice, I think when you did all that "man-scaping" on yer bod, ya shaved off some of your depended upon practical reason.

---

but d oYOU know..haha, ok, I'll be good, VA, what are your thoughts on Nick?..Is he hot or whhhhaaattt, and he's a neatnick!

---

Yes, I'm joking....or am I?!

---

Daisy, you are the only 19 year old I know of who sounds like she needs metamucil!


All's I'm sayin is to go and judge yourselves..because some opinions here maybe tainted by the ghosts of Ellen Grenne past!

Well looking with that perspective in mind Voiceanth, I can now see why so many Sondheim Snobs hated the Into the Woods revival thinking the Original was much better when it was obviously not.

I have found the whole message board and critical reaction to Litte Shop of Horrors very interesting as it is one of my favourite musicals and I was witness to such a bad production in the regions of England last year of a show which had been made to seem to me as pretty indestructiable.

But I guess there must be a point in any production process, but in particular in musicals which tend to be constantly re-adjusted and rewriiten, where the creative talent begin to mould the material around the talents appointed to the production.

Hence accordingly of course Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors is particularly suited to Ellen Greene as I would wager that much of the part was not only written to accomodate her talents but also she was given the opportunity to engrave her intrepretion of the role on film.

However I think occasionaly given time and society or attitudes change so that a performer can give a new take on a role and suddenly make it look fresh and original as occured for me when Sam Mendes/Adrian Lester re-invented Company for the 90's at the Donmar.

I guess casting Kerry Butler (by the sounds of it an honest performer) was never going to be different enough nor had enough time passed for her to be found anything but wanting in the shadow of Ms Greene (a performer for whom lets face it to date, Audrey is as good as it has got).

It had never occured to me, but from what people have said a black or asian Audrey might have just made the remove from Ms Greene, to allow us to see this show anew, in the same way that I have always felt that someone should ditch that bloody ginger wig from annie and cast it with a black (Aretha Franklin-esque) girl to try and give that show some soul and sincerity.


(ahh well that teach me to stay in on a friday and hit the vodka!)

---

#1: If a show is on Bway, it is a piece of art. #2: Kerry isn't necessarilly going to be as wonderful as Ellen Greene...get over it! #3: I would never take someone's opinion and let it influence my desicion when it comes to a show.

---

You are referring to "art" as amazing everything. That's not true, smart a$$. That is what frustrates me! Ohhh...I hate those costumes...the show is not a piece of art. Ohhh...that actress is not as good as the original...the show is not a piece of art.

---

You are 16 goooooing on 17....hehe

When someone so much younger than me gives such good advise to people even younger than him, it makes me feel faint. Could someone help this old lady to a chair?? Maybe get me a glass a water? A cane?

Good job, Voiceanth! I agree 100%

D