Uniquely Artistic Plays and Musicals

#1

Uniquely Artistic Plays and Musicals

Posted: 1/2/07 at 10:18pm

What are some shows in which the story was told in a uniquely artistic way? Example: THE LION KING, AVENUE Q, CAROLINE OR CHANGE, SPRING AWAKENING, etc.

Compiling a list for a paper.

Thanks!

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"The Spectacle has, indeed, an emotional attraction of its own, but, of all the parts, it is the least artistic, and connected least with the art of poetry. For the power of Tragedy, we may be sure, is felt even apart from representation and actors. Besides, the production of spectacular effects depends more on the art of the stage machinist than on that of the poet."
--Aristotle

#2

re: Uniquely Artistic Plays and Musicals

Posted: 1/2/07 at 10:27pm

I think you might have to be more specific, because every succesful show was done in a unique and artistic way. You'll end up having people just posting their favorite shows.

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Listen, I don't take my clothes off for anyone, even if it is "artistic". - JANICE

#3

re: Uniquely Artistic Plays and Musicals

Posted: 1/2/07 at 10:27pm

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Listen, I don't take my clothes off for anyone, even if it is "artistic". - JANICE

Updated On: 1/2/07 at 10:27 PM

#4

re: Uniquely Artistic Plays and Musicals

Posted: 1/2/07 at 10:33pm

The Drowsy Chaperone, definitely.

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One time, Patti LuPone punched me in the face...


It was awesome. - theaterkid1015

#5

re: Uniquely Artistic Plays and Musicals

Posted: 1/2/07 at 10:36pm

As it has come up on another thread, the Deaf West Theater production of "Big River," which completely re-invented the show and was a terrific, moving production. It was in NYC as part of Roundabout's 2004 season.

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Cheyenne Jackson tickled me. AFTER ordering SoMMS a drink but NOT tickling him, and hanging out with Girly in his dressing room (where he DIDN'T tickle her) but BEFORE we got married. To others. And then he tweeted Boobs. He also tweeted he's good friends with some chick on "The Voice" who just happens to be good friends with Tink's ex. And I'm still married. Oh, and this just in: "Pettiness, spite, malice ....Such ugly emotions... So sad." - After Eight, talking about MEEEEEEEE!!! I'm so honored! :-)

#6

re: Uniquely Artistic Plays and Musicals

Posted: 1/2/07 at 10:47pm

More specific? "Uniquely artistic" - the method of storytelling is unlike most everything else done.

THE LION KING: African masks and puppetry.
AVENUE Q: Hand-puppets and human.
CAROLINE OR CHANGE: Singers representing objects.
SPRING AWAKENING: A period German play with modern pop-style songs.
BIG RIVER: Told through sign language.

HELLO DOLLY, GYPSY, GUYS AND DOLLS, PETER PAN, SEUSSICAL, URINETOWN, SPAMALOT, THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, MAMMA MIA!, etc. are all told traditionally, for example.

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"The Spectacle has, indeed, an emotional attraction of its own, but, of all the parts, it is the least artistic, and connected least with the art of poetry. For the power of Tragedy, we may be sure, is felt even apart from representation and actors. Besides, the production of spectacular effects depends more on the art of the stage machinist than on that of the poet."
--Aristotle

#7

re: Uniquely Artistic Plays and Musicals

Posted: 1/2/07 at 10:52pm

Um: Wicked - Told by Witches, both good and bad.

How could you miss that one?!?

But seriously? Um...how about The Last 5 Years? It's a story of a relationship told from both the female and male perspective.

#8

re: Uniquely Artistic Plays and Musicals

Posted: 1/2/07 at 10:52pm

What about the SWEENEY TODD and COMPANY revivals? Both use(d) actors as musicians.

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Salve, Regina, Mater misericordiae
Vita, dulcedo, et spes nostra
Salve, Salve Regina
Ad te clamamus exsules filii Eva
Ad te suspiramus, gementes et flentes
O clemens O pia

#9

re: Uniquely Artistic Plays and Musicals

Posted: 1/2/07 at 10:59pm

"Um: Wicked - Told by Witches, both good and bad. "

hahaha

Last 5 Years staging is very unique.

#10

re: Uniquely Artistic Plays and Musicals

Posted: 1/2/07 at 11:00pm

Another thought for you: Rodgers and Hammerstein's "Allegro" used non-traditional staging and storytelling techniques. It even had a "greek chorus" commenting on the action. I've never seen a production of it, but I have read it and I've heard the score (not one of their best) and they were definitely trying something very different with that show.

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Cheyenne Jackson tickled me. AFTER ordering SoMMS a drink but NOT tickling him, and hanging out with Girly in his dressing room (where he DIDN'T tickle her) but BEFORE we got married. To others. And then he tweeted Boobs. He also tweeted he's good friends with some chick on "The Voice" who just happens to be good friends with Tink's ex. And I'm still married. Oh, and this just in: "Pettiness, spite, malice ....Such ugly emotions... So sad." - After Eight, talking about MEEEEEEEE!!! I'm so honored! :-)

#11

re: Uniquely Artistic Plays and Musicals

Posted: 1/2/07 at 11:01pm

The Song of Jakob Zulu, which featured Ladysmith Black Mambazo functioning as a Greek chorus.

How about Metamorphoses (Or Mary Zimmerman's entire oueve all together) [Argonautika was one of the most inventive theatrical experiences I've had in a long while]

Another thing to consider is the work of companies like PunchDrunk in the UK (Who make site specific installation productions of well known works)

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The one show everyone on Broadway is waiting to see: Twyla Tharp presents: Big Bottom - The Spinal Tap Jukebox musical!

#12

re: Uniquely Artistic Plays and Musicals

Posted: 1/2/07 at 11:11pm

See What I Wanna See

#13

re: Uniquely Artistic Plays and Musicals

Posted: 1/2/07 at 11:12pm

HAIR: 30-something rock tunes commenting on contemporary issues; stagings of sex, war, acid trips and American history; a fourth-wall-breaking, clothes-shedding "tribe" of young people...sounds unique for 1968 to me.

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"If there is going to be a restoration fee, there should also be a Renaissance fee, a Middle Ages fee and a Dark Ages fee. Someone must have men in the back room making up names, euphemisms for profit." (Emanuel Azenberg)

#14

re: Uniquely Artistic Plays and Musicals

Posted: 1/2/07 at 11:14pm

I was thinking Sweeney and Company Revivals also Pacific Overtures

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"Passion can drive you crazy but is there any other way to live"

#15

re: Uniquely Artistic Plays and Musicals

Posted: 1/2/07 at 11:21pm

Yet another "oldie but goodie:" "Lady in the Dark." It was a musical about psychoanalysis by Moss Hart, with a score by Kurt Weill. The musical numbers were confined to the heroine's sessions with her shrink, and they were all dream sequences. Stunning score, including "My Ship."

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Cheyenne Jackson tickled me. AFTER ordering SoMMS a drink but NOT tickling him, and hanging out with Girly in his dressing room (where he DIDN'T tickle her) but BEFORE we got married. To others. And then he tweeted Boobs. He also tweeted he's good friends with some chick on "The Voice" who just happens to be good friends with Tink's ex. And I'm still married. Oh, and this just in: "Pettiness, spite, malice ....Such ugly emotions... So sad." - After Eight, talking about MEEEEEEEE!!! I'm so honored! :-)

#16

re: Uniquely Artistic Plays and Musicals

Posted: 1/2/07 at 11:26pm

I'll second the BIG RIVER Revival. It was *stunning*.

Also, THE WEDDING SINGER -- told through the eyes of a family of five eatin' macaroni on the couch of their trailer.

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"Winning a Tony this year is like winning Best Attendance in third grade: no one will care but the winner and their mom."
-Kad

"I have also met him in person, and I find him to be quite funny actually. Arrogant and often misinformed, but still funny."
-bjh2114 (on Michael Riedel)

#17

re: Uniquely Artistic Plays and Musicals

Posted: 1/2/07 at 11:27pm

"Arcadia," by Tom Stoppard. Incredibly creative play in terms of structure, and one of my favorites.

#18

re: Uniquely Artistic Plays and Musicals

Posted: 1/3/07 at 12:19am

I would say, IMHO, that the most artistic part of L5Y is not only that it is told from both male and female perspective, but additionally that one story starts from the end of the relationship and one from the beginning. Very different from anything I've ever experienced.

Updated On: 2/15/14 at 12:19 AM

#19

re: Uniquely Artistic Plays and Musicals

Posted: 1/3/07 at 12:21am

What about the rivival of Chicago? Taking away all of the flashy sets and sparkly costumes so that the storytelling and dance come forward.

#20

re: Uniquely Artistic Plays and Musicals

Posted: 1/3/07 at 1:19am

How about:
Merrily We Roll Along: The story is told backwards, from middle age back to college.
Sunday in the Park With George: Really just the number "It's Hot Up Here" which has the painting come to life.
Assassins: The last scene, which has my favorite conspiracy theory for the Kennedy assassination.

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I killed the boss, you don't think they're gonna fire me over a thing like that!!!!

#21

re: Uniquely Artistic Plays and Musicals

Posted: 1/3/07 at 1:34am

METAMORPHASES

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"He wants to know who cares. I care you stupid fool we all care..." John Wilkes Booth (Assassins)