What "Brilliant Theatre" Means To You

[bwayfan9]

Posted: 10/23/08 at 4:36pm

I read reviews online and in the papers all the time and a lot of times, the word "Brilliant" is used, but the more I think about it, the more it makes me think, what is "Brilliant Theatre"

In this case, "Brilliant" means something different to everyone. I have heard that word attached with Sweeney Todd, August, even Rent.

To me, for a show to be brilliant, it has to do something more then just entertain you, it has to take on something that is meaningful. Another thing that makes a show brilliant to me is something that lives on after I see it, something with an issue that I still think and talk about after the show.

I know I might get eaten for this, but I found Hairspray to be a Brilliant Show.

I found it to be wildly entertaining and contagious, but it also had a serious statement about equality that really got me thinking.

What, to you, does "Brilliant Theatre", mean.

[WithoutATrace]

Posted: 10/23/08 at 4:55pm

I overuse the word "brilliant" a lot...but my idea of brilliant includes Ragtime, Parade, Caroline or Change, and The Light in the Piazza. Really fun shows that I also love include Wicked and Aida.

[BenKaye]

Posted: 10/23/08 at 4:59pm

When I use the word "brilliant" to describe theatre, I usually use it to describe shows that not only entertain, but also require an audience to think. Show I consider "brilliant" include Passing Strange, Assassins, Sunday in the Park with George, Caroline or Change, and Pacific Overtures, along with many others.

[BustopherPhantom]

Posted: 10/23/08 at 6:47pm

My idea of Brilliant Theater is theater that is not perfect, but gives you something you hadn't seen before, and (this is important) sticks in your mind.

Examples:

CAROLINE, OR CHANGE, which is overly didactic and repetitive, but really gets to you if you go with it.

ADDING MACHINE, one of the most brilliant things I've heard recently. The ending feels rushed and preachy, but everything else is absolutely wonderful.

Updated On: 10/28/08 at 06:47 PM

[jv92]

Posted: 10/23/08 at 8:29pm

Brilliant Shows:
Gypsy
Follies
Grey Gardens
She Loves Me
Sweeney Todd
Sunday in the Park with George
The Light in the Piazza
Ragtime
Carousel
The King and I
Company
Cabaret
Chicago
Pacific Overtures
A Little Night Music
Allegro

Sure there are a few others, but those are the first ones that come to my mind.

[roseaddams]

Posted: 10/23/08 at 11:37pm

Honestly, and I was completely surprised by this -- JERSEY BOYS. I saw it in Vegas. I wasn't expecting much, but was completely bowled over. It was a simple, compelling story, with brilliant and visually interesting staging (and lighting -- only the second show I've ever seen where the lighting stood out) and wonderful performances all around. I stood for it -- and I'm very very discerning about my standing ovations.

[dg22894]

Posted: 10/24/08 at 7:25am

Shows that break boudries of there time: RENT, SA, Caroline or Change, Passing Strange, In the Heights, wicked

[joe5]

Posted: 10/24/08 at 7:58am

Brilliant to me, is theatre that resonates for days with you. That thinks beyond itself and takes you into new realms. That have not been approached before. Saying that, Company(rev), August, Passing Strange, Rent, Lion King, SideShow and Caroline. Were brillant!
Updated On: 10/24/08 at 07:58 AM

[once a month]

Posted: 10/24/08 at 8:36am

To me, The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby was brilliant, and I'm a musical theatre devotee. Nicholas, as well as Chorus Line 30 years ago, actually changed how I perceived my life. Gypsy this year came very close...a show I'll think of and relive countless times over the decades.