Why Did I Like the Passing Strange film more than the stage show?

[Holbee]

Why Did I Like the Passing Strange film more than the stage show?#1

Posted: 9/26/09 at 1:26pm

Its been over a year since I saw the stage version of "Passing Strange". I have rarely had such an "Emperor's New Clothes" experience. I found everything but the actual staging cliche. And the music wasn't cliche...it was just repetitive and a little boring (except for the Amsterdam numbers). But I saw the film version recently and enjoyed it. I can tell Spike Lee did not think the show sacrosanct...I'm guessing he cut (I remember a number with the Valley Girl which was superfluous and SHOULD have been cut as well as a bigger number for the Mother after she died). Can anyone tell me the differences in the film and the stage show?
Updated On: 9/26/09 at 01:26 PM

[Kad]

re: Why Did I Like the Passing Strange film more than the stage show?#2

Posted: 9/26/09 at 1:38pm

I didn't see the stage show, but what was in the movie matches completely with what is on the cast recording.

"...everyone finally shut up, and the audience could enjoy the beginning of the Anatevka Pogram in peace."

[trombonist]

re: Why Did I Like the Passing Strange film more than the stage show?#2

Posted: 9/26/09 at 2:15pm

I haven't seen the film, but I thought it was basically a filming of the show as it was. Why would it be that different?

[Yankeefan007]

re: Why Did I Like the Passing Strange film more than the stage show?#3

Posted: 9/26/09 at 2:20pm

It's all there.

[blaxx]

re: Why Did I Like the Passing Strange film more than the stage show?#4

Posted: 9/26/09 at 2:23pm

You can digest a film much differently than a live show (which can be much more overwhelming). Maybe that is why.

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

[beewai]

re: Why Did I Like the Passing Strange film more than the stage show?#5

Posted: 9/26/09 at 4:40pm

I had a similar experience (although I enjoyed it in the theater) something about this show works very well in the medium of film. The focus is sharper. Lee seems to juxtapose things so that the relationship between Stew and the rest of the characters feels richer to me. Stew watching his own story unfold is an element to the show that hit me emotionally, and while it wasn't completely absent in the theater -- it packed a punch on film.

[Unknown User]

re: Why Did I Like the Passing Strange film more than the stage show?#6

Posted: 9/30/09 at 11:54am

Did you see the show at the Public...or in Berkeley? The show did change a bit from the Public version, and I believe it may have changed a little from b'way previews. I know they took out "Shower Hum Song" and extended Mr. Venus' number, but I don't remember a Valley Girl sequence.