Friday, February 9, 2018

THE FRIDAY 5: 2017-18 Theatrical Elements

This week, I thought I'd talk about the five (+ one honorable mention!) theatrical elements I'm most looking forward to this winter/spring of play-going.  And just like with the acting choices, it was very difficult to narrow down my list to just five!

THE FRIDAY 5:
THE TOP THEATRICAL ELEMENTS
JEFF IS LOOKING FORWARDTO

5. SVEN IN FROZEN

I have to admit that I still love Frozen, and I'm really excited to see how it expands this spring at the St. James. My favorite character in the film is the sweet, goofy and adorable reindeer, Sven, and I'm very excited to see how Andrew Pirozzi brings this lovable creature to life! 

4. THE IMMERSIVE STAGING OF
SWEENEY TODD: THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET

Sweeney Todd is a show I'm very familiar with - I've directed it, and I've seen several varied productions. Traditional, "concept." small cast... but I am really looking forward to seeing it truly up close and in the action! I can't wait to be terrified, laugh and appreciate one of the greatest musicals of all time in a whole new way.

3. MICHAEL ARDEN'S DIRECTION OF
ONCE ON THIS ISLAND

I have enjoyed Michael Arden as a  performer over the years, but his truly inspiring staging of Spring Awakening a couple of years ago brought my admiration of him to a whole new level. Now, I can't wait to see what magic he brings to the charming Once on This Island. And anyone who can make great use of the difficult Circle in the Square space, is aces in my book.

2. JUSTIN PECK'S CHOREOGRAPHY
OF CAROUSEL

Carousel contain's one of my all-time favorite pieces of music in any genre, ever: the prologue, aka The Carousel Waltz.  Justin Peck, one heck of a dancer and choreographer, should be just the artist to bring this piece (and the ballet section in act two, as well) to life with a modern, urgent vibrancy.  

1. DAVID YAZBEK'S SCORE FOR
THE BAND'S VISIT

The Band's Visit score is already one of my favorites - and I haven't even seen it yet!  But what I have heard thrills me.  I'm not really surprised, though.  David Yazbek has yet to write a score I haven't loved, from The Full Monty to Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown.  I find his sense of humor and depth of humanity to be unparalleled among his current peers.  Looking forward to my visit very soon!

HONORABLE MENTION:
THE SETS AND COSTUMES OF MY FAIR LADY

My Fair Lady is a show where high-concept and/or minimalist staging would not serve the piece well.  And on the cavernous stage at the Beaumont calls for big and lavish production values.  I didn't love the look of The King and I, so I'm hoping we get something South Pacific in scale.  That would be loverly.


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