If you think about it, the story of Into the Woods hinges on four central props: a cow as white as milk, a cape as red as blood, hair as yellow as corn, and a slipper as pure as gold. Broadway shows are full of iconic props and scenery pieces, from Eliza Doolittle's flower basket to a can of Ultra Clutch from Hairspray, sometimes props are so integral to the storytelling that they become iconic. Today, we share 5 that we remember fondly
Friday 5: 5 Broadway Props
On the theater scene for just a few months now, HwaBoon has become an internet sensation (and my obsession). Whether co-starring as the 5th character in MHE, or stealing away to visit his friend, Audrey II, over at Little Shop of Horrors, or causing jealousy between the HelperBots, this plant is already big and destined to become even bigger!
Maybe HwaBoon gets some of his Broadway swagger from a relative, the enchanted rose. Even if you knew the story, that floating bloom had us on the edge of our seats, gasping each time a petal fell, worried that this time the Beast would lose our and love would not transform him into the prince. It was pure Disney magic.
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There are a lot of really important props in this musical - meat pies, miracle elixirs, silver handled razors. But it is Sweeney's chair that captivates us. Practical for giving close shaves, and flexible enough to dispatch a dead body to the basement with a click and a swoosh. It plays a big part in the Act Two opener, "God, That's Good," and a thrilling series of murders throughout the rest of the show. Every time I get a haircut, I think of the show, and take a quick look at the floor for a trap door.
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The beautiful symbol of romance in hard times in Cabaret is a small item but a grand gesture. A gift from Herr Schultz - a poor, but kindly fruit seller - brings his most exotic offering to his lady love, Fraulein Schneider. There's even a song about it, "It Couldn't Please Me More (A Pineapple)." Most people think about Hawaii or tropical drinks when they see that spiny fruit. Me, I think of the Kit Kat Club.
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Here's another show with lots of iconic props. There's Glinda's wand, the green elixit bottle, the wizard's "wizard." But is there anything better in Wicked than that magical broom? As Elphaba defiantly raises the stick, she takes flight, defying gravity and thrilling all of us as she wails her battle cry and raises that broom even higher. Just the sight of it makes my heart soar.
