Venturing to Off Broadway and Off-Off Broadway

I’m really starting to like venturing to the Off-Broadway and Off-Off Broadway Theatres. There is so much art and talent out there to see. Bonus: It’s cheaper! Also for the most part you’ll end up seeing a more experimental play. I’ve noticed that Off-Broadway you’ll go to the theatre with a lot of locals depending on the venue and who is in the show. Off-Off Broadway shows tend to be more of the theatre community and locals. European tourist (depending on the country) are more likely to check out the Off-Broadway scene.

Off-Broadway

The Pride – Not what I was expecting at all but this show was beautifully done. This play is very powerful and interesting. This play tells a story of three people who love each other in varying degrees and in different ways by switching between the past and present. As an audience we see who these characters once were and who’ve they’ve become. That’s really all I will say.
But..I will talk about Hugh Dancy whom may just have edged out the competition to become make his way into my top 5 favorite modern theatre actors. I find myself enjoying his work more and more these days. He may be pretty, but he is not afraid to really get into the dark side of a character. (We got to meet him too! He is so nice in person.)

Off-Off Broadway

Titus Andronicus – Most disturbing Shakespeare I ever seen! That said I was really impressed by this production from the American Globe Theatre on 46th Street btwn 6th & 7th Avenue. This was a really great production – I can’t tell you how much I enjoy watching actors and actresses who really understand Shakespeare and are on stage because it’s their passion. Titus Andronicus is the twisted story about how power corrupts. Shakespeare’s throws in his usual universal theme of what goes around comes around. It’s bloody and disturbing but I highly suggest reading the play or seeing a production of this Off the beaten path Shakesphere play. The production I saw was so well directed and acted that I also recommend checking out other shows that American Globe theatre has to offer. Big shot out one of the actors we got to see that night Jon Hoche (website: http:www.jonhoche.com ) It was awesome to see how far he’s come since college. He’s definitely someone for everyone to look forward to seeing on the Broadway stage or in film whatever he chooses.

It made me miss working in a Black Box Theatre :(

On Broadway

Broadway

Present Laughter – Fantastic! The production didn’t let me down one bit. I love Victor Garber and that entire ensemble cast was delightfully talented. The set and costumes were gorgeous pieces of art. I love the sophistication that the actors have to withhold in their characters it just adds to the mocking sarcastic nature of it all. This show is about a pompous actor and all of the crazy people involved in his life. In a way it challenges the audience to appreciate those around them, because they all serve a purpose in our lives. We may not know what it is a first but you can figure it out along the way; even if you make an mistake at first.


Favorite Scene: When Victor Garber’s character is alone in his home not knowing what to do with himself
Favorite Aspect: The Writing
Need to learn more about: Noel Coward

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Rock of Ages – This show was nothing like I expected it to be. Instead the normal head into a Saturday Matinee about 1:30pm and sit in your seat. Instead as you enter the theatre you get to sort of marvel at the creative minds behind the project before you even sit down. The theatre is transformed to make the audience feel like they are in an 80s rock bar. As much as the producers could do to grunge up the Brooks Atkinson theatre was done. Ushers and merch people were dressed to the fit the parts. They also served the audience drinks in your seats. (The traditional theatre person in me freaked out a little about this at first but I got over it. I understood it was part of the atmosphere they wanted to create.)

Going to this show is not your typical Broadway experience and it’s completely worth it. The show itself was fun it was like going to a rock concert. Constantine’s voice fit perfectly in the 80s Rock Balladeer type of voice required. Kerry Butler was amazing as always she proved that she can pretty much sing and fit any part. When I first heard about her doing the show I was a little skeptical because I couldn’t picture her doing Rock. Well, she sure showed me.

As for the show itself the storyline was a little choppy and underdeveloped but it worked. I found myself laughing at the cute dance number parts that reminded me that I was watching a Broadway show and not a rock concert.

If you are looking for a show that is just a fun overall good time Rock of Ages is the one to see.

Aspect: Atmospheric design
Favorite number: Here I go again
Favorite Song: More than words
Can't get out of my head: High Enough
Favorite scenes: The cute/awkward dance numbers

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Lend Me a Tenor: I may have a new favorite play. This show was the type of show you’d bring the grumpiest person you can think of on a rainy day where they woke up on the wrong side of the bed and defy them to try and not to have a good time. People were in stitches the basically the whole show; literally they were rocking back and forth in their seats.

It was a Farce so lots of doors slamming and timing was of the utmost importance- Comparable to Boeing Boeing. The characters were beautifully acted out by one of the most talented ensemble casts that I’ve ever seen on stage. You could tell that all of them were familiar with the art of live theatre – none of them seemed to be out of their element on stage. I was most pleasantly surprised by how talented Justin Bartha (Doug, The Hangover) is. Jennifer Laura Thompson was the token Broadway starlet in the show. It was nice to see her in non-singing role it still involved her comedic flare but she was really great. I was really jealous of her costumes. Speaking of costumes this show had some of the most beautiful costumes I’d ever seen in my life. The story is the classic underdog destined for greatness and on the way hilarious complications happen.

There is so much more I can say about this show but I won't... You'll have go out and experience it for yourselves.  : )

Favorite Scene: Too many to name
Favorite Aspect: Costumes - hands down
Need to learn more about: Farces

An experience filled with can'ts and don'ts?

The other day I started thinking about my first theatre experience seeing Beauty and the Beast when it first moved to the Lunt-Fontanne theatre. Someone told me that there were snipers up in the ceiling so if you talked or misbehaved at all they’d shoot you (I think it was my brother). Needless to say I was glancing at the ceilings and very well behaved that whole day.


Fast forward about 15 years or so the world has vastly changed but the rules of theatre etiquette have stayed the same for the most part. I’d hate to say it, but what an awful place to bring teenagers to. They can’t use their cameras, phones, or use their iPods. Traveling along that thought path a bit more to tourist or people who have never been the theatre before who are unfamiliar with the rules. People bring cameras everywhere wanting to remember their experiences and cell phones keep everyone in touch with the outside world. As soon as they pull out a camera at least two Ushers are ready to pounce on them which can be embarrassing and taint their otherwise wonderful experience.

I feel like the theatre experience needs to move from the place of can’ts, and don’ts, so that people can have a more relaxed enjoyable experience. Possibly making those individuals even want to come back more often. Times are changing and it makes me wonder if there is a way to change the theatre experience with them. A balance would have to struck in order to make it more current (for the younger audiences) but still enjoyable to the existing audience. Rock of Ages is the only show bold enough to sort of try this by transforming the Brooks Atkinson Theatre into a Bar like atmosphere from the moment you walk in. The show itself is eh (it lacked storyline) - what makes people want to go back is the rock concert environment.

Oh and I figured out the snipers in theatre ceilings was a myth in time for my second Broadway Show – Jekyll & Hyde at the Gerald Schoenfeld theatre formerly the Plymouth Theatre (which it was at the time).

I know, I know long time no post - I've been a slacker, but keep looking out for new ones; I have a lot in the works. :-)

(Please forgive typos I'll copy edit soon)