The passion piece that I wanted to do is the same thing I did my design a costume post. I already gave you some of the reasons why I love this musical, but Grease is my piece of passion. Grease was a musical that was originally written by Warren Casey and Jim Jacobs. The title of this piece was not named because of the massive amount of grease Elvis Presley would wear on his hair, but greaser was the name they gave youth at the time. Everything about this music happened at a factual high school called Rydell High. The written music score consist of a lot of rock and roll and doo wop influenced songs. Although Grease is based of late 1950’s, it did not make its debut until 1971. From there it went to be a successful big screen cinema smash. From there on every high school and middle school can say that they have did Grease as their musical for the year.
Things that make this show popular are the basic themes. When people go out to see movie, play, or even watching television they want to see certain themes portrayed. Here are some themes that we can look at; Love, drama/conflict, and comedy. So far in the realms of love you have all sorts of love connections. You have the obvious one with Danny and Sandy. They are two lovers that fell in love on summer break and thought they would’ve never seen each other again. Another one is between kenickie and Rizzo. These two out of the girl and guy gangs our supposedly that hard ass, tough girl characters. So they match really well. Then you have Doody and Frenchy. They are both the ditzy-air heads of the groups. They go together perfectly. Then you have Roger and Jan who are America’s favorite fat asses. They are both the jolly fat person in each of their groups, so that makes them go together. If you ask me, that is kind of funny that they do that. It does give a since of good symmetry, and I guess that is what makes everyone feel comfortable in their own skin. There is a ton of drama/ conflict in Grease. Without it you are looking at a cute and juvenile five minute slumber party story instead of two and half hour production with a fifteen minute intermission. There is conflict already when they start singing Summer Nights, because the two are sighing fully - reminiscing on the summer evenings they spent together on the beach. There is another disturbance between the couple when, Danny doesn’t want to be huggy kissy in front of his boys. From there all the lovers in paradarise (the rest of the couples in starring cast) go array. There are even more serious conflicts when Rizzo thinks she is pregnant with Kenickie’s baby. Another one where Frenchy want to permanently leave school and become a beautician. The sad thing about it is that she doesn’t do well in that either. Gang violence is a big one the beginning of act two, when the burger palace boys (or T- birds) go fight Cha Cha’s boyfriend’s gang. The only reason why her boyfriend got jealous is because that Danny took her to his school prom, only because Sandy and he were at odds. There are more drama/ conflicts that I could say, but it will take up a lot of space. The comedy aspect is always there. When it comes to the live show could be labeled as a comedy, because of the script leaves perfect spaces to be clown in. This goes for any part. The role of Teen Angel is suppose to be the most serious character on the show , mainly because he is trying to get Frenchy to do the right thing. This is where it gets personal to me. When I did that role my senior year, I took a completely different approach to it. It was based off of the Tommy Tune 1994 off Broadway version of Grease. The guy who I tried to emulate was the great Billy Porter. In my opinion if it was possible to re- do the beauty school dropout sequence in the movie, and crop Billy’s version would be a step up. He not only took a more comical/ flamboyant take on it but it was a lot more soulful. You would think he had a Gold medalist as a throat, because of all the vocal acrobatics that man did.
Friday, May 7, 2010
Write a review for a play that you attended this semester
The only play I had really seen this was IUP’s Music Theatre Departments Sweet Charity, but I am going to write a review on the last production I seen before that. I went to see Opera Winfrey Presents the Color Purple. I believe I seen this play Sunday June 15, 2008 at 7; 30 pm at Pittsburgh’ Benedum Center. This show ran at the time America Idol’s Fantasia Barrino was kicked of the cast, because she was unable to learn to read the script. It was said she got the role just because of her amazing voice, which is rightfully just. The crowd was so in to it. This story is about African American life in the 1930’s, and the humble beginnings of not being a slave. This play was based off of American author Alice Walker’s novel that won the 1983 Pulitzer Prize for fiction. Two years later it was bought on to the big screen by Steven Spielberg. This film had a lot of notable African American actors and actresses. Here is some that might sound familiar; Danny Glover, Oprah Winfrey, Whoopi Goldberg, and Larry Fishbune.
The music was excellent and the crowd was mainly an all black crowd and it was a Sunday. The cast end up taken it back to Church. This musical was very inspiration to me. I wish the Movie had as much music as the play did, or I would watch the movie more often. The singers sang with incredible range and power to the point that they would have you balling, and rejoicing all in the same song. All of the male vocals where incredibly powerful, and with exceptional range. There was one cat in particular who sang a gospel oriented number and end up hitting some Patti Labelle notes. Almost after every song people would not just applaud but cheer because the singing was so superb. Another aspect of the music that was great was the pit/ orchestra. Not to be bias but my favorite instrumentalist was the drummer. He had several parts that where complicated that the rest of the band did not have to follow him. The drummer was also very flashy and worked real well with his percussionist. I know personally it was always hard to find a good percussionist that the drum set player would actually like to play with. They complimented each other so well that for the longest time they had my eyes off of the show. The piano player was tremendously soulful. The man had to have studied years and years of Jazz and blues. I could also hear the classical training in him, just by the way he used his sustain pedal and the nimbleness of his finger when he would do his runs. Shot out to the composer because the piano part was dead on to the point it wasn’t accompaniment, but more so unison type deal.
Another thing that I enjoyed was that every actor had a memorable stage presence. That is another reason why I like the play better is mainly the fact they were a lot wittier. I know for live performances the director makes everyone ham it up. I stictincly remember the actor who played Sofia, truly stole the show. It was even everything she said. It was the way she interacted when others had the spotlight. I would call her an excellent active background. There was only one thing that I did not enjoy which was the dancing. It didn’t compare to all the other aspects, which made it look worse to me. Other than that, it was a great evening out in the city of Pittsburgh.
The music was excellent and the crowd was mainly an all black crowd and it was a Sunday. The cast end up taken it back to Church. This musical was very inspiration to me. I wish the Movie had as much music as the play did, or I would watch the movie more often. The singers sang with incredible range and power to the point that they would have you balling, and rejoicing all in the same song. All of the male vocals where incredibly powerful, and with exceptional range. There was one cat in particular who sang a gospel oriented number and end up hitting some Patti Labelle notes. Almost after every song people would not just applaud but cheer because the singing was so superb. Another aspect of the music that was great was the pit/ orchestra. Not to be bias but my favorite instrumentalist was the drummer. He had several parts that where complicated that the rest of the band did not have to follow him. The drummer was also very flashy and worked real well with his percussionist. I know personally it was always hard to find a good percussionist that the drum set player would actually like to play with. They complimented each other so well that for the longest time they had my eyes off of the show. The piano player was tremendously soulful. The man had to have studied years and years of Jazz and blues. I could also hear the classical training in him, just by the way he used his sustain pedal and the nimbleness of his finger when he would do his runs. Shot out to the composer because the piano part was dead on to the point it wasn’t accompaniment, but more so unison type deal.
Another thing that I enjoyed was that every actor had a memorable stage presence. That is another reason why I like the play better is mainly the fact they were a lot wittier. I know for live performances the director makes everyone ham it up. I stictincly remember the actor who played Sofia, truly stole the show. It was even everything she said. It was the way she interacted when others had the spotlight. I would call her an excellent active background. There was only one thing that I did not enjoy which was the dancing. It didn’t compare to all the other aspects, which made it look worse to me. Other than that, it was a great evening out in the city of Pittsburgh.
Theater Profile
When I first started to look around for theatre I first started looking for them in New York. I wanted to focus more in the off Broadway genres. Then I realized that even though I did find some theatres that where pretty cool, I still did not choose any because I am familiar with. I don’t know what possessed me, but I ‘m like let me see what kind of theatres are in the good state of Pennsylvania. I stumble upon a company called Sight and Sound Theatres. They have actually two locations, one in Strasburg, PA and another one in Branson, Missouri.
The style of theatre they do is Christian theatre. In similarity to Disney World they seem to pull out all the tricks out of hat. One of their slogans simply says that they bring the Bible to life. The things that separates them is that they our positioned in somewhat suburban, out of the way towns. What I mean by that is that they are not positioned in a geographical location that you would think theatre is perdominate. When people think of theatre they either think New York or LA. Even LA is not even perdominate in theatre; they are more of the silver screen type deals. As anything that is perceived as Christian or religious usually has the goal to bring one closer to the call of God. I respect this totally in the since that this is another way to draw people into the church. Theatre or movies in the day where always considered undesired by God and look down upon. I don’t believe that all and I think it is great that Religion can get their hands wet in the realms of theatre. There is a wide range of stories this theatre covers.
The theatre that seems to be like the parent theatre would be the one in Strasburg, Pa mainly because it seems to have more shows played. When you go on to their site you can see that the one in Pennsylvania is the one that is the home site. Although I’m not familiar with either one of the areas I figure that the one that is in better location is Pennsylvania.
Most of the shows they do are really popular Christian stories that people should recognize. Around later to mid October the holiday season starts to kick in and this year they are having two shows this holiday season. What people really enjoy about their musicals is that everything is detailed and chorergrahed well. They are known for having big cast including men, women, and child. What really sets them apart is that they have extravagant – trained animals in there productions. They are known for walking calmly along the sides of isles.
Here are some of their shows and the plot that goes along with them, along with some general information. Starting on March 6th Sight and Sound are introducing the new show Musical called Joseph, and that will run until October 30th 2010. Starting April 24th the Sight and Sound theatre is holding the new play called Psalms of David. The runtime of this musical is a little bit shorter and it ends September 25 2010. If you are wondering where you and the family should go to get a great evening out in the spirit of Holidays, you should come to Sight and Sounds two holiday musicals. Voices of Christmas open October 30 and Miracle of Christmas opens the 20th of November. Both Musicals will end December 30, 2010. Anymore information; such as; tickets, schedules and etcetera, please go to www.sigh-sound.com.
The style of theatre they do is Christian theatre. In similarity to Disney World they seem to pull out all the tricks out of hat. One of their slogans simply says that they bring the Bible to life. The things that separates them is that they our positioned in somewhat suburban, out of the way towns. What I mean by that is that they are not positioned in a geographical location that you would think theatre is perdominate. When people think of theatre they either think New York or LA. Even LA is not even perdominate in theatre; they are more of the silver screen type deals. As anything that is perceived as Christian or religious usually has the goal to bring one closer to the call of God. I respect this totally in the since that this is another way to draw people into the church. Theatre or movies in the day where always considered undesired by God and look down upon. I don’t believe that all and I think it is great that Religion can get their hands wet in the realms of theatre. There is a wide range of stories this theatre covers.
The theatre that seems to be like the parent theatre would be the one in Strasburg, Pa mainly because it seems to have more shows played. When you go on to their site you can see that the one in Pennsylvania is the one that is the home site. Although I’m not familiar with either one of the areas I figure that the one that is in better location is Pennsylvania.
Most of the shows they do are really popular Christian stories that people should recognize. Around later to mid October the holiday season starts to kick in and this year they are having two shows this holiday season. What people really enjoy about their musicals is that everything is detailed and chorergrahed well. They are known for having big cast including men, women, and child. What really sets them apart is that they have extravagant – trained animals in there productions. They are known for walking calmly along the sides of isles.
Here are some of their shows and the plot that goes along with them, along with some general information. Starting on March 6th Sight and Sound are introducing the new show Musical called Joseph, and that will run until October 30th 2010. Starting April 24th the Sight and Sound theatre is holding the new play called Psalms of David. The runtime of this musical is a little bit shorter and it ends September 25 2010. If you are wondering where you and the family should go to get a great evening out in the spirit of Holidays, you should come to Sight and Sounds two holiday musicals. Voices of Christmas open October 30 and Miracle of Christmas opens the 20th of November. Both Musicals will end December 30, 2010. Anymore information; such as; tickets, schedules and etcetera, please go to www.sigh-sound.com.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Broadway.
This Blog specifically is for people who want to know more about what is going on Broadway. This is giving me a chance to be a travel guide, of New York’s hottest events. According to Broadway .com there are 10 hot shows to pick from now. Here are the top ten you might want to see; Wicked, The Addams Family, Chicago, Memphis, Promises Promises, Million Dollar Quartet, Come Fly Away, Everyday Rapture, Avenue Q, Blue Man Group. I will go through a few of some of my favorite ones I think you should take a look at.
Wicked is a tail of The Wizard of Oz’s but in the Wicked Witch of the West point of View. It seems to me that there was just a big misunderstanding on her part. These shows are filled with twist and turns and story about unlike unities and believe it or not love. Witches need love too. This show is played six nights a week and there will be two showings Wednesday and Saturday. Shows run from about $76.25 and up. I would definitely see this mainly because I love seeing stories from as many angles as possible.
The Addams family is a new show this season and it is a musical remake of the hit television show from the nineteen sixties. For people may not know but the Addams family is pretty much your average quaky- dysfunctional family. The funny part is that over half of the cast is based off the diseased. The things that will really make you come out and see this one is Broadway’s Nathan Lane. For a ticket of only $51.50. Consider this a steal and feel free to bring the kids along. Some innuendos but not bad to the point you cannot bring your tator-tots.
A fairly new ticket in town is Memphis. This story is southern disjockey’s love for great music brings him on a journey that will rock the world of music. This has already heard comments of some of the best dancing and singing on Broadway. The thing that makes this a go see is that it is great from the gate. If you want to hear some of the best music and a story line to match. well then come on down to Memphis. Tickets are only 41.50.
Before there was an Usher or a Justin, there was Frankie. Frank Sinatra’s music and charm have effects people of all generations. If you want to see Frank’s music with the live big band and great visual as well, come aboard to see Come Fly Away. Thanks to Twyla Tharp’s genius choreography, we have show to honor one of the best singers on the planet. Get your wings in shape and Come Fly Away. The cost of the show is $66.50 .
Many people enjoyed the Muppet Show as kids. Well I have a deal for you, why don’t we take a walk on Avenue Q? This has everything you enjoy in an adult company, but with a Sesame street twist. If you want enjoy a gut busting adventure come see Avenue Q. This is also a Tony Award winning.
If enjoy seeing Violet from Will Wonka and Chocolate Factory, and Buddy Rich’s infamous late night drum solos, check out their offspring the Blue Man Group. These are a group of guys who make their own art form with paint, drums, and lights.
I hope you will take my advice on these plays. I just gave you an overview on some of the plays that I found pretty important. Ticket info can be found on Broadway. Com
Wicked is a tail of The Wizard of Oz’s but in the Wicked Witch of the West point of View. It seems to me that there was just a big misunderstanding on her part. These shows are filled with twist and turns and story about unlike unities and believe it or not love. Witches need love too. This show is played six nights a week and there will be two showings Wednesday and Saturday. Shows run from about $76.25 and up. I would definitely see this mainly because I love seeing stories from as many angles as possible.
The Addams family is a new show this season and it is a musical remake of the hit television show from the nineteen sixties. For people may not know but the Addams family is pretty much your average quaky- dysfunctional family. The funny part is that over half of the cast is based off the diseased. The things that will really make you come out and see this one is Broadway’s Nathan Lane. For a ticket of only $51.50. Consider this a steal and feel free to bring the kids along. Some innuendos but not bad to the point you cannot bring your tator-tots.
A fairly new ticket in town is Memphis. This story is southern disjockey’s love for great music brings him on a journey that will rock the world of music. This has already heard comments of some of the best dancing and singing on Broadway. The thing that makes this a go see is that it is great from the gate. If you want to hear some of the best music and a story line to match. well then come on down to Memphis. Tickets are only 41.50.
Before there was an Usher or a Justin, there was Frankie. Frank Sinatra’s music and charm have effects people of all generations. If you want to see Frank’s music with the live big band and great visual as well, come aboard to see Come Fly Away. Thanks to Twyla Tharp’s genius choreography, we have show to honor one of the best singers on the planet. Get your wings in shape and Come Fly Away. The cost of the show is $66.50 .
Many people enjoyed the Muppet Show as kids. Well I have a deal for you, why don’t we take a walk on Avenue Q? This has everything you enjoy in an adult company, but with a Sesame street twist. If you want enjoy a gut busting adventure come see Avenue Q. This is also a Tony Award winning.
If enjoy seeing Violet from Will Wonka and Chocolate Factory, and Buddy Rich’s infamous late night drum solos, check out their offspring the Blue Man Group. These are a group of guys who make their own art form with paint, drums, and lights.
I hope you will take my advice on these plays. I just gave you an overview on some of the plays that I found pretty important. Ticket info can be found on Broadway. Com
Design the lights for a play
This lighting show is exactly what I wanted to do is fun exciting for this musical. These lights are very fun and vibrant and it will definitely match the show. The musical that I want to hook up with this awesome lighting show is Fame. This show is based off the hit 80’s film that had an identical title. This musical is such an entergetic show that it only needs a flamboyant lighting show to go with it. This film is about a group of young talented people that our all going to this performance high school, but need a little help from a good teacher. This became a musical in 1988 and premeired in florida, and its actual name was Fame on 42nd sreet. It then came back in 2004 for another run on off broadway.
The reason why I picked such a far out design for these lights where mainly, because when the kids would get in there zone they would almost have to get into another world. Not to promote drugs or anything but I wanted the audience to feel a since of ecstasy. When Debbie Allen’s character (movie reference) would drive these guys I want the audience to feel the desire of the kids. These lights will mainly the triumph of the kids, but make you realize how much they fought to beat their struggles. The lights will also reveal the true growth of maturity of the four children. A mixture between the music and the dancing, and the aligning of the lights with every single beat; this musical could be revived again and be hot again.Design the set for a play
The Musical that this set design was based off of was based of Grease. Grease is a 1978 movie hit and from there it has been a Broadway hit. Actually Grease was actually on Broadway before it hit the big screen. This show is field with great music from the fifties and sixties. This included numbers that are very influenced by the music style/ genres of that golden age. Some of the music styles that were incorporated in the music is; rock and roll randb, doo wop, and solid gold oldies. This style of music is a soothing music to me. That’s why I choose this musical.
The part of the musical that I am focusing on is the Beauty School Dropout sequence. A little over view of this is French, one of the lead characters in the musical, has doubts about her future. This is a dream sequence was the Teen angel from heaven comes down and encourages her. He does this by singing a somewhat serenading song, that gives french an idea what she needs to do to get on the ball and go back to high school.
The setting for this is really a bright and dainty place. The backdrop should be white, baby blue, or pink. This is also a dream sequence, so a smoke machine would definitely be in good taste. These images that are being conveyed are ordinary things you should see in a beauty shop. These images can also go from being part of the set to turning into props. The thing that I wanted to convey was that this dream sequence actually happens in a beauty shop but it also is very magical. The set also includes a long stairway that the angel takes his time and swindles the audience with his radiant voice.
Design Costumes for a Play
This is bat boy, and the name makes it obvious that he is the main character of this show. This This is a picture is pretty much what the costume desigener will have a meeting over. It will take alot of makeup and laytex for this character. My idea is to make sure that the that the actors hair is extremely short and almost shaved.
This a picture of Reverend Hightowers costume the way I think it should look, which would consist of an actua l choir/ clergy robe.The show that I based my costume design on is Batboy. Batboy is a great play in the since that there is a lot of elements to the show. For it being a horror there is a lot of humor. For every shriek there is laugh. The thing that I enjoyed about this show that the costumes choices can be very subjective. The scene that I am going to do is the opening of Act 2 and the Reverend Billy Hightower leads the people in praise. This scene consist of the whole cast sitting in church giving God a praise and singing the tune Joyful Noise that is led by the Rev. Billy Hightower.
Now I am just going to give you a little overview on some of the visuals. The first picture you see is picture of men who are wearing all white linen. White is a sign of purity in which these men need to have being the men of God they are. This image also resembles what happens in the scene between Batboy and Reverend Hightower. This is the most important part of this scene. Reverend Hightower is interrupted when he hears the sound of Batboy’s voice in the back of the church. The Rev. calls him to get prayer and to be healed of deformity of being Batboy. Batboy becomes submissive to the Rev. Like in the picture and gets prayer for him. Another picture I want to point out is the ninth one down. That is pretty much Ms. Taylor. She is the mother of the Taylor kids, and she is usually played by a man. So for this costume, it would be pretty simple. A wig and the actor would have to shave any facial hair. You still want to know it’s a man for comedy effect.
Now I am just going to give you a little overview on some of the visuals. The first picture you see is picture of men who are wearing all white linen. White is a sign of purity in which these men need to have being the men of God they are. This image also resembles what happens in the scene between Batboy and Reverend Hightower. This is the most important part of this scene. Reverend Hightower is interrupted when he hears the sound of Batboy’s voice in the back of the church. The Rev. calls him to get prayer and to be healed of deformity of being Batboy. Batboy becomes submissive to the Rev. Like in the picture and gets prayer for him. Another picture I want to point out is the ninth one down. That is pretty much Ms. Taylor. She is the mother of the Taylor kids, and she is usually played by a man. So for this costume, it would be pretty simple. A wig and the actor would have to shave any facial hair. You still want to know it’s a man for comedy effect.
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