The Green Room - Good Performance vs Spectacle

Aug 6^th, 2008 at 11:20am

julesb2183 Offline
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Does the special effects/spectacle make you less aware of how good/bad the music and performances from the actors in the show? I was thinking about this because of the debate on desnews about the review of their production of big at Hale.

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Reply #1 - Aug 6^th, 2008 at 12:46pm

Toddy Offline
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I haven't seen "Big" yet, I hope to. The only time for me that it is too much is when it overwhelms the story. When the story doesn't get through. It's all about the spectacle rather than telling the story. Which, I'm sorry to say, has happened numerous times at HCTWV in some of the shows I've seen.

UPDATE: I have seen "Big" and loved it! I disagree with this being an over the top show. Everything about it fit the story, did not overwhelm it and helped to move the production at a great pace. And it was indeed a great acting show. Kate and the entire ensemble were wonderful! J.C. was incredible as Big Josh. He really is a fine actor! Eden, Jim Dale, Peter, Spencer, everyone did a fine job. This was a fine example of spectacle not overwhelming but helping the story along. The trampoline/apartment scene is in the script. It's necessary. Like the elevator scene from "Millie." Sorry to ramble on. Just wanted to add something to my previous post.

« Last Edit: Sep 9^th, 2008 at 9:06am by Toddy »

Crazy world, full of crazy contradictions like a child; first you drive me wild, and then you win my heart with your wicked art; one minute tender, gentle; then tempramental as a summer storm; just when I believe your heart's getting warmer. Your cold and your cruel, and I like a fool try to cope. Try to hang on to hope. Crazy world, everyday the same old roller coaster ride, but I've got my pride, I won't give in; even though I know I'll never win. Oh how I love this, crazy world! -- Henry Mancini

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Reply #2 - Aug 6^th, 2008 at 2:30pm

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Toddy wrote on Aug 6^th, 2008 at 12:46pm:

I haven't seen "Big" yet, I hope to. The only time for me that it is too much is when it overwhelms the story. When the story doesn't get through. It's all about the spectacle rather than telling the story. Which, I'm sorry to say, has happened numerous times at HCTWV in some of the shows I've seen.

This is why I liked the shows Andrew Barrus directed. Having the same artist guding the technical and artistic made them mesh, and Andrew is a strong creative artist.

Personally, I don't pay much attention to the effects in a stage production. If I want effects, I will ALWAYS get them better in a movie. I go to a play to see good acting. Period.

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Reply #3 - Aug 6^th, 2008 at 2:33pm

The Heathenist Offline
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spectacle is all well and good, but for me, give me two people in a black box stage and give them a real and interesting script, and to me that is amazing theatre. well of course their performances have to be real and interesting as well, but you know what i mean. spectacle has its place though and don't get me wrong, i love a big musical as much as the next person...but NOTHING beats a simplistic setting, a good script, and a wonderful connection between performers and audience. that is all i need

Love if you can and be loved.&&&&You see what you look for, ya know?&&&&I like smiling, smiling's my favorite!

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Reply #4 - Aug 6^th, 2008 at 3:37pm

Shiny Offline
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The Heathenist wrote on Aug 6^th, 2008 at 2:33pm:

spectacle is all well and good, but for me, give me two people in a black box stage and give them a real and interesting script, and to me that is amazing theatre. well of course their performances have to be real and interesting as well, but you know what i mean. spectacle has its place though and don't get me wrong, i love a big musical as much as the next person...but NOTHING beats a simplistic setting, a good script, and a wonderful connection between performers and audience. that is all i need

Agreed in full.

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Reply #5 - Aug 6^th, 2008 at 6:52pm

Tshep Offline
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Quote:

Personally, I don't pay much attention to the effects in a stage production. If I want effects, I will ALWAYS get them better in a movie. I go to a play to see good acting. Period.

Yes, film does do effects more realistically.... but when an effect, a moment of spectacle really comes off on stage it is a moment that film, movies, cinema... whatever you choose to call the celluloid medium... can't ever match.

They say, best men are moulded out of faults; &&And, for the most, become much more the better &&For being a little bad.

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Reply #6 - Aug 7^th, 2008 at 6:14am

Wc365 Offline
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Tshep wrote on Aug 6^th, 2008 at 6:52pm:

Quote:

Personally, I don't pay much attention to the effects in a stage production. If I want effects, I will ALWAYS get them better in a movie. I go to a play to see good acting. Period.

Yes, film does do effects more realistically.... but when an effect, a moment of spectacle really comes off on stage it is a moment that film, movies, cinema... whatever you choose to call the celluloid medium... can't ever match.

True. This is part of why I like "old school" special effects in film over CGI; the illusion actually happened, and is recorded on film, whereas in CGI... the film IS the illusion.

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Reply #7 - Aug 7^th, 2008 at 6:19am

Wc365 Offline
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Eye-candy is good, but I like a little brain stimulation, as well. As for your original question... I'm probably just as likely to be taken in by some neat stage tricks, but I expect there's a point where a poor performance might, like bad actors in a musical, seem like only so many segues between effects tricks. If anything, in a live performance, I think it will throw the bad acting into sharp relief.

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Reply #8 - Sep 8^th, 2008 at 2:18pm

DeronPierce Offline
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I wonder what Into the Woods will hold for its viewers. I have heard many a dollar is going into the technical, costume, and production of that show. I hope the actors are up to par with what is being described by some as, "The biggest show Hale has EVER done." I have heard people say that. I have my tickets already so I hope to see a good acting show.

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Reply #9 - Sep 8^th, 2008 at 3:30pm

Tshep Offline
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DeronPierce wrote on Sep 8^th, 2008 at 2:18pm:

I wonder what Into the Woods will hold for its viewers. �I have heard many a dollar is going into the technical, costume, and production of that show. �I hope the actors are up to par with what is being described by some as, "The biggest show Hale has EVER done." �I have heard people say that. �I have my tickets already so I hope to see a good acting show.

And hopefully you're getting a small percentage of the gate for unearthing a long dead thread to pimp a Hale show. Roll Eyes

They say, best men are moulded out of faults; &&And, for the most, become much more the better &&For being a little bad.

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