War Horse is the best play I've ever seen, and the only play I've felt compelled to return to not once, but twice. In all honesty, I'd love to see it several more times. That's how touching, heart-wrenching, and mesmerizing the story and telling of War Horse is. Consequently, when I discovered the story would become a film, directed by Stephen Spielberg, I was apprehensive and yet eager to see it.
I had logicial concerns. How would real animals compare to the puppets? How would the movie be without the wonderful music from the play? Would the film have the same emotional impact as the live performance?
All of these concerns were alleviated from the moment Joey, aka "War Horse," was born. The movie is magical in its own way. As a different medium, the story plays out at times unlike the play would have, but these changes are welcomed and necessary to preserve the integrity of the story. There were plot differences, but I imagine many of these came from the book the play and movie were based on. For my thoughts on the play itself, see my previous blog posts about the New York production and the London production.
Ultimately, in the film, the goose still achieved comedic relief, the acting was still stellar, the horse playing Joey still shined (bravo on the casting of the animals!), and a song from the play even appeared in the background of one scene. Near the end, the whole audience was on the edge of their seats, eagerly awaiting to see how the plot unfolded. The film may not have been live theatre, but, like the play, the film was incredibly compelling. All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed it.
One of the best comparisons I've read about the the play vs. the film is from Howard Sherman. I think he made several great points, and like him, I am now eager to read the book as a follow up to seeing both the play and film.
~ LBD
Theatre Quote of the Moment: "Only remembered for what we have done." ~ War Horse (The play)
Friday, December 30, 2011
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Best Theatre Experiences of 2011
Only a couple days left in 2011. It's been a wonderful, busy, and life-changing year for me. I started my graduate degree in arts administration while working full-time, saw more shows this year than I've ever fit into one year before, and discovered friends who love theatre as much as I do along the way. I followed my heart in 2011, and I'm amazed at where it led.
There's been a lot of articles about the top 10 theatre moments in 2011, and I've been inspired to reflect on my own "top 10" as a result. I've been so fortunate this year in the realm of theatre that I found this exercise excruciating. I'm a terrible critic since I tend to love at least some part of everything I see. I'd rather let people know about all the great moments and reedeeming values even the shows I don't love as much as others have.
The Theatre Junkie's Top 10 Theatre Experiences of 2011
1. Les Miserables Both in the West End and on Tour for the 25th Anniversary Production in the U.S.
Anyone who knows me has some understanding of just how much I love this show. It can't be anything but number 1 for me. It's the show that got me into theatre and shaped my life. Why was it so special in 2011? For starters, I had the pleasure of seeing three talented Jean Valjeans: Alfie Boe, J. Mark McVey, and Joe Tokarz. Each special and worth seeing. I had a blast getting to know both the West End and US Tour cast pretty well in September and October. As this is a huge ensemble show, every person plays a key part, and both the casts I saw were spectacular. They put their hearts into their performances every night, and I was touched every time I saw the show.
2. “We Beseech Thee” in the Broadway Revival of Godspell
I hadn't seen Godspell until it came to Broadway this year, but I am so thankful it did. I thoroughly enjoyed myself the entire show, especially during Nick Blaemire's big number "We Beseech Thee." Check my earlier blog post for more details. I think most people who've seen the show can agree that the choreography in this number is impressive. Plus, the tune is pretty catchy too.
3. Marc Kudisch’s Cabaret, What Makes Me Tick
In an effort to expand my theatre attendance and involvement this year, I attended my first cabaret at Signature Theatre in Arlington, Virginia, and I chose to see Marc Kudisch. I couldn't have been more astounded by his song choices, range, and personal stories. Based on the audience reaction, I don't think I was the only one in awe and inspired. After his cabaret, I explored what makes me tick, and wrote a subsequent blog post about my findings. He's got quite a resume and quite a voice. With any luck, I'll see him in a Broadway show next year.
4. Next to Normal National Tour
Considering Next to Normal is one of my favorite shows (after Les Mis of course), I was pleased to hear a national tour would be coming my way and include Alice Ripley. I saw it as many times as I could and each time was fantastic. As there are only six people in the cast, each role is vital. This tour was very well cast. My favorite character, Henry, was played incredibly well by Preston Sadlier. I was so happy to see Jeremy Kushnier, Emma Hunton, and Asa Somers in the cast as well. Electrifying music. A real, honest story. It truly is a feel-everything musical.
5. Phantom of the Opera in the West End with the 25th Anniversary Cast
Not only did I get to see the first musical I ever saw for the third time live this year, but I got to see it in its original home complete with leads fresh from Les Mis. John Owen-Jones, Katie Hall, and Killian Donnelly were a fabulous trio (although parts were a little strange to watch since John and Katie previously played father and daughter). I had never seen a non-touring production of Phantom and it had been well over a decade since I saw the show, so I was overwhelmed by the music, costumes, scenery...pretty much everything.
6. War Horse in the West End and at the Lincoln Center
I have to give Matt Doyle some credit here since when he took on a lead role in the Lincoln Center production, I was finally determined to see this show. I was blown away by the cast, the story, the music, and, naturally, the puppetry. I always knew I would enjoy this play, but I didn't realize how much. I made a special point to see the show while I was in London, knowing the production varied from the Broadway version. I also made sure I caught the original cast again before several cast members leave next year. Not that I don't think the next cast will be great, but being attached to the current cast, I didn't want to miss my chance. I recommend seeing this play. It won the Tony for Best Play, and this remarkable show definitely deserved it.
7. The Return of Oklahoma to Arena Stage in D.C.
One of my wishes from 2010 was that I could see Oklahoma again at Arena Stage. Then, Arena Stage decided to bring back the show with several members of the original cast :o) Instead of seeing this show only once, I got see it six times, five this past year. You don't usually hear people describing Oklahoma as exciting, but this production was. The cast was ideal. The direction and choreography were superb. If this production happens to make it to Broadway next year, go see it!
8. Sutton Foster Performing “Anything Goes” in Anything Goes on Broadway
The first Broadway show I ever saw was Annie and Sutton Foster happened to be in the cast. She was also the first Eponine I ever saw in Les Mis when I was six. So...we have a history, and I am very fond of her. She's insanely talented. A genuine triple-threat. When I heard she was going to be starring in Anything Goes, the show was placed at the top of my must-see Broadway shows list. She didn't disappoint and earned antoher Tony. The highlight of the show for me is the show's title song "Anything Goes." What a great moment!
9. Aerial Sequence During the Spiderman: Turn Off the Dark Finale
I've seen Spiderman three times, and each performance was different. However, one of the more consistent parts of the show is the aerial fight between the Green Goblin (Patrick Page) and Spiderman (Reeve Carney), which is currently the show's finale. When performed without any glitches, the scene is mesmerizing and you can see what Julie Taymor had in mind for Spiderman on Broadway. It's thrilling for all ages.
10. Jan Maxwell Singing “Could I Leave You?” in Follies at the Kennedy Center and on Broadway
This moment practically made my jaw drop. Jan Maxwell's peformance was stunning. The whole show was beautiful and I loved the entire, star-studded cast, but this part was the highlight for me. WOW.
Honorable Mentions
1. Alexandra Silber’s Cabaret, London Still, at the Kennedy Center
2. Matt Shingledecker, Adam Chanler-Berat, and Annaleigh Ashford as Roger, Mark, and Maureen in Rent Off-Broadway
3. Euan Morton’s Portrayal of Leo Frank in Parade at Ford’s Theatre in D.C.
4. Equivocation at Arena Stage in D.C.
5. Hairspray at Signature Theatre in Arlington, Virginia
What a year. There were so many other shows and theatre-related concerts that I would have loved to see live, but I didn't get the opportunity to. Theatre is "in the moment" and it's impossible to see everything everywhere unfortunately. Looking forward to what next year has to offer!
~LBD
Musical Theatre Quote of the Moment: "Even if you're little you can do a lot, you mustn't let a little thing like little stop you." ~ Matilda
There's been a lot of articles about the top 10 theatre moments in 2011, and I've been inspired to reflect on my own "top 10" as a result. I've been so fortunate this year in the realm of theatre that I found this exercise excruciating. I'm a terrible critic since I tend to love at least some part of everything I see. I'd rather let people know about all the great moments and reedeeming values even the shows I don't love as much as others have.
The Theatre Junkie's Top 10 Theatre Experiences of 2011
1. Les Miserables Both in the West End and on Tour for the 25th Anniversary Production in the U.S.
Anyone who knows me has some understanding of just how much I love this show. It can't be anything but number 1 for me. It's the show that got me into theatre and shaped my life. Why was it so special in 2011? For starters, I had the pleasure of seeing three talented Jean Valjeans: Alfie Boe, J. Mark McVey, and Joe Tokarz. Each special and worth seeing. I had a blast getting to know both the West End and US Tour cast pretty well in September and October. As this is a huge ensemble show, every person plays a key part, and both the casts I saw were spectacular. They put their hearts into their performances every night, and I was touched every time I saw the show.
2. “We Beseech Thee” in the Broadway Revival of Godspell
I hadn't seen Godspell until it came to Broadway this year, but I am so thankful it did. I thoroughly enjoyed myself the entire show, especially during Nick Blaemire's big number "We Beseech Thee." Check my earlier blog post for more details. I think most people who've seen the show can agree that the choreography in this number is impressive. Plus, the tune is pretty catchy too.
3. Marc Kudisch’s Cabaret, What Makes Me Tick
In an effort to expand my theatre attendance and involvement this year, I attended my first cabaret at Signature Theatre in Arlington, Virginia, and I chose to see Marc Kudisch. I couldn't have been more astounded by his song choices, range, and personal stories. Based on the audience reaction, I don't think I was the only one in awe and inspired. After his cabaret, I explored what makes me tick, and wrote a subsequent blog post about my findings. He's got quite a resume and quite a voice. With any luck, I'll see him in a Broadway show next year.
4. Next to Normal National Tour
Considering Next to Normal is one of my favorite shows (after Les Mis of course), I was pleased to hear a national tour would be coming my way and include Alice Ripley. I saw it as many times as I could and each time was fantastic. As there are only six people in the cast, each role is vital. This tour was very well cast. My favorite character, Henry, was played incredibly well by Preston Sadlier. I was so happy to see Jeremy Kushnier, Emma Hunton, and Asa Somers in the cast as well. Electrifying music. A real, honest story. It truly is a feel-everything musical.
5. Phantom of the Opera in the West End with the 25th Anniversary Cast
Not only did I get to see the first musical I ever saw for the third time live this year, but I got to see it in its original home complete with leads fresh from Les Mis. John Owen-Jones, Katie Hall, and Killian Donnelly were a fabulous trio (although parts were a little strange to watch since John and Katie previously played father and daughter). I had never seen a non-touring production of Phantom and it had been well over a decade since I saw the show, so I was overwhelmed by the music, costumes, scenery...pretty much everything.
6. War Horse in the West End and at the Lincoln Center
I have to give Matt Doyle some credit here since when he took on a lead role in the Lincoln Center production, I was finally determined to see this show. I was blown away by the cast, the story, the music, and, naturally, the puppetry. I always knew I would enjoy this play, but I didn't realize how much. I made a special point to see the show while I was in London, knowing the production varied from the Broadway version. I also made sure I caught the original cast again before several cast members leave next year. Not that I don't think the next cast will be great, but being attached to the current cast, I didn't want to miss my chance. I recommend seeing this play. It won the Tony for Best Play, and this remarkable show definitely deserved it.
7. The Return of Oklahoma to Arena Stage in D.C.
One of my wishes from 2010 was that I could see Oklahoma again at Arena Stage. Then, Arena Stage decided to bring back the show with several members of the original cast :o) Instead of seeing this show only once, I got see it six times, five this past year. You don't usually hear people describing Oklahoma as exciting, but this production was. The cast was ideal. The direction and choreography were superb. If this production happens to make it to Broadway next year, go see it!
8. Sutton Foster Performing “Anything Goes” in Anything Goes on Broadway
The first Broadway show I ever saw was Annie and Sutton Foster happened to be in the cast. She was also the first Eponine I ever saw in Les Mis when I was six. So...we have a history, and I am very fond of her. She's insanely talented. A genuine triple-threat. When I heard she was going to be starring in Anything Goes, the show was placed at the top of my must-see Broadway shows list. She didn't disappoint and earned antoher Tony. The highlight of the show for me is the show's title song "Anything Goes." What a great moment!
9. Aerial Sequence During the Spiderman: Turn Off the Dark Finale
I've seen Spiderman three times, and each performance was different. However, one of the more consistent parts of the show is the aerial fight between the Green Goblin (Patrick Page) and Spiderman (Reeve Carney), which is currently the show's finale. When performed without any glitches, the scene is mesmerizing and you can see what Julie Taymor had in mind for Spiderman on Broadway. It's thrilling for all ages.
10. Jan Maxwell Singing “Could I Leave You?” in Follies at the Kennedy Center and on Broadway
This moment practically made my jaw drop. Jan Maxwell's peformance was stunning. The whole show was beautiful and I loved the entire, star-studded cast, but this part was the highlight for me. WOW.
Honorable Mentions
1. Alexandra Silber’s Cabaret, London Still, at the Kennedy Center
2. Matt Shingledecker, Adam Chanler-Berat, and Annaleigh Ashford as Roger, Mark, and Maureen in Rent Off-Broadway
3. Euan Morton’s Portrayal of Leo Frank in Parade at Ford’s Theatre in D.C.
4. Equivocation at Arena Stage in D.C.
5. Hairspray at Signature Theatre in Arlington, Virginia
What a year. There were so many other shows and theatre-related concerts that I would have loved to see live, but I didn't get the opportunity to. Theatre is "in the moment" and it's impossible to see everything everywhere unfortunately. Looking forward to what next year has to offer!
~LBD
Musical Theatre Quote of the Moment: "Even if you're little you can do a lot, you mustn't let a little thing like little stop you." ~ Matilda
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