Our community theatre, in it’s infinite wisdom, has decided to limit the number of musicals to one per season. I suppose that I can see the need for this. A good, well-known musical is much more expensive to produce than a play. However, it has been pointed out time and again that musicals are the bread and butter of most theatres and if the right musical is chosen and performed well, they generally bring in more money than most plays. Most of the musicals I have either been involved with or heard about have done well (with one exception but the reasons for the financial loss were many).
The problem is… trying to find plays that will bring in audiences. It has been suggested that we attempt to focus on seasonal shows. In October, I cannot wait to be part of the all cast production of Little Shop of Horrors. In December, we are performing Miracle on 34th Street. Both shows would appeal to the seasons.
For next season, we already have the musical locked in. Taffetas is going to be done in October 2010. I suggested doing another Christmas show like A Christmas Story (yes the movie has been turned into a stage play that I think would be a riot to perform). There are also any number of versions of Dickens’ perennial favorite, A Christmas Carol. I also mentioned via email a suggestion given to me for future October shows: Dracula. Are there any other shows that would fit into other seasons? A good romantic comedy for February. Something like Honk! for future spring shows?
Or another possibility, our theatre has within it at least two people who have the fantastic knack of playwriting. Many times, these are given spots entitled “independent projects.” I think that if someone has a piece ready for performance it should be included as part of the season.
So, if any of my readers hiding in the shadows have any suggestions, please come out and suggest them. I still think that it would not hurt to do Romeo and Juliet. I know most people cringe at the idea of bringing Shakespeare to a small stage, but I say why not take a chance?
Hey, did you read my blog??? LOL…I too think it would be great to do some Shakespear.
(Do I smell a joint collaberation being brewed???)
We at the VPs have the same issues that you do with plays vs. musicals. I personally love a great musical, and wish I could be in any musical that comes along. However financial issues override, and along with that you have finding an orchestra, a music director, and so on and so on to worry about …..
You have to find the right play…a well known play to get people to come. That’s hard too.
Psst….if you ever do “The Christmas Story” our group bought a leg lamp….not sure where it is, but can do some looking. It’s super cool. The show was great. Lots of people came to see it, and we actually came out with a profit on it…..
Yes, I had forgotten about the musicians needed. We seem to be lacking in numbers in that regard and the ones we still have need a break. I don’t think it totally impossible to find plays audiences will come to see.
I disagree with the only one musical per season, as you know. With the exception of one (poorly handled) musical in the past HOW MANY years, they’ve all made money, even if some people have found them to be lacking in quality. And I don’t think we should assume that our vocal and musical talent is dried up or exhausted – I think we could stand to do some harder looking. For instance, there are plays that could be performed to MIDI files rather than a live band. Also, there’s a drum store in town, and I know our church for one has a live band, so we could scout for talent in different places. I just disagree with giving up so easily on the SURE money makers. And i still don’t know exactly HOW the Taffetas got in… must have been busy with other things when that happened… imagine that.
You know- one of the musicals I was in had no orchestra. It was all done on synthesizer. Another show I saw I am sure they used prerecorded music instead of an orchestra.
You KNOW I disagree with it as well. I wanted to voice my opinion, too but that surely would have started a heated debate which would have further kept you from the ACMs 😉 I know how Tafetta’s got in. Just keep suggesting it and eventually (hopefully) it will get put in. Clue has been suggested every season that I have been involved, but somehow keeps getting tossed aside. And interactive shows, musicals… WELL?!