“The musicals that leave us kind of staggering on our feet are the ones that really reach for a lot” (Lin-Manuel Miranda). This quote, made by none other than Lin-Manuel Miranda, is impeccably true, especially in the case of one particular show. Merrily We Roll Along is an immeasurably underrated play that truly inspires an audience to reflect further on life than ever before. In order to start this essay on a positive note, here are some things that I truly enjoyed about the show. Allow me to first begin by mentioning the music. The majority of the songs in this production are extremely upbeat (songs that I, myself, prefer to think of as “danceable”). With catchy tunes that leave the audience bopping in their seats (or is that just me?), this particular soundtrack is most unforgettable. And yet, not all of the songs are necessarily upbeat. While it is typically true that shows run the risk of becoming too dark and depressing when throwing in the more reserved (and, at times, vaguely upsetting) musical numbers, Merrily We Roll Along prides itself in the fact that, regardless of the more solemn tunes at times, it does not allow the show to fall into an irreversible depressive state. In my opinion, this is because of …show more content…
However, the second act was completely enjoyable for me, mainly because it seemed like I was watching a completely different show. Act two of this production was full of marvelous choreography that I had been greatly yearning for throughout the entirety of the first act. One particular example of this comes to mind: In act two, Gussie has her second solo number -- though she is on stage with a couple of ensemble males. During which, she jumps up and is held up in a very impressive lift, with the help of her male companions. It was something I truly had been waiting and longing for from the entire first half of the
I felt that the characters were allowed to be themselves in this scene compared to the other acts. In Act 2, the characters were at work that called for them to have a professional mindset, even though they were familiar with each other. The director had the most professional mind set, yelling for order and keeping her employees working, however, she was never standoffish with the other members of her crew.
The choreography kept things interesting and the dances in a musical can make or break the performance. Overall, Cherie and Abby did an amazing job directing each person to have a place among a crowded stage. Last but not least, the costumes! This play was set in the 1890s, meaning it is very important to have correlating costumes so the audience can be aware of what time period they are in.
The production had many elements which for the most part formed a coalition to further the plot. The characters, the three part scenery and costumes represented well the period of time these people were going through. As far as the performers entering and exiting the stage, it could have been more organized. There were a few times when the performers exited at the wrong times or it seemed so due to the echo of the music. At certain moments the music was slightly loud and drowned the performers. Many of the songs dragged on, so the pacing could have been more effectively executed. Though the music was off at times, the director's decision to have most of the songs performed center sage was a wise one. Also the implementation of actual white characters that were competent in their roles came as a great surprise to the audience and heightened the realism.
In addition, this musical either surprised or fascinated me. I was skeptical about going to this show because I 'm not into love movies. I assume this show would be the same. But I am glad that I was mistaken because the show was great. Seeing some of my favorite R&B artists acting was a pleasant surprise. I was blown away at how good these chart-topping singers performed as actors. The way in which the actors interact with one another and the countless hilarious
Nervous to see the play, I was pleasantly surprised with the opening song of the show. The wondering of the blue-dressed choir opens up the play while explaining to us the premise of the Greensboro incident. This first scene immediately sets up the mood for the entire play. Although I found some of the following scenes to be dull due to whereas that there was a lot of talking but considering the fact that these scenes are important part of the play, I just wished they
Scene 2 act 2 is one of the most important scenes in the play. This is
As in all genres, the musicals have had its share of failures. Some worthy dramas have been pressed into service and musicalized and sometimes butchered in the process, and audiences have had to watch a fine play diluted into a mediocre musical. But the successes have been many and spectacular and they have left a long lasting effect on the American art and culture.
... my sister and I returned to New York. Once again we made the trek to the Nederlander. We took our seats and relished the memories. While the cast was different, the affect was similar. It opened our eyes and renewed our appreciation for those that are different than us. I feel in love with it all over again. Even though I had seen the show in Indianapolis and Chicago, there was something about sitting in that theater that made it special.
One of its numerous strengths was the costuming and set. This musical would not have been the same had these elements not come together to transport the viewer. In addition to the costuming and the set, the actors were very well cast. Each actor was in a role that fit them and they portrayed their characters very well. For example, the man who played Glen really seemed like a greedy Wall Street worker. The choreography was also well done. It fit true to the style of dance in the 1980s and added to the immersion experience. The only thing that could have made this experience better would be to add more music. This may just be a personal preference, but when I see a musical I like for the music to be central like it is in Hamilton or Les Miserables. However, this musical was very good and not much could be added to enhance the
The most successful aspect of the performance for me were the scene changes. I found that the rotation of the blackboard, center stage, where the actors were able to stoop beneath it in order to enter and exit the stage, was an effective touch to this non naturalistic performance. When this was first used, at the end of the first scene, when the characters Ruth and Al left the stage, I thought it didn't quite fit as at the beginning the style was leaning towards realism. But as the play progressed and the acting style became more and more non naturalistic, and this rotation of the black board technique was used more frequently it fitted in really well and became really effective.
thesis of how the musical brought our inner child out to realize our true struggles in life.
I experienced Chicago, the Broadway musical, and because I had seen the movie many times before, I knew all the songs and dances by heart. I loved it, but it was actually the movie that influenced me to become a “Chicago fan.” The movie is based on the 1996 Chicago revival of the original musical version of 1975. It was thrilling knowing that the making of the musical into a mainstream production would increase its accessibility and widen its distribution into all the corners of the world; now there is no excuse for people not to experience Chicago, and though not everyone can go to Broadway to see it, just about anyone can indulge themselves in this dazzling movie in the comfort of their homes. In addition to a fantasy world of singing, dancing and Vaudeville, the film also provides a narrative that is explicitly presented through Roxie’s point of view, creating a counter-human side to Roxie’s fantasy world so that the audience can easily identify and engage.
The musicals that were produced around that time period were meant to be strictly for entertainment, for the most part. It was a very brave move for the creative team of this musical to tackle themes like racism, violence, and death. The risk definitely paid off, because even today West Side Story still remains a very popular musical. The main message that this show is trying to convey to the audience is that it shouldn’t take a horrible tragedy to finally unite people. Just because someone may not look the same way you do, or act the same way, or share your same belief system, that doesn’t mean you have to be fearful of them. Instead we should try our hardest to embrace the fact that this world would be a very boring place without a little diversity, and it’s ok to celebrate the things that make us
second act is almost an exact repeat of the first, but Lucky and Pozzo have
the play was good. The first act was a little slow and tedious but the