 |
| Courtesy of Serenbe Playhouse and BreeAnne Clowdus |
So it’s fortuitous that the acclaimed Serenbe Playhouse decided to stage Titanic: The Musical as part of its ninth season. When I contacted the publicity department and explained my daughter’s obsession, they generously invited us to check out a performance. I’m so glad we did; it was the definition of a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The show itself is standard Broadway fare, revealing nothing about the tragedy that novice historians (like my daughter) don’t already know. And although it won the Tony for Best Musical in 1997, there’s no instant classic song like “Defying Gravity” in Wicked, “My Shot” in Hamilton, or “You Will Be Found” in Dear Evan Hansen.
What makes Serenbe Playhouse’s production a must-see is director Brian Clowdus’ astonishing creativity and the innovation his team puts into bringing a well-known story to life, making it feel like the audience is witnessing it for the first time. Although everybody watching knows how it’s going to end, the talented group of actors, musicians and behind-the-scenes technicians stage the performance so masterfully that I found myself hoping things might turn out different.
The inevitable happens, of course. The iceberg looms ahead for the entirety of the first act, putting the ferocity of nature and man’s hubris on a collision course. But it’s a testament to the strength of this team’s vision that I didn’t want it to.
Oh, did I mention that the entire play is staged outside? On a massive, multi-story structure representing the doomed ship, meaning dozens of subplots play out simultaneously? In the middle of a real lake? And parts of the set actually sink? Talk about an immersive experience. Because seating is limited (only a few hundred patrons for each performance), the show is a contradiction: somehow epic and intimate at the same time. It’s probably cliché to say it feels like you’re a fellow passenger, but that’s precisely the case.
As the less fortunate ones come to terms with their horrific fates, that’s real water they’re being lowered – and, in some cases, leaping – into. Tell yourself it’s pretend all you like, but watching people floating in a dark lake just a few feet away does weird things to your brain.
Do yourself a favor and watch the brief documentary posted on Serenbe Playhouse's website to see the level of imagination and planning that went into this production. Titanic: The Musical is nothing short of astonishing. Due to popular demand, it has been extended through Aug. 19. Even those extra shows are selling out fast, so get tickets while you can.
Serenbe Playhouse’s Titanic: The Musical is rated PG for tragic events that might be disturbing for young audiences. Serenbe recommends this show for ages eight and up, depending on maturity.
Grade: A-
The show itself is standard Broadway fare, revealing nothing about the tragedy that novice historians (like my daughter) don’t already know. And although it won the Tony for Best Musical in 1997, there’s no instant classic song like “Defying Gravity” in Wicked, “My Shot” in Hamilton, or “You Will Be Found” in Dear Evan Hansen.
What makes Serenbe Playhouse’s production a must-see is director Brian Clowdus’ astonishing creativity and the innovation his team puts into bringing a well-known story to life, making it feel like the audience is witnessing it for the first time. Although everybody watching knows how it’s going to end, the talented group of actors, musicians and behind-the-scenes technicians stage the performance so masterfully that I found myself hoping things might turn out different.
The inevitable happens, of course. The iceberg looms ahead for the entirety of the first act, putting the ferocity of nature and man’s hubris on a collision course. But it’s a testament to the strength of this team’s vision that I didn’t want it to.
Oh, did I mention that the entire play is staged outside? On a massive, multi-story structure representing the doomed ship, meaning dozens of subplots play out simultaneously? In the middle of a real lake? And parts of the set actually sink? Talk about an immersive experience. Because seating is limited (only a few hundred patrons for each performance), the show is a contradiction: somehow epic and intimate at the same time. It’s probably cliché to say it feels like you’re a fellow passenger, but that’s precisely the case.
That’s especially true once Titanic hits the iceberg and the second act begins, when 90 minutes of built-up tension explodes in jaw-dropping displays of bravery, acrobatics and ingenuity. The characters who are fortunate enough to make it into a lifeboat actually row out of sight into the darkness.
As the less fortunate ones come to terms with their horrific fates, that’s real water they’re being lowered – and, in some cases, leaping – into. Tell yourself it’s pretend all you like, but watching people floating in a dark lake just a few feet away does weird things to your brain.
Do yourself a favor and watch the brief documentary posted on Serenbe Playhouse's website to see the level of imagination and planning that went into this production. Titanic: The Musical is nothing short of astonishing. Due to popular demand, it has been extended through Aug. 19. Even those extra shows are selling out fast, so get tickets while you can.
Serenbe Playhouse’s Titanic: The Musical is rated PG for tragic events that might be disturbing for young audiences. Serenbe recommends this show for ages eight and up, depending on maturity.
Grade: A-
Thanks for your share! tai game aoe h nặng 3dp chip net quotes for a hardworking man cool math burger run
ReplyDelete