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Amazon.com The play's the thing in The History Boys. Unlike most stage-to-screen transitions, Nicholas Hytner assembled...
(12/05/07) Amazon.com The play's the thing in The History Boys. Unlike most stage-to-screen transitions, Nicholas Hytner assembled the entire original cast for the celluloid version of Alan Bennett's award-winning work. (The two previously joined forces for The Madness of King George.) As in Hytner's National Theatre production, a group of Sheffield sixth-form boys, Timms (James Corden), Lockwood (Andrew Knott), Rudge (Russell Tovey), Scripps (Jamie Parker), Crowther (Samuel Anderson), Akhtar (Sacha Dhawan), Posner (Samuel Barnett), and Dakin (Dominic Cooper)--the latter two standouts--spend an extra term in 1983 preparing for their Oxbridge exams. Hector (Richard Griffiths) and Dorothy Lintott (Frances de la Tour) are their regular instructors (both performances garnered Tony Awards), while Irwin (Stephen Campbell Moore, Bright Young Things) is the enigmatic new history teacher. The Headmaster (Clive Merrison) brings him on board to lend the precocious lads "polish." Irwin, however, is more...See less
The winner of 10 Academy Awards, this 1961 musical by choreographer Jerome Robbins and director Robert Wise (The Sound...
(12/02/07) The winner of 10 Academy Awards, this 1961 musical by choreographer Jerome Robbins and director Robert Wise (The Sound of Music) remains irresistible. Based on a smash Broadway play updating Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet to the 1950s era of juvenile delinquency, the film stars Natalie Wood and Richard Beymer as the star-crossed lovers from different neighborhoods--and ethnicities. The film's real selling points, however, are the highly charged and inventive song-and-dance numbers, the passionate ballads, the moody sets, colorful support from Rita Moreno, and the sheer accomplishment of Hollywood talent and technology producing a film so stirring. Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim wrote the score. --Tom Keogh See less
The hit Broadway musical by Peter Stone and Sherman Edwards became the basis for this 1972 film about America's first...
(12/02/07) The hit Broadway musical by Peter Stone and Sherman Edwards became the basis for this 1972 film about America's first congress and the nation's declaration of independence from Britain. Most of the original cast members are aboard, including William Daniels as John Adams. The film is a little stodgy and moves stiffly from scene to scene--the adaptation to the screen is not a smooth success. But it is nonetheless captivating, considering that so few films have dealt directly with America's birth. Directed by Peter H. Hunt. --Tom KeoghSee less
A young man graduates from college and wonders how to find real meaning in his life. What's an heir to the 9th-century...
(12/02/07) A young man graduates from college and wonders how to find real meaning in his life. What's an heir to the 9th-century Holy Roman Empire to do? If you're Pippin, son of Charlemagne, you decide to dabble in war, sex, and politics before finally finding love. When Bob Fosse directed the original Broadway production of Pippin in 1972, he transformed what had originally been a relatively innocent college project for composer-lyricist Stephen Schwartz into a burlesque filled with broad comedy, bawdy characters, and magical but dark situations. John Rubinstein (best known for his TV work and son of pianist Artur) plays the title character, and Ben Vereen kick-started his career (and won a Tony) as the narrator figure known as the Leading Player. Schwartz's combination of Godspell-like ensemble energy with various pop-rock styles makes for a snappy, tuneful score, including the soul-driven opener "Magic to Do," the soaring "Corner of the Sky," the lovely ballads "With You" and "Love Song,"...See less
Ah, Shakespeare. The great bard. You've heard he's a terrific writer. One of these days, you may actually get around to...
(12/02/07) Ah, Shakespeare. The great bard. You've heard he's a terrific writer. One of these days, you may actually get around to catching one of his plays. Yeah, right. Well, with the help of the Reduced Shakespeare Company, not only can you catch all of Shakespeare's plays at once, but you can have a riotous good time doing so. Three men performing 37 plays in less than two hours may seem a bit of a stretch. But Adam Long, Reed Martin, and Austin Tichenor--all members of the Reduced Shakespeare Company--pull it off beautifully with The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged), a slapstick show that summarizes the playwright's stage work (with the sonnets thrown in). Never read Titus Andronicus? No problem; it's presented here as a cooking show. Can't keep your Shakespearean histories straight? Visualize them as a football game. Wondering what exactly is the deal with that guy Othello? Hear his story as a rap song. Hard as it is to imagine, this video of the stage show (originally seen...See less
The 1998 Broadway production of Cabaret is that rarest of revivals, one that feels like an utterly new show. Despite...
(12/02/07) The 1998 Broadway production of Cabaret is that rarest of revivals, one that feels like an utterly new show. Despite their incredibly familiarity, the songs of Kander and Ebb sound as lively and lascivious as ever, and the revised score augments the original with several tunes written specifically for the Oscar-winning 1972 film ("Mein Herr," "Maybe This Time"). In the central roles of deluded chanteuse Sally Bowles and the MC, respectively, Natasha Richardson and Alan Cumming have big pumps to fill; they successfully do so with distinctive flair, eschewing the ham-fisted tendencies of Liza Minnelli and Joel Grey to impart this complicated yet enthralling vision of 1930s Berlin with a fiercely individual spirit. --Kurt B. ReighleySee less
The epic sweep of Ragtime is captured in its opening prologue, a nine-minute kaleidoscope of fictional characters...
(12/02/07) The epic sweep of Ragtime is captured in its opening prologue, a nine-minute kaleidoscope of fictional characters mingling with historical figures from the early 20th century as originally captured in E.L. Doctorow's sprawling novel. As the story continues, we meet pianist Coalhouse Walker Jr. (Brian Stokes Mitchell) and his child's mother, Sarah (Audra McDonald), who has been taken in by a respectable family (including Marin Mazzie as Mother). Parallel story lines of the Latvian immigrant Tateh (Peter Friedman), the entertainer Evelyn Nesbit (Lynnette Perry), and even Harry Houdini (Jim Corti) and Emma Goldman (Judy Kaye) eventually mingle and merge. Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens (Once on This Island) mix marches, cakewalks, and of course ragtime to create a rich, compelling score, including Sarah's song to her baby, "Your Daddy's Son," her soaring duet with Coalhouse, "Wheels of a Dream," Mother's self-revealing "Back to Before," and numerous set pieces, all performed by a perfect...See less
Some 70 years after being written, Joseph Moncure March's 1928 Jazz-Age poem, The Wild Party, proved it still knew how...
(12/02/07) Some 70 years after being written, Joseph Moncure March's 1928 Jazz-Age poem, The Wild Party, proved it still knew how to inspire: a pair of musicals dedicated to the sultry tale of excess were produced virtually concurrently. Too bad good parties, like good jokes, are often hard to recount. While the Tony-nominated, star-studded, and short-lived Wild Party by Michael John LaChiusa embraced the dark side of the Prohibition-era fête, this off-Broadway production by Andrew Lippa tries too hard to have a good time. March's poem is a seething, seedy work filled with internal struggle, but on this disc we never sense that underbelly. It's not until Taye Diggs, as Black, sings the touching "Poor Child" that we sense any tenderness at all in this morality play. For lighthearted good times, Julia Murney as Queenie and Brian d'Arcy James as her abusive lover Burrs do the job. On the fun, upbeat numbers ("What a Party," "Raise the Roof") this cast shines. But, despite its fascinating premise--a...See less
Although it's not as bold as Oscar darling Chicago, The Phantom of the Opera continues the resuscitation of the movie...
(12/02/07) Although it's not as bold as Oscar darling Chicago, The Phantom of the Opera continues the resuscitation of the movie musical with a faithful adaptation of Andrew Lloyd Webber's blockbuster stage musical. Emmy Rossum glows in a breakout role as opera ingénue Christine Daae, and if phantom Gerard Butler isn't Rossum's match vocally, he does convey menace and sensuality in such numbers as "The Music of the Night." The most experienced musical theater veteran in the cast, romantic lead Patrick Wilson, sings sweetly but seems wooden. The biggest name in the cast, Minnie Driver, hams it up as diva Carlotta, and she's the only principal whose voice was dubbed (though she does sing the closing-credit number, "Learn to Be Lonely," which is also the only new song). Director Joel Schumacher, no stranger to visual spectacle, seems to have found a good match in Lloyd Webber's larger-than-life vision of Gaston LeRoux's Gothic horror-romance. His weakness is cuing too many audience-reaction...See less
Since its debut in 1981, London's and the world's longest-running musical still fills seats in a dozen theaters...
(12/02/07) Since its debut in 1981, London's and the world's longest-running musical still fills seats in a dozen theaters worldwide. Uncountable recastings and reorchestrations later, Andrew Lloyd Webber's adaptation of T.S. Eliot's Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats strives to please the ears of ever-new generations. This is the original cast recording, and it retains a freshness from the still-recent opening, its novelty untarnished by decades of success. Also, the abundance of "names"--both singers and musicians--makes this one of the high-class musical recordings of all time. Elaine Paige rose to stardom as Grizabella with the hit "Memory"; at the time, though, bigger names were Wayne Sleep, Paul Nicholas, and Brian Blessed. Sarah Brightman and Bonnie Langford are also on the cast list. Lloyd Webber himself plays keyboards and the impressive roster of session musicians includes Barbara Thompson and David Locke. Lloyd Webber, well versed in the practice of "auto-quotation," can always look...See less
Andrew Lloyd Webber's adaptation of T.S. Eliot's poems may not have become Broadway's longest-running musical without...
(12/02/07) Andrew Lloyd Webber's adaptation of T.S. Eliot's poems may not have become Broadway's longest-running musical without the original cast to begin the raves. Which is why every aficionado of this theatrical classic will tell you that this is the one you have to own (although they'll probably tell you that you need the import Original London Cast album as well, the show having originated on London's West End and all). But this is the one with Betty Buckley singing "Memory"--the song that turned her into a star--and the two discs are appropriate for the musical that helped set off Broadway's "operatic" phase. The show is now also available--in its entirety--as a home video, but the music still stands on its own, though some cynics have wondered why so much music only produced one hit standard. --Bill HoldshipSee less
What's left to be said about Andrew Lloyd Webber's adaptation of The Phantom of the Opera a decade after its premiere?...
(12/02/07) What's left to be said about Andrew Lloyd Webber's adaptation of The Phantom of the Opera a decade after its premiere? That it's maddeningly ubiquitous? A stitch-up of various themes shoplifted from the Italian operatic repertoire? A critic-proof crowd pleaser that's probably being staged somewhere in the world as you read this? A megahit that will likely outlive Titanic in the pop-culture pantheon, Phantom has largely redefined--for better or worse--the manner in which modern musicals are conceived, staged, and marketed. Its influence has reached far beyond the traditional confines of London and Broadway. A favorite example: an abridged version that was the centerpiece of Los Angeles's longest-running transvestite revue, replete with 14-inch chandeliers and a man-playing-a-woman-playing-a-man in the title role. --Jerry McCulleySee less
After Les Misérables became a huge hit in London, it moved to Broadway, bringing along two stars from the London...
(12/02/07) After Les Misérables became a huge hit in London, it moved to Broadway, bringing along two stars from the London production, Colm Wilkinson as the heroic Valjean and Frances Ruffelle as the despondent Eponine. Filling out this 1987 cast are Randy Graff (Fantine), Terrence Mann (Javert), David Bryant (Marius), Judy Kuhn (Cosette), Michael Maguire (Enjolras), and Leo Burmester and Jennifer Butt (the Thénardiers). Whether you prefer the London cast or this one just might depend on which one you heard first, though minor revisions to the show since its London debut make the Broadway version more familiar to current audiences. In fact, the 10th anniversary concert might have the best overall cast of the lot, while the three-disc symphonic recording is a must for completists. Regardless of cast, Les Misérables has become a sensation. Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg's score is filled with beautiful ballads ("Bring Him Home," "I Dreamed a Dream") and rousing anthems ("One Day...See less
It is difficult but possible to put your stamp on a role closely identified with a particular performer. Just look at...
(12/02/07) It is difficult but possible to put your stamp on a role closely identified with a particular performer. Just look at Bernadette Peters taking on Mama Rose in Gypsy or Patti LuPone tackling Mrs Lovett in Sweeney Todd. Alfred Molina had a similar challenge when he signed on to play the Jewish dairyman Tevye: who could forget Zero Mostel in the original production or even Topol in the movie? Molina wisely plays the part down, steering clear of Mostel's hamming, but then he goes overboard in the other direction and too often his characterization is colorless rather than subtle. This actually applies to David Leveaux's overall production, which lacks energy. This recording is mostly for completists, and the original cast album still stands as the definitive one. --Elisabeth VincentelliSee less
This original cast recording of Kander & Ebb's Cabaret is tough to beat: Jill Haworth as Sally Bowles, Joel Grey as the...
(12/02/07) This original cast recording of Kander & Ebb's Cabaret is tough to beat: Jill Haworth as Sally Bowles, Joel Grey as the Master of Ceremonies, and Lotte Lenya as Fraulein Schneider all turn in classic performances that set a high-water mark for future reinterpretations. Lenya's "So What?" and "It Couldn't Please Me More" hark back to the dark cabaret work composed by her late husband, Kurt Weill, while other tunes ("Telephone Song," "Two Ladies") are much more upbeat. One of the best surprises found on this version--featuring liner notes by author Ken Mandelbaum--are the four previously unreleased (and fascinating) Kander & Ebb demo cuts and four brief intros for songs. The eight rarities are all low-fidelity but highlight the songwriting process of the pair nicely. --Jason VerlindeSee less
Tom Stoppard's modern stage classic finds a pair of film actors worthy of its verbal japery and existential...
(12/02/07) Tom Stoppard's modern stage classic finds a pair of film actors worthy of its verbal japery and existential bewilderment: Gary Oldman and Tim Roth are deliciously locked in as the title characters of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead. And yet it remains difficult to tell which one is Rosencrantz and which Guildenstern--even they seem unsure--a clever part of Stoppard's ingenious design. Focusing on a pair of unremarkable characters from Hamlet, Stoppard sees the great play from their confused perspective. Now and again the action of Hamlet sweeps them up, but most of the time R&G are left wondering where they are, what they have been sent for, and why they can't remember anything that happened before the beginning of the play. Richard Dreyfuss (fittingly grandiloquent) is the Player King, who seems to know more about the ominous workings of fiction and tragedy than the heroes do. Stoppard's first outing as a film director is handsomely shot but uncertainly paced--although any time...See less
First published in 1988, Backstage Handbook is one of the most widely used stagecraft textbooks in the United States,...
(12/02/07) First published in 1988, Backstage Handbook is one of the most widely used stagecraft textbooks in the United States, with about 10,000 copies sold every year.This handy reference book brings together under one cover an incredible variety of information useful to designers, technicians and students who work behind the scenes in theatre, film and television. Its sturdy leatherette binding will stand up to years of constant use.The third edition updates this popular reference book with new terminology and materials, and adds dozens of new illustrations of grip hardware, film lighting equipment and painting tools. Backstage Handbook includes chapters on Tools, Hardware, Materials, Electrics, Shop Math, Architecture and Theatre. There are hundreds of illustrations, tables and charts which cover everything from the stock sizes and specs of wood screws, to safe working loads for several kinds of rope, to illustrations of twenty-two types of standard lamp bases.See less
The Stagecraft Handbook strives to be lightweight, compact, and economical. Daniel Ionazzi leaves the specifics to the...
(12/02/07) The Stagecraft Handbook strives to be lightweight, compact, and economical. Daniel Ionazzi leaves the specifics to the designers, but provides practical, reliable advice for those involved in setting the stage. With chapters on tools, scale drawings, scenic materials, joinery, flats, and rigging to fly, Ionazzi provides valuable know-how to help novice and experienced stagecrafters create their dream sets within practical boundaries of time and money.See less
Book Description The definitive arts management guide, this book is written with tremendous insight and humor and packed...
(12/05/07) Book Description The definitive arts management guide, this book is written with tremendous insight and humor and packed with dozens of lists, such as "22 Wonderful Ways to Improve Your Life in the Theater" and "20 Distractions that Erode Productivity." It provides information on improving an organization by building audiences, bolstering fundraising, and tightening finances. Also covered are tips for solidifying relationships with boards, volunteers, communities, and colleagues. It's all here, from managing one's own life, working with a board of trustees, and managing a team to negotiating, fundraising, marketing, and financial management. This resource will appeal to all those who work in arts management-from novices to veteran middle managers and executive directors.See less
This innovative resource has been completely updated to reflect state-of-the-art standards in today's fast-changing...
(12/02/07) This innovative resource has been completely updated to reflect state-of-the-art standards in today's fast-changing theater technology. Designed exclusively for nontechnicians in the field, this pioneering book helps actors, dancers, playwrights, and directors to understand every aspect of a traditional and digitally supported backstage environment, from scenery, lighting, sound to props, and stage management to the use of integrated show control systems. The new edition covers new technology that has become mainstream, such as computer-controlled lightning instruments and audio (including various new formats), software to build audio cues, and PC-based audio play-back systems. A new chapter discusses show control systems that allow theater directors to make informed choices on which software to choose (the book covers DMX, MIDI, and SMPTI) and how to communicate their needs to a programmer. A chapter on costumes has been added to improve the communication between theaters and the...See less
Want to make it big on Broadway—as a techie? Or how about working in smaller regional theater? Careers in Technical...
(12/02/07) Want to make it big on Broadway—as a techie? Or how about working in smaller regional theater? Careers in Technical Theater explains more than twenty different careers from the perspective of successful theater artists. Included are specialties that have been around for decades, as well as those still emerging in the field. Concise information is provided on job duties, estimated earnings, recommended training, examples of career paths, and the insights are given of working pros in management, scenery, audio/visual, costumes, video and projection, engineering, and theatrical systems. There’s even a detailed appendix on finding on-the-job training as an intern, apprentice, or paid worker. For anyone interested in a behind-the-scenes life in the theater, Careers in Technical Theater is a priceless resource. See less
Yes, we all know we're the real brains and brawn behind the whole dramatic operation. We're just humble enough not to...
(12/02/07) Yes, we all know we're the real brains and brawn behind the whole dramatic operation. We're just humble enough not to hog all the credit. Get this shirt, make a statement and continue to, well, blissfully not exist.See less
$14.95 (2+ $12.99 | 10+ $9.99) available at careertees.com
I do tech theater, therefore I am a demigod.
(12/02/07) I do tech theater, therefore I am a demigod.See less
Price $ 15.00 available at 7283.spreadshirt.com
"Techies do it in the dark"
(12/02/07) "Techies do it in the dark"See less
$ 15.00 available at 7283.spreadshirt.com
T-shirt for Lighthing people bearing the slogan "You can wear any color back stage, as long as it's BLACK"
(12/02/07) T-shirt for Lighthing people bearing the slogan "You can wear any color back stage, as long as it's BLACK"See less
$21.99 available at cafepress.com
T-Shirt for techies with the phrase "If you can see me, something has gone terribly wrong"
(12/02/07) T-Shirt for techies with the phrase "If you can see me, something has gone terribly wrong"See less
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