Going Beyond the Script Sweeney Todd Backdrops and Scenery Perspectives Written by: Melanie Simmons If you’re looking for some Gothic good times heading into the fall season, what better choice than the darkly delightful musical Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. The origins of this musical thriller go all the way back to the 1800’s,…
Details
Going Beyond the Script How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying Backdrops and Scenery Perspectives Written by: Melanie Simmons How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying follows the adventures of J. Pierrepont Finch, a young window cleaner who dreams of making his mark in NYC. The musical is based on the best-selling 1952 satirical novel of…
Details
Going Beyond the Script Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Backdrops and Scenery Perspectives Written by: Melanie Simmons Calling all dreamers! Theatre has the power to transport audiences across time and space. So let’s take a journey to ancient Egypt, as we explore the delightful story of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Joseph… was written by…
Details
Going Beyond the Script Thoroughly Modern Millie Backdrops and Scenery Perspectives Written by: Melanie Simmons “Gimme Gimme” some BIG time musical numbers, old-school Broadway charm, and – of course – true love! Thoroughly Modern Millie roared onto Broadway the scene in 2002 and took the theatre world by storm. The story, set in the flashy 1920’s,…
Details
Going Beyond the Script Oklahoma Backdrops and Scenery Perspectives Written by: Melanie Simmons In the 1940’s, especially post-World War II, American musical theater trended strongly towards nostalgic themes. Broadway drew in audiences by embracing the American spirit, and Oklahoma! was among the first to set the standard. Oklahoma! was the very first musical penned by what…
Details
Going Beyond the Script Peter Pan Backdrops and Scenery Perspectives Written by: Melanie Simmons The classic tale of Peter Pan has always resonated with audiences, and never so much as now. Who doesn’t want to snag some fairy dust and go sailing off into the sky, away from all adult responsibilities? Peter Pan the musical was…
Details
Going Beyond the Script The Secret Garden Backdrops and Scenery Perspectives Written by: Melanie Simmons Everyone loves a good secret, not to mention a tale of redemption. The beloved musical The Secret Garden combines both in a beautiful tapestry of music and mystery that has captivated audiences for decades. The show is based on the novel…
Details
Going Beyond the Script Saturday Night Fever Backdrops and Scenery Perspectives Written by: Melanie Simmons It’s 1976 and disco fever is sweeping the nation. Few films captured this cultural phenomenon like Saturday Night Fever. John Badham’s 1977 film enjoyed enormous commercial success. The film spread the popularity of disco worldwide. It also launched its star, John Travolta, into…
Details
Going Beyond the Script The Music Man Backdrops and Scenery Perspectives Written by: Melanie Simmons The 1957 Broadway hit The Music Man needs practically no introduction. The five-time Tony winner is as American as apple pie. An audience favorite, it has spawned countless national and regional tours, not to mention innumerable local, community, and school productions. The…
Details
Going Beyond the Script The Sound of Music Backdrops and Scenery Perspectives Written by: Melanie Simmons The hills are alive with The Sound of Music! This enduring tale of faith, family, and love in the midst of one of the worst wars of modern times needs no introduction. Rogers and Hammerstein based their stage adaptation on the…
Details