Going Beyond the Script Monty Python’s Spamalot Backdrops and Scenery Perspectives Written by: Melanie Simmons Arthurian legends have captured imaginations for centuries and there’s no shortage of stage adaptations based on such romantic and adventurous lore. However, one stands alone as an unruly, unabashed crowd-pleaser suitable for any theatre company’s repertoire— Monty Python’s Spamalot! Spamalot utilizes Monty…
Going Beyond the Script Sister Act Backdrops and Scenery Perspectives Written by: Melanie Simmons Anyone who doesn’t think “church” and “entertainment” go together hasn’t seen the musical Sister Act! The musical was based on the original 1992 feature film, starring Whoopie Goldberg, but it underwent significant adaptation for Broadway. The stage version first premiered in California in…
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…
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…
Going Beyond the Script Big Fish Backdrops and Scenery Perspectives Written by: Melanie Simmons Daddy issues are a common theme in many a dramatic tale, but no show tackles them quite like Big Fish. Based on the 2003 Tim Burton movie of the same name and the 1998 novel upon which the movie is based, Big…
Going Beyond the Script The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee Backdrops and Scenery Perspectives Written by: Melanie Simmons Is everybody ready for some P-A-N-D-E-M-O-N-I-U-M? Well, dust off your dictionaries. It’s time for The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee! This rowdy musical – set in a long, single act – is ideal for the young…
Going Beyond the Script High School Musical Backdrops and Scenery Perspectives Written by: Melanie Simmons Nobody expected a Disney Channel movie to take the world by storm, but that’s exactly what happened with High School Musical! This pop musical sensation, directed by Kenny Ortega, captured the hearts of countless teens and tweens and spawned a franchise that…
Going Beyond the Script Grease Backdrops and Scenery Perspectives Written by: Melanie Simmons If there’s any American musical that needs no introduction, it’s Grease! Written in 1971 by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey, Grease came about as an ode to 1950’s nostalgia and the everlasting lure of youth and teenage drama. Despite its glossy veneer, Grease commands…
Going Beyond the Script Legally Blonde: The Musical Backdrops and Scenery Perspectives Written by: Melanie Simmons Oh my god, you guys – what better way to ring in the new year than with some Blonde ambition! And there’s no better Blonde ambassador for any stage than Elle Woods, star of Legally Blonde: The Musical. Like its…
Going Beyond the Script Elf the Musical, Jr. Backdrops and Scenery Perspectives Written by: Melanie Simmons Nobody loves Christmas more than Buddy! Elf the Musical, Jr., based on the beloved movie of the same title, was adapted for the stage by Bob Martin and Thomas Meehan and was scored by Mathew Sklar and Chad Beguelin. Brimming with…