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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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Going Beyond the Script Seussical Backdrops and Scenery Perspectives Written by: Melanie Simmons The stories of Theodor Seuss Geisel, or, as he’s better know, Dr. Seuss, are a childhood cornerstone. Seuss’ lyrical turns of phrase and whimsical characterizations have made him a literary favorite for decades, enjoyed as much by children as their parents, many of whom…
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Going Beyond the Script Disenchanted Backdrops and Scenery Perspectives Written by: Melanie Simmons Everyone loves a good fairy tale, but few people truly understand how far our familiar cartoon characters stray from their original fairy tale roots. This isn’t the case with Dennis T. Giacino’s 2016 musical Disenchanted! This raucous comedy takes the typical Disney princesses…
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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…
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Going Beyond the Script Holiday Inn and White Christmas Backdrops and Scenery Perspectives Written by: Melanie Simmons While early holiday decorations displayed in retail stores may feel like a crime, in theatre, prep time is everything. It’s never too early to start thinking about putting on a classic holiday show, with warm fuzzies and nostalgia for everyone!…
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