Going Beyond the Script My Fair Lady Backdrops and Scenery Perspectives Written by: Melanie Simmons All I want is a stage somewhere… playing one this author’s favorite musicals of all time! And that’s hardly a lonely sentiment; My Fair Lady is always a crowd-pleaser. The musical is based on the novel Pygmalion by George Bernard Shaw and is…
Going Beyond the Script James and the Giant Peach Backdrops and Scenery Perspectives Written by: Melanie Simmons Roald Dahl has been adding magic to childhood imaginations for decades; James and the Giant Peach is no exception. Written in 1961 and adapted for film in 1996, James and the Giant Peach is one of Dahl’s most popular stories. Both book and film tell the enchanting…
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 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,…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
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…