CMU School of Drama


Thursday, November 01, 2007

Word on the 'Streets'

Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: "For director Scott Wise, one of the chief strengths of the American musical is its ability to tell the story of our country. Wise thinks that's true of classical musicals from the golden age of musical theater, such as 'Oklahoma!' and 'South Pacific,' as well as more recent works, such as 'Parade' and 'Ragtime.'"

2 comments:

Dave said...

This sound like it could be an interesting musical that reflects our time and American culture. I was just very surprised that seven to eight years was a short time for the development of a musical. This sounds like a possible play for family weekend.

Michael 'Rico' Cohen said...

It certainly sounds like an interesting musical.

The funny thing, is that the old musicals, the ones that this show is comparing itself too as a cultural story teller, the Oklahoma's and the South Pacifics, were not 8 year endeavors. Rogers found Hammerstein in 1943, and less than a year later... Oklahoma was born. Thats a very different type of creative process from the current American standard.

But it is funny when you listen to recordings of the music that was cut or rewritten. I once listened to an old version of Rent, jesus it was terrible, but it was funny to see how the same concept developed over so many years.