Rosco Spectrum: Italy is not especially renowned for its productions of modern musicals. Its fame lies in having invented the form of musical theatre called “opera.” When Saverio Marconi, the acclaimed director of the Compagnia della Rancia, finally obtained the rights to CATS after six years of negotiations with Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Really Useful Group - he was determined to create a fresh, new touring production.
10 comments:
Having seen the US touring production about a year ago, it is quite inspiring to hear of a way that a different production did it. CATS is one of those super iconic shows where people recognize not only the sound (which seems similar for the most part) but the costumes, set, and lighting techniques as well. I am excited to hear that another aesthetic version of this familiar musical is happening!
This production looks quite interesting. I wonder why Lloyd-Webber was so reluctant to give out the rights to this production? Does it have more to do with the concept or the fact that it's an international production? Overall, the design looks really cool, and not unlike something we might do here in our constant attempts to push works beyond how they are seen on the surface, or how they have been done before. I was also impressed that they get 2.5 entire days to rehang and focus, since it's a touring production. That's a lot by our standards, but maybe they do longer stays. Overall, a production I'd like to hear more about.
I think it has to be interesting to examine how productions of plays change when they are remounted in other countries, rather than the smaller changes that happen when a show goes directly from, say, the West End to Broadway. It could go along interestingly with a look at what gets changed in the lyrics or dialogue with a language change.
Ever since I saw the original production of the CATS in Korea, I was shocked and amused by its overwhelming ambiance. It was wonderful to see how elegant and beautiful actors in feline masks could act because when I first heard that cats are the main subjects in the play, I thought the production would be very fun and something very light. However, it was totally opposite and I could see very dignified, serious, and meaningful messages after watching the show. Now, looking at this article about changing into fresh, new production, I am curious how it will turn out to be. I see how settings are being more realistic and costume design are being very simplistic and less realistic than the previous productions. The setting and the concept of this production almost remind me of our recent production of Romeo and Juliet. Moreover, since I took a lighting section in Design for the stage class and found out how hard it is to mix colors to create a certain mood that the designers want to, I got really interested in lighting and want to really explore different mix of colors. This article gives me a great insight of how lavender and blue bring a depth into a stage as well as nostalgia. I really want to have a chance to go watch this play and see the difference between previous production and this. I think it is great how many artists are trying to change an original production into something different.
It was odd for me watching the video of the new Italian production of "CATS" because the music was the same as the original but the set and costumes were so different. I grew up watching CATS (over and over and over...), and seeing the same characters portrayed in such different ways was surprising, but once I got used to it I really liked the new take on the set. The opening number with the LED lights seems like a great way to start the show, and its something that couldn't be done when the show was originally produced. I'm no lighting designer, so some of the technical stuff went over my head, but it was interesting hearing about the color choices (I really like that the designer said that lavender was the color of nostalgia- I never thought about it that way, but I can see it's true.)
It's interesting seeing a new version of CATS out there since CATS has been largely unchanged since it's inception. There are many shows that are always mounted the same way in every theatre out there and it doesn't ever ever change, but maybe it's time for an update and review of these shows. I know such shows like A Chorus Line are classics and people want to see them with the same costumes and choreography as the Broadway production but I think it would be interesting to update it, because while the themes are still relevant in today's world, the show does seem a little dated. CATS is another show that I've always wanted to see done differently than it always has been and so I'm glad to see that happening. This article was also really interesting to read and find information from a lighting designer's perspective. I'd be interested in reading more reviews of shows like this.
Cats is one of those play that I wouldn't expect to ever be redone or redesigned. But why? Theres no reason it shouldn't be! CATS! is either a musical that people love or hate, I personally really enjoy it, I love all of the dancing and costumes. I guess since its such a classic no one really expects it to be redone, not saying that moving from a junk yard to an abandoned theme park is THAT much different but it opens the doors to even more interpretation such as I don't KNow doing Cats in a mansion or even like cats in space! How cool would that be!? The Giant shopping cart was so cool and it looked like there was a bunch of cool screens and stuff being used with shadows and stuff I would definitly want to go and see this! (if it were in english)
I've always thought Cats was a rather stupid show, but I do like what they seem to have done with this production. To me cats has always kind of seemed like a high tech dance party, with very little plot. Even in the original production, I enjoyed the scene design and the technology used for lighting and scenery, and i think this production has taken that idea to a new level. First and foremost, i love the idea of changing the setting to the amusement park because, even for people who have seen the show multiple times it will make it new and interesting. Also, keeping with the idea of cats just being a high tech dance party, I like the addition of the new moving lights and lighting technology. And just as a side note, it was pretty funny to watch the cats video in italian.
I have to admit I was never a really big fan of Cats.
This production of Cats looks a bit whimsical compared to the original one.
A lot of the Loyde Webber musicals don't get changed very often. For instance, Phantom of the Opera always has the same iconic costumes.
I think it's nice to see that in different countries they are changing the shows. I think this gives an interesting opportunity to the designers, who can use an original strong and interesting script, however give their take on it.
I think that Cats is a very interesting show. There is a ton of room for a lot of creativity on the design, technical, and performance end. However, it is said that almost every production of the show uses the same exact concept. There is never anything new or different, but so much room for it. This could be easily done by changing the location of the traditional alley way. This would force the choreographer to use a style of dance that complements this location.
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