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Wednesday, September 18, 2019
Arcade Comedy Theater delivers a fun-filled laugh riot with Bubble Boy: The Musical
Theater | Pittsburgh | Pittsburgh City Paper: There’s a part in Bubble Boy: The Musical where my husband laughed so hard that he started to choke (don’t worry, he’s fine). If that wasn’t enough of an endorsement, the danger of dying from laughter is just one of the few charms of this musical based on the 2001 film.
This looks like a show I would love! I am so frustrated that I did not see this sooner, in order to see it before it closed! I absolutely love shows that understand what their budget entails and capitalizes on the fact that everyone in the room knows they have no money. I love the aesthetic of low budget theatre, as the reviewer described, high school theatre costume changes. I especially think that when there is lower tech involved or very little spectacle, the product itself is better displayed. I am unfamiliar with the movie in reference for this musical. I think it would still be as funny to see in person. A great example of a musical like this would be A Very Potter Musical produced by a theatre troop called "Starkid" based out of the University of Michigan. They are a great example of low production value, high talent, creating a cult-classic musical.
Ahh I agree with Marisa - I wish I had been able to catch this show! It sounds like a lovely time and what I think more theatre should be about. At CMU we have a New Works Series each semester, which is supposed to focus on the text, direction, and abilities of the actors. Far too often, I feel, some of these shows get bogged down with production elements such as huge sets, numerous props, elaborate costumes, and high-tech media elements. I definitely believe that these design elements have their own place and can greatly enhance the production's value and meaning. For instance, from everything I have heard, Brian Cranston's Network that showed in London and NYC was an excellent use of media and scenic design that made the whole point of the show simply unforgettable. However, I don't think that enough directors and design teams take advantage of their actors' talents enough, and sometimes over complicate a space. Intending to enhance the work, I think that inadvertently they often distract the audience from the actual words and emotions, and the point of the work is harder to grasp. I am very glad that this production realized its strengths and did what was needed to support them. I wish I could have seen it!
3 comments:
This looks like a show I would love! I am so frustrated that I did not see this sooner, in order to see it before it closed! I absolutely love shows that understand what their budget entails and capitalizes on the fact that everyone in the room knows they have no money. I love the aesthetic of low budget theatre, as the reviewer described, high school theatre costume changes. I especially think that when there is lower tech involved or very little spectacle, the product itself is better displayed. I am unfamiliar with the movie in reference for this musical. I think it would still be as funny to see in person. A great example of a musical like this would be A Very Potter Musical produced by a theatre troop called "Starkid" based out of the University of Michigan. They are a great example of low production value, high talent, creating a cult-classic musical.
Ahh I agree with Marisa - I wish I had been able to catch this show! It sounds like a lovely time and what I think more theatre should be about. At CMU we have a New Works Series each semester, which is supposed to focus on the text, direction, and abilities of the actors. Far too often, I feel, some of these shows get bogged down with production elements such as huge sets, numerous props, elaborate costumes, and high-tech media elements. I definitely believe that these design elements have their own place and can greatly enhance the production's value and meaning. For instance, from everything I have heard, Brian Cranston's Network that showed in London and NYC was an excellent use of media and scenic design that made the whole point of the show simply unforgettable. However, I don't think that enough directors and design teams take advantage of their actors' talents enough, and sometimes over complicate a space. Intending to enhance the work, I think that inadvertently they often distract the audience from the actual words and emotions, and the point of the work is harder to grasp. I am very glad that this production realized its strengths and did what was needed to support them. I wish I could have seen it!
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