Choosing a season is HARD. Theatre professionals
love the variety and the challenge of different kinds of material but
successful theatres are slaves to their audiences choices. So, if the
audiences are unwilling to experience something unfamiliar once in a
while, the establishment loses money and – well, it’s like losing your
job – things change radically.
The fact is that all shows can’t be musicals or
comedies. There are some really strong stories out there that, like
life, don’t always end with a big song and dance production number or a
“happily ever after”. But, even those things that are sometimes hard to
watch have a lot to say to us. They make us recognize difficulties in
our own lives. Maybe they help us realize that ours are not so bad. They
may give us courage and resources to face adversity. In any case, they
do reflect the human condition and the theatre can and should be a
mirror to reflect the good, the bad and the tuneful.
What is Luigi preaching about now?? Take a
chance!! Go to something unfamiliar. Allow the professionals who must
choose a ‘season’ of shows some latitude. Let them challenge and
entertain you.
Wasn’t the
play reflecting Anne Frank’s experience a bit “heavy”. Was that
acceptable only because it was ‘real’ history? What about the upcoming
OF MICE AND MEN. Will that be okay simply because it is considered a
classic? People flock to ROMEO AND JULIET. Not exactly an uplifting
experience, teenage love ending in tragedy. So, when you see a show
listed that you aren’t familiar with – or one you know is “heavy” – give
it a try. Expand your horizons and challenge your mind. You may not
leave walking on clouds but there is nothing wrong with leaving with
something to think about.
