5 Comments

5 Comments 

1) http://janessaharris.blogspot.com/2013/12/next-to-normal.html?showComment=1386560622906#c3825724952229576362

2) http://bturn2130.blogspot.com/2013/12/house-of-trials.html?showComment=1386560888088#c2118836084134748178 

3) http://victoria2130.blogspot.com/2013/12/show-and-tell-andres-mother.html?showComment=1386561099534#c1156963445657514080

4) http://icesk8prosue2130.blogspot.com/2013/12/topdog-underdog.html?showComment=1386561239905#c8208238185136422856

5)http://crayonxasxsnail.blogspot.com/2013/11/tis-pity-shes-whore.html?showComment=1386561432398#c4729497967937873138

Next to Normal

Responding to Dr. Fletcher's post Next to Normal by Brian Yorkey and Music by Tom Kitt

This musical was definitely different from most. I enjoyed the fact that this musical was about a particular subject that is hard to handle among a family. The way the script and musical were constructed allowed a lot more emotion to be pulled into this dramatic piece of work. At first reading this play and just listening to the soundtrack was a terrible idea. After further reviewing this play and looking up an okay version on YouTube from one of the original casted Broadway recordings I understood how the play was able to flow more. Especially the scenes where in the beginning of Act I and Gabe was present. 

While reading the script a lot of questions came to mind and confusion when trying to identify who Gabe really was. The idea of making the choice to include Gabe in the first few scenes was quite interesting. It caught my attention and made a more substantial character role of a ghost. As the plot and story continue I was excited to discover what had actually caused this emotional distress throughout the entire family. Another character that poses as an interesting relief and jog of reality is the character Henry. Henry's character grew from a timid little boyfriend to a stable ground for Natalie in the end. I am intrigued by this decision and wonder why Yorkey would invent a stable character for this very emotional and dramatic piece of work. 

Another choice that posed as a motif that ran throughout the play was the display of lights constantly being talked about.  In the beginning minimal lighting and the script mention moments of darkness. Also the song sung by Dan and Diana "A light in the dark" and the final song that closed the play, "Light." These songs mention the struggles these characters have been through and that it was time to see in the light. "We'll wonder how we wandered for so long, so blind" 

Excuse my lateness with this post. I wanted to give credit to this musical because it peaked an interest for me and I wanted to know more and see what elements would best work for this play. I of course like a lot of the technical aspects; but this performance was an eye opening experience that once can enjoy. 

Topdog/Underdog

Responding to Dr. Feltcher's post Topdog/Underdog by Suzan-Lori Parks 

I enjoyed Topdog/Underdog a lot. The theatrical aspects bringing in magic card tricks was a genius idea. This play brings together two theatrical mirrors connecting Lincoln's assassination and the three card Monte game. Both of these connect through a rigged game where the card holder always is in charge and Lincoln always makes it easy for the customer to shoot. Having these games rigged allows the dealer to make the choice of what happens next. Lincoln and the Dealer are in complete control of the favor of the game. The switch of the game happens when it reflect back to the assassination of Lincoln by Booth. The customer always wins and when Booth sets up and points the gun at Lincoln's head, Lincoln has no choice then but not to move. This mirrors the real assassination of  Lincoln. Also in the end when Lincoln's boss replaces him with a wax figure shows the defeat of Lincoln. And all because of budget cuts. And the dealer on the other hand never lets a customer win. His tricks on his customers is his hunger for their money.

Water by the Spoonful

Responding to Dr. Fletcher's post Water by the Spoonful by Quiara Alegria Hudes 

This play Water by the Spoonful was an interesting one where there were many realities that interact. This being the story plot that connects two separate story lines that I have found to be about the world and online world. I chose scene eight to focus on for this prompt. In the script we find out a past event through a story that the character named Elliot used to be a Marine addicted to pain meds and overdosed on them while in Iraq. Yazmine (Yaz) had no idea that Elliot had overdosed once before. This conversation happens over a computer where Orangutan has busted Elliot's secret past life. This scene shows the action of Yaz and Elliot's fight after this online world breaks their walls. This cause and effect action in the story plot gives a unifying principle of striping the cables. Just as Elliot unplugs his computer and and throws it across the room,  the characters strip their connections. 

'Tis Pity She's A Whore

Responding to Dr. Fletcher's post on 'Tis Pity She's A Whore by John Ford 

For the first quote I have chosen for this advertisement is, "Leave her, and take thy choice; 'tis much less sin, though in such games as those, they lose that win." Act I scene I. Depicted in the poster I'd like to show a bright white rose with large thorns growing from it's stem. And from these thorns there will be small droplets of blood that spot and speckle the leaves and ground around it. In the background a warm rustic brown color that fades into black in an oval shape. This symbol of the rose will be the invitation of a sin, showing the purity of the white masked by the thorns that secret the sin of the play. 

For the second quote I chose, " He shall not 'scape you, I'll provide a poison to dip your rapier's point in." this particular point in the play showed me a lot of deceit and backstabbing qualities. I see this play as very dark and menacing. For the poster and this quote I'd show a dark crimson sky and ground with white trees playing out in the field. A building washed out in white in the background. In the center doorway a dark silhouette of a man and woman. The red of course a symbol of blood lust. The white depicts the white poison that keeps them there. 

For the third poster quote I chose, "To see the effect of pride and lust at once brought to shameful ends." Act V scene VI. The poster would show deep colors of blues and navys. I see grey fog almost like smoke on the poster that shows the quote in bright red. underneath the quote you would see a body draped in a grey cloth. This would be the end and death of the play. 

House of Trials

Responding to Dr. Fletcher's post House of Trials by: Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz

For this play The House of Trials, I found that there were a few conventions for the Spanish Golden Age comedias. To connect with the script I noticed a few symbolizing patterns throughout the play. The characters' objectives were to protect their honor and gain love.

A part in the play really focuses on asking for a women's hand in marriage. That single commitment makes that whole for the idea of love. It seems throughout the play that the characters are continuously fighting for some sort of love. Don Carlos fights for Dona Leonor, Don Juan fights for Dona Ana, and Don Pedro fights for Dona Leonor. This triangle of love affairs quickly resolves itself through the end of Act III. And even though not all love is achieved with every character there is still a sense of contentment among all. The influence of love on comedias is very crucial and strong.

Another point in the play that connects with the conventions of comedias would be that the men fight for their honor. The huge factor of Spanish Golden Age was that men fought among each other for their namesake and honor. And protecting their house, women, and property became a duty of honorable nobility that all the Spanish Golden Age men must face. In this play we see several gentlemen who speak about this topic of importance. There are 2 scenes where the characters duel for the love of a woman. This shows the chivalry and worth of a man's honor.