Do you remember in the 2006 Amanda Bynes movie, “She’s the Man,” Channing Tatum went off on a glorious inspirational speech that went like this : “Be not afraid of greatness. Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and others have greatness thrust upon them.” He was actually directly quoting a line from Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night,” which the plot of “She’s the Man” was based on!
The original love triangle comedy will be performed by the Ann Arbor Civic Theatre, a community group that has stolen local hearts with past productions, like Shrek and Les Miserables. I’m very much looking forward to see if the troupe modernizes the Shakespearean classic or keeps it in its traditional form.
How Much?: Free with a Passport to the Arts; $11 at the door.
If you like to read up on Shakespearean plays before you go (which can be very helpful sometimes), I recommend a quick summary skim on Sparknotes. Or, better yet, just grab some friends and host a pre-play screening of “She’s the Man”!
In their new studio production, the Department of Musical Theatre presents William Shakespeare’s most well known tragedy Romeo and Juliet. Set in Verona, the play follows Romeo and Juliet, two young lovers from feuding families. Through a serious of rash actions and unfortunate misunderstandings, the lovers’ lives come to a tragic end, which ultimately reconciles the two families.
Performed in the intimate Arthur Miller Theatre with a minimal set, almost no props, and very basic costumes, this was an interesting production that seemed to want to focus on the raw emotion and drama in the play. The simplicity of the production worked well in that in allowed the audience to engage with the language of the play and the portrayals of the characters. However, it also caused some aspects of the performance to feel out of place, and sometimes a bit awkward, such as the use of physical swords in the final scenes since swords were not otherwise used in the production.
Another interesting aspect of the production was the casting choices. This production had actors playing roles of the opposite gender, with females playing the traditionally male roles of Mercutio, Benvolio, and the Friar, as well as a male playing the role of Juliet’s nurse. While this was sometimes confusing, especially at the beginning, it ultimately worked well, and brought out aspects of the characters that may not always be seen. In addition, the use of the cast within the production was also an interesting choice. While it is normal to have parts doubled, this production used the entire cast as the chorus. While it was nice that everyone was included, having all of the actors run on stage in the dark and crouch under a bright light while speaking in monotone unison was ultimately off-putting.
Although most of the cast performed well, one of the best aspects of the performance was Cameron Jones’ exuberant and sassy, but always caring, portrayal of Juliet’s nurse. Although not one of the lead roles, Jones shined in every scene he was in, captured the audience’s attention and affection, and brought humor and lightness to an otherwise emotionally tense and tragic play. As he strutted across the stage in his long black dress and apron wittily addressing other characters, he fully engaged the audience who laughed, smiled, and applauded all of his scenes.
Overall, this was a somewhat unusual production that had some great moments. While there was some awkwardness, the minimalistic set and costumes highlighted the emotions in the play and allowed the focus to be more on the actors and the scenes they were creating.
Shakespeare’s most famous tragedy tells the story of Romeo and Juliet, a couple of young star-crossed lovers from feuding families. As they try to be together, a series of unfortunate events and misunderstandings ultimately lead to their deaths.
Get a load of this. Bat Boy the musical was seriously the highlight of my weekend, no doubt. Granted, I am seeing Hairspray tomorrow, put on by Musket, so stay-tuned to what I say of their performance tomorrow night, but as of right now, Bat Boy is the best thing ever. I know you aren’t going to believe me, but honestly just go see it. Unfortunately for you, you can’t because it’s sold out, but there’s a REASON why it’s sold out! Next time, get on the ball earlier because it was epic and awesome and I want everyone to see it.
So what could Bat Boy possibly be about, if not Batman? Well, it’s based on a true story about a boy found in a cave, raised by bats. Not sure how the true story plays out, but in the musical, he is discovered to be a bloodsucking vampire, conformed to society with the love and support of the family that takes him in. He learns to speak, dress, and apply his knowledge at school with his friend, Shelley. Without giving too much away, he and Shelley fall in love when tragedy strikes. Truth is revealed, and crumbles the world of Shelley and Bat Boy (given the name Edgar). More tragedy and horror conclude the show, and the curtain falls on a resounding message: “Love your Bat Boy.”
So I know you’re thinking, why explain anymore? We are already convinced it is the best show ever! I know, but for those that may still be suspicious, I will continue. First off, the lead playing Bat Boy/Edgar was absolutely the best. A Musical Theatre major I am always eager to see performing, Ryan Vasquez, soared to new heights in his interpretation of the role. Literally climbing along the stage railings as well as flying to notes above and beyond a normal male singer’s range, he was incredible. The anguish and torture within Bat Boy as he lies, shaking in the cage he is imprisoned within for the first several scenes of the play is palpable amongst the audience. I shivered as he did, mesmerized in the view of a world through his eyes; those of a damaged, abandoned child that crawled out of a cave into overzealous West Virginia. Bravo, Vasquez, you were superb.
The songs were phenomenal as well. Taking on a rock opera and at times pop-like synchronization, they were upbeat to leave you stomping with the beat or weeping over the poetic lines. My favorites included the opening number, “Touch me, Bat Boy” and also the song at the conclusion of the first act, “Comfort and Joy.” Those, among many others, were a few that stood out to me as particularly rockin’.
Picture this: you’re looking onto a stage, covered with black, billowy fabric made to replicate rocks at the mouth of a cave. Deeper are metallic railings, creating ladders and arches across the back of the stage. That was the set of the show, and it was so haunting. I felt as if I were in the cave, looking out; or perhaps better yet, that this story took place within its own little cave, set apart from the rest of humanity in a small town in West Virginia.
Bottom line – Bat Boy was epic. I would totally see it again if I had the time. Staging was superb, costumes of course were fantastic, and the vocal talents of the young individuals of our Musical Theatre Department never cease to amaze. Can’t wait for what’s next.
Yes, Bat Boy. The School of Music, Theatre, & Dance will be performing the musical at the Arthur Miller Theatre, Nov. 15-18. This American musical was written by Keythe Farley and Brian Flemming with music and lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe. The plot is based on a June 23, 1992 Weekly World News story about a half-boy, half-bat, dubbed “Bat Boy”, who grew up living in a cave. It has never made it to Broadway, but succeeded for several years Off Broadway, winning several awards such as the Elliot Norton Award, the Richard Rodgers Development Award, and the Richard Rodgers Production Award. I think it’s going to be good, and it’s by the Musical Theatre school so, needless to say, expectations should be high.
Head over to Arthur Miller Theatre November 8-10 to see Basement Arts’ FREE performance of “[Title of Show]”. Basement Arts is an entirely student-run performance network on campus and their shows are always beyond one’s expectations. The show, [Title of Show], is super clever. It tells the story of four friends who band together to write a musical. The songs are great, the laughs are rich, and its a great time. I can’t wait to see the show and you shouldn’t either! AND IT’S FREE!
Title of Show
Hope to see you there 🙂
more info on their website: www.basementarts.org
