Debra Barsha was here! She is such a wonderful woman. Sunday's was one of the most emotional performances we've had, both for the cast and the audience, I think in part because of her presence. This show was her baby and it must have been difficult to release it into someone else's hands, but she had nothing but endlessly gushing things to say about our production. The new orchestrations, the set, the performances, the ensemble work of the cast- her genuine warmth and enthusiasm about almost every aspect of the show was so welcome. We've all been working so hard and becoming consumed with ticket sales and publicity and reviews and, not that all that's not important, but really, when it comes down to why we do shows like this and put so much of ourselves into them, it's about the connections that are made. Between the director and the work, the actors and the audience, the music and the audience- everything becomes intertwined and everyone in that room shares a unique, inspiring experience. I say 'we' though I'm not speaking for anyone but myself and in no official capacity. Everyone's response is different, but it is such a shared venture that, at least for me, the 'I' melts into the 'we'. No part of this show could happen without every other person.
I was particularly pleased that our production embraced change from the original show at the Public Theatre a couple years ago. Quite honestly, the original left some things to be desired, which is why it didn't have a very long run, though the potential was certainly there. While I love some of the old classic musicals, in production they also tend to bother me. By example, I adore Les Miserables; I have held many one-person concerts of the show in my car and my shower, and it is one of very few musicals that has actually gotten me sobbing in a public theater. But it's always the same. No one ever comes up with a revolutionary new take on a character, or a different way of staging. Les Mis has become a color-by-numbers musical. By contrast, Radiant Baby is constantly developing, with new artists adding their own contributions. It was so refreshing to see a composer who embraces this evolution. Far from a coloring book, Radiant Baby gives you a blank piece of paper, a box of crayons, and a burning inspiration.
Only two more weekends left- get your tickets now!
Labels: Radiant Baby
