To go along with peoples favorite movies I thought people might
want to talk about their favorite theatrical productions.

15 responses total.

Since I started the item I might as well enter the first reponse.
As with movies I can't really pick a favorite stage show, but 2
shows that have always been high on my list are Pippin, the show
that inspired me to get involved in theater in the first place, and 
Godspell. Now that I've gotten this far I don't know how I could
leave out Les Miserables !

Our Town.  There is not a single wasted word or emotion.
The Chinese stage has never been put to better use.
The lesson taught is one worth learning.

The Orestia with Theatre du Soleil.  Most innovative, moving and thought 
provoking production of an ancient Greek Tragedy I have seen.  I also got
an excuse to take a day trip from Paris in the bargin.

I definitely feel that Godspell must be a top choice.  But can anybody write a
musical better than Stephen Sondheim?  If you happen through Massachusetts
this summer, check out StageWest's upcoming production of The Tempest staged
in the "Suzuki" style.

Now, stage shows - I'm willing (and eager) to see more than once. They
are always different and new, unlike movies. However, it still remains
meaningless to me to pick "a favorite", though I prefer opera to
plays (but not strongly), but detest musicals. (So there, since you
asked ;->).

Ahh, excellent item!!
I think I'll have to pick "Wilhelm Reich in Hell" by Robert Anton Wilson
(also wrote the "Illuminatus") as staged at Performance Network in early
1994.  It was the play's second production in the USA.  Absolutely one of
the most powerful pieces of theatre I have ever seen, including several
shows I've seen on broadway.
Cannot leave out "The Elephant Man" as broadcast on PBS a few years ago.
It was a broadcast of a stage production in which the title role was played
with no special effect makeup or apparatus to convey the deformity of the
character, just the incredible skill of the actor, whose name I have most
unfortunately forgotten.
Have to include the recent production of "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest"
at Ann Arbor Civic Theatre.  I had never either read the book or seen the
film, and the combination of the power of the story, and the quality of the
acting and production made for a truly impressive effect.  It was the first
time since "Wilhelm Reich in Hell" that I had given a standing ovation.

Multimedia section:  A piece entitled "This Little Girl" by Terri Sarris, who
is to be the recipient of an Annie award this Saturday.  I first saw her do
this piece during Spring Dances of 1994, and I found it incredibly moving,
despite the distraction of having to run lights for it while I watched.

More as I think o them, and have time to post...

Too many great plays to pick a favorite.  But I've recently bee introduced
to a playwright that I can recommend: LAnford Wilson.  I'm in a production of
his play Talley's Folly...very good

Ooooh!!!  An upcoming production at Performance Network of Ann Arbor for
which I just attended a rehearsal definitely makes the list! 
"Human Nature" by Jesse Richards and Sister Earth is a series of (14, I think)
pieces of what can best be described as dance theatre, each probing different
elements of the psyche of the human condition.  I was absolutely stunned at
the efforts of this four member, all female troupe.  From the very beginning,
even the facial expressions conveyed a captivating intensity.  The works are
beautifully choreographed, and dramatically performed.  I can't comment on the
set, because I haven't built it yet, but it will be minimal, and not even a
vital component of this awesome performance.

Having worked with Jesse Richards and Sister Earth in the past, I can
say that they are a great performance group ! 

Hi, my name is Claire.
I think some of my favorites are by Shakesphere and Ionesco.  Both are
hard to understand sometimes, but very powerful (to me).
I also wanted to say that *if* anyone still reads this idem, and *if* any
of you live in Ann Arbor, and *if* you are interested.  YAG is putting on
our version of "The Tempest" in the Trueblood Theatre on various dates &
times.  If you want to see it, and have any questions , please mail me.
I hope you don't think I'm invading this idem.  I just wanted to mention
that.  Shakespere is amazing to perform to. :)  Well, I  hope to see you
all later.
P.S.  Who is your favorite character in "Les Miserables"?

My favorite stage productions are anything by Andrew Lloyd Weber.

I was gonna go see "The Tempest" tonight, but then I discovered that it was
this afternoon at three.... :(

In response to #10, one of my favorite characters in Les Mis was the Mother
(can't think of her play name), I also really enjoyed the innkeeper and
his wife (not their morals but the characters) and I thought the sets
were fantastic.  Ditto the music.  And other than Opera, I don't usually like
musicals.  (sorry, I forgot word wrap.)

Her name was Fantine.

Hi!I am new to the grex system.Took me sometime to find this section.Am I glad
I found it.In the vein of the other items maybe I should give you an idea of
my best Theatrical Production--the one I witnessed of course.I am from India.
We had this group from England which was touring the country.They were
performing a stage version of Mill on the Floss.What struck me most was the
devices used to project the emotions and moods in the play.They were following
their indigeneous concept of theatre with a huge stress on the physicalisation
of emotions.It is difficult to explain, got to see it to understand it.I would
really like to chat with any of u guys on Theatre.do respond.

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