Category Archives: Theory and Practice

“Original” Musicals

Posted on June 15, 2010 by David Fick

As musicals based on movies become more and more frequently produced, discussions on musical theatre forums around the Internet regarding the lack of “original” Musicals” seem to become more and more prominent. Most people seem to forget, however, that truly … Continue reading →

Posted in Broadway, Musicals, Theatremaking, Theory and Practice | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

O/T: THE MIRACLE WORKER Controversy

Posted on December 13, 2009 by David Fick

While this topic isn’t specifically related to musical theatre, I think it does have ramifications for theatre in general and is thus worth reflection. The casting of Abigail Breslin in The Miracle Worker has sparked a huge controversy, upsetting advocates … Continue reading →

Posted in General News, Theatremaking, Theory and Practice | Tagged , , , , , , | 3 Comments

SPRING AWAKENING and “The Song(s) of Purple Summer”

Posted on December 17, 2006 by David Fick

With the Broadway transfer of Duncan Sheik and Steven Sater’s SPRING AWAKENING having opened last weekend and the cast recording having been released earlier in the week, now seems an apt time to have a look at some of the changes that have been made in the show between its Off-Broadway run in August and now. Continue reading →

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“Perfect” Movie Musicals?

Posted on December 3, 2005 by David Fick

The release of RENT seems to have stirred up once more the debate around what makes a film adaptation of a stage musical “perfect”. Is it one that remains as faithful as possible to the material? Is it one that … Continue reading →

Posted in Movies, Musicals, Theatremaking, Theory and Practice | Tagged , , , , , , | 17 Comments

RENT Rant: Cut Numbers and Spoken Lyrics

Posted on December 2, 2005 by David Fick

On stage, RENT was a rock opera. It’s unquestionable that it is one: the story is told primarily through a series of episodic and eclectic musical numbers that are grounded in the idiom of popular music. On film, RENT looks … Continue reading →

Posted in Commentary, Movies, Musicals, Theatremaking, Theory and Practice | Tagged , , , , , , , | 11 Comments

Michael John LaChiusa and the “Faux Musical”

Posted on August 2, 2005 by David Fick

Opera News published a super article by Michael John Lachiusa about the state of musical theatre. Entitled “The Great Grey Way”, the article is essential reading for anyone interested in musicals and how they are developing in this new century. … Continue reading →

Posted in Broadway, Commentary, Dance, Musicals, Theatremaking, Theory and Practice | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 90 Comments