Project #2: Unconventional Theatre

1. Animal Crackers

written by George S. Kaufman and Morrie Ryskind, with music and lyrics by Bert Kalmar and Harry Ruby

Directed by Henry Wishcamper

At Goodman Theatre ran from September 18 - October 25, 2009


Here wesee Molly Brennan as Harpo

http://chicagoist.com/2009/10/01/see_this_animal_crackers_at_the_goo.php

There are a few different things that make this production of Animal Crackers unconventional. First the director Henry Wishcamper has restored material cut from the original script, and turned a rather large cast into an ensemble of just nine actors. There also were some small updates and ad-libs. Henry Wishcamper also did color- and gender-blind casting; he had the role of silent Marx brother, Harpo, played by actress Molly Brennan and the role of Roscoe W. Chandler, a Jewish fish peddler, played by Stanley Wayne Mathis, an African-American.

2. Pippin

Book by Roger O. Hirson, Music and Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz

Music Direction and arrangements by Steven Landau

Directed and Choreographed by Jeff Calhoun

At Deaf West Theatre runs January 15 - March 15, 2009


The Cast of Pippin

http://www.deafwest.org/productions/pippin.html

As the show open Tyrone Giordano who plays Pippin, signs while Michael Arden who also is Pippin sings. This is the only main character who is voiced by another performer who is on stage with him. For all the other characters one person is on stage signing while another person is off stage speaking/singing for the role.

3. Death of a Salesman

By Arthur Miller

Directed by James Bundy

At Yale Repertory Theatre runs April 24 - May 23, 2009


The cast of Death of a Salesman

http://www.yalerep.org/on_stage/currentseason/salesman.html

This production of Death of a Salesman, featuring all African-American actors, shows non-traditional casting to the fullest. This american classic is usally peerform by a all caucasian cast, however the non-traditional casting seen in this production does not affect the meaning of the show.

4. Avenue Q

Book by Jeff Whitty

Music and Lyrics by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx

Directed by Jason Moore

Choreograohy by Ken Roberson

At New World Stages currently running till March 1, 2010


The cast of Avenue Q

http://www.avenueq.com/

In "Avenue Q" two-thirds of the characters are Muppet-like puppets, operated in full view by the actors. This makes the show unconventional since there are not many shows where the character is a puppet. However don't be fooled by the child friendly looking puppets, the content of the show is not appropriate for children.

5. A Midsummer Night's Dream

By William Shakespeare

Directed by Edward Hall

At The Rose Theatre, Kingston ran from February 17-21, 2009


The all male cast of A Midsummer Night's Dream

http://www.musicomh.com/theatre/propeller-dream_0209.htm

This production of A Midsummer Night's Dream is unconventional due to the non-traditional casting. The show normally has a cast of male and female actors however this production has an all male cast. The actors playing the female roles do little to signify femininity there are no wigs, but they do put on skirts and speak in a higher tone of voice.