And what about the scores and scores of terrible live-action films, which easily outnumber animated films? And what about terrible actors, of which many still manage to have a good career?
"Yes, of course animators are artists too but an animated character is not able to make you feel what an actor makes you feel, and even if they could they shouldn't."
That is one of the most absurd things I have ever read on this forum. Congratulations. So people who are moved by animated characters shouldn't feel that way? And therefore, animators shouldn't try?
And what is your idea of the essence of theatre, anyway? Because it seems naive. And narrow-minded. And very young and poorly informed.
I'll tell you what the very essence of theatre is: it's human beings creating something from nothing something that reflects life in front of an audience. It is not to cause an audience to "feel". The feeling happens naturally.
Animation is a human endeavor. Is it no less than live performance. Or writing. Or dance. Or sculpting. Or music. Stop treating it like it's beneath you and maybe you'll expand as an artist.
"...everyone finally shut up, and the audience could enjoy the beginning of the Anatevka Pogram in peace."
I've been deeply moved by animated films, like I mentioned before I love the disney classics. I didn't say that animated characters couldn't make you feel, I said they couldn't make you feel what an actual actor can make feel. Because they're not humans!!! It's like observing a painting, they're beautiful, thy make you think, they make you feel, but it doesn't substitute watching actors onstage. If a person could feel the same watching an image on a screen or a canvas, as they feel watching a play, then there wouldn't be any theatre. People come to the theatre to witness the human experience, which nobody can present better than humans. I'm really not trying to offend anyone, and I don't write this out pride, this is how I truly feel. My passion towards drama is something so big that I haven't been able to figure it out. I could be wrong.
BTW, I'm very aware that wicked is not high art and its not even my favorite musical.
"Yes, of course animators are artists too but an animated character is not able to make you feel what an actor makes you feel, and even if they could they shouldn't. It goes against the very essence of theater."
Have you been to theatre? You do understand masks, puppetry and crude forms of animation have been enthralling audiences for THOUSANDS OF YEARS.
Whether its a naked actor on stage or a puppet manipulated by 10-people, if they're good, they can make feel. Animated films totally have this affect. I still cannot rewatch Bambi, and I cried a river in the first few minutes of Up. Animation is very close to theatre, its spoken word, illusion, masks, puppetry.
My previous comments reflect where I stand on the issue, they reflect my opinion. Lets just leave it at that. I don't expect everyone to think like me, it's a matter of opinion and taste. I love watching animated films, I enjoy puppetry when done artistically. I absolutely looooved The Lion King on Broadway. Obviously there are animations which are way better than some live action, but to me, PERSONALLY, an animated film would never substitute a live action one.
I must say this: WICKED sure has a RABID (as in foaming-at-the-mouth) fan base. It's truly scary. Wouldn't want to be caught in a movie theater full of them. I will wait for the blu-ray release.
You have a lot to see, to learn, and to do. Go see weird theatre, if you can. Downtown, avant-garde, off-Broadway, off-off-Broadway, theatre from other parts of the world- whatever is available to you. Not just Broadway or Broadway tours.
This is not to Jordan, who has seen and done everything and everybody.
"...everyone finally shut up, and the audience could enjoy the beginning of the Anatevka Pogram in peace."
Jesus, Kad! You make me seem as old as Dollypop! I'm only 34!!
But I WAS there to see Idina come out in her red jogging suit, ruining the entire show with what was perhaps the single most unprofessional thing I've ever seen an actor do.