Scripts on Stage during KC Stage Shows

[leftyloveshuskies]

Posted: 2/10/19 at 6:41pm

The last two of the Kennedy Center Broadway Stage shows, Little Shop of Horrors and The Music Man, the lead actors carried and referred to the script during the show.  It was a lot more prevalent during Little Shop and slightly distracting, at least in The Music Man Norm Lewis also used it as a prop so it was not distracting.  I am curious, is the need to occasionally use scripts on stage normal for these type of special "Off-Broadway" stage shows. 

[BroadwayNYC2]

Posted: 2/10/19 at 6:51pm

This series is semi staged (meaning not full productions). Scripts are normal. For all intents and purposes, these productions are 90% staged.

[leftyloveshuskies]

Posted: 2/10/19 at 7:05pm

I now wonder if the Kennedy Center should somehow communicate that scripts maybe used when advertising their Broadway Stage series.  I heard several complaints about it during the intermissions so obviously there are other people who do not know it is normal.  I have seen almost all of these stage shows, loved them, and cannot wait to see Tommy next.

[BroadwayNYC2]

Posted: 2/10/19 at 7:13pm

It is clear as day on the website so they are doing their part

*Broadway Center Stage performances are presented in a semi-staged concert format*

[leftyloveshuskies]

Posted: 2/10/19 at 7:17pm

I think you misunderstand what I meant,  We understand it is a semi-staged show,  what is misunderstood is "semi-staged" shows means that scripts maybe used on stage.  

[BroadwayNYC2]

Posted: 2/10/19 at 7:35pm

Then yes, that is what it means. There’s not exactly a definitive check list on what constitutes a semi-staged production, but script use falls under it

[starcatchers]

Posted: 2/10/19 at 7:46pm

These semi-staged productions also have very short rehearsal periods. For The Music Man it was eight days. Norm Lewis only used his for a couple of scenes in the first act the night I saw it, and I just as quickly forgot about it.

[SomethingPeculiar]

Posted: 2/10/19 at 8:25pm

It's very common for semi-staged concert presentations of musicals, because of the limited rehearsal time and the focus on the music. Though the KenCen could make a further, though not necessary, step of including the disclaimer that NY City Center ENCORES productions use: "This production is being presented as a concert performance in which the actors may be performing with their scripts in hand." (Though I couldn't tell you the last time I saw a script in hand at Encores)

[FloydJoe2]

Posted: 2/10/19 at 8:41pm

On the Kennedy Center show page for MUSIC MAN it says "Please note: Broadway Center Stage performances are presented as semi-staged concerts. The actors may carry scripts."

http://www.kennedy-center.org/calendar/event/TTBCB

[leftyloveshuskies]

Posted: 2/10/19 at 8:48pm

Now I feel dumb,  I read all the small print looking for a message, but missed it in the bold print.  

[LizzieCurry]

Posted: 2/11/19 at 10:35am

It's also not "Off-Broadway" in any sense of the term.