John Doyle's Concept

[Mattbrain]

Should John Doyle apply his actor-musician concept to an original work instead of a revival.

[StephenSondheimWHOO]

depends on the show really.

[FOAnatic]

I think Doyle needs to find a new concept.

I loved SWEENEY. I'm sure I'll love COMPANY.

But he's also done it with INTO THE WOODS and I believe he's signed on to do a production of BARNUM with the same concept.

He's gonna become known as a one-trick pony if you ask me.

[Yankeefan007]

He did a production of Fiddler that way, also. It was the idea of the music coming from within the town. It's pretty understandable with that idea....seems like what Levaux was going for last year only more developed.

[luvtheEmcee]

He'll become known as one, Foa, which is a shame because he truly is not.

Anyway, I think it would obviously depend on the show, but be very, very interesting.

[aspiringactress]

I have loved his work so far, which is why I hope for his sake that he directs something high profile soon without the concept.

[Mr Roxy]

Imagine him doing Gypsy & hearing that great score played by actors

[luvtheEmcee]

Roxy, I wish your opinions would at least be informed. Many of his actors are also highly trained musicians. Some of them have even played in pit orchestras. On Broadway, no less. Musical talent is not something these people lack because they aren't "just" actors. To judge is your right but don't do it with ignorance.

[i*heart*fame]

I think, or at least hope, that what Roxy was saying is that because the number of actors is fewer than the number of those in the typical pit for Gypsy that the score would sound weakened,a legitimate concern, but I feel as though last season's Sweeney could dissaude us of that fear.

[Mr Roxy]

I am sorry but there would be a big difference in hearing Stynes score played by a full orchestra as opposed to actors

[luvtheEmcee]

Of course it's different, especially if you're looking at it as a game of numbers. That I give you, on account of size. But to say that your wariness is because they are *actors* is kind of unfair.

[Mr Roxy]

The sound would be totally different as there would normally be more musicians. Think of a 20 piece orchestra playing the overture & than think of 10 actors doing it

[luvtheEmcee]

Yes. I'm *agreeing with you* on that. Of course it would be "totally different" because of the numbers. I think that's a given. I don't think "totally different" being equivalent to "worse" is, though.

[purpleprince101]

what shows would his concept be good in?

[Mr Roxy]

We can agree to disagree. If you like his concept, enjoy. It is not my cup of tea

[Horton]

I think this would work wonderfully in a production of The Wiz, Joseph or Seussical.

[Mr Roxy]

I can maybe see the last 2 but not The Wiz

[theaterkid1015]

I think it might work in "Anyone Can Whistle."

But, that's more because I just want to see it done. And, this is off topic so feel free to ignore it but does anyone know if the Carnegie Hall concert is on DVD?

[DRSisLove]

Hmm, its interesting, but after a while, its just a bit of overkill.

[WickedGeek28]

I'm going to be blunt - when I first learned he was doing his actor-musician concept with Company I was annoyed. I loved Sweeney and saw it several times but I didn't want to see that again.

After seeing the show Saturday night, I found the concept to work better with Company - in other words, it worked on a different level. Company was one of the best shows I've ever seen and this production renewed my faith in him. Yes he directed it similarly to Sweeney, but he reinvented his directoral style for a new show, therefore his concept can be applied to other shows because it has the ability to adapt to the show and the actors.

[WickedOne2]

Just saw Company and it was fantastic. Raul is a shoo-in for a nomination.

[BustopherPhantom]

Let's see...

Previous:
SWEENEY TODD
COMPANY
INTO THE WOODS
FIDDLER ON THE ROOF

Coming Up:
BARNUM
A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC

Nope. Still don't mind. In my opinion, this concept is fantastic, and will continue to be fantastic, unless it is applied to a show that can't support it.

And no, I don't think this will be a bad thing for his career, considering that most producers are going to know that he did other shows without this concept to great success.

[kidmanboy]

I'd like to offer that John Doyle's direction has a lot more to it than just actors playing instruments.

[Junior]

wait. I saw Sweeney (loved it), I'm seeing Company (less excited, but still excited none the less) and I'd heard he would be doing Barnum the same way, but Fiddler? INTO THE WOODS? When was this? WHERE was this?

And to answer the original post, I like the concept, but I do feel it's going to end up labeling him as a one-trick director. Do I think he should do away with it altogether? NO. But mix it up a bit at least!

[Mattbrain]

I'd just really like to see if he could get together with a book writer and a composer and make something brand new while at the same time, applying what many consider his signature and what others (including myself) consider his gimmick.