Who Sees a Musical at 10:30 a.m. ? Part V

It was in January, 2007 when Part IV occurred, the incredible Center Stage production of the musical Boys from Syracuse. That was full of humor, gymnastics, slap-stick, and sex.

I was curious how students would react to Stephen Sondheim's A Little Night Music also at Center Stage which is certainly a very different category of musical theater. But I'm happy to report, over four hundred youngsters from 13 schools thoroughly enjoyed themselves at the student matinee on Wednesday, April 9.

Represented at the performance were Boy's Latin, New Town High, Claremont School, Parkville High, Indian Creek, Eastern Tech, Chesapeake College, Loch Raven High, Western School of Technology, Garrison Forest, McDonogh, National  Academy Foundation, and St. Timothy's. 

It may not be tough for students to attend these morning escapades, but for the actors, that's a different story. Tuesday evening, April 8, the cast finished their performance around 10:30 p.m. knowing they would have to be dressed in costume, make-up applied, and the necessary musical preparation for the 10:30 a.m. start on April 9.  It must not be easy. But the cast gave a first rate performance I'm sure this was in large part attributed to the very attentive, appreciative, and excited student audience who especially enjoyed the provocative and sensual scenes which always brought great cheers. Whenever there was a kiss (and there are many), there were cheers and applause. When actor Stephen Bogardus (Fredrik) gave an approving wink to his son Josh Young (Henrik) when he found him in a compromising position, this was greeted with great acclaim.

I noticed a change in the scenery immediately.  Francois Bocher's famous painting "The Dark-Haired Odalisque" (on view at the Louvre)  showing the buttocks of a nude woman had a drape (seen in the rear of the cast photo) over the exposed part of her anatomy that could have a caused a problem for teachers of middle-school students.  There was much discussion among the powers that be at Center Stage about whether it would be necessary to make this adjustment to the classic painting from the 1740's. Boucher was an all around artist who also designed theater costumes and sets for the Paris Opera House.

I spoke to Chaz Brandon, a student at the Claremont School (a Special Education school in East Baltimore), who had never been to a play before.  When I asked him how he enjoyed the show he replied, "I loved the dancing, the singing, and the acting." He told me he especially enjoyed the slow songs and admitted while he thought much of the show was funny, he was afraid to laugh out loud. I told him the next time, don't hesitate to laugh out loud because the actors love it.  Chaz was celebrating his 16^th birthday, so let me say Chaz, "Happy Birthday". I'm sure you'll remember this one always.

Also in attendance were eleven students from St. Timothy's School in Stevenson. They participate in the International Baccalaureate program (www.ibo.org) which is a global curriculum. These students were all part of IB Theatre Program which requires them to see outside productions and be involved in productions at school.  They must also complete dramaturgical work, develop directorial concepts,  produce stage models, costume swatches and costume designs.  Here are some comments from these very talented young women.

From Paige Noel, 11^th grade, 16 years old from Brooklyn, New York:  "I loved the flamboyant ending of each of the acts. It was amazing to see "organized chaos"…I was blown away by the performance…Anne (Julia Osborne) had an innocence in her face and her voice that made me think of a young girl who is quite naïve to the world. My favorite one was Charlotte (Kate Baldwin). I loved her witty sarcastic character because it added to the comedy and variety of character personalities."

I asked the students to comment on the decision to cover the painting. Paige said, "The picture of nudity would bring certain controversy…Personally, seeing a painting of a naked person does not bother me at all because it exists in many famous paintings and sculptures…It is the theater's choice to promote whatever message they choose to promote, especially since what occurs in the theater reflects on their business."

Laura Busse, a senior (age 17) from Munich, Germany commented on the set design which she believed particularly stood out. "I led the idea of having a large frame around the back wall of the proscenium stage…the ideas of having empty frames on the walls gives the idea that one does not know who's family picture will end up in the frames…I loved the show! The actors were chosen perfectly for their roles…I loved the music…the acoustics…I'm not a big fan of microphones. The musicians never drowned out the actor's voices and the lyrics of the music most of the time were clearly understandable."

Ruth Anne Watkins, a senior (age 18) originally from Hong Kong "…absolutely loved the production…I have always been impressed by the Center Stage productions…I never knew "Send in the Clowns" was from this musical. I got teary eyed when Desiree (Barbara Walsh) started singing simply from the beauty of the music. (Ruth, you were not alone). I've become more involved in plays rather than musicals and I was pleased to discover that even though the characters broke into song, I was still able to relate to them and had a cathartic experience…The production was much bawdier than I expected it to be…however, the blatant sexuality of the characters provided excellent motivation for all their characters and relationships between them. I only regret that I cannot go back to see it again."

Ruth also chimed in regarding the change in the scenery. "I can understand why the painting was covered up, a younger crowd will tend to be shallow and see only the sexuality in the piece and not the implications and the desire that drives sexual tendencies. With a bunch of students for an audience, Center Stage did a great job modifying the set slightly to still contribute to a great production."

Thank you to Paige, Laura, and Ruth Anne for their insight. It was a pleasure to meet such wonderful young, talented, and enthusiastic students who really love theater.

And speaking of theater, St. Timothy's is presenting the play Ubu Roi by Alfred Jarry from May 15-17. For more information, visit www.stt.org.

Following the performance, I noticed a photographer entering the theater. It was Bill Geenen of Center Stage who stated he was about to take a cast photo.  I immediately headed back into the theater and saw the entire cast assembled on stage waiting to memorialize their participation in the show.  I noticed many cast members had assembled their personal cameras on the edge of the stage and before long I found myself clicking away with their cameras. As you can see by Geenen's photo (which is terrific), they were in a fine mood to capture their memories of A Little Night Music in Baltimore.

The national magazine "The Week" (April 18, 2008 issue) recommends A Little Night Music. I believe it is the first time this terrific publication has ever recommended a Baltimore production. "The Week" labels itself as "The Best of the U.S. and Internatinal Media". Under "Stage" and "other openings" (do they know it closes Sunday?) it quotes Peter Marks from the Washington Post. "This frisky revival of Stephen Sondheim's elegant game of musical lovers is as enjoyable as they come."

It's a shame this production must end on Sunday, April 13. While the SRO sign is up on N. Calvert St., make the effort anyway, EVEN if you have to stand. For ticket availability, call 310-332-0033.

For comments, write to cgshubow@broadwayworld.com.

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