Both Chicago and West Side Story were on TV tonight. I haven’t seen the stage version of Chicago yet, but I have seen West Side Story live several times. The summer it was at the SCERA I think I saw it three or four times. There are a few other shows that I’ve seen the film and stage versions of – Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Music Man, Evita, 1776, Fiddler on the Roof, and a few others I’m not thinking of right now.
And tonight I started thinking about the differences. I’ve often heard people talk about the differences between books and movies, but only rarely have I heard talk about the differences between stage and movies. I think for me, the stage version is always more powerful. But I don’t think I know why yet. West Side Story made tears fall tonight, but I remember watching it live and quietly sobbing in the audience. The films never quite touch me the way seeing them live do, and that’s true even when I know half the cast (which might say something about the quality of actors I know that they can make me believe their characters and the story that much).
Why is it that a live production is that much more powerful?
I am an educator and PhD. I quilt, belly dance, run, read, and try to grow things. I am a Mormon. I am infertile. I am a daughter, sister, aunt, grand-daughter, friend, wife, and mom.
Brett L. Dennis
Mama g
Giggles
AmandaStretch
