HARDEST MUSICALS TO STAGE
HARDEST MUSICALS TO STAGE
#1HARDEST MUSICALS TO STAGE
Posted: 9/23/14 at 12:48pmWhat do you all think are the hardest musicals are to stage. I think Shrek is most definitely up there, I would love to hear others' thoughts!
blaxx
Broadway Legend Joined: 6/28/05
#2HARDEST MUSICALS TO STAGE
Posted: 9/23/14 at 4:55pmNo, I think you got it. Definitely Shrek.
Listen, I don't take my clothes off for anyone, even if it is "artistic". - JANICE
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#4HARDEST MUSICALS TO STAGE
Posted: 9/23/14 at 5:35pm
Shrek actually is challenging to stage. You need to do the Fiona transformation sequences very quickly. Plus, there's the giant dragon, Lord Farquaad's absurd height, and the dozen or so fairy tale creatures who pop in and out throughout the show. It's not such a ridiculous choice.
I'd go for City of Angels, myself. The dual role-cast, black & white versus color, aspect is a challenge, for sure. Then there's the two transformations in the middle of "You Can Always Count on Me" and all the reversed dialogue and prerecorded material to incorporate.
#5HARDEST MUSICALS TO STAGE
Posted: 9/23/14 at 5:45pm
I don't know if they are hard to stage, but you don't see too many professional productions of Funny Girl or Evita. No one has the voice power and/or uniqueness to play those parts anymore 
pmensky
Broadway Star Joined: 7/18/11
#6HARDEST MUSICALS TO STAGE
Posted: 9/23/14 at 5:57pmPlays that are hard to stage usually involve lots of props and stage business. One example would be "Steel Magnolias" in which hair has to be washed and set with rollers on stage all in a specific amount of time. Another would be "Balm in Gilead" which takes place in a diner with a fully functioning kitchen with waitresses serving food at specific times while multiple actors talk over each other. Also, the opening of "Into the Woods," which is not necessarily difficult to stage, takes hours to tech.
