As a reviewer, actress, and general theatre-over, it is SO refreshing to see an influx of new and original theatre grace the Lehigh Valley.
We've all seen 'The Music Man' a million times. We hum along with the familiar tunes in 'Hello Dolly.' Lord knows how easily we can recite the lines along with the actors in 'A Christmas Carol.'
All three are wonderful, timeless shows that have each been performed by at least one local cast per year for the last four years. Maybe longer, but that's as far back as I looked. I love all three, and there's something very comforting about hearing the familiar overtures and iconic lines.
But, as I've said many times, theatre shouldn't always be comfortable. It should be exciting.
It's a great experience to be able to walk into a theatre and watch a show without knowing the plot, the characters, or how it's going to end.
You don't get to mentally check out, or let your mind wander. You absolutely have to remain engaged from curtain to curtain, listening closely to the dialogue between the actors.
The audience's laughter is genuine, not a response to familiar, anticipated lines they've all heard before.
On the other hand, there is a great deal more pressure on the actors to deliver a clear, easy to follow story when presenting a never-before-seen show.
They don't get to phone it in. They can't make the assumption that a soul knows the plot of the story they're telling. They must, themselves, stay true to their characters, delivering clear performances and keeping the audience engaged. You don't get to youtube another person's performance of the role.
However, getting the chance to be the first actor to perform a role is an amazing experience. You get to make it your own, under no pressure to live up to another actor's interpretation. It's freeing, and rewarding. (When done well, of course.)
There have been several opportunities recently to catch original work. Touchtone's 'Fresh Voices: Transformation,' featured three original pieces written by local authors, and they hosted an Italian company for their original production of 'The First 100 Years of Edith Piaf.'
Shawnee Playhouse hosts an annual original playwriting series, which has drawn many enthusiastic crowds.
A huge supporter of original theatre, Crowded Kitchen Players has produced four original works over the last two seasons, including 'A Shropshire Lad,' 'Brian McDermott's 'Tidings' and 'The Bartender Chronicles,' and Ara Barlieb's 'The Brothers Tortellini.' The company is currently in rehearsals for yet another Barlieb original entitled, 'Pints, Pounds, and Pilgrims.'
I enjoy a classic musical just as much as the next person. A well performed 'Hot Honey Rag' from 'Chicago' makes me giddy with happiness, although I've seen it enough times to be able to do the choreography along with the actors.
But to get to sit and watch something brand new' To get to see performances that can't be compared to Robert Preston's or Carol Channings' To get to watch some show I can follow for the first time, along with the rest of the people next to me'
Now that's an experience. That's a real treat.