Musical Theatre Problems

Welcome to MTP, a blog that chronicles the many struggles of theatre. Submit your problems and stories or ask me a question using the links below. Thanks for visiting!

[musicaltheatreproblems]

Musical Theatre Problem #153

Being half-blind and getting last row seats.

[musicaltheatreproblems]

Okay, this has been bothering me for quite a while, but why does Shrek the Musical get so much hate? It's such a beautiful show (my favorite honestly) not to mention the songs are super catchy, but why so much negativity towards it? I'm very curious.

I think the main thing is that it’s yet another expansion to the already huge Shrek franchise, as well as the fact that it’s marketed towards children, so it gives a bit of a commercial, “cash cow” impression.

I’ve also heard some people saying the film doesn’t translate particularly well to theatre, especially due to the type of humour, but that’s really a matter of opinion! Because of its style, everything is on the surface, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing but it does mean it tends to be unfairly slammed by those comparing it to deeper musicals out there.

(I’m not actually that familiar with the show, so if anyone would like to add anything constructive they’re most welcome)

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Musical Theatre Problem #152

Five word horror story: Main role. Show week. Laryngitis.

[thegleegeneration-deactivated20]

shiiiit fam

break all the legs out there

and drink honey-lemon tea when you get home (half a lemon + 1 or 2 tbsp of honey in a cup of warm water)

ginger tea before or during the show (few slices of ginger + 4-ish cups of water to boil)

get better, friend!

[musicaltheatreproblems]

you're amazing, thank you!!

[musicaltheatreproblems]

Musical Theatre Problem #152

Five word horror story: Main role. Show week. Laryngitis.

[musicaltheatreproblems]

Musical Theatre Problem #151

Cast closeness is great until you complete a hard dance rehearsal and realise you're covered in sweat that isn't even yours.

[musicaltheatreproblems]

Musical Theatre Problem #147

Potential new friend: “what’s your name?” Normal people: “<insert name here>” Me: “Alexander Hamilton. My name is Alexander Hamilton. And there’s a million things I haven’t done, but just you wait. JUST YOU WAIT.”

Sometimes it’s hard making friends.

[geek-from-nowhere]

How about greeting someone for the first time?

Me: “Hello, my name is Elder Price and I would like to share with you the most amazing book!“

Theater fan: “Hello, my name is Elder Grant; it’s a book about America a long, long time ago!”

Non-theater fan: *strangely looks while backing away*

[musicaltheatreproblems]

Musical Theatre Problem #150

The challenge of developing and moving between sometimes 10+ different characters as a member of a show's ensemble. It's not just a 60 second change from an old lady costume into a showgirl costume - it's becoming a different person entirely. Appreciate the ensemble!

[musicaltheatreproblems]

Musical Theatre Problem #149

What happens at the after-party stays at the after-party.

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Musical Theatre Problem #148

Show romances. They become EVERYONE’S business.

[musicaltheatreproblems]

Musical Theatre Problem #147

Potential new friend: “what’s your name?” Normal people: “<insert name here>” Me: “Alexander Hamilton. My name is Alexander Hamilton. And there’s a million things I haven’t done, but just you wait. JUST YOU WAIT.”

Sometimes it’s hard making friends.

[musicaltheatreproblems]

Musical Theatre Problem #146

Being obsessed with theatre but also having the voice of a beluga whale.

by anonymous

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"Okay this is a little weird but I wanna get it out now. My school is doing The Little Mermaid and today was our second show and we were doing curtain call and I thought the show had gone great. Actually, I ran up to my friends shouting in joy ‘No one died!!’ As a joke. Then I see one of our Mersisters escorted to a chair on stage and there is a very large tack embedded in her foot. So she was screaming in pain and I thought it wa from my magical Ursula shell that I had broken earlier in the show and I was freaking out. It also really sucked because she was a newer member, at school anyway, and she had that experience. But I think she’s okay now, she came back in later with a band aid on her foot. I’m not sure if she can do the show tomorrow, but I’m just happy she’s okay. :)"

[musicaltheatreproblems]

Musical Theatre Problem #145

When there’s only one theatre group near you and they only ever cast people related to them.

[musicaltheatreproblems]

Musical Theatre Problem #144

Loving all things to do with musicals, but never actually being in one.

by anonymous

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Musical Theatre Problem #143

When the only companies around you are in huge rivalries so you can't put anything on your resume.

by pftidontevenkno

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I'm just wondering, not to be bitchy... But how come when someone says their favorite musical is Wicked, they are considered a fake musical fan? I've watched probably about 10 Broadway shows, and even more movies, but Wicked is still my favorite! So I just simply want to know why everyone claims that wicked fans are fake show tune fans? :)

I guess it’s because Wicked is so massively popular, and that when it was particularly big everyone seemed to jump on the musical bandwagon and it led to a lot of unnecessary elitism from those already on ‘the scene’ instead of being welcoming, like when some people say they liked a band “before it was cool”. A lot of people have the “I’m better than you because I like ” mentality, and try to discredit the opinions of others instead of respecting them.

Wicked is a mainstream musical, yes, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less good and that you can’t enjoy it. Honestly, the idea of being a “fake fan” of something is silly; you’re either a fan or you’re not, whether you’ve liked something for ten years or ten minutes. And it definitely doesn’t matter if your favourite musical is well-known or totally unknown - if you enjoy musicals, you’re a musical fan!

[musicaltheatreproblems]

#79

*That* unfortunate post is gaining notes again so if you’ve come to my blog through it, can I direct your attention to my reply below and also ask you to please leave me alone about it now. It was a big misunderstanding.