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When “Grease” took to the road in December, 2008, there was apprehension about whether a traveling show would do well. Could people afford to go to the theatre? In the aftermath of so many shows closing on Broadway, including “Grease” in January, 2009, the future of live theatre seemed to be in limbo.
Not to fret. From its opening in Providence, Rhode Island, to its current stay in Appleton, Wisconsin, and many stops in between, “Grease” has shown that this is, in fact, a very good time for the touring theatre company. People are doing things close to home and taking “moviecations” and “statecations.” Movie attendance is up. For some, it is a return to the simpler pleasures of family get-togethers and movie nights…and going to the theatre.
I overheard a conversation at “Grease” in Tucson. A lovely lady was waiting at the stage door hoping to see Taylor and the cast. She said how happy she was to have “Grease” come to Tucson. She said most of the shows go to the larger cities like Phoenix and they have to travel to see them. She wanted to thank Taylor and the cast for coming. And as the cast came out and stopped to sign her program, she did just that.
In this age of amazing technology where the entire world can watch Susan Boyle perform live in England, hometown entertainment venues remain a stalwart juxtaposition. Technologically, we have made the distances fade away and are entertained, literally, from around the world. Yet, the theatre down the road is what touches our daily lives and lends some of the enduring character to our community. Theatre goers can wait at the stage door and meet and thank the performers for coming to their town. It is holding on to the conventional when we are being bombarded and saturated with all that is new and distant. It is something that keeps us grounded and reminds us of the treasure we have in our own backyard. I think it best that we hang on to it for a while longer!
And we seem to be doing just that. “Grease” performances this past week in Appleton were sold out. Taylor Hicks just played sold out shows in Seattle. Theatres along the West Coast were packed to see “Grease” and his Shadow Tour concerts. At the Saturday matinee in Tucson, there were entire dance troupes in the audience and many groups of young people. A young generation may have their iPods in tow, but they are showing up at the theatre. The local music halls, beautiful new entertainment venues, and stunning historic palaces are passing along a rich heritage of live theatre. It is one of our greatest American gifts to future generations. And it is not being lost in hard economic times.
If there is a silver lining in this difficult economy, it is our rediscovering what was right within our reach all along. Broadway Across America and other touring theatre companies are bringing good entertainment to our towns. And it may put a smile on a worried face, if only for a short time. For that, it deserves a resounding shout out.
Embrace a stay close summer and support professional touring companies and your local community theatre!
“Grease” starring Taylor Hicks as Teen Angel tours the country this summer and into next year bringing fun, smiles, and happy traditions to our towns. It’s a road trip that matters!
Happy summer! Happy theatre!
Go see “Grease”…
Photo: “Taylor Hicks” by Gabe Ulloa and Spence Nicholson Productions from Taylor Hicks video for “Seven Mile Breakdown” shot in Ojai, California.
Not to fret. From its opening in Providence, Rhode Island, to its current stay in Appleton, Wisconsin, and many stops in between, “Grease” has shown that this is, in fact, a very good time for the touring theatre company. People are doing things close to home and taking “moviecations” and “statecations.” Movie attendance is up. For some, it is a return to the simpler pleasures of family get-togethers and movie nights…and going to the theatre.
I overheard a conversation at “Grease” in Tucson. A lovely lady was waiting at the stage door hoping to see Taylor and the cast. She said how happy she was to have “Grease” come to Tucson. She said most of the shows go to the larger cities like Phoenix and they have to travel to see them. She wanted to thank Taylor and the cast for coming. And as the cast came out and stopped to sign her program, she did just that.
In this age of amazing technology where the entire world can watch Susan Boyle perform live in England, hometown entertainment venues remain a stalwart juxtaposition. Technologically, we have made the distances fade away and are entertained, literally, from around the world. Yet, the theatre down the road is what touches our daily lives and lends some of the enduring character to our community. Theatre goers can wait at the stage door and meet and thank the performers for coming to their town. It is holding on to the conventional when we are being bombarded and saturated with all that is new and distant. It is something that keeps us grounded and reminds us of the treasure we have in our own backyard. I think it best that we hang on to it for a while longer!
And we seem to be doing just that. “Grease” performances this past week in Appleton were sold out. Taylor Hicks just played sold out shows in Seattle. Theatres along the West Coast were packed to see “Grease” and his Shadow Tour concerts. At the Saturday matinee in Tucson, there were entire dance troupes in the audience and many groups of young people. A young generation may have their iPods in tow, but they are showing up at the theatre. The local music halls, beautiful new entertainment venues, and stunning historic palaces are passing along a rich heritage of live theatre. It is one of our greatest American gifts to future generations. And it is not being lost in hard economic times.
If there is a silver lining in this difficult economy, it is our rediscovering what was right within our reach all along. Broadway Across America and other touring theatre companies are bringing good entertainment to our towns. And it may put a smile on a worried face, if only for a short time. For that, it deserves a resounding shout out.
Embrace a stay close summer and support professional touring companies and your local community theatre!
“Grease” starring Taylor Hicks as Teen Angel tours the country this summer and into next year bringing fun, smiles, and happy traditions to our towns. It’s a road trip that matters!
Happy summer! Happy theatre!
Go see “Grease”…
Photo: “Taylor Hicks” by Gabe Ulloa and Spence Nicholson Productions from Taylor Hicks video for “Seven Mile Breakdown” shot in Ojai, California.
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4 comments:
...Go see "Grease".
Thanks, I will!
The thrill of seeing a 'traveling show', particularly at a theatre not usually frequented, is a chance to see beautiful architecture in addition to wonderful stage talent!
And "Grease", with our without Taylor is a fun show. But I prefer it with Taylor!
While I agree with everything you have said San, I want to emphasize one point. ( a bit off topic perhaps )
In this age of cyberspace , sound bites , computer generated film, computerized "people" on telephones and "salespeople" ringing up the cashregisters on the internet; it is my hope that we can get back to having human contact again. Actually dealing with a person , having a dialogue face to face , reading someone's body language, watching the reaction of others , seeing live ( be it a sporting event, a lecture or a form of entertainment); these are throwbacks to the past that I feel would be beneficial resurrecting.
Call me retro, call me old-fashioned, but call me so I can hear the warmth, sorrow, love and/or joy in your voice.
Thanks, RagsQueen and Cath for your comments. The beauty of these theatres is truly a treasure.
Cath, thanks for making a point that I was touching on. The connections with our local theatre or events are human connections and definitely worth holding onto. If it's retro, I'm definitely in the retro camp with you! The internet can never take the place of the smiles and chats we have standing face to face, or sitting front row with Taylor Hicks a few feet away on stage.
Thanks for your thoughts!
Nice. I've been away from my computer and just had a chance to read this now. Very good points. There's nothing like a live performance. You get caught up and carried away in the energy pouring out of the entertainers.
I think we TH fans already know what a success this show has been, but seeing it in spelled out for me (all of the sold-out shows) makes me think this may be Taylor's calling. I don't like it, but the numbers don't lie. Dude's gotta do what he's gotta do.
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